About

We believe in empowering our clients with financial knowledge and confidence to help them pursue their life goals. Using customized, goal-oriented investment strategies, we will work with you to create a strategy that works for you.

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Our Commitment to You

We’ll make financial and investment recommendations with your best interest at heart.

Our Commitment to You

Meet Our Team

Kevin Hildenbrand, CRC

Private Wealth Financial Advisor
Managing Director - Investments

Background and Experience

As the founding member of Hildenbrand & Funkhouser Private Wealth Group, I have had the privilege to serve as a Private Wealth Financial Advisor to families, individuals, and institutions for more than 25 years. My true passion is engaging with clients who have worked hard their entire lives to create wealth and helping them preserve it for today and for future generations.

I take a comprehensive approach to investment planning and examine every element of a client’s financial life, including debt management, cash reserves, insurance, estate investment planning and tax implications.

I started my career with Morgan Stanley before moving my practice to Wells Fargo Advisors in 2006. In 2009, I earned the CERTIFIED RETIREMENT COUNSELORTM designation (CRC®). As a CRC® professional, my advanced training focused on retirement planning, behavioral finance, risk and return, portfolio construction, and the consulting process.

I have received numerous industry distinction over the years including but not limited to:

Hildenbrand & Funkhouser Financial Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors was named one of 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams; Awarded January 2026.

Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 03/31/24-03/31/2025 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management (minimum variable by state), revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 12,787 wealth management teams were considered for the rating; 6,149 (48% of candidates) were named 2026 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams. 12,787 wealth management teams were considered for the rating; 6,149 (48% of candidates) were named 2026 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams.

2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2025.

Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/23-6/30/24 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-inState Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

2025 Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council member. The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism.

Prior to joining the financial services industry, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences from The Florida State University.

Away from the office

After graduating from college, I moved to Estero, where I started my practice and met my wife, Paige. We enjoy time with our two sons Jack and Charlie, dog Mabel and other family members and friends. I am enthusiastic about travel and spending time outdoors.

Certificates

CRC

Jacob Funkhouser

Senior Financial Advisor
Associate Vice President - Investments

Background and experience

I have been in the financial services industry for over a decade. I use my diverse background in the industry to help clients meet their individual financial goals. My belief is that each client is unique and I do not seek to use a standard, one size fits all method. Using a holistic approach, I seek to understand each client’s current scenario, their specific goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. I use those key points of a client’s situation to develop an individualized plan for their unique circumstances. This plan is reviewed with clients, and as circumstances change, their plan is adjusted to accommodate those changes.

I began my career with Wells Fargo in 2011 as a Personal Banker, but spent most of my time in the community bank as a Branch Manager. In that role, it was my responsibility to create and lead diverse teams to assess and solve client’s financial needs. Even though developing and leading a team was a very rewarding endeavor for me, I always knew that I wanted to return to helping clients one on one. In 2017 I returned to that role as a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors.  Prior to joining the financial services industry, I earned my B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Supervision from Purdue University.

Away from the office

I am originally from Central Indiana, but my wife, Stephanie, and I have lived in Naples, FL since 2011. Stephanie and I have two daughters, Addison, and Kendall. We enjoy spending time with our young family and the extended family that live in the area.

I am a big baseball fan, as well as an avid follower of my alma mater, Purdue University athletics. In my spare time I enjoy playing golf, physical fitness and DIY home projects.

Marlene McCracken

Senior Registered Client Associate

Kat Patterson

Senior Registered Client Associate

With over two decades of experience in financial services, I have dedicated my career to helping clients with their financial needs. Since joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2015, I have combined my exceptional customer service skills with a keen attention to detail to support our team and our clients effectively.

As a Senior Registered Client Associate, I hold FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, along with Life, Health and Variable Annuities licenses. My role involves managing the operational side of the business, allowing our financial advisors to focus on building lasting relationships with clients. I take great pride in fostering deep connections and ensuring that each client feels supported and understood.

Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, I moved to Florida in 1995, where I enjoy all the sunshine state has to offer. In my spare time, I indulge in riding my motorcycle, kayaking, cultivating orchids and gardening. My passion for helping people extends beyond the office, as I believe in nurturing both personal and professional relationships.