Laura Berra began her career as an independent Financial Advisor with Wheat First Butcher Singer Inc. and has 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Laura and Geoff Griffin, Managing Director – Investments, became a business team in early 2006.  We added to our team in 2019 when Willie Griffin joined us as a Financial Advisor.

Though the Berra-Griffin Wealth Management Group shares a common discipline, Laura appreciates the opportunity to work as part of a team of individuals with diverse views and backgrounds. This allows them to take a more holistic and balanced approach when it comes to serving the needs of their clients and navigating the ever-changing markets and economy. Each of her clients has a written plan, which allows the team to have a better understanding of how all the pieces fit together. As a result, they can provide effective resources and advice when life brings change, risk, or opportunity.

Laura earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of Arizona. She holds a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation from the College of Financial Planning, as well as Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations and Life, Health, and Long-Term Care insurance licenses.  She has been named to the following lists*:

• 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
• 2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State
• 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
• 2021 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors
• 2020 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms

Laura was born and raised in a family of six children in Tucson, Arizona. After graduating from the University of Arizona, she moved to Raleigh where she met her husband, Brett (a Virginia Tech Hokie). They have been blessed with two children, Elena and Brady. Laura and Brett enjoy fitness and being outdoors, as well as traveling to see their families in Arizona and Pennsylvania, to catch a Virginia Tech game in Blacksburg, or to explore new places. 

Laura believes that to be a true member of a community, you need to be involved and give back. She volunteers and supports organizations such as NCFC Youth, Rise Against Hunger, Young Life, and Midtown Kiwanis.  Laura is a long-time supporter and fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (her niece, Amber, is a leukemia survivor).  

*The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State, Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams, and Top Women 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.
*The Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms rating algorithm based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion.

With more than 35 years of financial services industry experience as a Financial Advisor and Branch Manager, Geoff Griffin is dedicated to helping family, friends, and members of the community meet their financial goals and navigate their critical life events. He practices a thoughtful, genuine, and ethical investment planning process and strives to provide unparalleled professional service. Geoff is supported by the vast resources of Wells Fargo Advisors and a committed team that includes four seasoned professionals. The group’s primary goal is to make a significant difference in the ongoing financial well-being of our clients.

Geoff earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Master of Education, and Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation from the College of Financial Planning.  Geoff was recognized when the team was named to the 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams*

Geoff and his wife, Sandra, have been married for more than 35 years and have lived in Raleigh since 1990. On weekends, they enjoy traveling and spending time on the North Carolina coast at Pine Knoll Shores. Geoff and Sandra have two happily married sons and three grandchildren. Jay works in the wine industry in Charleston, South Carolina and Willie works with the practice as a Financial Advisor. Geoff is a former player, coach, board member, and Chairman of the Capital Area Soccer League and member of the CASL Hall of Fame.

Away from the office, he is deeply engaged in the Raleigh community and a passionate supporter of numerous organizations. This includes supporting Special Olympics, serving as a former member of RISE Against Hunger and being a member of the Christ Episcopal Church Investment Committee and Outreach Committee.


*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, 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.

Willie looks forward to building healthy and trusting relationships with individuals, families, and business owners. Willie believes that the multi-generational aspect of the Berra-Griffin Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors allows the team to develop long term relationships and engage clients across their many life stages. Willie works with you and your family to assist in preparing for critical life events so that you can expand, preserve, and transfer your wealth as efficiently as possible.

Prior to joining the Berra-Griffin Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Willie was a Director for an institutional asset management company in Charlotte focusing on sales distribution and marketing throughout the entire country.  Additionally, Willie has worked at Wells Fargo Advisors’ headquarters in St. Louis, MO in the Business Development Group providing consultative services to the firm's financial advisors.  He also has experience within Wells Fargo's Alternative Investment Strategies Group.

Willie is a graduate of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  While there, he was a member of the men's soccer team for two years. Through his experience of playing competitive soccer, the values of teamwork and accountability were instilled in Willie and he continues to apply these attributes when he collaborates with clients and the other members of his team. Their dedicated teamwork was recognized when the team was named to the 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams*.


Willie and his wife, Ginny, live in Raleigh and have a daughter, Alice, a son, Freddie, and a goldendoodle, Rooney. Outside of the office, Willie enjoys playing golf, racquet sports, and cheering on the Tar Heels.


*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, 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.

Angie Yates is a Senior Registered Client Associate with Wells Fargo Advisors and has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her primary roles at Berra-Griffin Wealth Management Group are to provide distinguished service to their clients and manage the operations of the practice.

Angie graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Prior to beginning her career in finance, she was a high school math teacher.

Born and raised in Chapel Hill, Angie is a loyal Tar Heel. She and her husband, Paul, live in Clayton and have two children: Sloane is in flight training for the US Marine Corps and Hogan is attending North Carolina Wesleyan University.

Robin Gardner is a Senior Registered Client Associate on the Berra-Griffin Wealth Management Group team and has been working in the financial services industry for 10 years. Robin’s focus is to provide exceptional service to clients and strengthen the team’s relationships with them.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida. Prior to returning to the financial industry, Robin was a special education teacher. She and her family relocated to North Carolina in 2012 to be closer to extended family. Robin and her husband, Chad, live in Wake Forest with their two daughters, Kaitlyn and Maisie.  Robin enjoys pilates, reading and travelling with the family to eventually visit all of the US National Parks.