Gary N. Kwawer, CFA

Gary possesses a life-long passion for research, constant learning and helping others with his knowledge. After obtaining a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from the University of Illinois, there were no opportunities available in his field and the market was still reeling from the crash of 1987. In 1988, with prior stock market experience investing a modest inheritance from his grandfather, Gary decided to pivot his focus to the financial industry by becoming a financial advisor to help others make the most out of their wealth and themselves. In 1997, due to skepticism in what institutional research analysts were telling him and the public about the market, Gary took an active interest in the process of investment analysis and obtained the Chartered Financial Analyst^® (CFA^®) designation, a key certification for investment professionals in the areas of research and portfolio management. With this designation, Gary takes an investment approach similar to large pension funds. He actively manages each client’s portfolios based on preserving their wealth while generating income to support their lifestyle across generations.

Over a 35-plus year career, Gary has built his practice committed to providing exceptional investment guidance and planning to help his clients build and preserve significant wealth to have “more money than life”. In 2021, Gary co-founded Kwawer Callahan Investment Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, a multi-family office that serves the challenges of high net worth families, business owners, and executives by overseeing and managing their entire complex financial picture and helping them organize, preserve and transfer their accumulated wealth to benefit family and endure legacy.

Gary is active in both business and civic life in St. Louis. He has been a 3-time consecutive Past Master of St. Louis Missouri Lodge #1, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Since 2004, he has served as Director of the Photography staff of Moolah Shrine, responsible for memorializing and archiving the events and activities of Moolah Shrine in the St. Louis area. He also spends much of his time off riding his motorcycles, practicing photography, reading, physical training, traveling, pursuing diverse culinary experiences, and sipping fine scotch.