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.

Over a 35-plus year career, Gary has built his practice committed to providing exceptional investment guidance and planning to help his clients grow and preserve their wealth and have “more money than life”. 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. As a CFA, Gary uniquely serves as a hands-on investment partner, providing pension-style investment management to his sophisticated client base.

In 2021, realizing that clients needed guidance beyond investment management, Gary co-founded Kwawer Callahan Investment Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, a multi-family office that addresses the glaring need of high net worth families, business executives, high income entertainment professionals, and top performers to have a centralized team that oversees and manages their entire complex financial picture. With each team member specializing in respective areas of their clients’ diverse needs, Gary maintains a highly responsive, high touch practice focused on tailored portfolio management, trust and estate strategy, risk mitigation, tax efficient strategy, multi-generational wealth optimization, and leaving a 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 his hobby of photography, reading, physical training, travelling, pursuing diverse culinary experiences, and sipping fine scotch.