I see my role as a Financial Advisor as more than an investment professional – I try to look out for my clients in other aspects of their lives. By taking a holistic approach and trying to uncover needs beyond just investing, I strive to provide valuable advice that is both helpful and comprehensive.

As a second generation financial advisor, I grew up in St. Louis and first worked in public accounting and for major corporations including Kraft and Wrangler Jeans until the travel demands became too much. My father suggested his profession. Though investing was familiar to me, I didn’t have the benefit of a training program so I taught myself by spending time with seasoned pros who worked in a variety of specialties from bonds to annuities. The result is that my clients benefit from the range of knowledge and experience I’ve gained since 1987.

I really enjoy helping people solve problems and accomplish their goals. My ability to serve them is enhanced by the additional work I have done to earn my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® and Certified Investment Management Analyst^® (CIMA^®) designations. I am also a Senior PIM^® Portfolio Manager which allows me access to a customized portfolio management program geared toward your specific investment goals.

Over the course of my career, I have been honored to receive multiple accolades from the likes of Forbes and Wells Fargo Advisors. In both 2019 and 2020, Forbes named me to its Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list.* For 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Wells Fargo Advisors has also listed me among its Platinum Council**. The Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor) distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.

I have three children, one of whom now works with me as a Financial Advisor. In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf and serving on the board of United Way-West St. Louis. I’m also involved with Arch Grants, a start-up competition.

<sub>* 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded January 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19 (Source: Forbes.com). 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18. View Additional Disclosures

** The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by one or more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structure.</sub>

In my work as a Financial Advisor, I strive to educate clients in the context of world events. The Internet is a firehose of information so I try to distill the news and discern important details from the noise. After years of consulting a wide range of sources, I gravitate toward voices I believe are consistently reliable. I use what I learn to explain to clients what’s actually happening versus their perceptions. I advise them to concentrate on what matters to them and not worry so much in a world that gives us plenty to worry about.

In addition to my social nature, two aspects of my character have emerged as strengths since I became an advisor in 2003 – I’m analytical and I like to win. That competitive nature keeps me focused on helping clients achieve prosperity. My colleague Rick Salus, Managing Director – Investment Officer, and I are not afraid to resist consensus and push back against pressure to make certain moves. But we’re not mavericks; we make recommendations with conviction and confidence using facts and current events to illustrate our reasoning.

Two emotions influence people when it comes to managing wealth – fear and greed. They can cause investors to make irrational strategy changes when triggered by fluctuating financial markets. Because we rely on facts, we trust our process which is designed to help keep emotions out of decisions we make. Clients appreciate our level-headed approach which also helps when we work with families, no matter how contentious things might get.

In both 2019, 2020 and 2023, I was honored to be named to the Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council. The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by one or more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structure.

Out of the office, I spend time with my family and volunteer at the school my three boys attend. I’m a committed St. Louis Blues hockey fan, and I enjoy collecting bourbon and rare coins.

Growing up with a father in the investment business, I learned the importance of saving and investing at a young age. My early exposure to the financial industry fostered a lifelong interest, spurring me to earn my BS in Finance and Banking/Real Estate. I began my Wells Fargo Advisors career in the home office, fielding client questions at their call center. I gained insight into common investor concerns, forming a strong foundation of client service when I joined my father, Rick Salus, Managing Director – Investment Officer, and Curt Kruse, Senior Vice President – Investment Officer, as a Financial Advisor.

As a newer advisor on our team, I enjoy the benefits of working closely with our experienced senior advisors. I identify new opportunities for our team while deepening relationships with our existing clients. I like getting to know clients of all ages, helping them achieve their goals whether they are saving for college, planning for a dream purchase, or nearing retirement. Together, we refine their plans to help keep them on track, positioning them in appropriate investments that fit their needs, risk tolerance and changing markets.

I proactively reach out to my clients to stay abreast of changes in their lives and circumstances. To enhance the advice I offer, I often invite senior members of our team to sit in on meetings so I can leverage their experience in their areas of specialty. We review accounts together and discuss adjustments. I develop new client relationships using personal contacts, referrals and opportunities created by money in motion.

In my spare time, I’m a St. Louis Cardinals and Blues fan, Mizzou basketball and football fan, and I enjoy playing golf.

When I was 13 years old, my family moved to the United States from Poland where my father had been a political refugee. While leaving our homeland was difficult, we started over and our lives improved. Watching my father work hard during those years inspired the strong work ethic that I apply daily at Wells Fargo Advisors.

As a Senior Registered Client Associate since 2003, I work closely with Financial Advisors Rick Salus and Curt Kruse. I provide sales and service support which includes opening accounts, entering trades, asset movement and account maintenance. My attention to the details of our business complements the advisors’ broader focus on their clients’ accounts.

Financial products and services are often perceived by clients as confusing or intimidating. I enjoy explaining these to clients, breaking down and simplifying processes and working closely with them as our team designs a personal and hassle-free way to manage their finances.

On a typical day, I field phone calls from clients making a variety of requests, prepare paperwork and set up appointments. I try to use my time wisely and stay ahead of any challenges that may arise. Being organized and communicating effectively with clients and co-workers are two strengths I offer our team, and I’ve created an efficient system with many checks and balances in place to help ensure all facts and figures are accurate. 

Outside of work, animals are my passion. In my spare time, I volunteer at The Gentle Barn, an animal rescue sanctuary for homeless and abused animals. I also transport homeless pets to their rescue organizations and adopting families with Rescue Road Warriors.