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John J. Colcolough, III
Email Address
john.colcolough@wellsfargoadvisors.comPhone Number
(901) 818-1249With a career that spans four decades and five market cycles, John Colcolough brings over 40 years of experience to The Colcolough Kernan Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. He provides his clients with wealth management services that include planning, investment strategies, risk management, access to banking, lending and trust services, and estate planning strategies. Through close client relationships, he explores options to help them achieve their financial goals.
After graduating from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, John gained his first business experience as a territory manager in the critical care division of the largest hospital supply company in the United States. In 1985, he began his professional career in the financial services industry. In 2025, John was recognized as a Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council Advisor.*
John and his wife, Lisa, reside in Memphis and have three children and six grandchildren. He served on the Board of Trustees for Presbyterian Day School for over 17 years and served as Chairman during two separate terms. He has a passion for education and continues to invest time and resources to teach students to think critically, creatively, and to work connectedly. Actively involved in many areas of the Memphis community, he is a past board member of Streets Ministries and continues to serve the youth and families of Memphis who live in the third poorest zip code in the nation.
John serves as an Elder at Second Presbyterian Church. He has held many positions of leadership during his 42 years of membership. He is past Chairman of the Restoration and Peacemaking Ministry, which he began 28 years ago to help those members in conflict mediate or arbitrate disputes in an efficient and cost-effective way.
Away from the office, John enjoys hunting, fishing, sporting events and traveling. He has a keen interest in wildlife management through farming and has studied Waterfowl Habitat Conservation for over 43 years. He has traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, Africa, Central America, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand.
* 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.
CA Insurance License Number: 4207893. Resident State TNCA Insurance License Number: 4207893. Resident State TN.

Rebecca Duckworth Kernan
Email Address
rebecca.kernan@wellsfargoadvisors.comPhone Number
(901) 818-1236Using a consultative approach, Rebecca believes she brings a unique perspective to help individuals create, execute and review the plan that helps them have financial confidence. She takes time to learn about her clients’ priorities, lifestyle and goals in order to develop a customized plan that is appropriate for their risk tolerance and timeline. Access to Wells Fargo Advisors’ research and the company’s broad array of resources help enable her to comprehensively meet the wealth management needs of individuals and families – from building and preserving wealth to transitioning wealth to future generations.
Prior to joining The Colcolough Kernan Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Rebecca spent 12 years working in Institutional Fixed Income portfolio management for a regional broker-dealer and five years as a process management consultant with manufacturing companies.
Rebecca attended Christian Brothers University on an academic scholarship and played soccer while earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. In 2004, she received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Christian Brothers University.
Rebecca has a strong commitment to her hometown and is passionate about serving the Memphis community. She has served on the board of directors at Christ Community Health Services since 2007. Rebecca and her husband, Rick, reside in the heart of East Memphis with their two sons. They enjoy camping, going to Memphis Grizzlies basketball games, and riding bikes on the Greenline.
CA Insurance License Number: 4206171. Resident State TN
Rebecca Merkel
Financial Consultant
Email Address
rebecca.merkel@wellsfargoadvisors.comPhone Number
(901) 761-8143As a dedicated Financial Consultant with a strong foundation in investment strategy and client relationship management, Rebecca specializes in helping individuals and families build and preserve wealth through personalized, growth-oriented investment planning. With 14 years of experience in wealth management, Rebecca brings both regulatory experience and a deep understanding of market dynamics to every client interaction.
Rebecca is passionate about guiding clients through life’s financial milestones—whether it’s planning for retirement, funding education, or rebalancing portfolios to align with evolving goals. Her approach is rooted in transparency, trust, and a commitment to long-term success.
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, cheering them on at their various sports games, and staying connected with friends and family.
Rebecca attended The University of Tennessee in Knoxville and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
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