About
Through tailored and timely financial and investment advice, our goal is to help clients succeed financially and work toward their life goals. Whether you’re in the early stages of building wealth or facing complex retirement- or estate-planning choices later in life, we’re ready and equipped to help you make decisions for your future.
Meet Our Team
Joseph Nelson
As a Financial Advisor, Joe commits to helping his clients achieve their financial goals by providing personalized financial services tailored to their unique needs and interests. Joe develops and maintains long-term relationships with his clients and aims to be their trusted lifetime advisor.
Education and Experience
During 1985 and 1991, Joe committed to the National Guard Reserve based in Chicopee, MA. In 1988, he graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a B.S. in Finance. For the next 15 years, Joe worked at Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., Banc of America Securities, and UBS Financial Services. In 2000, Joe co-founded Global VR based in San Jose, CA and acted as Senior Vice President of Business Development until 2005. Since then, Joe has been with Wells Fargo Advisors as a Senior Financial Advisor.
Mission and Accomplishments
Now with 35 years of advisory experience, Joe's expertise focuses on Wealth Management and Investment Planning. As a Senior Financial Advisor and Managing Director- Investments, Joe merges the capabilities of experienced professionals from different financial disciplines into one dynamic, dedicated team working on the client's behalf and best interests. Joe's team provides specialized experience in wealth transfer, risk management, investment management, philanthropic strategies, and legacy planning.
Wells Fargo Advisors has awarded Joe for the Platinum Council award from 2014-2024 which is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.
In 2014-2023 Joe received the Five Star Wealth Manager* award in the San Francisco region. Joe was recognized as one of the Forbes Best- In- State Wealth Advisors in 2019-2024.
In 2024 and 2025 his team was recognized as one of Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams**.
CA Insurance# 0E98810
Additional Website:
My Website
About Wells Fargo Advisors
Wells Fargo Advisors, which traces its roots to 1879, grew over the years through mergers with some of the industry’s most respected regional and national firms. Throughout their histories, Wells Fargo Advisors’ predecessors were known for exceptional service based on trust, knowledge, and corporate cultures that put client needs and best interests above all else.
Wells Fargo Advisors is a non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company, one the nation’s largest, strongest and most respected financial institutions. In business since 1852 and named as one of “World’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune magazine since 2011, Wells Fargo is known and respected for its responsible stewardship of its clients’ assets.
2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21
- 6/30/22 (Source: Forbes.com). 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 -6/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com).2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 -6/30/20 (Source: Forbes.com). 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 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State 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.
**About Forbes Best-in- State Wealth Management Teams
2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/23 - 3/31/24. 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. 11,674 wealth management teams were considered for the rating; 5,331 (45.66% percent of candidates) were named 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/22 - 3/31/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 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.
*About Five Star Wealth Manager Award
The Five Star Wealth Manager award was issued on 11/01/23 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 02/13/2023 through 08/31/2023. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/ or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered;
9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com
2014- 3256 wealth managers were considered for the award; 93 (2.9% of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers.
2015- 1598 wealth managers were considered for the award; 107 (6.7% of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers.
2016- 1442 wealth managers were considered for the award; 96 (6.7% of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers.
2017- 1488 wealth managers were considered for the award; 49 (3.3% of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers.
2018- 1,881 San Francisco area wealth managers were considered for the award; 46 (2 percent of candidates) were named 2018 Five Star Wealth Managers.
2019- 2,012 San Francisco wealth managers were considered for the award; 47 (2% of candidates) were named 2019 Five Star Wealth Managers
2020- 2,026 San Francisco area wealth managers were considered for the award; 40 (2% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers.
2021- 2,025 San Francisco-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 32 (3% of candidates) were named 2021 Five Star Wealth Managers.
2022- 2017 San Francisco-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 40(2% of candidates) were named 2022 Five Star Wealth Managers.
2023-2346 San Francisco-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 40(2% of candidates) were named 2023 Five Star Wealth Managers.
Education and Experience
During 1985 and 1991, Joe committed to the National Guard Reserve based in Chicopee, MA. In 1988, he graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a B.S. in Finance. For the next 15 years, Joe worked at Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., Banc of America Securities, and UBS Financial Services. In 2000, Joe co-founded Global VR based in San Jose, CA and acted as Senior Vice President of Business Development until 2005. Since then, Joe has been with Wells Fargo Advisors as a Senior Financial Advisor.
Mission and Accomplishments
Now with 35 years of advisory experience, Joe's expertise focuses on Wealth Management and Investment Planning. As a Senior Financial Advisor and Managing Director- Investments, Joe merges the capabilities of experienced professionals from different financial disciplines into one dynamic, dedicated team working on the client's behalf and best interests. Joe's team provides specialized experience in wealth transfer, risk management, investment management, philanthropic strategies, and legacy planning.
Wells Fargo Advisors has awarded Joe for the Platinum Council award from 2014-2024 which is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.
In 2014-2023 Joe received the Five Star Wealth Manager* award in the San Francisco region. Joe was recognized as one of the Forbes Best- In- State Wealth Advisors in 2019-2024.
In 2024 and 2025 his team was recognized as one of Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams**.
CA Insurance# 0E98810
Additional Website:
My Website
About Wells Fargo Advisors
Wells Fargo Advisors, which traces its roots to 1879, grew over the years through mergers with some of the industry’s most respected regional and national firms. Throughout their histories, Wells Fargo Advisors’ predecessors were known for exceptional service based on trust, knowledge, and corporate cultures that put client needs and best interests above all else.
Wells Fargo Advisors is a non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company, one the nation’s largest, strongest and most respected financial institutions. In business since 1852 and named as one of “World’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune magazine since 2011, Wells Fargo is known and respected for its responsible stewardship of its clients’ assets.
2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21
- 6/30/22 (Source: Forbes.com). 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 -6/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com).2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 -6/30/20 (Source: Forbes.com). 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 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State 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.
**About Forbes Best-in- State Wealth Management Teams
2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/23 - 3/31/24. 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. 11,674 wealth management teams were considered for the rating; 5,331 (45.66% percent of candidates) were named 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/22 - 3/31/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 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.
*About Five Star Wealth Manager Award
The Five Star Wealth Manager award was issued on 11/01/23 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 02/13/2023 through 08/31/2023. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/ or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered;
9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com
2014- 3256 wealth managers were considered for the award; 93 (2.9% of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers.
2015- 1598 wealth managers were considered for the award; 107 (6.7% of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers.
2016- 1442 wealth managers were considered for the award; 96 (6.7% of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers.
2017- 1488 wealth managers were considered for the award; 49 (3.3% of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers.
2018- 1,881 San Francisco area wealth managers were considered for the award; 46 (2 percent of candidates) were named 2018 Five Star Wealth Managers.
2019- 2,012 San Francisco wealth managers were considered for the award; 47 (2% of candidates) were named 2019 Five Star Wealth Managers
2020- 2,026 San Francisco area wealth managers were considered for the award; 40 (2% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers.
2021- 2,025 San Francisco-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 32 (3% of candidates) were named 2021 Five Star Wealth Managers.
2022- 2017 San Francisco-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 40(2% of candidates) were named 2022 Five Star Wealth Managers.
2023-2346 San Francisco-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 40(2% of candidates) were named 2023 Five Star Wealth Managers.
Private Wealth Financial Advisor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-f-nelson-3641014?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BBPDRxDm0SIiaGxZGvOtc1w%3D%3D
Kenny Merlo, RICP, CDFA
Senior Financial Advisor
Senior Vice President - Investment Officer
Kenny Merlo
, RICP, CDFA
Focus
Kenny helps clients prioritize financial goals, understand retirement, build an investment plan and manage investments that are designed to evolve with unique life circumstances and events. Whether it’s a liquidity event, inheritance or property sale, his experiences and resources available help him navigate. The understanding of these life events become liberating to clients because they now have guidance and can make informed decisions.
His two designations help him work closely with clients and in some cases their attorneys to support making informed financial decisions. Such careful planning is not a single event – it is a process, and one that he undertakes with pride and integrity.
Background and Experience
Kenny joined Wells Fargo Bank & Co. in 2000. His work experience, education and ambition have afforded him an advancement in his career. He transitioned from a Banker and Investment Consultant to Financial Consultant Associate with Wells Fargo Advisors in 2007. Soon after he and Senior. Financial Advisor Joseph Nelson formed a team on Sand Hill Road and in 2010, they relocated to downtown Menlo Park. Their team is called “Nelson & Merlo Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors.” The team of six has over $938 million under management, as of Nov 2024. Kenny holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from San Jose State University.
Accomplishments
Kenny has two designations: Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation from, The American College of Financial Services and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation from, The Institute for Divorce Financial Analyst™ (IDFA™). In 2022, 2023 & 2024 Kenny received the Five Star Wealth Manager * award for the San Francisco region. In 2024 and again this year his team was recognized as one of “Forbes 2025 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams**.” For 25 years, he has demonstrated professionalism to clients as well as team members.
Away from the office
Kenny grew up in Redwood City, California. As a native speaker he’s fluent in Spanish. Hobbies include: soccer, running, boxing, mountain biking, golfing, snowboarding, auto racing and cooking. He enjoys traveling abroad to attend soccer games and has visited over 25 countries to admire their cultures and cuisines.
CA Insurance # OF59806 Resident State: CA
Additional Links:
My Website
The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit Wells Fargo Advisors or its Financial Advisors to provide legal advice, nor is it meant to imply that the firm or its associates are acting as experts in this field.
*About Five Star Wealth Manager Award
The Five Star Wealth Manager award was issued on 11/1/24 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 2/13/24 through 8/30/24. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 2500 San Francisco-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 46 (2% of candidates) were named 2024 Five Star Wealth Managers. The following prior year statistics use this format: YEAR: # Considered, # Winners, % of candidates, Issued Date, Research Period. 2023: 2,346, 40, 2%, 11/1/23, 2/13/23 - 8/31/23; 2022: 2017, 40, 2%, 11/1/22, 3/7/22 - 9/2/22; 2021: 2025, 32, 2%, 11/1/21, 2/8/21 - 9/10/21; 2020: 2026, 40, 2%, 11/1/20, 3/2/20 - 9/25/20; 2019: 2012, 47, 2%, 11/1/19, 2/18/19 - 10/7/19; 2018: 1881, 46, 2%, 11/1/18, 3/12/18 - 9/28/18; 2017: 1488, 49, 3%, 11/1/17, 3/9/17 - 9/27/17; 2016: 1442, 96, 7%, 10/1/16, 4/22/16 - 9/30/16; 2015: 1598, 107, 7%, 11/1/15, 5/7/15 - 10/5/15; 2014: 3256, 93, 3%, 11/1/14, 5/7/13 - 10/5/13. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria - required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser (RIA) or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a RIA or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP's consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP's consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client's experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria - considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager's future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients' assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
**About Forbes Best-in- State Wealth Management Teams
2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/23 - 3/31/24 (Source: Forbes.com). 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. 11,674 wealth management teams were considered for the rating; 5,331 (45.66% percent of candidates) were named 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams.
2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/22 - 3/31/23 (Source: Forbes.com).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.
Kenny helps clients prioritize financial goals, understand retirement, build an investment plan and manage investments that are designed to evolve with unique life circumstances and events. Whether it’s a liquidity event, inheritance or property sale, his experiences and resources available help him navigate. The understanding of these life events become liberating to clients because they now have guidance and can make informed decisions.
His two designations help him work closely with clients and in some cases their attorneys to support making informed financial decisions. Such careful planning is not a single event – it is a process, and one that he undertakes with pride and integrity.
Background and Experience
Kenny joined Wells Fargo Bank & Co. in 2000. His work experience, education and ambition have afforded him an advancement in his career. He transitioned from a Banker and Investment Consultant to Financial Consultant Associate with Wells Fargo Advisors in 2007. Soon after he and Senior. Financial Advisor Joseph Nelson formed a team on Sand Hill Road and in 2010, they relocated to downtown Menlo Park. Their team is called “Nelson & Merlo Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors.” The team of six has over $938 million under management, as of Nov 2024. Kenny holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from San Jose State University.
Accomplishments
Kenny has two designations: Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation from, The American College of Financial Services and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation from, The Institute for Divorce Financial Analyst™ (IDFA™). In 2022, 2023 & 2024 Kenny received the Five Star Wealth Manager * award for the San Francisco region. In 2024 and again this year his team was recognized as one of “Forbes 2025 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams**.” For 25 years, he has demonstrated professionalism to clients as well as team members.
Away from the office
Kenny grew up in Redwood City, California. As a native speaker he’s fluent in Spanish. Hobbies include: soccer, running, boxing, mountain biking, golfing, snowboarding, auto racing and cooking. He enjoys traveling abroad to attend soccer games and has visited over 25 countries to admire their cultures and cuisines.
CA Insurance # OF59806 Resident State: CA
Additional Links:
My Website
The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit Wells Fargo Advisors or its Financial Advisors to provide legal advice, nor is it meant to imply that the firm or its associates are acting as experts in this field.
*About Five Star Wealth Manager Award
The Five Star Wealth Manager award was issued on 11/1/24 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 2/13/24 through 8/30/24. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 2500 San Francisco-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 46 (2% of candidates) were named 2024 Five Star Wealth Managers. The following prior year statistics use this format: YEAR: # Considered, # Winners, % of candidates, Issued Date, Research Period. 2023: 2,346, 40, 2%, 11/1/23, 2/13/23 - 8/31/23; 2022: 2017, 40, 2%, 11/1/22, 3/7/22 - 9/2/22; 2021: 2025, 32, 2%, 11/1/21, 2/8/21 - 9/10/21; 2020: 2026, 40, 2%, 11/1/20, 3/2/20 - 9/25/20; 2019: 2012, 47, 2%, 11/1/19, 2/18/19 - 10/7/19; 2018: 1881, 46, 2%, 11/1/18, 3/12/18 - 9/28/18; 2017: 1488, 49, 3%, 11/1/17, 3/9/17 - 9/27/17; 2016: 1442, 96, 7%, 10/1/16, 4/22/16 - 9/30/16; 2015: 1598, 107, 7%, 11/1/15, 5/7/15 - 10/5/15; 2014: 3256, 93, 3%, 11/1/14, 5/7/13 - 10/5/13. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria - required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser (RIA) or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a RIA or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP's consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP's consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client's experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria - considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager's future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients' assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
**About Forbes Best-in- State Wealth Management Teams
2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/23 - 3/31/24 (Source: Forbes.com). 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. 11,674 wealth management teams were considered for the rating; 5,331 (45.66% percent of candidates) were named 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams.
2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/22 - 3/31/23 (Source: Forbes.com).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.
Senior Financial Advisor
Senior Vice President - Investment Officer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennymerlo
RICP, CDFA
Mark James
, CFP
Your Trusted Financial Advisor
As a Financial Advisor, I help manage assets for individuals, trusts, retirement plans, charitable organizations and businesses. I help clients develop and implement long- term strategies for building wealth and realizing their goals. My mission is to provide objective and timely financial advice and guidance - with the highest level of professional service - in building and preserving wealth for my clients.
Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Before joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2023, I was Private Client Advisor for J.P. Morgan Chase, my employer of 5 years. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Denver. I have also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, or CFP®, practitioner certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). For this certification I had to complete approved educational programs, pass rigorous examinations and meet stringent experience requirements.
Planning for Retirement
Whether you’re seeking tax-deferred growth for your personal investment portfolio or an attractive employee -benefit plan for your business, I can help you navigate an array of complex choices. I offer assistance with retirement plans, including IRAs, Roth IRAs and conversions, Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans and Keogh plans, SIMPLE plans for small businesses, and 401(k), pension, and profit-sharing plans.
Comprehensive Investment Planning
It takes more than a single planning session to put your wealth to work in support of your life goals. It takes a process. As your life circumstances change, so must the investment strategies I use to help keep you on course toward your objectives. We’ll continue to work together through the years to keep your investment strategies aligned with your goals and needs.
Advice for Your Full Financial Life
The last thing you need in your busy life is a complex web of financial relationships. As a Wells Fargo Advisors client, you’ll enjoy the convenience and clarity of coordinating much, if not most, of your financial life through a single point of contact — me. It’s a distinct advantage of working with one of the world’s premier financial institutions. In helping you address your financial needs beyond investing, I can provide access to Wells Fargo banking and lending affiliates to help you meet your borrowing needs.
CA Insurance # 0k45765
Additional Links:
Lets Make a Plan
My Website
As a Financial Advisor, I help manage assets for individuals, trusts, retirement plans, charitable organizations and businesses. I help clients develop and implement long- term strategies for building wealth and realizing their goals. My mission is to provide objective and timely financial advice and guidance - with the highest level of professional service - in building and preserving wealth for my clients.
Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Before joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2023, I was Private Client Advisor for J.P. Morgan Chase, my employer of 5 years. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Denver. I have also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, or CFP®, practitioner certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). For this certification I had to complete approved educational programs, pass rigorous examinations and meet stringent experience requirements.
Planning for Retirement
Whether you’re seeking tax-deferred growth for your personal investment portfolio or an attractive employee -benefit plan for your business, I can help you navigate an array of complex choices. I offer assistance with retirement plans, including IRAs, Roth IRAs and conversions, Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans and Keogh plans, SIMPLE plans for small businesses, and 401(k), pension, and profit-sharing plans.
Comprehensive Investment Planning
It takes more than a single planning session to put your wealth to work in support of your life goals. It takes a process. As your life circumstances change, so must the investment strategies I use to help keep you on course toward your objectives. We’ll continue to work together through the years to keep your investment strategies aligned with your goals and needs.
Advice for Your Full Financial Life
The last thing you need in your busy life is a complex web of financial relationships. As a Wells Fargo Advisors client, you’ll enjoy the convenience and clarity of coordinating much, if not most, of your financial life through a single point of contact — me. It’s a distinct advantage of working with one of the world’s premier financial institutions. In helping you address your financial needs beyond investing, I can provide access to Wells Fargo banking and lending affiliates to help you meet your borrowing needs.
CA Insurance # 0k45765
Additional Links:
Lets Make a Plan
My Website
Senior Financial Advisor
CFP
Tamara Forte
Assistant Vice President
Private Wealth Senior Registered Client Associate
Tamara Forte
Focus
Tamara strives to ensure that our clients’ administrative, trading and operational needs are handled accurately and quickly. With more than 20 years of financial services experience, she handles the day-to- day management of the operations for the Nelson & Merlo Wealth Management Team of Wells Fargo Advisors. Including but not limited to, updating existing account information, maintaining data for eMoney plans, managing account transfers and transactions, and answering complex operational or technical questions.
Background and experience
Tamara began her financial services career in 2003 at Great-West Retirement Services in customer services providing retirement services support. In February 2006, Tamara joined Atlas Securities as an Investment Service Specialist, soon after the parent company merged with Wachovia Securities. As a Registered Client Associate at Wachovia Securities, Tamara assisted with the post-merger duties establishing the Regional Branch Office that supported Northern California and Colorado regions.
In February 2011, Tamara experienced another merger with Wells Fargo Advisors. Since merging with Wells Fargo Advisors, Tamara obtained her supervisory licensing which allowed her to transition to a Regional Support Specialist where she worked a hybrid position as a Registered Client associate while gaining experience by providing support to the Managerial staff. With her dedication, in May of 2018, she became the Assistant Field Support Manager, where as a manager she supported 3 branch regions with more than 85 Financial advisors and 25 Client Associates.
In 2021 she took the opportunity to work with the Nelson & Merlo Wealth Management Team, where she has remained as their Private Wealth Senior Registered Client Associate. She continues to run their day-to-day business by leveraging her extensive operational background while providing their clients with exceptional client service and support.
Accomplishments
Tamara holds Finra Series 9,10,7,65,63 registrations and California Insurance License. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Spelman College.
Away from the Office
She is a dedicated Wife and Mother of 2 boys 14 and 11. She enjoys attending music concerts, dancing and spending quality time with her family.
Tamara strives to ensure that our clients’ administrative, trading and operational needs are handled accurately and quickly. With more than 20 years of financial services experience, she handles the day-to- day management of the operations for the Nelson & Merlo Wealth Management Team of Wells Fargo Advisors. Including but not limited to, updating existing account information, maintaining data for eMoney plans, managing account transfers and transactions, and answering complex operational or technical questions.
Background and experience
Tamara began her financial services career in 2003 at Great-West Retirement Services in customer services providing retirement services support. In February 2006, Tamara joined Atlas Securities as an Investment Service Specialist, soon after the parent company merged with Wachovia Securities. As a Registered Client Associate at Wachovia Securities, Tamara assisted with the post-merger duties establishing the Regional Branch Office that supported Northern California and Colorado regions.
In February 2011, Tamara experienced another merger with Wells Fargo Advisors. Since merging with Wells Fargo Advisors, Tamara obtained her supervisory licensing which allowed her to transition to a Regional Support Specialist where she worked a hybrid position as a Registered Client associate while gaining experience by providing support to the Managerial staff. With her dedication, in May of 2018, she became the Assistant Field Support Manager, where as a manager she supported 3 branch regions with more than 85 Financial advisors and 25 Client Associates.
In 2021 she took the opportunity to work with the Nelson & Merlo Wealth Management Team, where she has remained as their Private Wealth Senior Registered Client Associate. She continues to run their day-to-day business by leveraging her extensive operational background while providing their clients with exceptional client service and support.
Accomplishments
Tamara holds Finra Series 9,10,7,65,63 registrations and California Insurance License. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Spelman College.
Away from the Office
She is a dedicated Wife and Mother of 2 boys 14 and 11. She enjoys attending music concerts, dancing and spending quality time with her family.
Assistant Vice President
Private Wealth Senior Registered Client Associate
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-forte-06945295
Rebecca Tegerdal
Private Wealth Senior Registered Client Associate
Rebecca Tegerdal
Private Wealth Senior Registered Client Associate