About

Chris specializes in serving select high-net-worth individuals, business owners and their families who are looking for an advisor who has the expertise and support systems in place to help them build, manage and transition their wealth. Incorporating his team’s client first philosophy and experience, he develops and implements wealth management strategies based around the individual client circumstances and all aspects of his client’s financial life.

A graduate of the University of Mannheim Business School with a Major in Marketing and Organization, Chris joined A. G. Edwards in Destin in 2000 and, through mergers with Wachovia Securities in 2006 and Wells Fargo Advisors in 2008, has been advising clients since. In 2002 he and Andy collaborated to form the Poate/Bonjean Financial Group to expand their capabilities and bring a true team approach to their practice. As a CFP®, in addition to developing tax efficient, risk managed accumulation and distribution concepts, Chris is especially focused on incorporating long term estate planning strategies to the team.

Chris moved to Niceville with his wife, Michele, in 1996 and they have two children, Antonia and Patrick. Michele is a long time and Past President Niceville Kiwanian, while Chris serves on many local Boards and is the current Sinfonia Gulf Coast President and Niceville HS Head Tennis Coach. They are active in the golf and tennis community and love to travel. They are members of First Presbyterian Church in Niceville.

_{*Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide tax or legal advice.}

Andy specializes in serving select high-net-worth individuals, business owners and their families who are looking for an advisor who has the expertise and support systems in place to help them build, manage and transition their wealth. Incorporating his team’s client first philosophy and experience, he develops and implements wealth management strategies based around the individual client circumstances and all aspects of his client’s financial life.

Andy joined A. G. Edwards in Destin in 1999 and, through mergers with Wachovia Securities in 2006 and Wells Fargo Advisors in 2008, has been advising clients since. In 2002 he and Chris partnered to form the Poate/Bonjean Financial Group to expand their capabilities and bring a true team approach to their practice.

Patrick is the newest Financial Advisor to join the team and specializes in serving select young investors, high-net-worth individuals, business owners and their families who are looking for an advisor who has the expertise and support systems in place to help them build, manage and transition their wealth. Incorporating his team’s client first philosophy and experience, he develops financial plans and implements wealth management strategies based around the individual client circumstances and all aspects of his client’s financial life.

Patrick earned his undergrad from Florida Atlantic University in International Business and Finance and his Graduate degree in Business Administration and Finance from the University of West Florida. In addition to developing tax efficient, risk managed accumulation and distribution concepts, Patrick embraces the teams’ focus on incorporating long term estate planning strategies into client strategies.

Patrick lives in Santa Rosa Beach with his wife, Alena, and they enjoy sports and the outdoor lifestyle the Emerald Coast affords them. As a 6-year collegiate golfer, Patrick enjoys mentoring the next generation. They are members of First Presbyterian Church, Niceville.

_{*Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide tax or legal advice.}

Nikki specializes in serving select high-net-worth individuals, business owners and their families who are looking for an advisor who has the expertise and support systems in place to help them build, manage and transition their wealth. Incorporating her team’s client first philosophy and experience, she develops and implements wealth management strategies based around the individual client circumstances and all aspects of her client’s financial life.

Nikki graduated from Florida State University – Herbert Weinheim College of Business - with a Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Marketing and Sports Management and a Minor in Economics. She started her career in financial services in 2012 as a Wells Fargo Bank Personal Banker, before joining Wells Fargo Advisors as a Client Associate in 2015. She became a Financial Advisor in 2019 and has been associated with the Poate/ Bonjean Financial Group since 2022.

Nikki grew up in Texas, before moving to Florida and now resides in Santa Rosa Beach and has been an active member of the Junior league of the Emerald Coast since 2018.

Erika Joined the Poate/Bonjean team in 2022 and is the primary point of contact for all client operational needs including onboarding, account administration and monetary transactions. Her skill set allows her to help ensure client needs are addressed in a timely manner, while delivering a seamless client experience through accuracy, responsiveness and attention to detail. She continually seeks opportunities to improve efficiencies and enhance the client experience.

Erika earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. She has passed the SIE (Security Industry Essentials) exam. Erika resides in Santa Rosa Beach and enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends on the Emerald Coast

Peyton has been a Client Associate with Wells Fargo Advisors since 2024 and is responsible for a wide range of client services and practice management functions including onboarding, account administration, monetary transactions and handling marketing initiatives. Peyton plays a key role in supporting the financial advisors on the team and delivering a high level of service. Peyton’s attention to detail and commitment to organizational excellence help ensure smooth day-to-day operations and a positive client experience

Peyton earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Psychology from Louisiana State University’s E.J. Ourso College of Business in Baton Rouge. Peyton resides in Santa Rosa Beach and is an avid LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints fan. She enjoys spending time with friends and family while basking in the Emerald Coast lifestyle.