Brett advises our Private Equity, Venture Capital, Corporate, and entrepreneurial clients on strategically exiting their large equity holdings in both public and private markets. He also takes the lead role as part of the firm’s comprehensive Pre-IPO services, providing general partners and C-suite executives with tailored guidance and access to specialized lending solutions through Wells Fargo affiliates. 

He currently serves as the Board President of the Grace Fisher Foundation which is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through the transformative power of the arts.

Ric is a Co-Founder and Managing Director - Investments of The Venture Strategies Group of Wells Fargo Advisors established in March 2019. Ricci is a Private Wealth Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors.

Ric’s responsibilities include advising the group’s institutional, family office and individual clients regarding risk and asset management, planning and the divestiture of their large, concentrated equity positions.  Prior to joining Wells Fargo Advisors, Ric had similar responsibilities at Morgan Stanley and UBS Financial Services.

Ric is a graduate of University of California’s Professional Financial Planning program, a CFP Board registered certificate program, equipping him with a thorough understanding of client planning that utilizes the highest standards as fiduciaries.

He has been instrumental in helping local nonprofit organizations and churches communicate with their donors and manage their finances.  He previously served as a board member of regional start-ups in the businesses of intellectual property and technology.

As an avid outdoorsman, Ric has used his passion for adventure to mentor to teenagers and young adults for many years.

 

Drew is a Co-Founder and Managing Director - Investments of The Venture Strategies Group of Wells Fargo Advisors which was established in March 2019. He is a Private Wealth Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors

Drew has had a leadership role in organizations with a youth focus for many years including co-founding Hands4Others with the mission to rise up a movement of young people to help solve the world’s water crisis.

He has served as the Board Chair for both El Montecito School and Providence School in Santa Barbara and has been a guest speaker with an emphasis on leadership and entrepreneurship at local high schools as well as Westmont college.

Drew currently serves on the board of Calvary Chapel in Santa Barbara and released his first book on purposeful living in July 2024. 

Francis began his career as an investment research analyst with Wells Fargo Asset Management (now Allspring), where he initially covered the asset‑backed securities market before being promoted to portfolio manager. He later focused on fixed income strategies for Allspring’s Core Fixed Income Team, which oversaw approximately $30 billion in institutional assets.

After years in the capital markets, Francis felt a strong pull toward building more personal and meaningful relationships with the people his work ultimately impacted. He transitioned to serving clients at Wells Fargo Advisors, applying the same rigorous research discipline to help strengthen the breadth of solutions and capabilities offered by the Venture Strategies Group.

Francis earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from California State University, Chico. He holds the CFA® designation and is a member of the CFA Society of San Francisco. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, playing guitar, and hiking with his wife, Valentina, and is an active member of the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club.

CA Insurance Lic #4518386, Resident State CA

Giuliano began his career in investment banking and private equity, starting as an Investment Banking Analyst at Builder Advisor Group, where he focused on mergers and acquisitions and capital raising in the homebuilding and land development sectors. He supported more than a dozen transactions involving private and public companies and helped clients secure several billion dollars in financing across credit facilities, senior notes, preferred equity, and public offerings.

He later transitioned to private equity, working with Encore Capital Management and Avila Real Estate Capital, where he contributed to managing more than $3 billion in institutional assets across multiple funds and a REIT. His experience spans investment underwriting, partnership structuring, and investor relations—capabilities he now brings to supporting the Venture Strategies Group’s venture capital/private equity/entrepreneurial client base.

He holds a Master of Liberal Arts in Finance from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science from Saint Mary’s College of California. An Eagle Scout, he is also a member of the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club and the Young Scandinavians Club. Outside of work, Giuliano enjoys basketball, golf, soccer, music, and camping.

CA Insurance Lic #4518648, Resident State CA

Mitch joined The Venture Strategies Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in 2014.  His role consists of providing client support and communication in multiple ways including reviewing portfolio positions and administration. He is also directly involved in business development for the team. 

Originally from Pittsburgh, Mitch now lives in Santa Barbara and spends much of his free time helping his elderly parents and mentoring his young nephews, as well working alongside youth in the local gym he regularly attends.  He also enjoys a good game of chess.

Rich has worked with The Venture Strategies Group since 2006.  His responsibilities include trading equities, fixed income, and options used primarily to mitigate and hedge portfolio risk. 

He handles client communication and reviews portfolios in terms of overall asset allocation and performance analysis.

Rich is heavily involved in youth sports, volunteering, coaching, and helping leading development and fundraising efforts for various leagues and families who need assistance.

He is also a master at sports trivia.

Renee has strong relationships with our clients, handling our day-to-day operations.  She focuses on our clients’ administrative needs and streamlines internal processes to make sure any open items and issues are handled in a timely manner. 

She has three decades of operations experience, having worked in in a variety of corporate roles before joining The Venture Strategies Group of Wells Fargo Advisors as head of administration in 2003. She provides our clients with a wide range of services efficiently and with care.

Renee has three children and spends much of her spare time enjoying her family’s activities, tending to her mini ranch, and reading books. 

ID Insurance License Number: 1962139