Gary L. Solka, CFP®
- Managing Principal
Focus
In my role as Managing Principal, I help clients define their goals (what I call the “its” of life). Alongside my clients; I create a plan to help meet the financial needs of those goals. Beyond investment advice, I assist my clients with their full financial picture. Creating an investment plan is more than just saving for retirement for most people. Monetizing those “its” of one’s life is crucial to creating a successful investment plan. I use a client’s priorities and my expertise to help make their financial goals a reality.
Making sure a client’s wealth continues to work in support of the goals they have established takes careful planning. Such planning is not a single event – it is a process. As circumstances change, so will the investment strategies I use to stay on course toward meeting their objectives.
Background and experience
With a degree in Finance and Marketing, I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. My business, financial experience and knowledge are based upon being a small business owner, investing in real estate and working extensively in the technology and mortgage industries.
I openly discuss all aspects of a client’s financial life with ease. I believe my clients appreciate the deep level of trust felt when working with me. They trust me to take care of them. I take that very seriously, and yet am able to have every client or prospect laugh at least once during our meetings.
Away from the office
My wife Shelley and I are native Texans and are proud to call Austin home for over 30 years. We have two very different and never-ending sources of entertainment in the form of daughters. In addition to various civic and charitable activities, I enjoy watching movies, 30 minutes sitcoms, playing poker and beating my brother in racquetball.
CA Insurance License Number: 4304349. Resident State TX
In my role as Managing Principal, I help clients define their goals (what I call the “its” of life). Alongside my clients; I create a plan to help meet the financial needs of those goals. Beyond investment advice, I assist my clients with their full financial picture. Creating an investment plan is more than just saving for retirement for most people. Monetizing those “its” of one’s life is crucial to creating a successful investment plan. I use a client’s priorities and my expertise to help make their financial goals a reality.
Making sure a client’s wealth continues to work in support of the goals they have established takes careful planning. Such planning is not a single event – it is a process. As circumstances change, so will the investment strategies I use to stay on course toward meeting their objectives.
Background and experience
With a degree in Finance and Marketing, I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. My business, financial experience and knowledge are based upon being a small business owner, investing in real estate and working extensively in the technology and mortgage industries.
I openly discuss all aspects of a client’s financial life with ease. I believe my clients appreciate the deep level of trust felt when working with me. They trust me to take care of them. I take that very seriously, and yet am able to have every client or prospect laugh at least once during our meetings.
Away from the office
My wife Shelley and I are native Texans and are proud to call Austin home for over 30 years. We have two very different and never-ending sources of entertainment in the form of daughters. In addition to various civic and charitable activities, I enjoy watching movies, 30 minutes sitcoms, playing poker and beating my brother in racquetball.
CA Insurance License Number: 4304349. Resident State TX
Contact
Ashley Gonzalez
- Financial Advisor
Focus
For my entire life, I have always strived to go above and beyond. As a Financial Advisor at Vision Wealth Group, I believe that understanding what is important to my clients and their families is the only way to give proper recommendations and craft strategic plans for them. It’s a personal promise I make to help my clients achieve their most closely held goals while building, managing, preserving, enjoying, and transitioning their wealth. My goal is to be a skilled, open-minded, and reliable professional who goes out of their way to build a close relationship with clients – and always provides more value than expected.
Background and experience
Throughout my 15+ years in financial services, I’ve always had to build my own success. Having started at Wells Fargo Bank in 2007 before becoming an advisor in 2015 and transitioning to Wells Fargo Advisors, I have a deep understanding of the detail-oriented operational side of the business. This gives me a unique perspective for problem-solving as well as a mastery of the day-to-day mechanics of managing my client’s wealth. Fueled by a lifelong ambition for freedom, I went independent with Vision Wealth Group to pair their vast resources with my personable approach and critical thinking skills to deliver a client experience that aspires to consistently go above and beyond expectations.
Away from the office
Another role I endeavor to go above and beyond in is being a Mom to my daughter Reese. For me, having a purposeful career is not just about helping my clients or putting food on the table – it’s about setting an optimistic example by succeeding in an industry that often overlooks women. When I do manage to get some time to myself, you’ll find me on the sand volleyball court, country dancing, or just spending quality time with friends and family.
California Insurance License 0M26009. Resident State TX.
For my entire life, I have always strived to go above and beyond. As a Financial Advisor at Vision Wealth Group, I believe that understanding what is important to my clients and their families is the only way to give proper recommendations and craft strategic plans for them. It’s a personal promise I make to help my clients achieve their most closely held goals while building, managing, preserving, enjoying, and transitioning their wealth. My goal is to be a skilled, open-minded, and reliable professional who goes out of their way to build a close relationship with clients – and always provides more value than expected.
Background and experience
Throughout my 15+ years in financial services, I’ve always had to build my own success. Having started at Wells Fargo Bank in 2007 before becoming an advisor in 2015 and transitioning to Wells Fargo Advisors, I have a deep understanding of the detail-oriented operational side of the business. This gives me a unique perspective for problem-solving as well as a mastery of the day-to-day mechanics of managing my client’s wealth. Fueled by a lifelong ambition for freedom, I went independent with Vision Wealth Group to pair their vast resources with my personable approach and critical thinking skills to deliver a client experience that aspires to consistently go above and beyond expectations.
Away from the office
Another role I endeavor to go above and beyond in is being a Mom to my daughter Reese. For me, having a purposeful career is not just about helping my clients or putting food on the table – it’s about setting an optimistic example by succeeding in an industry that often overlooks women. When I do manage to get some time to myself, you’ll find me on the sand volleyball court, country dancing, or just spending quality time with friends and family.
California Insurance License 0M26009. Resident State TX.
Contact
Joe Buckingham
- Client Associate
Focus
I joined Vision Wealth Group in January of 2024 as a Client Associate. My primary focus on our team is to assist in the operations that include processing ACH requests, check depositing, account opening and correspondence, as well as financial review preparation and scheduling. I will also be available to answer any questions about monthly statements, check requests, contact updates, and address changes.
My goal is to help with administrative work and ensure the operations of the team are running smoothly. This will allow the advisors to focus on what is most important, the client.
Background and experience
I graduated from the University of St. Thomas (MN) in May of 2022 with a degree in Financial Management where I was an active member in the Investments Club and played on the club hockey team. Along with my schooling, I completed an internship program where I was able to gain further experience in banking. I began my professional career in 2022 at RBC – Wealth Management where I was in a very similar role to my current position with Vision Wealth Group.
Away from the office
I was born and raised in Minnesota which means I unfortunately have a passion for the Wild, Vikings, and Twins. I also enjoy being outside on the golf course or out in nature doing some hunting and fishing with my friends.
I joined Vision Wealth Group in January of 2024 as a Client Associate. My primary focus on our team is to assist in the operations that include processing ACH requests, check depositing, account opening and correspondence, as well as financial review preparation and scheduling. I will also be available to answer any questions about monthly statements, check requests, contact updates, and address changes.
My goal is to help with administrative work and ensure the operations of the team are running smoothly. This will allow the advisors to focus on what is most important, the client.
Background and experience
I graduated from the University of St. Thomas (MN) in May of 2022 with a degree in Financial Management where I was an active member in the Investments Club and played on the club hockey team. Along with my schooling, I completed an internship program where I was able to gain further experience in banking. I began my professional career in 2022 at RBC – Wealth Management where I was in a very similar role to my current position with Vision Wealth Group.
Away from the office
I was born and raised in Minnesota which means I unfortunately have a passion for the Wild, Vikings, and Twins. I also enjoy being outside on the golf course or out in nature doing some hunting and fishing with my friends.
Contact
Abigail Marler
- Client Associate
Focus
I joined Vision Wealth Group in May of 2024. At Vision Wealth Group, I assist with the investment planning software to ensure the plans produced are accurate and align with a client’s goals. My role involves migrating plans over from Envision to eMoney and troubleshooting any issues that arise during the transition.
Background and experience
I am currently a student at the University of Texas at Austin intending to graduate in May of 2025. I am pursuing a mathematics degree with minors in business and sociology. Due to my interest in financial math, I plan to start my professional career as a Financial Analyst post-graduation. I also currently serve as the treasurer for Texas Panhellenic Council, which oversees all UPC sorority chapters at UT Austin.
Away from the office
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. My family and I are very loyal Longhorns and cheer for them in every sport. When not attending classes or studying, I can be found trying out new restaurants around Austin or spending time with my golden retriever, Cinco.
I joined Vision Wealth Group in May of 2024. At Vision Wealth Group, I assist with the investment planning software to ensure the plans produced are accurate and align with a client’s goals. My role involves migrating plans over from Envision to eMoney and troubleshooting any issues that arise during the transition.
Background and experience
I am currently a student at the University of Texas at Austin intending to graduate in May of 2025. I am pursuing a mathematics degree with minors in business and sociology. Due to my interest in financial math, I plan to start my professional career as a Financial Analyst post-graduation. I also currently serve as the treasurer for Texas Panhellenic Council, which oversees all UPC sorority chapters at UT Austin.
Away from the office
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. My family and I are very loyal Longhorns and cheer for them in every sport. When not attending classes or studying, I can be found trying out new restaurants around Austin or spending time with my golden retriever, Cinco.