Meet Our Advisory Team
Our Lakewood-based financial advisors offer personalized financial planning and investment management services to individuals and families. We help our clients make confident, informed decisions about their finances, whether they’re preparing for retirement, planning their estate, or growing generational wealth.
Our team has deep experience serving professionals in the Western Denver suburbs, working with business owners & entrepreneurs as well as retirees and pre-retirees. We are also proud to serve ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
If you’re searching for a financial advisor in Lakewood, CO, our team is ready to support your financial goals.*
Connect with Us
Managing Directors
Charlie Farrell, JD, LLM
Partner, Managing Director
Charlie Farrell, J.D., LL.M., is one of the Managing Directors of the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver, CO office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. Charlie focuses on managing wealth for individuals, families, and business owners, providing the full continuum of personal and family wealth management throughout all phases of his clients’ financial lives. Charlie began his career as a tax attorney helping business owners establish and fund corporate retirement plans. While working with owners who eventually retired, Charlie often received questions from clients about how to live off their money during retirement. These conversations ultimately sparked Charlie’s desire to work in investment management, prompting him to leave the legal and tax field. Charlie is the author of the book, Your Money Ratios: 8 Simple Tools for Financial Security. He is also the author of a monthly column known as the “Road to Retirement” for the Denver Post and has contributed to numerous industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Consumer Reports Money Advisor, and Barron’s. Charlie has a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, and a law degree from The American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., where he graduated summa cum laude. He also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in taxation from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Charlie is a former board member of the Mountain Area Land Trust and the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation. Charlie currently resides in Castle Pines, Colorado, with his wife, and in his spare time enjoys fly fishing and riding their horses.
Fred Taylor
Partner, Managing Director
Fred Taylor is the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver, CO office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. Fred has four decades of experience in the financial services industry and began his career in 1984. He has worked at numerous financial institutions, analyzing, trading, and selling equities and fixed-income investments to institutional and retail clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Fred served as co-founder and president of Northstar Investment Advisors for 26 years. Fred is the past Chairman of the board of CollegeInvest, Colorado’s 529 college savings plan, and is a past Chairman of the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation board. He is also a member of the Metro State University Foundation board and a member of their Investment Committee. He is a past board member and Chairman of the investment committees of Children’s Hospital Colorado, The Denver Foundation, the Colorado Zoological Trust, the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and Kent Denver School.
In recognition of his work with Denver’s non-profits, Fred received the Denver Foundation’s 2017 Philanthropic Leadership Award. He was also a finalist for the 2019 Invest in Others Lifetime Achievement Award for his two decades of service to the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. From 2008 to 2010, Fred served as an economic advisor to Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, and he was recently a member of the Colorado Forum, a collection of business leaders focused on critical policy issues facing the state. A Colorado native, Fred graduated cum laude from Middlebury College with honors in American History. He currently lives in Denver with his wife, Claudia, and enjoys skiing, tennis, golf, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Sean Curley, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Sean Curley is one of the Partners and Managing Directors for the Beacon Pointe Denver, CO office. Sean has spent his career in wealth management helping clients prepare for and enjoy a secure and comfortable retirement in the context of an ongoing, long-term relationship. His recommendations are based on a careful understanding of each client’s specific situation, coupled with thorough analysis and an evidence-based approach to retirement issues and investment management. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sean founded The Retirement Planning Specialists in 2001 (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021) and previously worked as an advisor with Foland, Curley & Associates and American Express Financial Advisors. Sean is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and graduated from Penn State University, Phi Beta Kappa, with honors, having earned a B.S. in Computer Science. He lives in Highlands Ranch, CO, with Mary, his wife of 34 years.
Tom Stefaniak, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Thomas (Tom) Stefaniak, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. With more than 30 years of expertise in the financial services industry, Tom has a passion for building relationships that go far beyond finances. Tom started his career as a Financial Planner with IDS/American Express in 1987. He quickly rose to the level of District Manager and received numerous awards for client service. In 1998, Tom co-founded Pinnacle Wealth Management, a boutique firm in Denver, Colorado (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Tom graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a double major in Real Estate and Finance, holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation, and is a member of the Financial Planning Association. Outside of the office, Tom enjoys golfing, traveling (whenever his schedule can allow it), and spending time with his wife and his three adult children.
Wealth Advisors
Brad Meyer, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
As a Wealth Advisor for the Beacon Pointe Denver, CO office, Brad is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Brad was a Wealth Planner at Pinnacle Wealth Management (which joined Beacon Pointe in 2023) and before that, worked at Edward Jones as a Wealth Advisor. Brad earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Creighton University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation holder. Outside of the office, Brad enjoys watching sports, spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and playing pickleball.
Bryton Kessel, AIF®
Wealth Advisor
Bryton is a Wealth Advisor for the Beacon Pointe South Denver office and is responsible for providing personalized investment management and financial planning guidance. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Bryton was a Wealth Planning Assistant at Pinnacle Wealth Management, (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Bryton graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, earning his bachelor’s degree in Economics. Outside of the office, Bryton enjoys golfing, spending time with his dog, Chop, and rooting for all the Colorado sports teams.
Carlos Diaz Montoya
Associate Wealth Advisor
Carlos is an Associate Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Denver office and is responsible for partnering with investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized wealth management experience. His duties include investment strategy implementation, asset allocation modeling, portfolio performance reporting, and client services. Carlos spent time in the Pacific Northwest, where he graduated from Southern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Applied Finance, in addition to being a student athlete competing on the NAIA Men’s Soccer Team. He began his professional career as an Economist for the State of Oregon before transitioning into financial services with Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative. In his free time, Carlos and his pup can be found hiking and fishing in the endless Colorado backcountry.
Dan Brascetta, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Dan Brascetta is a Wealth Advisor for the Beacon Pointe Denver office and is responsible for providing personalized investment management and financial planning guidance. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) with 10 years of investment management experience, Dan specializes in developing well-rounded financial plans that include specialized investment management strategies. Dan started his career in financial sales, working with Oppenheimer Funds and Charles Schwab as a Regional Investment Consultant, assisting advisors with investment management research, solutions and portfolio construction. Following the completion of his CFP® designation in 2019, Dan transitioned to comprehensive financial planning roles, advising clients on Investment Management, Retirement and Estate Planning, Taxes, and more. Dan attended Oregon State University on a wrestling scholarship, graduating with a degree in Economics and a minor in Business and Entrepreneurship. Outside of the office, Dan enjoys working with his wife, Gina, on their personal training business and coaching their three boys’ baseball and wrestling teams.
Emma Smith, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Emma Smith is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Denver, CO office. She partners closely with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to deliver tailored strategies that help clients achieve their financial goals. Before joining Beacon Pointe, Emma worked in Private Wealth Management at William Blair. Emma earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bentley University, with a concentration in Personal Financial Planning. She also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Outside of work, Emma enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
James Franklin
Senior Associate Wealth Advisor
James is a Senior Associate Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Denver, Colorado office and is responsible for partnering with the investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized wealth management experience. His duties include investment strategy implementation, asset allocation modeling, portfolio performance reporting, and client services. Prior to entering the financial services industry, James began his career in sales and customer service. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Colorado Denver Business School. Born and raised in Minnesota, James moved to Colorado to further his education. After developing a strong passion for the Colorado lifestyle, which includes hiking and snowboarding, he decided to make Denver his home. Aside from his outdoor endeavors, James’s free time is spent hanging out with his wife Sarah, dogs Hank and Cici, and trying new recipes in the kitchen!
Joseph Friedman, CEPA®, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Joseph Friedman is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Denver, CO office, helping individuals, families, and business owners grow, protect, and transition their wealth. He provides thoughtful, holistic guidance across all aspects of financial life—including retirement, education, business succession, legacy, tax, and charitable planning. Joseph has spent nearly two decades in asset management, most recently with Principal Asset Management and OppenheimerFunds. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) designations, as well as a master’s degree in education from Hunter College. Originally from New York, he now calls Colorado home. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Denver Academy of Torah, and he enjoys hiking 14ers, skiing with his family, and exploring Colorado’s mountains with his wife and four children.
Julia Stauffer
Associate Wealth Advisor
Julia is an Associate Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Denver office. Through a comprehensive financial planning process, Julia helps clients plan for their long-term goals and objectives. Partnering with the firm’s advisory teams, she provides tailored guidance in areas such as income and tax planning, charitable and estate considerations, and investment management. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Julia was an advisor service representative and, before that, worked as a private equity fund accountant. She graduated summa cum laude from Colorado Christian University with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance. Julia is currently pursuing her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Outside of the office, Julia enjoys exploring local coffee shops and spending time outdoors, whether playing volleyball and pickleball or hiking with her husband and friends.
Lexi Schmidt, CDFA®
Wealth Advisor
Lexi is a Wealth Advisor within the Beacon Pointe Denver, CO office and is responsible for client wealth management and helping to expand Beacon Pointe’s presence in Denver. Lexi focuses on managing wealth for individuals and families through customized financial planning and investment management. She is actively taking on new clients and managing client relationships, helping them to determine and achieve their unique financial goals through a holistic approach to wealth management.
Lexi began her career in product marketing and sales for an NYC-based startup. She then worked as a product manager for a private labeling company and handled products through each phase of market research, creation, and production to ultimately market and sell them. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Lexi began her career in financial services as a Client Service Associate for Northstar Investment Advisors. She obtained her Series 65 license in 2021, her Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) designation in 2023, and is currently working towards obtaining her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation through Northwestern University.
Originally from Minnesota, Lexi spent most of her youth in Naples, Florida, before attending and graduating from Florida State University in 2016. She moved to Colorado in 2018 and enjoys all things outdoors. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking with her husband, Cameron, and their dogs, Louie and Roo, skiing, creating art, and Reiki healing.
Luke Jackson
Associate Wealth Advisor
Luke is an Associate Wealth Advisor and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized wealth management experience. His duties include investment strategy implementation, asset allocation modeling, portfolio performance reporting, and client services. Luke earned his bachelor’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from the University of Colorado Boulder, and he is currently earning experience for his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Luke is a Colorado native and enjoys spending time with friends and family, photography, skiing, and is an avid sports fan.
Michael Beaulieu, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Michael Beaulieu is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Denver, CO office. Through a comprehensive financial planning process, he helps clients plan for their long-term goals and objectives so they can retire comfortably and confidently. Michael specializes in retirement planning, including income and tax planning, charitable and estate considerations, and investment management. He offers customized investment solutions to ensure each client’s specific goals are met before and during retirement. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Michael was a Financial Planner with The Retirement Planning Specialists. Michael graduated cum laude from Colorado State University’s honors program with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Financial Planning. Michael serves on the Board of Directors of Humane Colorado, a leading animal welfare organization. Outside of work, Michael enjoys running, cheering on the Denver Nuggets, and golfing during the Colorado summer.
Rashad Khan
Regional Director
Rashad Khan is a Regional Director in the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver office and is responsible for new client development. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Rashad held roles at Fidelity Investments as a Workplace Planning Consultant and at Charles Schwab as a Vice President Financial Consultant, where he advised clients on Investment Management, Retirement and Estate Planning, Tax Planning, and more. Rashad attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. During his time there, he also helped run his family-owned Indian restaurant, Curry n Kebob. Outside of the office, Rashad enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, traveling, supporting Colorado sports teams, and dining at new restaurants in the Denver area.
Seth Guenther, CIMA®, ChFC®, CLU®, CEBS®, CRPS®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Seth is a Senior Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Denver, CO office with over 20 years of investment experience and is responsible for client service and new client development. As a Certified Investment Management Analyst and a Chartered Financial Consultant, he specializes in portfolio construction, portfolio management, and all phases of a financial plan to provide customized solutions for client goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Seth was with Oppenheimer Funds, where he worked as a consultant to Registered Investment Advisors (RIA). His previous role included portfolio analysis, business coaching, and finding ways to make RIA’s more efficient. Prior to Oppenheimer Funds, he worked with Mutual of America, where he focused on non-profit organizations and foundations, assisting with investment solutions and employee benefits. He graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Seth holds five industry designations: CIMA®, ChFC®, CLU®, CEBS®, and CRPS®. Seth enjoys anything sports-related, coaching, and traveling with his wife and five children.
Client Service & Operations
Cheryl McDonald
Senior Office Management Associate
Cheryl is a Senior Office Management Associate and is responsible for a variety of tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the Denver office. Her responsibilities include client service, database organization, and general office management duties. Cheryl brings her stellar management and customer service skills to Beacon Pointe through many years of nonprofit work, having spent 12 years serving in the Programs Department at Rose Community Foundation and the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Cheryl was a Business Manager and Compliance Administrator for Northstar Investment Advisors. Cheryl studied Elementary Education/Education at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska where she was a member of the Women’s Basketball Team. She is also a past national member of the Association of Black Foundation Executives and regional member of the Rocky Mountain Region – Grants Managers Network. Outside of the office, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren and is an avid sports fan.
Greta Martignetti
Client Service Associate
Greta is a member of the Beacon Pointe Client Service Department and is responsible for partnering with the firm’s investment and wealth management teams to provide an elevated service experience for clients. Her duties include account administration, processing new and existing account paperwork, money transfers, communicating with clients, and assisting with day-to-day service requests. Greta graduated from University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in communication. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, going to concerts and festivals, practicing yoga, and spending time with her friends.
John Riecke
Operations Manager, Head Trader
John is the Operations Manager and Head Trader for the Beacon Pointe Denver office. He is responsible for overseeing day-to-day firm operations, implementing policy and procedures to improve efficiency, executing trades for retail and institutional accounts, and managing the Advisor Support team to provide an exceptional client experience. John holds a degree in Political Science from Southern Methodist University and enjoys biking, transit, and urbanism. His professional goals are to make his team’s lives easier and to ensure that his employees are fulfilled and content.
Megan Archuleta
Client Service Associate
Megan is a Client Service Associate in the Beacon Pointe Denver, Colorado office. She is responsible for partnering with the firm’s investment and wealth management teams to provide an elevated service experience for our clients. Her duties include account administration, processing new and existing account paperwork, money transfers, communicating with clients, and assisting with day-to-day service requests. Megan is a Denver native and earned her degree from the University of Denver. Outside of the office, Megan enjoys gardening, attending fitness classes with friends, and going to her book club meetings.
Financial Advisory Services Tailored to Your Needs
Our process and attention to detail ensure your wealth plan allows you to make smart choices about your financial future through informed decisions.
Financial Planning
Our holistic allWEALTH® approach addresses all aspects of your financial well-being.
Retirement Planning
We help clients achieve their best retirement by making smart, informed choices now.
Estate Planning
We’ll help ensure you have the necessary documents in place to protect your family and legacy.
Strategic Tax Planning
Our team is well-versed at integrating tax strategies across your portfolio and financial plan.
Investment Management
We offer customized investment solutions with diverse strategies on an open platform.
Healthcare Planning
Our team can guide you in confidently planning for your future healthcare needs.
Asset Protection
Our team uses their expertise to design a protection plan for your family and assets.
Family Office Services
Our role is to help ensure that your wealth will last you and your family for generations to come.
*Client Meeting Location – By Appointment Only
This location is intended solely for client convenience and meeting purposes. It is not a staffed office, and no employees are based here. In-person meetings are available by appointment only.
