Retirement Plan Consulting Services
Beacon Pointe proactively partners with plan sponsors and organizations, seeking to understand all aspects of each unique retirement plan, convey knowledgeable guidance, and provide exceptional service.
How We Can Help
Types of Plans Served
As an ERISA fiduciary, Beacon Pointe can act as a 3(21) or 3(38) investment advisor.
Advisory Services:
- Formal Fiduciary Training for Plan Sponsors
- Investment Policy Statement Development
- Provide Investment Expertise
- Facilitate Provider Requests for Proposal
- Assist with Service Provider Selections
- Oversight of Conversions
- Facilitate Performance Reviews
- Provide Participant Education
Beacon Pointe
can also assist with:
- Plan Design Consulting
- Establishment of a Plan Committee
- Establishment of Plan Policies and Procedures
- Preparation of Meeting Agendas and Minutes
- Delivery of Participant Services
- Merger and Acquisition Plan Oversight
Beacon Pointe seeks to distinguish true value through the careful assessment of suitable providers whose services and capabilities best align with the plan’s unique needs. And, every client is surrounded by a dedicated advisory team that employs its industry expertise along with premier technological tools to enhance the overall service experience.
Connect with our Retirement Plan Consulting Group
Bjorn Nesvold, CEPA®, CLTC™,…
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Bjorn Nesvold is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors with nearly two decades of wealth management experience. Bjorn helps individuals, families, and business owners develop a financial strategy based on their unique goals and values. He specializes in working with business owners to improve their business valuation and prepare for the eventual exit. He also specializes in guiding pre-retirees and retirees through tax-efficient retirement income distribution strategies, wealth management, and insurance planning. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Business Management and has since earned multiple industry designations throughout his career. Bjorn enjoys the ongoing educational opportunities his career provides, always continuing to learn and pass that knowledge on to his clients. Bjorn is passionate about giving back to the community and currently serves as Board President for Operation HELP and an Ambassador for the Hudson, WI Chamber of Commerce. Outside of the office, Bjorn enjoys volunteering for various organizations in his Hudson community. Every July, you can find him on the golf course hosting the annual Corbin’s Cup Golf Tournament in memory of his cousin Corbin Wick. This tournament raises money yearly for “BRIDGE for Community Life,” a local non-profit based in Hudson, which provides local community-based life skills training, employment services, and social and recreational programs for youth and adults with disabilities. He also enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Danielle, and their two children, Nolan and Collins. Their favorite activities include golfing, spending time at the cabin, socializing with friends, cooking, and traveling.
Brad Mann, JD, QPFC
Senior Wealth Advisor, Retirement Plan Services
As a Senior Wealth Advisor, Brad specializes in providing services for employer-sponsored qualified retirement plans, including plan design, participant investment education, and implementing processes to assist plan sponsors in meeting their ERISA obligations to help ensure employers and employees are positioned to meet their retirement savings goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Brad worked for DMJ Wealth Advisors as Qualified Plan Specialist and has 30 years of experience in the financial services and insurance industries. Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Denison University (Phi Beta Kappa) and a J.D. degree from West Virginia University. He also holds the Qualified Plan Financial Advisor (QPFC) designation from the National Association of Plan Advisors. Brad resides in Greensboro, NC, is married with two children, and in his free time enjoys traveling with his family for epic hiking adventures.
Brandt Kuhn, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Brandt is a Partner, Managing Director in the Beacon Pointe Palm Desert office, bringing extensive experience in comprehensive financial planning and a client-first, collaborative approach to helping individuals and families manage and grow their wealth. He works closely with clients to create personalized, financial plans through identifying and setting goals for wealth accumulation and future needs, as well as establishing financial priorities, take advantage of tax laws, and utilize investments to their benefit.
A Southern California native, Brandt graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a concentration in Financial Management. Following graduation, he returned to the Coachella Valley to build his advisory practice and raise his family. Brandt is deeply committed to his local community, currently serving on the board of the Desert Cancer Foundation. His previous board service includes the Desert Recreation District Foundation, The First Tee of the Coachella Valley Advisory Board, and the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce. Brandt is also a graduate of the Leadership Coachella Valley program (2011). His professional accomplishments include being honored by InvestmentNews as a 2019 ’40 Under 40’ financial advisor and Palm Springs Life’s ’40 Under 40’ (2010).
Outside of the office, Brandt enjoys playing competitive golf and spending time outdoor with his wife, Erin, and their two sons, Brooks and Owen. Together, they enjoy traveling in their Airstream trailer, visiting national and state parks, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.
Felix Lin, CFA®
Senior Advisor, Institutional Consulting
Felix has been with the firm since its inception and is a founding partner. Felix is responsible for overseeing Beacon Pointe’s Institutional Consulting Services Group. In addition, he is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. As a consultant, his responsibilities included asset allocation, investment manager structure, and investment manager due diligence and evaluation. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Felix was Vice President at Canterbury Consulting. Felix began his investment consulting career as a member of the client service and consulting team for Wilshire Associates’ institutional fund management tool, the Wilshire Compass. His clients included large endowments and foundations, corporate, insurance, and defined benefit plans. Felix was an Eagle Scout, graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a BA, and received his MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. He previously served as the Investment Chair for the Goodwill of Orange County, was a member of the Human Society of Silicon Valley Finance Committee, and serves as an Ambassador for Free Wheelchair Mission. Felix has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Los Angeles.
Garth Flint
Partner, Co-Founder
Garth has over 40 years of experience as an institutional investment consultant. He is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committee. Prior to launching Beacon Pointe Advisors, Garth was a founder and Managing Director with Canterbury Consulting, responsible for Advisor Services to Institutions and High Net Worth Individuals. Garth was a founder and principal for the Kidder Peabody West Coast Institutional Consulting Services of Newport Beach and served eight years as Vice President with Merrill Lynch as an institutional investment consultant. Garth holds a BS degree in Economics from St. Mary’s College of California. He serves on the board of Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Southern California, is a former Trustee of St. Mary’s College of California where he was Chairman of the Advancement Committee as well as the Investment Committee. He currently is on the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Province Finance Advisory Board and serves on the Presidential Advisory Council of Concordia University. Garth spent 15 years as a Naval Aviator flying in the F-4 Phantom II. Garth is married, has six children, ten grandchildren, and lives with his wife in Newport Beach, California.
Gregg Cowan, AIF®, CPFA®, PPC®
Retirement Plan Business Consultant
Gregg Cowan is a Retirement Plan Business Consultant at Beacon Pointe Advisors, supporting the growing portfolio of Beacon Pointe’s Retirement Plan Services Group, which provides fiduciary and investment consulting to 401(k) and 403(b) plans, endowments, foundations, and individual clientele since 2002. With over a decade of experience, he focuses on helping advisors grow their retirement plan business, supporting participant investment outcomes, and delivering comprehensive fiduciary support during the accumulation and distribution phases. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Gregg served as the Regional Vice President and Retirement Plan Counselor for Capital Group and was a Financial Planner at Continuum Consulting Group, further expanding his financial background. He holds a Master of Arts with honors in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary with honors and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Vanguard University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Gregg also holds several professional designations, including the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), Professional Plan Consultant® (PPC®), and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®). Outside of the office, Gregg strongly commits to community service, volunteering with the Royal Family KIDS, the Special Olympics, and Meals on Wheels.
Ian Blanchard, AIF®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Edward Ian Blanchard (Ian) is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and 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, Ian joined CBD Wealth Management in 2011 as a wealth advisor and focused on implementing financial research into portfolios tailored for each client’s specific needs. He plays an integral role in the financial planning process, interacting with clients and financial advisors in the development and monitoring of individual investment strategies and decisions. He is responsible for conducting research and analysis on current and future portfolio holdings, evaluating and monitoring portfolio risk and recommendations. Ian also specializes in 401(k) plan design assistance and analysis as well as helping establish new 401(k) plans for businesses and/or transitioning businesses from old plans. Ian attended Louisiana State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Economics with a double minor in Latin and Sociology. He is also a magna cum laude graduate from Jesuit High School in New Orleans. Ian lives with his wife and their two children in Lakeview, and in his free time he enjoys duck hunting, fishing and tennis.
Jeff Hwang, CFP®, CRPC
Partner, Managing Director
Jeff Hwang is a Partner and Managing Director of Beacon Pointe’s North Carolina office with over 15 years of experience delivering authentic planning and investment solutions to his clients. Jeff leads a team of like-minded professionals serving private business owners, corporate executives and health care professionals with their unique planning and investment needs. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jeff was a partner at DMJ Wealth Advisors, a firm focused on collaborating with industry professionals to deliver personalized solutions to clients with complex needs. Jeff began his career in financial services at Merrill Lynch where he served as a Financial Advisor. Jeff holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification, is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and graduated from Davidson College. He and his wife have three sons and are actively involved in the community through their church and the local Young Life chapter. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys spending time cheering his boys on the soccer field, playing guitar and staying active.
Megan Cochran, CEPA, CPFA
Dir. of Operations, Wealth Advisor
Megan Cochran serves as a Wealth Advisor and the Director of Operations at the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. Since beginning her career in 2009, Megan has developed a comprehensive skill set in various areas, including retirement plan design and implementation, fiduciary services, fee analysis, and individual financial planning. Her approach focuses on providing holistic and personalized financial solutions tailored to meet the unique goals and objectives of her clients. Megan works closely with individuals and plan sponsors, ensuring their needs are addressed efficiently and effectively through collaborative efforts.
Megan’s journey into finance began early in life, influenced by her parents’ exposure to the financial aspects of running a small business. This exposure sparked her interest and eventually led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from Loyola University New Orleans. Following her academic pursuits, Megan embarked on her professional journey, initially joining a national bank where she held various roles. However, her desire for a more localized, family-oriented, and client-focused environment ultimately led her to CBD Wealth Management (CBD), which merged with Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2020. Outside of the office, Megan remains connected to her community and is very involved with the John Curtis Christian School. She prioritizes quality time with her family, enjoying moments with her husband, Joe, and their two daughters, Elle and Zoe.
Michele Sarna, AIF®, AWMA®, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Michele is responsible for the development of financial plans that help clients identify and set goals for wealth accumulation and future needs, as well as establish priorities, leverage tax laws, utilize financial products to their benefit, among other savvy financial services. In addition to the services highlighted, Michele specializes in qualified retirement plans, including plan design, implementation, and management that help employers and employees reach their retirement savings goals. Michele has extensive experience in investment management and the brokerage industry. Michele took a hiatus from the finance industry when she moved to the desert to help her husband run and manage a construction business. However, a few years later, she decided to go back to her passion in financial services. Michele is also passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. She holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Finance from California State University, Long Beach. Michele holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary™, and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®) designations. Over the years, Michele has garnered several industry recognitions including:
- 2020 ‘401 Top Retirement Plan Advisor by State’ from Financial Times
- 2022 ‘Top Retirement Plan Adviser’ from PLANADVISER
- 2023 ‘Top Retirement Plan Adviser’ from PLANADVISER
Outside of the office, Michele likes to spend time with her family, read, exercise, and participate in races benefiting non-profit organizations.
Mike Breller
Managing Director, Institutional Consulting
Mike is a Managing Director for Beacon Pointe’s Institutional Consulting team and possesses over 25 years of institutional investment experience. As a consultant, Mike advises institutional clients on policy development, strategic planning, asset allocation, and portfolio construction. He is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Investment Committees including Beacon Pointe Alternatives and the Macro-Economic Sub-Committee, and has been with Beacon Pointe since 2010. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, he worked for 11 years as a Financial Analyst and Investment Specialist for the institutional services group of Capital Research and Management Company, the investment advisor to the American Funds. In these roles, he represented the investment management team to large institutional clients and research groups for major financial intermediary firms. Mike graduated, magna cum laude, from Boise State University with a BBA in Finance. Outside of the office, Mike stays involved in his community as an Irvine Public Schools Foundation Board member, Finance Committee member, and former Chair over the last 8 years. He also enjoys traveling internationally with his wife and daughters and playing the occasional round of golf.
Mitchell Hughes
Senior Consultant, Institutional Consulting
Mitchell (Mitch) is responsible for consulting Beacon Pointe’s institutional clients and handling new client development. He serves large foundations, endowments, non-profits, high net worth family offices as well as corporate 401(k) plans and institutional 403(b) plans. Mitch is a member of Beacon Pointe’s 401(k) committee and helps the firm maintain fiduciary standards and mandates issued by the regulatory authorities. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Mitch worked at Merrill Lynch with the Global Institutional Consulting Group and at J.W. Cole Financial as a financial analyst. Before his financial career, Mitch played NCAA ice hockey for Bethel University in Minnesota with a short stint of playing semi-professionally. He had been elected as the captain at various levels and was the “enforcer” for his teams. Mitch obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California, Irvine. He serves on the board of Upon this Rock Ministries and is an active member of Mariners Church in Irvine, CA. Mitch is married and resides in Orange County, and in his spare time he enjoys golfing, surfing and mountain activities.
Rocky Daigle, AIF®, JD
Partner, Managing Director
Rocky Daigle is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office handling select client relationships and the corporate retirement plan division. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, and after several years as a practicing attorney, Rocky founded CBD Wealth Management in 2004, partnering up with high school classmates and fraternity brothers Walt Bond and Bobby Comeaux to build a financial planning business from scratch to help hard-working families meet their retirement dreams. In 2019, he was recognized as one of the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors by Forbes Magazine. Rocky is a New Orleans native, and alumnus of Jesuit High School, he received a B.S. in Finance from LSU and received his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School. He is an active member of the community, having served in leadership roles on numerous boards and committees of civic, professional and charitable organizations, including Jesuit High School, Christian Brothers School, Dominican High School and Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana. When he’s not at the office, Rocky tries to find time to get his golf handicap to a manageable number, play tennis, travel with his wife and his three young adult children, and follow the New Orleans Saints.
We are here to be of service, guiding your organization to best achieve its desired investment goals and objectives. If you are looking for a trusted partner, please contact us.
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