PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Ronald E. Ridgeway is a Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor with 30 years of experience in the financial services business. He earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of California and currently teaches investment courses at UC Riverside, Santa Ana College, and Santiago Canyon College. Ron is also Certified Financial Manager. Ron is on the Planned Giving Boards of the Community Foundation and UCR. He grew up in Nova Scotia and now lives in Riverside. His two daughters attend University of Redlands and UCR.

Chad T. Willardson is an Senior Financial Advisor, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, and Wealth Management Advisor whose been with Merrill Lynch since 2003. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in economics and business. In his community, Chad serves on the Executive Board of the Inland Empire Management Society. He also volunteers as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America. Chad served as a translator for the American Embassy in Lithuania and participated in humanitarian aid programs in the Baltic States as a church missionary. He is an Orange County native and now lives in Corona with his wife and two children.

Katie D. Lemon joins our group with five years of client service experience at a major public company and having earned her bachelor's degree in Finance from Cal State San Bernardino. She adds creativity, a great work ethic, a client-focused attitude and enthusiasm to our team.

Rosa M. Torres is our lead Client Service Associate and has provided professional support to Merrill Lynch clients for over 13 years. She is the first line of contact in assisting clients with administrative and personal banking needs. Rosa exhibits a steadfast commitment to client communication and achieving excellent service. She consistently receives special recognition in the SoCal region for outstanding client service.

We assume the role of a private consulting group focusing on our clients' long-term goals. We primarily work with affluent families, corporate executives and successful business owners. Our select group of clients utilizes our experience and vast resources of Merrill Lynch. Life changes and liquidity events (i.e. career move, inheritance, retirement, home or investment transaction, business sale, college planning) provide a natural introduction to our practice. Our group works closely with clients' other family advisors (attorneys, accountants, etc.) to accomplish their personal and business goals.

We stress a long-term approach to investing with customized strategies, and manage risk through our globally balanced portfolios. Clients come to us seeking a relationship built on trust, professional service and personalized guidance. We understand there's more to your financial life than just investing in stocks and bonds. Whether you're preparing for retirement, protecting your estate, looking for flexible financing, or funding a business, we'll work with you to develop innovative strategies that consider all aspects of your financial life. Our goal is to provide peace of mind for the future through our disciplined wealth management process.