Advisors & Associates
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About Trent:
Trent joined Waterfront in 2018 as Vice President, Director of Business Development. Trent came to Waterfront with extensive experience helping companies in the financial services industry achieve their growth goals. His background includes consumer lending, small business growth, establishing new markets, and enterprise sales. He is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and International Business. Trent loves to spend time with his wife, Brianna, and their 2 children. You will also find Trent serving as at Legacy Christian Church, coaching girl’s fastpitch softball, watching his children play sports, or hunting in a field somewhere with Bullet. |
Found Waterfront associates through Google search and showed great reviews. I was connected with Trent who was very inviting and scheduled an appointment the next day. Trent was very professional, friendly and presented an outline for which to consider my position and what Waterfront Advisors could offer. This organization is a fiduciary which is a minimum if you want someone to handle your financial planning and goals. Roger the owner came in and he is a total people person - very engaging and genuine. I would recommend Waterfront Associates and their team for asset management and sound financial guidance. |
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About Chris:
Chris joined Waterfront as our Chief Investment Officer in 2016. He joins us with 20 years of experience with portfolio management and financial analysis, security selection and asset allocation. He is the co-founder of Waterfront Asset Management. Chris graduated in 2001 from Princeton University with an economics degree and has a Masters in Accounting and an MBA from the University of Missouri—Kansas City (UMKC). He resides with his wife and five children in Overland Park. Chris won two national championships in lacrosse while at Princeton and volunteers his time to help coach local teams. |
Chris' portfolio management and the discipline he applies to understanding, dissecting and reacting to the market - and subsequently making incredibly smart investment moves - is unparalleled in the industry. While feeling valued and confident in the relationship is critically important, knowing that my investments are profitable and growing from a strong base for longer term retirement success is just as important. |
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About Micah:
Micah joined our team in September 2021 as a Client Services Representative supporting Roger Ratzlaff. She comes to Waterfront from Hotel Management & Consulting as a Property Accountant for the last two and a half years. When not working, Micah enjoys spending time with her husband & family, serving at Ascend Church, and outdoor activities! |
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About Matt:
Matt joined Waterfront in 2021 as the portfolio manager of the Waterfront Balanced and Waterfront Equity funds. Prior to Waterfront, Matt spent 18 years at Waddell & Reed / Ivy Investments. He joined Waddell & Reed in 2003 as a performance analyst and in 2005 moved to the Investment Management Division as an equity investment analyst. Matt was a member of the Large Cap Growth and Large Cap Value teams from 2009 to 2014, during which time he was named assistant portfolio manager and appointed assistant vice president. In 2014, Matt was then named the vice president and portfolio manager of the Ivy Balanced and Ivy VIP Balanced, and in 2019 promoted to senior vice president and portfolio manager. He graduated from Dordt College in 1998 with a BA in Business Administration, then continued on to earn his MBA with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Kansas in 2003. Matt enjoys serving on Advisory Boards at both Dordt University and the University of Kansas School of Business. He is married to Emily and they have three active children. As a family, they enjoy being on the water engaged in watersports of all kinds. |
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About Crissa:
Crissa joined our team in June 2021 as the Director of Operations as well as supporting Roger Ratzlaff. She comes to Waterfront from Heritage Christian Academy as the Office Manager for the last two and a half years. When not working, Crissa enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their three children. She spends time volunteering at Heritage Christian Academy, where her kids attend school and at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Overland Park. You can find her at their kids sporting events or supporting her family in some way in her off-hours! |
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About Jacob:
Jacob joined Waterfront as a Financial Advisor in 2017. His career began in the financial services industry in 2009 with experience in retail banking and management. He enjoys working with individuals and families to create customized solutions to help achieve their goals. Jacob graduated in 2013 from Doane University in Lincoln, Nebraska with a Bachelor’s degree in Business with an emphasis in Management. Jacob and his wife Crystal have three children and reside in Olathe, Kansas. In their spare time they enjoy golfing, culinary arts and traveling with family and friends. |
I thought I had a financial advisor until I met Waterfront. Jacob and Trent took the time to get to know my family, my financial situation and my aspirations for the future. We have a plan and touch base regularly to ensure we are on track. Highly recommend. |
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About Kathy:
Kathy joined our team in August 2021 as the Receptionist/New Client Representative. She comes to Waterfront from the Blue Valley School District where she spent the last 20 years working in a high school library. When not working, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband, Tom, and their family. She spends time traveling to Chicago to visit their first grandchild (and of course her son and his wife), traveling to Austin to visit their son and his husband, and North Kansas City to visit their daughter and her husband. She also enjoys golfing, reading, and finding fun, local hidden gems while traveling! |
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About Erin:
Erin joined our team in November 2016 as a Registered Client Associate supporting Mike Shields, Financial Advisor. She assists with client service and ongoing account maintenance. Erin has over ten years experience in the financial services industry and holds a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional designation. Erin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Kansas State University. When not working, Erin enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, working out and taking on home improvement projects. |
My brother introduced me to Waterfront a few years ago saying that “they are financial rock stars” and he was right - and the experience has been amazing. Not only have they employed strategies to grow my portfolio and reduce my taxes, but have taken the time to learn my needs and educate me. Both Mike and Erin are pleasant, communicate regularly and are very knowledgeable. In the past, I have worked with several other financial organizations and can honestly say that the Waterfront experience is heads above the rest! |
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About Jonathan:
Jonathan’s investment career began in 2018. While still a professional baseball player, he began to work as an advisor focusing on customizing investment solutions. Jonathan's focus at Waterfront is on both young professionals and professional athletes. Jonathan graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in History from Oklahoma State University. He was a member of the Baseball team and was a three-time 1st team Academic All Big-12 selection. Jonathan was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015 and played professionally for five seasons. Jonathan is actively involved in advocating for Minor League Baseball players through the More than Baseball organization. During his free time, Jonathan enjoys coaching baseball, playing golf, cooking, and reading. |
Love working with Waterfront! Jon Perrin is incredibly professional, responsive and quick to hop on a call in order to explain the nuances of my portfolio. The whole staff made moving from one of the larger firms smooth, easy and profitable. This advisory firm certainly has their clients best interest at the heart of their business! |
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About Roger:
A career in investment planning began for Roger in 1988, with A.G. Edwards. In May of 2012, Roger and a small group of financial advisors set out to start their journey as Waterfront Advisors. He and his team work together to provide customized strategies for a wide range of clients. Roger focuses on consulting high net worth clients, their families and their businesses. Other areas of distinction include charitable foundations, advisement on trust planning strategies and professional money management. Outside business experience is an additional resource to Roger's investment planning. Roger is active in his community and his church. In the past, he served as a deacon and President of the Board at Overland Park Church of Christ. He also served as Chairman of Westminster Academy pledge drive in order to build an addition to the school. In his spare time, he appreciates time spent on his farm, 4 C's at Wolf Creek. In 2014, he and several other families built a baseball field there for the Heritage Christian High School baseball team. The first pitch was thrown in April of that year. Roger is devoted to his career, his community and above all else, his family. Roger and his wife Ginny committed their lives to one another in 1988. Together, they have four children. |
Roger and his team at WaterFront have managed our investments for almost 20 years. We trust them for advice and guidance and are pleased with the results. Jacob Linch has taken a more active role in managing the relationship over the past couple years and does a great job communicating with the entire family. |
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About Mike:
Mike graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He became Financial Advisor for A.G. Edwards in 1999. Mike attained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2006 to work extensively with individuals in the areas of investment planning including retirement, estate planning strategies, and educational planning needs. He assists individuals in reaching their financial goals by implementing asset allocation and portfolio diversification strategies. Mike is married and has four dogs and five horses to keep him busy when not in the office. When the weather cooperates, you can also find him on his motorcycle, on the water or enjoying the country life. |
We have been clients of Waterfront Wealth for 20 years. Prior to our 2000 meeting, we had been keeping our portfolio with another large financial services company. At that initial meeting we met with Mike Shields, and after our meeting, decided to have Mike manage a small portion of our portfolio (at that time Waterfront Wealth was part of A G Edwards). Mike was incredibly personable, and responsive to finding something that would meet our needs. It wasn’t too long before we moved our entire portfolio over to Mike for management. He remains our advisor today. In 20 years we have obviously been through many life changes and there have been many ups and downs in the financial markets. Mike has always stayed “on top” of things, kept us informed and always recommends adjustments in order to keep our plan in place. Mike truly understands our financial needs and goals, and has built our portfolio to meet our specific situation. He and Erin are always responsive to our calls and questions. The entire Waterfront team is professional, personable and extremely knowledgeable. Without hesitation we have recommended Mike to family and friends, and will continue to do so. |
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About Pamela:
Pam joined Waterfront in 2018 and has been active in the investment industry for over 15 years. Throughout her career she has been recognized numerously as a model example of a trusted Advisor. A large segment of Pam’s practice revolves around women who are navigating life changes. Her compassion and network rank high on her client’s list of necessities. Not only does she help guide her clients through difficult circumstances, but she arms them with resources who can also surround them with knowledge, advice and grace. Pam has lived in the Kansas City Metro for over 20 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Kansas. She and her husband reside in Olathe, Kansas with their two children. Together they enjoy sports, outdoor activities, exploring and visiting new parks. She serves her community by volunteering as her daughter’s Girl Scout troop leader. This couples her passion for helping others with her desire for being a positive leader and role model. Pam finds it truly humbling and fulfilling to be such a trusted leader in her community. |
We moved over to Waterfront a while back and have had an amazing experience and way better than our experience with previous advisors. We will never switch again. Pam Vasquez is our advisor and she has gone above and beyond to help me and my family and also our company and employees and their families. She has gotten involved with so many aspects of our business that I'm sure she could've left me to do the heavy lifting like coordinating with accountants, 401K administrators and the likes. But she didn't. She was there every step of the way which is so huge for a small business like ours. She is a vital part of my team in running my business. Not to mention that she is just a great person and genuinely cares about us and our success. I recommend the Waterfront team to ANYONE especially those who has missed out on a true partnership with other advisors. Whether you are an individual or need someone for your small business, give their team a shot! |