Derrick Andrews, CFP®, CEP®

Founder, President / Financial Advisor

Derrick@awallc.com

Derrick Andrews is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and a CERTIFIED ESTATE PLANNER™. Since 1988, Derrick has been successfully helping families with financial planning, wealth management, life and long-term care insurance needs as well as wealth transfer strategies.  Derrick has been known for using his “Big Picture” approach to retirement planning which seeks the success of your retirement plan through good and challenging economic times.

Transferring his knowledge to his own firm, Derrick started AWA Wealth Management in 1994. He then opened his office in Auburn, California, close to his hometown of Grass Valley, in 1999. Founded under the premise that financial matters are best conducted on a personal level, Derrick has sought to meet and aimed to surpass the expectations of his clients for more than 30 years.

Derrick graduated from Sacramento State University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Finance and Economics.

Certifications and Licenses:

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner

CERTIFIED ESTATE PLANNER™ Practitioner

FINRA Series 7, General Securities Representative Examination

FINRA Series 63, Uniform Securities State Law Examination

FINRA Series 24, General Securities Principal Examination

TONI FARKAS

Director, Business Administration & Client Services

Toni joined the AWA Wealth Management team in March of 2017 with a background in business development. Prior to joining our team, she worked for 10 years in upper management in the retail industry, focused on detailed customer service. Over the last 17 years, her career’s major focuses have been in business, marketing, client services, administration, communications, and team development. She graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Business Administration. Toni works with clients to ensure they receive the best in customer service care. She serves a diverse range of client needs, from facilitating client inquiries to implementing new accounts and account operations. In her spare time, Toni enjoys being active outdoors with her husband and two boys.

Toni@awallc.com

T.J. PETERSON

LPL Registered Administrative Associate

T.J. joined the team at AWA Wealth Management in January of 2004.  She graduated from Simpson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business & Human Resources Management in 2005.  She completed her FINRA Series 6 & 63 and became a Registered Administrative Associate in 2011.  She holds these licenses through LPL Financial.  In 2013, T.J. also completed her studies to become an Enrolled Agent with the IRS.  She provides a vast range of client customer service needs, as well as assisting the advisors with tax planning for our clients.  T.J.’s experience and professionalism ensure the quality of care and service you would expect from our team.  She always strives to provide the best service she can to each of our clients.  While not in the office, T.J. enjoys many outdoor activities.  Her favorite hobbies are camping, hiking, and fishing with her family and friends.

tj@awawealth.com

CHELSEA BAILEY

LPL Registered Administrative Associate

Chelsea joined the AWA team in May of 2011. She completed her FINRA Series 6 & 63, held at LPL, and became a registered administrative associate in 2015. In 2020, she passed her CA Life Insurance exam, and in May of 2022 she graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Organizational and Professional Communication. Chelsea’s customer service skills ensure that our clients will have a positive experience each time they visit or call.  She looks forward to assisting our clients at every opportunity.  Chelsea helps handle processing new accounts, transfers, beneficiary changes, contributions, redemptions, value inquiries, and assists in the day to day operations. Outside of the office Chelsea enjoys studying the martial art of Tae Kwon Do (of which she earned her 2nd Degree Black Belt in 2022), and performing in theatrical productions at various local theatres. She also enjoys reading and learning as much as she can about anything she can.

Chelsea@awawealth.com

GRANT ANDREWS

LPL Registered Administrative Associate

Grant joined the AWA Wealth Management team in April of 2022. In 2023, he completed his Series 66 and Series 7 qualifications exams and became an LPL registered administrative associate. Grant graduated from Regis University in Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2020. In continuing to build his industry experience and expertise as an LPL licensed associate, Grant is excited to work closely with clients to guide and support them as they achieve their financial goals. He strives to bring quality professional service in every interaction and is available to assist clients with account services and questions. Outside of the office, Grant enjoys camping, exercising, skiing, and sports.

Grant@awallc.com

CHRISTOPHER MERCADO, MBA, CFP®, CIMA®, AIF®

Managing Partner & Chief Investment strategist
Mariner independent advisor network, llc

As an owner and Managing Partner of The Financial Services Network, Christopher is responsible for assisting AWA Wealth Management with Business Development initiatives focused on identifying growth opportunities and strategies.

Beginning his career in 1996, Christopher has held various positions in investment sales, equity trading, business consulting and business development. He has worked with firms including Allianz Global Partners – Nicolas Applegate Capital Management, First American Capital Management, EVEREN Securities and Smith Barney. Prior to joining The Network, Christopher served as the Regional Advisory Consultant with LPL Financial for seven years, advocating and supporting the growth and sustainability of the independent business model. He is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served as a business development volunteer in Guatemala, Central America. Christopher is a native Northern Californian and resides with his loving family in Danville, CA.

JEREMY OLEN, CFA®

Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer
Mariner independent advisor network, llc

As an owner and Managing Partner of The Financial Services Network and Chief Investment Officer for the Portfolio Consulting Team, Jeremy is responsible for supporting AWA Wealth Management in how to best leverage investment tools, strategy, and technology to support the practice. Jeremy’s prior experience includes the establishment and management of a natural resource hedge fund, Stowe Partners LLC, has published two indices and launched two ETFs. In addition, Jeremy developed the Quantitative Allocation Methodology™ for the design and management of investment portfolios.  Jeremy lives in Sacramento, and in his free time loves nothing more than spending time with family and hitting the slopes.

TIM BAUMERT

VICE PRESIDENT, PORTFOLIO CONSULTING
lead portfolio coordinator

Mariner independent advisor network, llc

Tim joined the Portfolio Consulting team as Vice President, Portfolio Consulting in 2021. He has nearly three decades of industry experience, including serving as an investment officer with two public pension funds. Tim’s history with portfolio management and trading, project management, across industrial channels, further deepens his breadth of expertise. With the goal of consistently refining and improving the investing experience, his team-centered approach is aimed at boosting productivity and delivering the highest level of service to advisors and their clients. Tim’s interests include playing basketball, fishing with his brothers, and spending free time with his family and Labrador retriever.