Bret Hooper

Robert Jurkiewicz is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a founding member of The JB Group. He has been with Merrill since 1989, advising a select circle of affluent client families across the United States. His practice focuses on complex, multi-generational wealth management challenges, including wealth transfer, retirement planning, and philanthropic strategies. Robert's client base includes senior-level executives, successful business owners, and landowners in various industries such as energy, technology, and finance. He holds multiple professional designations including Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS), and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA). Robert is a graduate of Colorado College with a Bachelor's degree in International Political Economy and earned an MBA in Finance and Accounting from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Robert is committed to community involvement and founded a group within his office to support local charitable organizations, including Judi's House, Wapiyapi, Listen Foundation, Cancer League of Colorado, and Clothes to Kids. He and his wife Rachel, a retired oncology nurse and hospice volunteer, reside in Denver and enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, skiing, and fly fishing.

Michelle Horton is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She works with families and their businesses, focusing on planning for financial success in the present and for future generations. Michelle has over 30 years of experience in wealth management, building lifelong relationships by understanding her clients’ individual perspectives and priorities. Her expertise encompasses college education planning, corporate executive services, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, retirement planning, portfolio management, and tax minimization. Michelle holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations, reflecting her commitment to professional standards in investment management. Michelle earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Kansas and a Master's Degree from Saint Louis University. She is involved with the Arrowhead Metro District and participates in community activities with Bighorn Gravel. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys adventure sports including biking, camping, hiking, skiing, surfing, and traveling.

Paul Girard is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been assisting clients with wealth management, retirement planning, and wealth transfer since 1985. Paul's practice focuses on developing personalized plans and helping clients manage cash flow during retirement. At Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Paul employs a comprehensive Goals-Based Wealth Management approach. He works with high-net-worth clients to identify and prioritize their personal financial goals, including college education planning, family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, tax minimization, and retirement income. Leveraging the global resources available, he addresses complex planning needs such as funding education, ensuring retirement income sustainability, managing potential healthcare costs, and preserving wealth. Paul holds a Bachelor's Degree from Drake University and professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He is also involved in his community as a board member of the Willowmere Farmington HOA.

Michael Starratt is a Private Wealth Advisor at Merrill Private Wealth Management with over 35 years of experience in the investment industry, all with Merrill. He specializes in advising clients with complex investment needs, including business owners, their families, retirement plans, and non-profits. Michael focuses on guiding diverse groups toward common financial goals and is committed to transparency and straightforward investment approaches. Michael holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and maintains the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his expertise, including being named to Barron's Top Institutional Consultants list from 2015 through 2019. As of January 2026, he and his team advise on assets totaling over $3 billion. Outside of his professional work, Michael volunteers with Ready To Succeed. He enjoys a variety of sports such as beach volleyball, paddleboarding, skiing, golf, swimming, and tennis. He lives with his wife, Betsy, and their three daughters.