Robert Jurkiewicz

Richard Stonger is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in the Colorado Springs office since 1993. He leads the Stonger Gilkerson Group and serves as a Senior Portfolio Manager, providing clients with personalized investment strategies that may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill Lynch model portfolios, and third-party investment options. In this role, he manages portfolios on a discretionary basis and offers his strategies to clients of other Merrill Lynch advisors. Richard holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri and an MBA in Finance from Houston Baptist University. He has over 35 years of experience in the financial services, insurance, and real estate industries. His professional designations include Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). His client focus encompasses areas such as education planning, family wealth management, retirement planning, tax minimization, and small business strategies. Outside of his professional work, Richard enjoys biking, golfing, hiking, skiing, traveling, and spending time with his family.

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.