Darin Mast

Natalie draws on 20+ years of comprehensive financial planning experience, 10+ years in fintech, and more than a decade of professional speaking to share advice that works in real life, not just on paper. She founded The Goodland Group to serve mid-career professionals with significant equity compensation (stock options and RSUs) at both public and private VC-backed companies. Natalie and her team of financial planners help clients who are navigating the tradeoffs between saving for retirement, paying off debt, saving for college, buying homes, family vacations, supporting aging parents, and making decisions around equity compensation, taxes, investment strategy, insurance, and career changes. They’re often making more than they ever have before, and are looking for a thought partner to navigate all of the decisions ahead as they move beyond the basics of building an emergency fund, paying off high interest debt, and investing in their 401(k).

John Hepp is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has spent more than 42 years working with clients to help them pursue their financial goals, including 28 years with Merrill Lynch. John leads a team with diverse skills in wealth management disciplines, assisting clients in managing risk, planning for the future, and preparing for retirement. His team focuses on creating individualized asset and liability management, wealth transfer, and risk management strategies to simplify clients' complex financial situations. John began his career as a Wealth Management Advisor in 1994 after nearly 15 years as a Merrill Lynch client. In 1996, he co-founded The JJD Group by partnering with two other financial advisors. He emphasizes personalized care and treats clients as individuals, fostering relationships built on integrity, discipline, and professionalism that often extend across generations. John's expertise includes college education planning, family wealth management strategies, retirement income planning, tax minimization, liquidity management, and portfolio management services. John holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. He earned his High School Diploma from Greendale High School. Outside of work, John enjoys baseball, football, golfing, hiking, music, skiing, spending time with his family, swimming, tennis, and traveling.

Thomas Jackson is a Private Wealth Manager with Merrill Private Wealth Management. He joined Merrill in June 2015 and focuses on managing and developing business within the corporate cash management segment. Thomas has extensive experience in corporate cash management, having previously worked at Barclays, where he helped run the West Coast Corporate Cash business. Before that, from 2003 to 2013, he co-managed Deutsche Bank’s Corporate Cash Group. He began his finance career in 1997 at Donaldson, Lufkin, and Jenrette with a focus on institutional fixed income, continuing through its merger with Credit Suisse. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Vanderbilt University and has earned the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He resides in Santa Barbara, California with his wife and three sons.

Joshua Timpe is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He focuses on serving high-net-worth individuals and families, addressing complex financial situations that include equity compensation services, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, women and wealth, tax minimization, and retirement income. Joshua holds the CHARTERED FINANCIAL CONSULTANT (ChFC) designation and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He earned his High School Diploma/GED from Santa Barbara City College. His approach involves managing comprehensive financial needs beyond portfolio management, including tax mitigation strategies, unwinding concentrated positions, engineering retirement structures, mapping exit timelines, and designing estates in collaboration with attorneys. Outside of his professional work, Joshua is involved with the Santa Barbara Rugby Football Club. His personal interests include adventure sports, camping, hiking, music, pickleball, reading, running, spending time with family, traveling, and watching movies.

Chad Valchar is a Financial Consultant who works with clients to address complex financial goals, including risk management and investing strategies spanning short- to long-term horizons. He partners with both individuals and businesses to support their financial objectives at various stages of life. He has professional experience as a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones from 2019 to 2024. Chad holds a California Insurance License and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Outside of his professional work, Chad has interests in comedy, cooking and baking, food, golf, motorcycles, and pets.

Clayton Gibson is a Wealth Management Advisor based in the Santa Barbara office of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining the firm in 1998, Clayton has developed expertise in asset strategy and liability management. He works closely with clients to create customized financial strategies that address a variety of needs, including college education planning, family wealth management, legacy planning, retirement income, and tax minimization. Clayton also provides access to Bank of America Private Bank trust and estate planning services as well as real estate financing. Clayton's experience at Merrill Lynch began in operations, compliance, and cashiering, and he now serves as a direct point-of-contact with clients' attorneys on estate-related matters. He tracks market conditions closely to keep clients and the team informed and strives to make every client interaction positive through professional and timely communication. Clayton earned a bachelor's degree in business finance from Oregon State University and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation as well as the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. He is a member of the Investments & Wealth Institute™. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Clayton participates in community volunteering aligned with Merrill’s tradition of community involvement. His personal interests include biking, boating, and scuba diving.