Benjamin Pruett

Fair Oaks Financial LLC was founded in 2020 and began operations in 2021 amid the COVID-19 Virus era. Many changes were taking place and people were reevaluating their lives in the face of the pandemic. Suddenly life took on different priorities and meaning and one did not know if they would be affected and to what extent. This brought to attention many overlooked items, that people were waiting to get around to, and brought them to the forefront. Questions like "if something were to happen to me, am I prepared?" My goal is to help you prepare for an uncertain future. There are many things that can be done to reduce anxiety in these stressful times. As a Fiduciary Advisor, I will be working with you to develop a plan that is customized to address your needs and desires. Being a Fiduciary means acting in your best interest. I enjoy helping people make sense of a complex set of choices, objectively weighing the pros and cons, and making informed decisions consistent with their long-term goals. I have been working in the investment business for more than 25 years. I have seen complexity keep people from making the decisions needed to accomplish their goals. I enjoy helping explain things in a way that makes sense. Warren Buffet says "investing is simple, it's just not easy." Having a guide on your journey to help make decisions that will impact your future is not only important but essential. We all need objective advice, void of conflicts, to help us make wise decisions.

Professional Greetings, I am the Founder & Wealth Advisor steering the helm at Flying Forward Wealth Management, a firm I founded to manifest my deep-seated commitment to tailored, fee-only financial planning. My journey started at the United States Air Force Academy where I honed a disciplined, strategy-driven approach to problem-solving, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Management. Later, I advanced my knowledge with an MBA from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. In the financial realm, my expertise is fortified by an array of designations including CFP®, CIMA®, ChFC®, CLU®, AEP®, and EA, each testifying to a dedication to comprehensive financial mastery. This rich background equips me to craft financial strategies that are as unique as each client I serve, always with an eye toward secure, forward-moving growth. Personal Based in the beautiful locale of Boerne, TX, I've cultivated a practice that mirrors the warm, community-focused spirit of our area. My approach to wealth management is much like crafting a fine, aged whiskey — a careful nurturing of growth, combined with the patience and foresight to anticipate future rewards. In the vibrant community of Boerne, I’m not just your wealth advisor; I’m a neighbor eager to help fellow locals foster financial health and peace of mind. Beyond the financial charts, I have a penchant for embracing the vibrant life and culture our locality offers — be it enjoying a quiet weekend in our scenic town, engaging in community events, or flying out of the local airfield 5C1. My Why My mission stems from a simple yet profound belief: comprehensive planning can be the wings that allow dreams to fly. In founding Flying Forward Wealth Management, my aspiration was to create a haven where clients could find not just financial guidance, but a collaborative partner in navigating life’s financial journey. With a philosophy grounded in forward motion and expansive vision, I am here to ensure your financial plan isn’t just robust and resilient but also tailored to your most cherished life goals and aspirations. Together, we will forge a path that lead to financial stability and wealth crafted to serve not just immediate needs but generations to come. It’s more than financial planning; it’s planning to fly forward, with wealth strategies that honor your life’s work and echo into the future. Let's carve out a journey that marries financial wisdom with your life aspirations.

Michael Bertuzzi is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in the La Cantera office in San Antonio. He has been with Merrill since 1990, bringing 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Michael specializes in corporate benefit programs, including equity compensation, defined benefit, defined contribution, and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. He works with corporate executives to integrate their benefits into comprehensive long-term financial strategies. His client services also cover college education planning, family wealth management, retirement income, portfolio management, and investment consulting for defined contribution plans, among other areas. Michael holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Oklahoma State University and a Master's in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University. He has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Raised in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Michael has resided in Boerne, Texas, for the past ten years and has been married for over 40 years with two children. Outside of his professional work, Michael is the founder and past president of Tour de Boerne Inc., a volunteer-run cycling event held annually in June, with all proceeds supporting Hill Country charities. His personal interests include biking, gardening, hunting, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Tony Dolan is a Vice President and Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments. He has been with Fidelity since 2016, progressing through roles including Investment Consultant and Financial Consultant. Prior to joining Fidelity, Tony held various positions in wealth management and financial planning at USAA from 2009 to 2016, and he began his career as a Regional Consultant at ING Funds from 2006 to 2009. With over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry, Tony specializes in tax efficient investment, retirement, and financial protection strategies. He works closely with individuals, families, and professionals to understand their unique situations, goals, and concerns in order to develop tailored financial plans. Tony holds an Arkansas Insurance License. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys beach activities, football, outdoor adventures, photography, and traveling.

John Carrillo is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works alongside a team with extensive investment experience to develop personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients' unique financial goals. John specializes in areas including family wealth management, legacy planning, retirement income, socially responsible and ESG investing, liquidity management, and tax minimization. John grew up in Laredo, Texas, and pursued his education with a focus on business and investments. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a bachelor's degree, ranking in the top 1.5% of his college as a Distinguished Business Student and serving as a Senior Analyst in the university’s Investment Society. Early in his career, John gained experience through various roles involving cash flow modeling, discrepancy analysis, and CFO office functions. He holds the professional designations of CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of his professional work, John enjoys adventure sports, fishing, football, hunting, music, running, swimming, watching movies, and spending time with his family. He is also involved in professional development and mentorship through organizations such as the Next Level Leadership Program, Local AGN, and FADP/ADP Mentor.