Financial advisors in San Francisco for Equity-Based Compensation

Benjamin Garrison is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in family wealth management, managing new wealth, and small business strategies. Since joining Merrill in 2021, he has supported individuals, families, and business owners in navigating complex financial decisions by offering tailored strategies that adapt to life changes, market conditions, and unique client goals. His work focuses on helping clients manage important life transitions, optimize cash flow, structure retirement and investment plans, design succession strategies, and build tax-efficient wealth across generations. Benjamin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Oregon State University, where he was a varsity coxswain and served as team captain for the men's rowing team. He brings qualities such as discipline and leadership to his client relationships, complemented by his Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Benjamin remains engaged with the Oregon State alumni community and participates in professional organizations including the Oregon State Men's Rowing Alumni, the Oregon State University Alumni Association, and the Young Professionals Organization of San Francisco. Outside of his professional role, Benjamin enjoys spending time with his family and outdoor activities such as fishing, skiing, hiking, and playing multiple sports. He is also active in his rowing community, competing annually at the Head of the Charles Regatta.

Walton Edward "Buzz" Brown, Jr. is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Oakland, California. He has been managing investments and providing financial guidance to both individual and institutional clients since 1998. In his role, Buzz focuses on creating personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients’ unique financial situations and goals. He works closely with clients navigating significant life changes such as sudden wealth, approaching retirement, and those in need of stock option, tax minimization, and estate planning strategies. Additionally, he has particular expertise supporting women who are newly divorced or widowed. Buzz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Pepperdine University and carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. A third-generation Californian, he has deep roots in both Northern and Southern California and resides in the Lincoln Highlands District of Oakland. Beyond his professional commitments, Buzz participates actively in community service through volunteering, reflecting the Merrill tradition of community involvement. His personal interests include adventure sports such as rock climbing, skydiving, and bungee jumping, as well as biking, cooking, gardening, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Patrick Oswald is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over 30 years of experience in the financial markets. He specializes in building dividend-paying stock and bond portfolios designed for long-term growth. Patrick works closely with affluent families, accomplished professionals, and successful business owners to provide goals-based wealth management strategies. His client focus areas include corporate executive services, equity compensation, family wealth management, liquidity management, retirement planning, portfolio management, and services tailored to endowments, foundations, non-profits, as well as sports and entertainment sectors. Before his career in wealth management, Patrick gained experience in institutional research sales and private equity. He holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California System. He also holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Patrick is an active member of the De La Salle Alumni Association and the UC Davis MBA alumni association. Patrick participates in his community through volunteering with Catholic Charities and coaching football for the San Ramon Valley T-Birds. His personal interests include baseball, cooking, fishing, football, gardening, golfing, hiking, skiing, and softball. He emphasizes working one-on-one with clients to develop personalized financial strategies aimed at helping them achieve their long-term goals.

Alena Meeker is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She follows a disciplined process that begins with fully understanding each client's specific needs, concerns, and priorities. Alena is dedicated to delivering service tailored to her clients' goals. Her expertise includes college education planning, equity compensation services, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management, and socially responsible investing. Alena also works with clients in specialized areas such as endowments, foundations, non-profits, and women and wealth. Alena holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of California Berkeley and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations.

Sarah Liston is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She provides tailored advice and guidance to individuals, families, and businesses, helping them implement thoughtful approaches to their wealth management. Sarah focuses on areas such as college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, women and wealth, and retirement income. With significant experience in planning and investing, Sarah prioritizes understanding her clients' unique needs by listening attentively and learning what matters most to them. Her expertise includes pre- and post-retirement analysis, cash-flow modeling, portfolio design, liquidity event planning, next-generation wealth transfer, and higher-education savings. She aims to enhance clients' financial literacy by explaining complex concepts in clear language, supporting informed decision-making and organized financial lives. Sarah holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP) certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., as well as the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Social Science from the University of Central Florida. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys cooking, music, reading, spending time with her family, traveling, and watching movies.

Jeremy Yuster serves as a Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor within Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He leads a team working with ultra-high net worth clients to identify their financial priorities and develop tailored strategies aimed at advancing their wealth management goals. His approach emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of each client’s financial picture to create personalized strategies that align with their risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and long-term objectives. Jeremy has extensive experience in investment management, particularly in traditional and alternative investments for institutional clients. He brings a deep, hands-on knowledge of capital markets and has substantial expertise in the technology sector, having evaluated emerging technology investments as a director of diversified investment funds and as a financial analyst. Jeremy has developed strong relationships with corporate executives to assist in crafting appropriate financial strategies, covering areas such as executive compensation, retirement income, philanthropic planning, and tax minimization. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Northwestern University and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Jeremy is actively involved in his community, volunteering with local educational organizations including the Kentfield School District and San Domenico School, as well as coaching youth sports. He also participates in interviewing incoming Northwestern University students. Residing in Marin County, he enjoys basketball, boating, football, tennis, music, and spending time with his family.

John Myers is a Private Wealth Advisor with Merrill Private Wealth Management. He serves high-net-worth clients and their families, including executives, founders, and investors primarily in the technology and life sciences sectors. John's approach focuses on building customized investment portfolios aligned with clients' long-term wealth management goals, with particular expertise in managing concentrated and restricted securities holdings. With over 30 years of experience in finance, John connects clients to his professional network and Merrill resources, including research analysts, investment bankers, and the Venture Services Group, which specializes in private equity and venture capital fund support. He collaborates closely with the Venture Network to facilitate unique relationships between private equity and venture capital investors and Merrill’s advisors. Prior to joining Merrill in 2002, John was a principal at Robertson Stephens and began his career in the Corporate Executive Services group at Prudential Securities. John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Princeton University and the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation. He is a member of the CFA Institute and the Society of Security Analysts of San Francisco. He has served on the University of San Francisco board of trustees, chairing its finance committee and participating on the executive committee. John’s personal interests include hiking, music, swimming, and yoga.

Percy Mc Gee is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in developing strategic wealth management plans tailored to individual client goals and circumstances. Percy manages discretionary portfolios that may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies, serving a diverse client base ranging from athletes and doctors to entrepreneurs and retirees. Before joining Merrill Lynch in 2000, Percy worked in accounting at an engineering firm. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and finance from Humboldt State University. Percy is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and is involved with the Black Professional Group (BPG). Percy is active in his community, volunteering and raising funds for organizations such as Strive Through Self (STS) Academy and serving as a mentor for young financial advisors at Merrill. His personal interests include adventure sports, boating, camping, cooking, gardening, golfing, hiking, skiing, and spending time with his family.