Eric Gahlsdorf

My work as a financial planner is grounded in two core values: growth and connection. I believe financial planning is most powerful when it helps people grow into the next chapter of their lives and reconnect with what matters most to them. I’ve lived in Oregon most of my life, have called Salem home since 2007, and have worked in financial planning since 2013. I bring both technical expertise and deep local knowledge to my work, particularly for retirees and Oregon public employees navigating complex benefit decisions. Money is both practical and emotional, so my approach runs in parallel: we work through the numbers and the human side of financial decisions. My role is not to dictate outcomes, but to serve as a facilitator and guide—helping clients co-create a financial plan that supports their values, priorities, and sense of purpose.

Brandon Perkins is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He provides customized advice and guidance to individuals, families, and businesses, focusing on helping clients advance their financial goals thoughtfully and strategically. His areas of expertise include tailored investment management, cash-flow analysis, retirement planning, higher-education funding, and wealth-transfer strategies. Brandon also works with business owners to design and implement retirement-planning initiatives and employee-education programs. Brandon began his financial services career in 2011 and joined Merrill Lynch in 2017. Prior to that, he held positions at Key Investment Services and Key Bank as a Financial Advisor and Branch Manager. He holds a Bachelor's degree in History from Oregon State University, where he was a three-time letter winner on the wrestling team. Brandon has earned professional designations including Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of his professional work, Brandon is an enthusiastic supporter of Oregon State University athletics and serves on the board of the OSU Wrestling Endowment Fund. He enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling, and spending time with his wife and their three children.