Richard Sladek

Cavalot Capital is a fee-only, wealth management firm serving clients nationwide from offices in Truckee and Redding, California. We specialize in working with business owners, multi-income households, and retirees who are looking for a more integrated approach to financial planning. Many of our clients have complex situations that involve multiple income streams, equity compensation, real estate, or retirement transitions, and they value having a single, trusted partner to help bring clarity and coordination. Our services combine financial planning, investment management, and proactive tax strategy under one roof. By bundling these areas together, we help clients reduce friction, avoid costly surprises, and ensure more of what they earn goes towards their life goals and financial objectives. The value we offer is rooted in transparency, responsiveness, and practical guidance. Clients come to us because they want a clear plan for the future that adapts as life changes, and to have a financial expert on retainer to make sense of it all. Our goal is to help each client make better financial decisions, gain back time and peace of mind, and feel confident that their money is aligned with the life they want to live. Damian currently lives around Lake Tahoe, CA and spends most of his down time ski racing and trail running. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Registered Life Planner® & CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP).

Scott Macdonald is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and the founder of the Special Needs Team. He has focused his career on addressing the financial needs of disabled, special-needs, and elderly individuals, providing wealth planning and investment management for Special Needs Trusts and other court-supervised trusts. Scott and his team collaborate closely with attorneys, caregivers, trustees, fiduciaries, benefits counselors, and other professionals to anticipate and address the near- and long-term needs of their clients. With over thirty years of experience, Scott applies extensive knowledge of the Uniform Prudent Investment Act, various state Probate Codes, and National Guardianship Standards. He uses sophisticated modeling tools and analytics to discern and address cash-flow requirements and quality-of-life parameters for special-needs populations. His approach is collaborative and centered on the well-being of each client. Scott earned his bachelor's degree from the California State University system and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for multiple years, including 2020 through 2025. Scott is actively involved in professional and community organizations such as the Rotary Club of Tahoe Incline, Society for disAbilities, and the Tahoe Fire Helicopter Project. He enjoys boating, fishing, hiking, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Ralph Agostini is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management who works primarily with small business owners and entrepreneurs. He focuses on helping clients preserve and grow retirement savings, manage personal and business assets, and establish strong succession plans to ensure financial independence and a secure retirement. His approach begins with a realistic assessment of each client's unique situation, taking into account their life, business, and family circumstances to develop a tailored financial roadmap. Ralph holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from The City College of New York and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Beyond his professional work, he is a member of the League To Save Lake Tahoe and supports community organizations including the ASPCA and Keep Tahoe Blue. In his personal time, Ralph enjoys antiquing, various sports, hiking, music, reading, skiing, spending time with family, and traveling.