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Patrick AhernPatrick Ahern is the Managing Director – Investments and Senior PIM Portfolio Manager in the Wells Fargo Advisors La Jolla office. Patrick has been selected to the Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council 2016-2023. The Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor) distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.
Pat has been in the financial services industry for over 40 years. Serving in various management and client facing roles over his career.
He and his team employ a comprehensive approach in assisting the families they serve. They encompass a holistic, panoramic approach to wealth management, assisting their clients with asset, risk, and liability management. They also work with families who seek estate investment planning, business planning, and legacy planning. As well, Patrick focuses on investment strategies aimed at preserving wealth. He manages client portfolios where income generation is the primary objective and utilizes three different approaches to create diversification of the income stream.
Patrick holds a BS in Economics from California Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo. He enjoys reading, biking, golf, and travel with his wife, Jane. They have two children, Elizabeth and Suzanna. They all enjoy being involved in their community and are actively involved with several charities.
Christopher FrankeChristopher Franke joined Wells Fargo Advisors in La Jolla, CA as a Managing Director – Investments and Senior PIM Portfolio Manager along with his partner, Patrick, in 2014. Chris has been selected for the Platinum Council for the past 3 years, a distinction held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.
His primary role for the Ahern-Franke Group of Wells Fargo Advisors is to manage discretionary portfolios that focus on potential to grow. He's developed a comprehensive approach that encompasses three distinct styles of portfolio management. One such goal is to maintain diversity so that “all your eggs are not in one basket.” In addition, Chris is responsible for overall team strategy, branding, marketing, and new business development efforts. Over the last two years, he has focused on creating and facilitating the delivery of content to successful families that help in preparing heirs for the inevitable transition of wealth. Through his experience, he has found that successful parents have spent a lifetime preparing their money for their heirs, but haven't spent any time preparing the heirs for their money.
Chris graduated from the University of California at San Diego, earning dual degrees: a BS in Management Science and a BA in Political Science. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Marly, his thirteen-year-old son, Christopher, Jr., and eleven-year-old daughter, Milana Grace. When time permits, you'll find him on the golf course or tennis court. He is actively involved serving as the Board Chairman for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for the Pacific Southwest Division and for the North East Florida Region. Chris and his family resides in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and oversee the east coast practice of The Ahern-Franke Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.
FL Insurance License Number 2908625. Resident State: FL
CA Insurance License Number: 0C24869
Laura Smith, Client Performance Analyst, has worked in the Financial Services Industry for over 25 years. Prior to re-joining the Ahern-Franke Group of Wells Fargo Advisors she spent 13 years overseeing brokerage operations for Wells Fargo Advisors in the San Diego Market as their Field Support Manager garnering several leadership and service awards during her tenure. Laura brings to the team a vast knowledge base with many years of industry experience as she has worked in many facets of the financial services industry as a Senior Registered Client Associate, Branch Administrator, Operations Manager, Financial Advisor and Field Support Manager before becoming a Client Performance Analyst. Laura’s professionalism, hard work, strong ethics and valuable industry insight have led her back to the Ahern-Franke team to continue to service and enhance our client’s experience.
Laura holds a BA Degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Psychology, Political Science and Public Administration from San Diego State University. In her spare time, Laura enjoys traveling, reading, running, going to concerts, sporting events and trying new restaurants. She has one daughter, Ashley, who is attending Indiana University studying International Law. They are both actively involved in their community and especially like volunteering at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
Fernanda Hamana, Client Associate, graduated from San Diego State University in 2018 with her Bachelors of Science in Accounting. After graduating, Fernanda began her accounting career working at Wells Fargo Bank, BDO LLP, and US Bank. In 2022 she began her career in the investment management industry at Wells Fargo Advisors.
Fernanda’s experience in the accounting and finance fields gives her valuable insight in assisting clients with their financial needs. Fernanda exhibits a positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond in providing exceptional client service combined with a strong work ethic. Additionally, her attention to detail and strong analytical skills makes her a valuable asset to our team.
During her free time, Fernanda enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves to travel, experience different cuisines, and meet new people. When not traveling, she likes to do yoga and take long walks at the numerous beaches San Diego has to offer.
Jessica Poeng Cuevas, Registered Client Associate-Associate Vice President, has been with Wells Fargo for over 13 years. She worked at Wells Fargo bank and interned at Wells Fargo Advisors before receiving her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Finance in 2014 at California State University of San Marcos.
Jessica’s experience in the industry and finance gives her the ability to provide insightful support in the administrative and operational business activities of the Ahern-Franke Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. Jessica possesses a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and brings seasoned judgement to the group. No problem is too big for Jessica. She tackles every problem that comes her way and offers a creative solution for each unique situation. In addition, her attention to detail and driven focus to service continues to deepen her client relationships and makes her a valuable asset to our team.
During her free time, Jessica loves to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoys hiking, traveling and trying new things. Jessica is a new mom, and she is cherishing every moment she has with her husband, son and Pomeranian Tokki.