Canter Wealth

Michael Bernier
CFP
With over fifteen years of experience in the wealth management industry, Mike Bernier presently serves as a Senior Financial Advisor for Canter Wealth, where he helps clients achieve their goals using prudent financial planning. Prior to joining Canter Wealth, Mike was a Senior Advisor at one of the fastest-growing financial planning firms in the country, managing over $200 million in client assets.* His experience in personal finance enables him to develop strategic approaches in the areas of tax strategy, investment management, retirement, and estate planning.

Mike graduated Summa Cum Laude from San Diego State University s College of Business Administration with a major in Financial Services. Based on his achievement in the program, Mike was recognized by Beta Gamma Sigma, The International Honor Society for Business Excellence. Following his lifelong passion for knowledge, Mike chose to pursue and complete all the requirements necessary to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner.

Mike teaches retirement adult education courses at colleges across San Diego. He has been featured on CBS, KFMB, KRLA and was previously a co-host on a local financial radio show for many years.

During his free time, Mike is an active member of the Aztec Athletic Foundation and enjoys spending time with his wife, Nicole, and three children, Grant, Wesley, and Charlotte.

*RIA Survey & Ranking 2018, Financial Advisor Magazine, July 2018

Babak Gahvari
CFP, AIF
Babak (Bobby) Gahvari brings over ten years of wealth management expertise to the Canter team. Prior to joining Canter Strategic Wealth Management, Babak worked for Dimensional Fund Advisors, one of the largest asset managers in the world.¹ Babak has an extensive background in capital market research, regression analysis, and multi-factor based portfolio theory. In his role at Dimensional, Babak spent his time consulting with investment advisors in the Northeast, overseeing nearly $4BB in client assets. Babak also spent nearly 4 years as a Director for one of the fastest growing financial planning firms in the country. During his tenure as a financial planner, Babak collaborated with individual clients on comprehensive retirement planning, with a focus on tax mitigation strategies and portfolio construction. Babak is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM as well as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary.

Babak graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Political Science. He graduated cum laude in addition to Departmental Honors for his senior thesis. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, playing soccer, and is an avid fan of art, architecture, and cosmology.

¹ Pensions & Investments. "The world's largest money managers"

Joseph Kalmanovitz
CFP
Joe Kalmanovitz, Head of Financial Planning for Canter Wealth, is a 17-year veteran of the wealth management industry. Joe utilizes his experience to deliver innovative financial planning solutions with the aim to help clients minimize tax liability, reduce portfolio risk, and effectively achieve their life goals.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, Joe leverages Canter Wealth's unique integrated approach to develop customized, comprehensive planning solutions to address various aspects of a client's financial picture.

Joe graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Business Economics with an Emphasis in Accounting. Outside of the office, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife, twin daughters, and son exploring all the outdoor activities, restaurants, and attractions San Diego has to offer.

Michael Canzone
CFP
Michael Canzone is a Wealth Manager for Canter Wealth. With over 18 years of experience, Michael brings extensive knowledge to providing customized financial planning for families, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Michael began his investment career with Prudential Securities in 1999. In 2005, he joined Fidelity Investments and became Vice President of their Private Client Group through 2011. At that time, Michael transitioned to building his own successful financial planning franchise through Ameriprise Financial. In 2018 Michael joined Canter Wealth.

Michael prides himself on building lasting relationships with clients where he can provide quality, long-term advice and a space for open communication.

He graduated from San Diego State University in 1997 earning BS degree in Political Science. In May 2003, Michael obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification.

When away from the office, Michael enjoys reading, surfing, and spending time with his family.

Jim Mellon
CFP
Jim joins Canter Wealth as a Wealth Advisor and acts as a fiduciary focused on helping clients accomplish their financial goals.

Prior to joining Canter, Jim worked at three leading financial service firms and advised a wide range of clients including high net worth families and public employees in the Boston school districts. During his time with these firms, Jim became increasingly frustrated by the proprietary solutions and lack of customization at his prior firms. These collective experiences give Jim a unique perspective to help Canter clients going forward.

Jim graduated from Suffolk University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. In his free time, he enjoys travel and now lives in San Diego.

Min Jo

Min Jo, Operations Manager for Canter Wealth, is a veteran in the financial and real estate industry, bringing over twenty years of experience to the team. Min goes above and beyond to create a positive experience for clients and supports advisors with all operational tasks, including account openings, rollovers, money transfers, investment funding, and tax reporting.

Min attended Loyola University in Maryland, where she earned a bachelor's degree in International Business and Marketing. Prior to joining Canter Wealth, she worked as a Financial Analyst and as a Real Estate Agent. Her financial and real estate background, combined with her keen organizational and interpersonal skills, make her a valuable asset to our firm.

Min is a lifelong learner who is continually seeking new ways to serve our clients better and add value to their lives. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.