It is our mission to provide competent and prudent advice while
delivering expert service and valuable communication to our clients.
We honor fiduciary principles to act in the best interest of every client.
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CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Michael is our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and provides holistic and client-centric planning for our clients. Michael has been in the financial planning business for 20 years and holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 securities licenses*, as well as a California life and health insurance license. (Please see additional links below)
Michael Tomren is proud to have been recognized as a Leaders Level advisor for 2018—a distinction based on annual production attained by just 7 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.
Each year, Commonwealth, the Registered Investment Adviser–broker/dealer that helps us process investment transactions on your behalf, recognizes Leaders Level advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. Leaders Level advisors benefit from an intensive learning and networking experience designed to help them hone their expertise, share best practices, and provide ever-higher levels of service, education, and leadership to their clients.
I grew up surrounded by the rolling wheat fields in Kahlotus, Washington. Believe me, before Google Maps was invented you would struggle to find this town on any map. My three younger brothers and I didn’t find it amusing when dad found a “better opportunity” in a town of 500 residents. Our father grew up in Seattle and our mother in Hartford, so there was some purpose behind raising us in a small community. Looking back, I have to admit growing up in the “back forty” was fantastic. My brothers and I played all the sports, were in student government, and two of us were even on the competitive math team! After school and during summers we would work for local wheat and alfalfa farmers to earn money. We did it all—we drove tractors, harvesters, and large trucks. We repaired engines, mended fences, changed irrigation lines, bucked bales, and anything else that was required. All of these experiences of my young life taught me that the more I tried to do, the more I could do.
When it came time for college I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to get me started on my education. I initially pursued a degree in civil engineering because I was fascinated by building bridges, buildings, and dams. To me, these were structures that the world needed and they needed to be dependable. If it had to be built, I wanted to be part of it. Along the way though, I took a job with an engineering firm that changed my course. It’s a long story, but let’s just say I tripped over something I enjoyed even more. I changed my major to finance, earned designations such as the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and I now help people create and maintain financial structures. It’s not entirely different from engineering and I get to work with people too.
Personally I feel I am the luckiest guy and I don’t take it for granted. For example, what are the chances of meeting your future spouse on an elevator? Well, that’s exactly how I met my best friend and wife, Shawna. We were soon married and we agreed to leave the snow country behind. We moved to San Ramon in 2000, fell in love with Northern California, and built a family here. Shawna and I have three children—Jordyn, Ava, and Brannon—along with two Boston terriers, one corn snake, and one guinea pig. Our kids are healthy and enthusiastic and keep us on our toes. Our typical week might include dance lessons, baseball practice, a violin recital, dog walking, and of course, lots of homework (I do the math and science!). When we have extra time we visit the beach, enjoy a local sports event, or visit family. True to my Norwegian heritage, my favorite times are taking the kids to a lake and trying our luck at some catch and release fishing. The kids can now do their own bait and casting for trout, bass, and the occasional catfish. These quiet moments allow us to talk, learn about each other, and stay connected. I’m always entranced as they think through new discoveries and I wouldn’t give up these moments for the world. The only thing better is watching their faces as they reel in another whopper!
I appreciate your interest in our firm and encourage you to explore this website further. Please take time to read about the other team members that care for our clients; they take great care of our clients and I am very proud of them. If we can do anything to help please contact us any time.
EDUCATION
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSING
MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
*Held through Commonwealth Financial Network®
Partner | Financial Planner
Edward is a financial planner at Tomren Wealth Management. As an adamant believer in personal and professional development, Edward has made education a lifelong goal. Edward started his journey in wealth management after graduating from UC Davis with a dual Bachelors in Economics and Communications. From there, Edward went on to complete a series of professional designations; the most prestigious of which being the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst® designation and the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.
As a CFA® charterholder, Edward is bound the Code of Ethics and Standard of Professional Conduct set forth by the CFA Institute, which represents the highest ethical benchmark for investment professionals around the globe. Along with the Code and Standards, the CFA Institute has equipped Edward with a set of specialized skills in the areas of economics, ethics, law and accountancy.
“Whereas there are tens of thousands of finance degrees available from around the world, ranging from the excellent to the worthless, there is only one CFA, managed and examined by an American association of financial professionals, the CFA Institute.”
- The Economist, 2/26/2005
"The CFA designation became the gold standard for the globally expanding financial services industry.”
- Financial Times Magazine, 8/13/2010
As an independent financial planner, Edward uses what he has learned from his experience and studies to provide holistic advice by making estate planning, tax planning, and investment planning part of every discussion.
Named after my grandfather I was given the middle name Palomino. Palomino was originally my great grandmother’s maiden name which my grandfather liked so much he began using it as his middle name when he was very young. It wasn’t until he passed away in 2010 that we realized Palomino wasn’t his legal middle name.
As a California native, I was born and raised in San Jose and grew up in a household where my parents stressed the importance of education and readily made sacrifices to ensure their children found success – my siblings and I are all first-generation college graduates! After graduating from UC Davis with double Bachelors in Economics and Communications I began at career at Merrill Lynch. After several successful years at Merrill Lynch, I was ready to take the next leap forward in my career and left Merrill Lynch to become an independent financial planner and business owner.
I come from a family of business owners/entrepreneurs with my parents being my best example. As a child I was taught that communication is a key ingredient of a successful business. Whether it’s proactively reaching out to clients for reviews or coordinating the efforts of legal, accounting and estate advisors, our clients rest assured knowing we are invested in their success. Consequently, at Tomren Wealth Management, we have made proactive communication the hallmark of our approach.
We understand, if we serve our clients well, our own success will follow.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Mark O’Brien started his financial services career as an independent representative of a major broker-dealer in Larkspur, California. However, he quickly saw the value of affiliating with an independent broker-dealer where he had more independence in offering his clients objective financial advice without pressure to sell the company’s products. Mark earned his Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation and joined Commonwealth Financial Network, which allows him to receive access to support, resources and investment service platforms.
After working with clients for several years, Mark identified a pressing need among clients nearing and entering retirement to create streams of income and to support their desired lifestyle in retirement. He wanted to fill the gap between focusing on asset accumulation and having a plan for distributing those assets in retirement. He pursued a Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation, making him an expert in this specialized planning area.
With his RICP, Mark became a sole practitioner, specializing in helping his clients create comprehensive retirement income plans. Mark specializes in creating custom retirement income plans that take into account all types of circumstances, including legal and tax issues that can greatly affect a plan if they are not addressed from the outset. His in-depth planning takes a close look at available sources of retirement income, Social Security issues, distribution options, and other available products, as well as healthcare, health-insurance and long-term care costs.
Mark’s focus is on helping clients with their complete financial lives, not just their financial accounts, while addressing changes in their life situation and making sure they are prepared to meet the financial challenges of retirement.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSING
Financial Planner
Jim has been helping people find financial “Peace of Mind” for over 30 years. Prior to Commonwealth Financial Network, Jim had a successful career in the mortgage industry where he took pleasure in helping families purchase and finance their homes. His career progressed from Countrywide Funding, to Fannie Mae, and Wells Fargo Mortgage. In 1988, he founded Monument Mortgage in Walnut Creek, Ca.
As a licensed Investment Advisor Representative, Jim is focused on helping his clients build, preserve, and control their retirement assets and income. Jim believes in serving his clients by looking at their unique needs and assessing what is suitable for their individual financial situation. His driving force is to help clients enjoy their retirement, avoid unnecessary taxes, and to pass on what they have earned to their family and heirs.
Jim has been a leader in the field of Retirement income planning and is committed to enlightening and educating his community through workshops on the challenges they face in retirement. He is a frequent teacher and mentor at Financial Advisor events across the country. He was also instrumental in the development of the “Retirement Income Puzzle”, a seminar marketing system that is widely used across the industry.
EDUCATION
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSING
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Financial Planner
Brian has been in the financial services industry since 2012, with an emphasis on investment analysis and synchronizing Social Security benefits into a tax-efficient retirement income plan. To better service his clients, Brian recently received his RICP® Certification (Retired Income Certified Professional).
Prior to joining Commonwealth Financial Network, Brian worked at a larger investment advisory firm but chose to join a firm where he is able to give clients more individual attention.
By working with clients nearing or currently in retirement, as well as their career-minded children, Brian strives to create smooth financial transitions within families.
With an understanding that everyone's financial situation is unique, Brian offers a comprehensive and customized financial plan. Making sure to prepare for any potential challenges in retirement is of his utmost concern. Utilizing a wide range of investment options can allow your evolving goals and objectives to be reached even in times of unpredictable markets.
EDUCATION
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSING
Operations Manager
Alexis is our Operations Manager and has been in the client and financial service industry for almost 30 years working for large corporate retail and financial companies. Alexis joined Tomren Wealth Management in March 2015, she brings her vast knowledge of building client relationships through trust, integrity, authenticity and awareness to her role. Her focus and mission is creating a culture for clients to receive the utmost genuine and prestigious service possible.
Alexis is a native Californian with two adult sons who keep her busy as does her studying for licenses, hiking, camping, traveling, and learning alternative holistic modalities.
Client Relations
Leila is our Client Relationship Coordinator and joined our team in June of 2017. Leila managed a small home business for over 12 years, merchandising and branding for the biotech industry. Her forte is delivering outstanding service while focusing on client relations as well as vendor management. Leila is native Iranian but grew up in San Francisco and has lived in East Bay for the past 15 years. Her greatest passion is being a mother to two of the most extraordinary children, Alana and Jack.
Administrative Assistant
Veronika is our Administrative Assistant. She graduated from Odessa National Medical University to become a neurologist in her homeland of Ukraine. Her love for the United States brought her to this country where she enjoys life with her little girl Viktoria and competing in obstacle challenges. She partook in the Spartan Race where she was able to climb Big Bear Mountain in only a little over 6 hours and came in top 34% of over four thousand participants. Veronika has been a wonderful asset to our team due to her determination and focus on completing projects with dedication and precision.
Office Manager – Walnut Creek
Cecilia is the Office Manager in our Walnut Creek location as well as a life insurance agent. She has been working as an office manager for the past six years, but has been honing her organizational skills her whole life. As one of eight children, who also happens to be a twin, Cecilia understands deeply that each individual has their own unique needs and goals. She has degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Liberal Arts. As a former teacher, she’s aware of the importance of planning for the future and wants to ensure her clients are well prepared for theirs! License #0M79257