Craig founded Van Hulzen Financial Advisors with a vision for doing things differently. After seeing friends and family receive financial advice that was often driven by products or built around one-size-fits-all solutions, he believed there was a better way—one centered on truly understanding each client and what matters most in their life.

That belief has shaped VFA from the beginning. As Founder and CEO, Craig has built an independent, client-centered firm where thoughtful planning, investment expertise, and long-term relationships come together to help individuals and families make confident decisions about their future. He is especially proud of the culture that has grown around that mission and the trust clients place in the VFA team, often introducing their own friends and family to the firm.

Craig brings decades of investment and risk management experience to his leadership of VFA. Throughout his career, he has served as an expert witness, technical consultant to domestic and international investment firms, and manager of both private and registered investment funds. A seasoned writer, Craig has authored numerous papers on investment strategy and regularly shares his perspective through VFA’s market and economic commentary. His insights have also been featured in national publications including BusinessWeek, Fortune, Financial Planning, and USA Today.

Craig is also committed to serving his community and has held leadership roles with a number of businesses, nonprofit organizations, and foundations. And long before his career in finance, he made his mark on the baseball field—Craig holds the California high school record for career strikeouts.

Brad approaches both life and work with a strong sense of purpose. A former NAIA First Team All-American and Academic All-American in basketball, he understands dedication and leadership, and he carries that commitment into everything he does. Off the court, you can find him kayaking, hiking, fishing, or playing basketball with friends—and cheering on his kids at their own sporting events.

Brad is passionate about mentoring, whether he’s leading small groups for business leaders or guiding young men to discover their potential. He believes that money can be a powerful tool for helping people achieve their goals and find deeper meaning. In his personal life, he’s inspired by his faith in Jesus and the lessons he learned from his college coach, Art Wilmore.

An avid music lover (though he’ll admit he can’t carry a tune a cappella), Brad also once made 96 out of 100 three-pointers in a single session—a testament to his focus and drive. Looking ahead, he’s excited to watch his kids grow into young adults and continue empowering others with truth and purpose in a world filled with endless information and choices.

Rhett leads the Special Needs Advisory services at Van Hulzen Financial Advisors, helping individuals with disabilities and the families who care for them plan for greater security, independence, and confidence in the future. His connection to this work is deeply personal. Rhett’s brother-in-law, Jordan, has special needs, giving him a firsthand understanding of the questions families face as they plan not only for today, but for a lifetime of care and support.

As a Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®), Rhett helps families bring together the many pieces of special needs planning—from government benefits and financial resources to housing, independence, and long-term support. He is also passionate about making this often-complex information easier for families to understand and act on. Through speaking, educational resources, and his LinkedIn newsletter, Special Needs Answers, Rhett shares practical guidance to help families feel better prepared for the road ahead.

Rhett’s faith and commitment to serving others shape both his work and his life outside the office. He and his wife, Jenna, have two young children, Sutton and Cohen, and enjoy spending time outdoors, caring for their horses, and staying active. Rhett is also involved with Young Life Capernaum and Infinite Friends, organizations that reflect his commitment to building meaningful relationships and creating stronger communities for individuals with special needs and their families.

Amber has been a vital part of Van Hulzen Financial Advisors for 11 years, serving as an Advisor, Director of Client Services, and member of the leadership team. She’s passionate about helping people feel valued and cared for—an outlook that informs everything she does.

Outside the office, you’ll often find Amber at concerts, live theatre shows, or comedy clubs. She also loves crafting and playing guitar. Volunteering is important to her, too—she supports the Interfaith Food Bank and Infinite Friends, and hopes to become more involved with animal welfare organizations.

Guided by responsibility, fairness, and empathy, Amber takes pride in raising a bright, ambitious child and championing the success of women in finance. She’s looking forward to all the concerts on her calendar, as well as continuing to create a welcoming environment for clients and colleagues alike.

Andrea has been with Van Hulzen Financial Advisors for six years, serving as Brand Development Manager. She loves spotlighting her team’s unique talents and building meaningful client connections. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys hiking with her kids, cheering them on in sports, listening to podcasts, and walking the lake trails. She also dedicates her time to Infinite Friends, championing youth sports and school arts programs along the way.

Guided by care, attentiveness, and a growth mindset, Andrea finds beauty in everyday details—whether it’s gift-wrapping or designing a welcoming website. Looking ahead, she’s excited to watch her children grow and to continue helping clients use their finances to focus on what truly matters most.

Ashleigh is the Office Manager at Van Hulzen Financial Advisors, where she helps ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly. Outside of work, she’s a proud mom who loves camping with her family, taking road trips, and exploring local shops and restaurants. She’s also an enthusiastic supporter of her children’s baseball and Girl Scout activities, guided by her belief in treating others the way she’d like to be treated.

Ashleigh credits her mother’s encouragement—and the inspiration she finds in her own kids—for shaping her sense of purpose. She even homeschooled her children, discovering new strengths along the way. Known among friends for her bargain-hunting skills, Ashleigh is excited to learn and grow with the Van Hulzen team, all while finding fresh opportunities to volunteer and give back in the community.

Brendan joined Van Hulzen Financial Advisors in 2024 as a Financial Advisor, bringing 13 years of industry experience focused on insurance and comprehensive financial planning. A native of Amador County, he’s especially committed to serving families in his hometown of Jackson, CA. When he’s not working, Brendan stays active playing pickleball, cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and participating in local Rotary clubs. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Melissa, and their two daughters, Mallie and Della.

Gretchen is a key member of Van Hulzen Financial Advisors’ trade team, where she’s energized by researching companies, following economic trends, and pinpointing new investment opportunities. Outside the office, Gretchen loves working out, exploring the outdoors with her husband and son, and traveling the world in search of great food and unique cultures. She also volunteers at her church—serving at the coffee bar and coordinating Meal Train to support families in need.

Motivated by her faith, Gretchen strives to live with integrity and authenticity, using her time and talents to serve others. She’s especially passionate about Foster & Heart, a local organization that helps keep foster families together during times of transition. Whether she’s charting stocks, watching a good comedy podcast, or singing along to a country or rap classic, Gretchen is all about living intentionally, cheering on others, and building a life that honors what matters most.

Jarrod brings decades of market experience and a spirit of adventure to our team, having started his financial career as a clerk on the NYSE floor in 1994. He thrives on the ever-changing nature of the markets, guiding clients with agility and care. Outside of work, Jarrod is an avid outdoor enthusiast—he’s passionate about skiing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and dirt bike riding. He also loves cooking (thanks to a stint in culinary school), reading real paper books, and catching live music whenever possible.

Equally important to Jarrod is giving back to his community: he volunteers with the El Dorado County Senior Center, delivering hot meals to homebound seniors, and he maintains backcountry trails with local stewardship groups. He lives by the Golden Rule, credits his daughter (and his dog) for inspiring him daily, and is grateful for the opportunity to help clients achieve their goals while staying true to his core values.

John joined the Firm in February 2008. He co-manages the Firm’s equity, covered call and small-cap strategies. Prior to joining Van Hulzen Financial Advisors, John was a Director in the Investment Banking division of Credit Suisse Securities. Prior to Credit Suisse, he was an equity analyst at HOLT. John holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia and a M.S. in Accounting from the College of Charleston. An interesting fact; John is a classic car enthusiast and owns a 1955 Ford Thunderbird.

Julie has been a cornerstone at Van Hulzen Financial Advisors for nearly two decades, building lasting relationships through compassion, loyalty, and genuine care. She’s passionate about supporting elderly neighbors, local businesses, and anyone in vulnerable situations—aiming always to be the trusted friend and lifeline clients can turn to.

Outside the office, Julie is a proud grandmother who draws inspiration from her own grandmothers’ nurturing spirit. She’s an avid lover of nature, founding a plant group where members swap knowledge on sustainable plant medicine and homesteading. Whether she’s tending to her garden or cuddling with her granddaughters, Julie finds true joy in helping seeds—and people—grow. Looking ahead, she hopes to establish a community garden to further support those in need.

Martin started MW Investment Strategy in 1997, as an asset manager with a focus on financial planning and individualized client service. In 2016, Martin joined forces with Craig Van Hulzen when he merged his firm into Van Hulzen Asset Management. Martin lives in Sonoma, California with his wife, Deirdre. They have two adult children and one granddaughter, with another on the way. Martin currently serves as Treasurer of Marin Community Clinics, a large nonprofit primary care health provider, and is on the board of Marin Ventures, a provider of program services for disabled adults. Interesting fact: Martin lived and worked for four years in Paris, France and is (was) a fluent French speaker.

Nash supports clients and the team with a learner’s mindset and a heart for service. Competitive by nature, Nash jumps at any chance to play—golf, pickleball, or pickup basketball—and he rarely misses a good football game.

Off the clock, he loves coaching youth football (after coaching a team in Oregon, he’s excited to continue in California) and bringing clear, practical money know-how to people who may not know where to start. Guided by “Opportunity over Obligation” and “All About Attitude”—values instilled by his college coach, Chris Casey—and by the work ethic he learned from his parents, Nash brings positivity and grit to everything he does.

A former Division III linebacker, Nash was a three-time NWC All-League selection (two First Team, one Second Team) and a D3 Region 6 All-Region honoree. He’s proud to support our Client Services team and is looking ahead to deepening his expertise—next up: pursuing the CFP® certification.

Nicole Zetouna is a Financial Advisor with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate important financial decisions and plan confidently for the future.

Nicole joined Van Hulzen in 2011, bringing extensive investment advisory experience and a strong background in retirement planning. She takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to working with clients, helping them understand how the different pieces of their financial lives work together—from investments and retirement income to insurance and long-term planning.

Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of San Diego and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®) designation. She is also licensed in life and long-term care insurance. Prior to joining Van Hulzen, Nicole worked with Merrill Lynch.

Outside of her work with clients, Nicole serves on the board of the Addiction Research Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing addiction research.

Paul specializes in helping small business owners balance the unique demands of personal and business finances. Guided by a commitment to stewardship, truth, and quality, he finds his purpose in developing strategies that let clients focus on what matters most. He also shares practical insights for business owners through his LinkedIn newsletter, The Leader’s Blueprint.

When he’s not in the office, Paul is happiest on the water—fishing, boating, or simply spending time in the mountains with his family. He also appreciates good food, good wine, and good music (from ’90s country and bluegrass to early-2000s hip hop), and never passes up the chance to wrestle with his boys.

Community is important to Paul, and he enjoys connecting people through his church, Rotary, and supporting organizations like the NorCal Guides & Sportsman’s Association and AIM. A seasoned traveler, he’s visited over 15 countries, studied abroad in Spain, and even spent a summer white-water rafting in Alaska. Looking ahead, Paul’s excited to keep finding new ways to help clients thrive—and to take his boys on their very first camping adventure.

Savannah began her journey at Van Hulzen Financial Advisors as an Office Administrator and now contributes to the Client Services team. She’s passionate about teamwork, believing in “teamwork makes the dream work,” and finds fulfillment in supporting colleagues and clients alike.

Outside the office, Savannah loves tackling home projects—upcycling furniture or revamping a room gives her a strong sense of accomplishment. Equally important is her commitment to her community: she participates in mission trips, prepares Christmas food baskets, and donates firewood to elderly neighbors. Savannah is also a devoted advocate for local animal rescues and takes inspiration from her faith in God and her family.

Looking ahead, Savannah hopes to deepen her expertise in client services, continue fostering genuine connections with clients, and spend even more time giving back—whether that’s helping seniors stay warm during winter or volunteering at a local animal shelter.

Sean joined Van Hulzen Financial Advisors in 2017 as a Client Services Associate, bringing over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. In his role, he supports the firm’s operational needs, drawing on the expertise he’s built since 1995. Sean earned his B.S. in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from California State University, East Bay.

When he’s not at work, Sean loves putting his creativity to use through woodworking and DIY home projects. He’s also passionate about giving back to the Folsom community through volunteer efforts and enjoys traveling throughout the United States, always on the lookout for new adventures.

Stefan joined Van Hulzen Financial Advisors in 2011 and oversees global portfolio management. Stefan managed the equity portfolio at Ahold Pension Fund before accumulating 28 years of investment experience at Petercam Asset Management in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Stefan is Certified European Financial Analyst (CEFA). An interesting fact: Stefan is an accomplished skier and has served as ski patrol for the last 11 years.

Debra brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to caring for clients and supporting the advisory team. She helps ensure clients receive attentive, responsive service while assisting with financial planning, reporting, and the many details that help keep their financial lives organized.

A lifelong learner, Debra holds a Bachelor of Science from Winona State University and an MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management. She continues to expand her knowledge of the financial industry through ongoing education and professional development.

Originally from Minnesota and raised in Texas, Debra now lives in Laguna Niguel with her husband. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and staying active through biking, hiking, and 5K walks. Giving back is also important to Debra, and over the years she has volunteered with several community organizations, including Alzheimer’s Orange County and the City of Laguna Niguel.

For more than four decades, Ron has helped individuals and families make thoughtful financial decisions with their future and the people they care about in mind. He believes good planning is about more than building wealth. It is about creating a clear path forward and using your resources in ways that reflect what matters most to you.

An avid sailor, Ron understands firsthand the value of thoughtful preparation and the ability to adjust when conditions change. In 2019, he and his wife, Cindy, spent a year sailing from Miami to Boston and back, an experience that reinforced his appreciation for planning, teamwork, and adaptability.

Ron is also passionate about charitable giving and helping clients think intentionally about the impact their wealth can have. He encourages families to consider not only what they want their wealth to accomplish for themselves and future generations, but also how it can support the causes and organizations that matter most to them.

Ron and Cindy have been married for 45 years and have three children and five grandsons. They recently relocated from Southern California to the East Coast to be closer to family.

Ron attended the United States Air Force Academy and earned his B.A. in History from Chapman University.

Stephanie believes that great client service starts with making people feel genuinely cared for. With a natural interest in finance and a desire to help others succeed, she was drawn to the financial services industry as an opportunity to combine both. As a Client Service Associate, Stephanie is committed to providing thoughtful, dependable support and helping clients feel confident and well cared for throughout their financial journey.

Outside of the office, Stephanie enjoys staying active and spending time with her family. She teaches dance classes at a local gym and loves traveling and exploring new places with her family and their two dogs. Whether at work or in her personal life, Stephanie values meaningful relationships, helping others, and always finding opportunities to learn and grow.