The partners of gradient capital advisors are proud to announce the launch of their new firm. Gradient is a boutique private wealth management firm that is deeply invested in its clients financial success. The firm excepts client by referral only and limits the number of families that they serve to ensure the highest level of dedicated personal attention. Charles Schwab Institutional will serve as custodian of client accounts.
Gradient will operate as a registered investment advisor. They will offer objective, independent advice. Unlike commission based financial firms the investment advisors with Gradient are held to a fiduciary standard that legally binds them to serve in the best interest of their clients.
For the past 25 years, the principlals of Gradient Capital Advisors have worked with people in all stages of life and economic backgrounds: pre-retirees concerned about outliving their investment assets, successful entrepreneurs and business leaders in the prime of their earning years. Through their mentoring program, they have worked with the children of existing clients teaching them tools and strategies to make decisions for a lifetime.
The partners at Gradient are engaged communicators who enjoy the sharing of insights: assessing performance against relevant benchmarks, discussing strategy and life changes, evaluating changes in the economy and exploring any impact on their clients financial plans. They are students of finance and have a passion for exploring the nuances of a decision. They share over five decades of experience with personal financial planning and investment management.
Rodney A. Simms, ChFC®, CFP® | Senior Partner and Managing Principal
Prior to joining Gradient Capital Advisors, Rodney spent 25 years as a private wealth consultant with Ameriprise Financial. During his tenure with Ameriprise he was recognized consistently with the President’s Advisor Award and as a Private Wealth Group member. He graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in Business Administration and received a Master of Science in Financial Services through the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Rodney holds the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at Point Loma Nazarene University’s Fermanian School of Business and has been a member of numerous nonprofit and foundation boards. Rodney has one daughter and enjoys spending time at his vacation home in Mexico, surfing, studying design in all its forms, and traveling off the beaten path. His volunteer work includes recurring trips to an orphanage in Haiti and mentoring college students.
Eric E. Simms, AAMS®, CRPC® | Senior Partner and Director of Wealth Management
Eric’s experience in the financial services industry spans 18 years. Before joining Gradient Capital Advisors, he was a financial planner with Ameriprise Financial where he managed investment portfolios and provided financial consulting to a large number of wealthy individuals and families. Eric holds the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation and the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning. He graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. Eric is married with three children. He is an avid surfer who enjoys photography and cooking. He is a long-time volunteer with local youth sports programs and the co-creator of a recurring children’s community surf contest.
Timothy A. Sagawa, CFA®, CFP® | Senior Partner and Director of Asset Management
Prior to joining Gradient Capital Advisors, Timothy worked as a financial consultant with Ameriprise Financial. During the 12 years he spent with Ameriprise he was responsible for trading, investment research and portfolio management for a large number of high-net-worth families within the Private Wealth Group. He holds the Certified Financial Planner designation (CFP) and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. Timothy graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration from Point Loma Nazarene University. He is married with two young children. Timothy enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and volunteering at a local elementary school. He is an avid Padre/Charger fan