Bob Garretson
Muskegon
Chief Executive Officer | Wealth Advisor
Hey, I’m Bob. My title says I’m CEO of Embark Financial Partners, but that’s kind of new. Here’s how I got here: I was born & raised in the State of Washington. After graduating from the University of Washington in 1990, I was commissioned as an officer in the US Navy. The Navy took me to Florida, California, Japan for 3 years, and I finished my time in the Navy in Washington DC. In DC, I finished a graduate degree from The George Washington University, but more importantly met a law student named Heather clerking for the summer at the Department of Justice. Married her. I definitely outkicked my coverage.
Heather and I started our life together in Kansas City – Heather as a Lawyer, me as a wealth advisor. We were in KC for 9 years and were blessed with our kids Ben and Cate, some great memories, and even greater friends. In 2006, we moved to Michigan. Initially, I balanced managing a dozen advisors and continuing to work with my own clients. After 8 years, our family had the opportunity to spend a couple of years in New York City - it was a great adventure. We moved back to Michigan, and I started building a team of advisors and staff. That was the beginning of Embark Financial Partners. I enjoy being involved on different Boards in my community, traveling, reading, spending time with my family, cooking, golfing and scuba diving. Thanks for reading this; we are looking forward to meeting you!
office: 231-903-6286
fax: 231-903-6286
cell: 616-402-1905
Doug Heilman, AWMA®
Grand Rapids
Chief Operating Officer | Wealth Advisor
For almost two decades, I have enjoyed helping others as a consultant and educator in the medical research and insurance industries. I obtained my Bachelors Degree from Grand Valley State University, 1993 in Mathematics, and then later my Masters in Statistics from Western Michigan University in 1995. During this time, I was missing something I truly enjoyed - connecting with people on a more personal level. As a financial advisor, I now have the opportunity to consult, educate, and connect in meaningful and mutually rewarding ways.
I help people understand how to best manage their short and long-term finances based on their unique situation. Once my clients are armed with knowledge and understand their options, I make it easy to implement strategies that help them pursue their goals. In other words, I provide:
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Guidance – to help sort through the many possible choices
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Education – to understand the pros and cons of their decisions
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Motivation – to help take the first step and stay on track
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Confidence – to know there’s a plan in place to pursue their goals
I am a husband to an amazing and supportive wife and father to four incredible boys. I love the outdoors and take advantage of every opportunity to enjoy it, whether that is running, hiking, skiing, softball, camping, golf – I’m up for anything! I enjoy being called a true friend and passionately support several groups including our church, youth sports, and cystic fibrosis research.
office: 616-600-9905
fax: 616-600-9905
cell: 616-283-7501
Tucker Fahlen
Grand Rapids
VP of Insurance and Marketing | Wealth Advisor
As a 7 on the Enneagram, “the enthusiast”, I consider myself an optimistic adventurer who is always on the go. I deeply value relationships, learning new things, and seeing new places. I have a wide range of interests such as cooking, pickleball, golf, music, board games, audio/video nerd, etc.
I have the honor of being a husband to my wife, Kara, and a father to my daughter, Maven. Kara is an amazing physical therapist that keeps people moving and specializes in women’s health PT. Maven lights up our world and is the sweetest little blessing we could’ve asked for. Kara and Maven feed my adventurous side and as a family we love traveling, camping, hiking and being on or near the water during our beautiful Michigan summers. Kara and I have a goal to visit each National Park together some day – so far, we’ve seen 19 of 62!
Professionally, being a Financial Advisor allows me to pair my love for people and relationships with my nerdy side of number crunching and investment management. I love the process of listening, educating, and empowering people to take actionable steps that will change their lives and the lives of generations to follow. Serving my clients as their advisor brings me joy as I get to know them on a deep, personal level. I also have the privilege of providing counsel on many fundamental life/financial decisions. At Embark, I have an amazing work family that complements each other incredibly, while working in harmony to take care of our people. To say that I’m blessed to be able to do what I do is an understatement!
office: 616-600-9905
fax: 616-600-9905
cell: 616-490-2804
Will Bohne, CFP®
Kansas City
VP of Financial Planning | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ | Wealth Advisor
I’m Will, the Vice President of Financial Planning and a Wealth Advisor for Embark Financial Partners. My journey in the financial services industry began in 2012 after dedicating six years to disaster relief and development efforts throughout Africa and Haiti.
I have strived to make a positive impact on the lives of the people I have served, carrying me forward in both careers. I am a graduate of the University of Kansas and achieved the CFP designation in 2018. My family resides in Lawrence, KS with my wife Lindsey and two daughters, Charlotte and Claudia.
office: 913-800-8675
fax: 913-800-8675
cell: 785-393-7181
Rebecca Novak
Muskegon
Wealth Advisor
I was born and raised in Muskegon and am a Mona Shores Graduate. After graduation, I attended Baker College and was in the first graduating class to earn my degree in Radiologic Technology. I worked for Hackley Hospital for 10 years, helping people in the Emergency Department. In 2011, I shifted from helping people with their physical health to financial wellness. I am now a licensed financial advisor who looks forward to making an impact on people's lives through growing relationships, committed teamwork and guidance to help one pursue their individual goals.
In my free time, I enjoy being a mom to my fur baby Bruno, traveling, wine, and spending time with family and friends.
office: 231-903-6286
fax: 231-903-6286
cell: 231-955-8566
Christian Binger, CFP®, MBA
Kansas City
Director of Financial Planning | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ | Wealth Advisor
Hey - I'm Christian. I am a Wealth Advisor at Embark Financial Partners. I have been in the financial services industry for over 3 years and working specifically in the financial planning space for approximately 2 years. In my current role at Embark, I lead the financial planning department and coordinate with both advisors and clients on a comprehensive financial planning experience. I am passionate about assisting clients pursue their financial goals through developing and implementing a wide range of planning strategies.
I grew up in Kansas City and went to college at Southwest Baptist University. After completing both my Bachelors degree in 2016 and Masters in Business Administration in 2018 from Southwest Baptist University, I launched my career in the financial services industry with Waddell & Reed. Prior to transitioning to my current role with Embark, I worked at Waddell and Reed for 2 years in a few different financial planning, operations, and service roles.
I reside in the Kansas City area with my lovely wife, Kinsey, and our Australian Shepherd, Binnington. If I am not working on a financial plan, I love to spend time with family and friends, exercise, volunteer at church, watch Chiefs football, KU basketball, and Cardinals baseball, and consume too much Kansas City BBQ.
office: 913-800-8675
fax: 913-800-8675
cell: 816-808-5507
Brittany Uzarski
Grand Rapids
Director of Operations | Client Support Specialist
I am an addict of Iced Coffee, a lover of true crime podcasts, a fan of Michigan football, and a believer that Taylor Swift is queen. Quote to live by “Just because you make a good plan, doesn’t mean that’s what’s going to happen.” – Taylor Swift
I have two kids with my husband, Kevin. Our fur-child Jack, a 90lb lab/hound mix who is dramatic, independent, and moody, but is the best pup around. We also have our tiny-human child Benny, who is adventurous, curious, and stubborn, but brings so much joy (and incoming grey hair) to our lives. Outside of work, you can find me chasing a toddler, reading, learning useless random facts, or attempting to help with whatever house project my husband has going on.
I moved to Grand Rapids in 2008 to attend Grand Valley State University (Laker for a Lifetime). I fell in love with the city and decided to stick around after graduating. I landed my first job in finance in 2014 and have been in the industry ever since. I was lucky enough to find myself at Embark Financial Partners in July of 2020. As the Director of Operations, I strive to make sure I support everyone on the team, actively help clients, and keep operations running smoothly. I am thankful to be a part of this team and excited about the future!
office: 616-600-9905
fax: 616-600-9905
Alana Casullo
Grand Rapids
Client Support Specialist
Hello! I’m Alana – I am a crafty, theater nerd who takes a little too much enjoyment from crossing items off to-do lists.
I was born and raised just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, so I do love a good lobster roll and iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts. After attending Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, I fell in love with West Michigan. I couldn’t get enough of the midwestern hospitality, gorgeous landscape, and amazing restaurants - especially Wolfgangs.
I moved back to GR in the fall of 2020 and joined Embark Financial Partners. With a diverse administrative background rooted in customer service, I quickly earned the nickname of “the unicorn” for my upbeat, positive attitude. I hope to brighten the day of everyone I speak with, and I am dedicated to doing whatever I can to support our clients.
At the end of each day, I am incredibly thankful to come home to my supportive, goofy boyfriend, Dan, and our adorable dog, Gilley. In the words of my hometown – they are WICKED AWESOME.
office: 616-600-9905
fax: 616-600-9905
Pearlie Gray
Muskegon
Client Support Specialist
I have been working in Financial Investment Services industry for the last 49 years as an Administrative Assistant & Client Support Specialist all in the clerical field.
I was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan. I love working with clients - I’m here to help them with all their needs. If I’m not able to answer someone’s questions, I’m good at finding the person who can. My goal is to make sure everyone is satisfied with whatever I do for them.
I have a daughter Kyra LaNette, granddaughter KeAire LaRee, my friend is Curtis.
I love reading, high school football, family cookouts, going out with my girlfriends for ladies night.
office: 231-903-6286
fax: 231-903-6286
