About US

Team

All Offices
Bakersfield
Denver
Encinitas

Benjamin McCollum

James Curran

Janet Fowler

Larry Jones

Loren Grabau

Rebecca Dunn

Ryan S. Gorski

Benjamin McCollum

Investment Advisor Representative

Ben McCollum is a highly accomplished professional with a rich background in the financial industry. With over a decade of experience, Ben has garnered an impressive reputation for his expertise, attention to detail, and exceptional contributions in various roles.

Ben began his career at Merrill Lynch, where he honed his skills assisting in finding strategic market opportunities (using technical analysis) for high-net-worth clients. With a meticulous approach and an innate ability to understand his clients’ needs, he helped provide personalized financial solutions that enabled his clients to achieve their long-term goals. Ben’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and his deep knowledge of investment strategies earned him the trust and loyalty of his clients.

Continuing his journey, Ben transitioned to Independent Financial Group, ultimately assuming the role of Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). Here, he focused on valuations and cash flow optimization, leveraging his analytical prowess to provide valuable insights into investment opportunities and risks for the firm. His meticulous attention to detail and strategic mindset played a pivotal role in driving informed decision-making within the organization.

With a strong passion for finance and a desire to grow a startup, Ben then joined Xton Financial as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In this position, he oversaw all financial operations, working closely with executive teams to develop and execute effective financial strategies. Ben’s comprehensive understanding of financial management, coupled with his exceptional leadership skills, played a vital role in optimizing financial performance and driving sustainable growth for the company, primarily through acquisitions.

Throughout his career, Ben has continuously demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, a strong work ethic, and a knack for delivering unparalleled results. His deep industry knowledge and diverse experience have positioned him as a respected authority in the financial field.

With a proven track record and a wealth of experience, Ben McCollum is the go-to professional for strategic financial advice and guidance.

Ben was born and raised in San Diego where he still resides when he is not traveling for work obligations. In his free time, he plays competitive beach volleyball, explores new culinary experiences, and loves to travel internationally.

Education and Credentials:
BA (Accounting & Economics) with honors from Westmont College
Finra Series 7, 27, and 66
Life, Accidental and Health Insurance with the State of California License # 4305158

James Curran

Investment Advisor Representative

I take pride to help families, individuals and business owners, navigate through their financial needs to achieve financial freedom.

My goal is to communicate and help make the most informed decisions when it comes to your financial goals.

I am blessed to call Bakersfield, CA my home with my wife, Nely, and three daughters, Adelyn, Miley and Isla.

Janet Fowler

Client Services Manager

Larry Jones

Portfolio Manager

I’ve spent over 40 years in the financial services industry, and have found helping people realize dreams, and reach financial independence extremely satisfying. The industry has changed tremendously since the 1970’s and regardless of the many new ways developed to access investment products, structuring a long-term financial plan requires organization, understanding, patience, and discipline. It is very gratifying to help people develop these attributes and reach a comfortable financial future an a less stressful life.

I began my career specializing in option trading when Bache & Co in Denver. My wife, Gayle and I have 3 children and 7 grandchildren, and are fortunate enough to have 9 of the 10 near us in Denver. We very much look forward to busy weekends of recitals, games, and matches and try when possible, to take full advantage of all the outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer.

Loren Grabau

Managing Member

The secret to a wonderful life is loving your family and when you come to a fork in the road, take it! Life rarely has a single path, so my goal as a Financial Advisor is to strategically plan for my clients to have the financial freedom to take life’s opportunities as they come.

My beautiful wife Lindsay and I both had the privilege of growing up here on the Central Coast and believe there is no better place on earth to raise a family! With two small children, we understand the constantly changing economic challenges facing young families today. My passion is to work with my clients to develop strategic financial plans, preparing them not only for milestones in life’ but for the unexpected occurrences along the way. With proper planning, we cannot always predict what the future holds but we can be better prepared if investment and savings plans are in place.

With my background as an Internal Auditor, Information System Analyst and Accounting Manager as well as a former graduate from Texas A&M University, I bring a unique perspective of business analysis from an internal and external perspective. As an avid foodie and a love for travel, I understand the balance of saving for the future while still enjoying life’s adventures.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorengrabau/

Rebecca Dunn

Client Services Associate

Ryan S. Gorski

CCO & Managing Member

As Managing Director of X Advisors, I partner with businesses, families and individual investors by providing tailored solutions to help them reach their goals. Allowing me to help guide them to your long-term goals, allows them to spend time to focus on what they are truly passionate about.
Whether it is planning for retirement, saving for college or looking for ways to protect their financial future, X Advisors can help.

We take the time to identify your goals and create strategies to solve each one. We partner with professionals throughout the community, such as Estate Attorneys, CPA and insurance specialist to help give you a full, sound plan.

During your initial visit, we dive deep into what is important to you and your family which allows us to craft a custom financial plan that can guide us in the right direction. By understanding your current situation, and where you want to go, we develop strategies to help you meet those needs.
During this process, our team will be dedicated to providing you with the best experience possible.

Born and raised in San Diego, Ca, I currently live in Encinitas, CA with my wife Katie and our lovely 3 year old golden retriever, Lily. We enjoy spending time at the beach, playing golf and eating at new restaurants.

Experience:
Financial Advisors at Morgan Stanley
Financial Advisors at Edward Jones

Education and Credentials:
BS (Finance) San Diego State University
Finra Series 7, and 66
Life, Accidental and Health Insurance with the State of California and Colorado

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansgorski/

process

Our process begins with getting to know you and your goals.

Tell us where you want to go, and we'll work with you to
develop a plan that suits your needs. And as your life
changes, we'll adjust your plan so it better aligns with your new path.

We believe a detailed planning process can be one of the most effective ways to create financial independence.

An effective plan may not only provide financial independence throughout your life, it can reduce the damage disability, critical illness, or other sudden losses of income may have.

Introductory Meeting

Identify your goals, priorities, preferences, and establish what your expectations.

Exploration & Preliminary Planning

After our first meeting, we'll take a deeper dive into your situation.

Detailed Planning

Delivering an easy-to- follow roadmap that will guide you towards your financial goals.

Ongoing Support & Advice

We'll be here to adapt your plan so it transitions along with you.

Who We Serve

Individuals

While you're in your peak earning years, it's important to develop positive financial habits that seek to lay a strong foundation for your savings.

Whether you’re new to investing, established in your career, or planning to retire, we’ll work with you to develop a financial plan that aims to help you manage your money effectively.

Families

As a parent, you're not only pursuing your own aspirations, but guiding your children towards their own success as well. That's why starting a savings plan early is considered vital in pursuing the college education your child deserves; especially as tuition rates continue to rise.

From establishing a 529 plan, to researching financial aid options and grants, we can help you examine college investment options to build a personalized portfolio that considers your financial goals, risk tolerance, and timeline.

Retirees

You’ve worked hard in your career, and are ready for relaxation and celebration. However, the transition from a career and steady paycheck to living on the wealth you’ve accumulated can be filled with uncertainty.

Together, we’ll develop a plan that helps you accumulate wealth while you’re still working, and aid your transition to a fixed retirement income.

Business Owners

Between managing employees, building client relationships, and maintaining the quality of your products or services, growing a business is a demanding task. It’s easy to be swept up in the day-to-day management of your business and lose sight of financial planning considerations that may lead to growth. We can help create a financial foundation that aims to care for your key employees and executives and reduce the impact of an unexpected loss.

When it’s time to pass the torch and leave your business, we’ll be here to plan your business succession and exit strategy to help ease the transition into life after work.