Dragan/Baker

Nick Dragan’s approach to managing wealth is rooted in his belief that to live well, one must create a plan for navigating life’s unexpected challenges. With this philosophy in mind, Nick works with individuals who are enthusiastic about planning out the details of their financial journeys. As an avid strategist, Nick has a true passion for creating proactive plans for high-functioning business owners and executives. He works diligently to provide objective, trusted advice with the goal of helping his clients further their knowledge of wealth management.

Throughout his career, Nick has worked with a variety of firms, including Merrill Lynch and Mass Mutual. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada – Las Vegas and attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business for the Advanced Investment Management program.

Outside of the office, Nick is actively involved with various volunteer initiatives, including the Marine Corps League, Toys for Tots, the Sunset Hills Planning and Zoning Committee, and the Economic Development Committee. In his free time away from work and volunteering, you can find Nick playing and coaching hockey and relaxing with family at his Michigan lake home.

For Valerie Baker, the most meaningful part of her role is having the ability to make a difference in her clients’ lives, knowing that they can confidently trust in her investment knowledge, problem-solving expertise, and comprehensive advice. In her practice, Valerie works diligently to implement holistic, solutions-oriented planning strategies, keeping her clients’ individual needs as top-of-mind. Working with families like her own has allowed her to build valuable relationships with clients, celebrating their successes and navigating through their challenges.

As an LPL financial planner, Valerie’s motivation for understanding and offering Special Needs Planning strategies comes from her son, Derek, a young man with Down syndrome. He inspires her to deliver thoughtful, valuable guidance and confidence to families and individuals who have children and loved ones with Special Needs.

Along with having first-hand experience in the area, Valerie has received advanced training on estate and tax planning concepts, special needs trusts, and government programs positioned around caring for individuals with disabilities and special needs. This training enabled her to receive the Chartered Specialist Needs Consultant (ChSNC) designation through The American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.

Outside of the office, Valerie spends much of her free time with her husband, Eric, and her three grown children, Jenna, Derek, and Katy. Valerie is an avid traveler and has visited all 50 states with her husband. When she’s not working with clients or traveling the country, she enjoys keeping up with the St. Louis Cardinals, the St. Louis Blues, and the Mizzou Tigers college athletics.