As President, Michael is the leader of Gradient Investments and has been with the firm since 2012. He brings more than 30 years of industry experience including prior roles managing multi-billion dollar portfolios for an institutional asset manager. Michael is a CFA® charterholder and is a frequent contributor on CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and the Wall Street Journal.
Our Team
Elite Capital Insurance Services Team
Audrey West
Founder/Financial Advisor, RFC™
Audrey West is a leading financial advisor based in Newport Beach, California, known for helping individuals, families, and businesses build financial security and sustainable, long-term growth. With a personalized approach, Audrey provides a comprehensive and holistic strategy for every client, ensuring their unique financial goals are planned with precision and care.
Audrey’s clients benefit from access to resources through our affiliation with Gradient Advisors which includes Certified Financial Planners (CFP®), offering a 360-degree approach to wealth management. Her mission is simple: to empower clients with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make informed financial decisions that support their long-term goals.
Audrey West adheres to a strong foundation of standards of ethics, education, and client care. She is a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC®) and holds the Series 65 registration, which allows her to operate as a fiduciary investment advisor representative. This commitment ensures that every recommendation is made in the best interest of her clients. Audrey’s fiduciary status underscores her dedication to providing objective, conflict-free advice in key areas like Comprehensive Retirement Planning and Risk Management.
Audrey specializes in addressing complex financial challenges for high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses with the following key services:
- Advanced Retirement Planning (for individuals, executives, and corporations)
- Comprehensive Asset Management and Wealth Growth Strategies
- Wealth Preservation & Asset Protection
- 401(k), IRA and Retirement Account Strategies
- Profit-Sharing Plans
- Strategic Income & Cash Flow Strategies
- Comprehensive Family Protection
- Tax-Efficient Wealth Strategies
Rachel Scharnett
Insurance Professional
Rachel is a seasoned insurance professional with 10 years of experience, specializing in family protection. She works closely with individuals and business owners, providing tailored solutions to secure their financial futures. Known for her genuine care and dedication, Rachel builds lasting relationships with her clients, guiding them with integrity and personalized attention.
Henah Durrani
Administrative Assistant
Henah Durrani plays a crucial role in supporting both our team and clients by ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. She is available to answer administrative inquiries, assist with workflow management, and provide the necessary support to help clients navigate our processes with ease. Henah is dedicated to delivering excellent service, proactively reaching out to address client needs and ensure they receive the assistance they require. With a strong attention to detail and a passion for organization, Henah contributes to a seamless experience for both clients and colleagues. She is committed to continuous learning and delivering the highest standards of support in the financial industry.
Strategic Alliances
Michael Binger, CFA®
President of Gradient Investments, LLC
Jeremy Bryan, CFA®
Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Keith Gangl, CFA®
Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Tyler Ellegard, CFA®
Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Tim Kosmos
Enrolled Agent and IRS-Certified Tax Expert
With over 25 years of experience in tax planning, preparation, and representation, Tim Kosmos is a highly trusted Enrolled Agent. He is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of the U.S. tax system while strategically minimizing tax liabilities. As an Enrolled Agent, Tim is federally licensed and authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters, including audits, collections, and appeals.
Tim works with his team to integrate proactive tax planning into financial strategies. This includes structuring tax-advantaged, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts to help clients maximize retirement income and reduce their overall tax burden. His expertise ensures that tax planning complements clients’ broader financial goals, offering a comprehensive approach to achieving long-term financial success.
Whether you’re seeking advice on tax-saving strategies, need assistance with complex tax matters, or want integrated tax and investment planning, Tim Kosmos provides tailored solutions focused on trust, accuracy, and lasting results.
Neta Wenrick
Medicare Specialist
Neta Wenrick has dedicated 40 years to working with seniors. She finds great joy in educating people about Medicare and connecting them with valuable resources through her extensive network in the senior care community.
Neta holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Certification in Music Therapy, and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from California State University, Long Beach.
Neta is passionate about improving the quality of life for seniors, using her vast network of contacts to make a positive impact in their lives.
Larry Clinton
Financing Specialist
Larry Clinton has been a leader in the finance industry since the mid-90s.
As a trusted strategic partner, Larry brings decades of expertise, offering tailored financing solutions for residential, commercial, and development projects. He leads a top-performing lending team at Infinity Lending and serves as SVP at KPRE Capital Group and BCREM. Larry’s creative, strategic approach helps clients secure funding and maximize opportunities nationwide.
Case Central
In partnership
Case Central is a case design firm comprised of Certified Financial Planners® and back-office support. Elite Capital & Insurance Services leverages its industry experience, technology platform and comprehensive case analysis to optimize your retirement strategy.
This endorsement of Gradient Investments, LLC is provided by an investment advisor who refers clients to Gradient Investments, LLC. A conflict of interest exists because this investment advisor receives a portion of the annual management fee charged by Gradient Investments, LLC, based on the assets under management of this investment advisor’s clients. This endorsement could assist in the investment advisor increasing the assets placed with Gradient Investments, LLC, and therefore their compensation. These investment advisors are not affiliated with or supervised by Gradient Investments, LLC.
*The endorsement of the above listed individual(s) is provided by this investment advisor who refers clients for their professional service(s). This investment advisor is not affiliated with them or their service(s).
Schedule a Consultation
Partner with Audrey West and her expert team to create a personalized financial plan that not only meets your immediate needs but also positions you for a prosperous future.