As the CEO and Chief Investment Officer for STA Wealth Management, Luke Patterson has nearly 20 years of investment experience, including portfolio management, equity and debt securities, options and alternative investments. Over his career, he has represented corporate clients and high net worth individuals and their families in a diverse range of financial transactions. In his roles as STA Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Officer and a member of its investment committee, Luke is responsible for directing the firm’s investment strategy, portfolio management, financial analysis and research. He focuses on identifying and implementing broad, multi-asset investment opportunities for client investment portfolios. Luke adheres to a disciplined investment strategy centered on conservative principles, effective risk management and capital preservation – all aimed at achieving long-term results for each client. Luke is also the head of our Business Development Department.

Michael Smith is President and Partner of STA Wealth Management and has over 15 years of investment experience. His experience includes portfolio management, securities markets, debt securities, equities, options and alternative investments. Michael holds a B.A. in Business Management from Sam Houston State University.

Scott Bishop has been working in the financial services industry since 1995. In 2014, Scott joined STA Wealth Management, LLC (STA), as the Director of Financial Planning. Prior to joining STA, Scott was a founding partner at Sound Financial Solutions, L.P. and worked with Research Financial Strategies. Throughout his career, Scott has focused on working with his clients to customize the financial planning process to identify specific estate, business succession, investment and retirement strategies for individual clients and their businesses. In providing these services, our STA team utilizes a very comprehensive and customized approach that helps to assure that our client's planning and investment opportunities are identified and correctly addressed now and into the future.

With more than 12 years in providing a comprehensive range of investment planning services to clients, Cy G. Cattan joined STA Wealth Management in August 2013 as Senior Director of Wealth Management for STA Wealth Advisors (an affiliate of STA Wealth Management, LLC). Cy primarily serves high net worth individuals, executives, retirees and business owners to achieve their goals for retirement, investment, business succession and estate planning. He specializes in locating private equity deals for high net worth, accredited investors. Prior to joining the STA Wealth Management team, Cy was a founding partner of Sound Financial Solutions, L.P. in Houston, TX where he and his team worked collaboratively to assist their clients in organizing their financial, accounting and legal matters. Cy began his career in the investment industry as a financial planner with Sagemark Consulting, where he provided fee-based financial planning for wealthy individuals and families across Texas. During his first year at Sagemark Consulting, Cy was ranked as Sagemark’s top new planner nationally among his peer group. Before joining Sagemark Consulting, Cy worked in the insurance industry with North Western Mutual Life Insurance Company. Cy is a graduate of Baylor University in Waco, TX with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Financial Services and Planning. He earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) professional designation from the Center of Fiduciary Studies, which is associated with the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, he has participated in extensive formal training programs in investment fiduciary responsibility, including the Kingdom Advisors training program that emphasizes helping families to manage their wealth in a biblical manner. As part of his community involvement activities, Cy is a long-time board member for Every Village, a nonprofit Christian organization which seeks to improve the physical and spiritual health of people in southern Sudan. Cy is an active member of Grace Bible in Houston. Cy and his wife Allison have two sons, Cole and Carter. Cy enjoys bow hunting and quail hunting in South Texas with friends, family and clients.

As the CEO and Chief Investment Officer for STA Wealth Management, Luke Patterson has nearly 20 years of investment experience, including portfolio management, equity and debt securities, options and alternative investments. Over his career, he has represented corporate clients and high net worth individuals and their families in a diverse range of financial transactions. In his roles as STA Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Officer and a member of its investment committee, Luke is responsible for directing the firm’s investment strategy, portfolio management, financial analysis and research. He focuses on identifying and implementing broad, multi-asset investment opportunities for client investment portfolios. Luke adheres to a disciplined investment strategy centered on conservative principles, effective risk management and capital preservation – all aimed at achieving long-term results for each client. Luke is also the head of our Business Development Department.

Michael Smith is President and Partner of STA Wealth Management and has over 15 years of investment experience. His experience includes portfolio management, securities markets, debt securities, equities, options and alternative investments. Michael holds a B.A. in Business Management from Sam Houston State University.

Scott Bishop has been working in the financial services industry since 1995. In 2014, Scott joined STA Wealth Management, LLC (STA), as the Director of Financial Planning. Prior to joining STA, Scott was a founding partner at Sound Financial Solutions, L.P. and worked with Research Financial Strategies. Throughout his career, Scott has focused on working with his clients to customize the financial planning process to identify specific estate, business succession, investment and retirement strategies for individual clients and their businesses. In providing these services, our STA team utilizes a very comprehensive and customized approach that helps to assure that our client's planning and investment opportunities are identified and correctly addressed now and into the future.

With more than 12 years in providing a comprehensive range of investment planning services to clients, Cy G. Cattan joined STA Wealth Management in August 2013 as Senior Director of Wealth Management for STA Wealth Advisors (an affiliate of STA Wealth Management, LLC). Cy primarily serves high net worth individuals, executives, retirees and business owners to achieve their goals for retirement, investment, business succession and estate planning. He specializes in locating private equity deals for high net worth, accredited investors. Prior to joining the STA Wealth Management team, Cy was a founding partner of Sound Financial Solutions, L.P. in Houston, TX where he and his team worked collaboratively to assist their clients in organizing their financial, accounting and legal matters. Cy began his career in the investment industry as a financial planner with Sagemark Consulting, where he provided fee-based financial planning for wealthy individuals and families across Texas. During his first year at Sagemark Consulting, Cy was ranked as Sagemark’s top new planner nationally among his peer group. Before joining Sagemark Consulting, Cy worked in the insurance industry with North Western Mutual Life Insurance Company. Cy is a graduate of Baylor University in Waco, TX with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Financial Services and Planning. He earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) professional designation from the Center of Fiduciary Studies, which is associated with the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, he has participated in extensive formal training programs in investment fiduciary responsibility, including the Kingdom Advisors training program that emphasizes helping families to manage their wealth in a biblical manner. As part of his community involvement activities, Cy is a long-time board member for Every Village, a nonprofit Christian organization which seeks to improve the physical and spiritual health of people in southern Sudan. Cy is an active member of Grace Bible in Houston. Cy and his wife Allison have two sons, Cole and Carter. Cy enjoys bow hunting and quail hunting in South Texas with friends, family and clients.

Bringing over 30 years of experience in finance and business, Craig J. Buhr serves as a Financial Advisor to STA Wealth Management clients. Craig’s responsibilities include financial planning, tax strategies and needs analysis for trusts and other financial investment products. His knowledge and experience benefit clients at all levels – from business professionals to individual families. Prior to joining STA Wealth Management in 2012, Craig worked as a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors. In addition to the finance service industry, he has extensive experience in the oil and medical sectors. Craig began his career as an auditor for a major oil company and later served as an oil trader of refined petroleum products. For 10 years, he was the owner and CEO of a large medical distribution company. Craig graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. A resident of Bellaire since 1995, he and his wife Paula have a son and two daughters.

During the past eight years, Patrick Fleming has served a growing portfolio of clients, including high net worth individuals and business owners, to meet their estate, retirement, business and investment planning objectives. In August 2013, Patrick joined STA Wealth Advisors as Senior Director of Wealth Management for STA Wealth Advisors (an affiliate of STA Wealth Management, LLC) where he works in coordination with the company’s team to provide a comprehensive range of financial and investment strategies for each client.

Karl Krueger is a native Houstonian and has worked in the financial services industry since 1994. Karl joined STA Wealth Management in 2015 after having worked at Fidelity Investments for the prior 11 years.  Karl has extensive experience in financial planning and investments and has consulted with hundreds of individuals and families in the pursuit of their personal financial goals.  Karl is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and History.   Karl and his wife Johanna have two sons and have lived in Katy since 1999.

David Sabonghy joined STA Wealth Management in October 2017. He has over fifteen years of investment experience, including portfolio management and financial planning. During his career, he has represented high net worth individuals and their families in a diverse range of financial services. Prior to joining STA Wealth Management, David worked at Ameriprise Financial and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. A native of Texas, David graduated from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business with a focus on Economics. David is a board member for Prevent Blindness Texas, a non-profit organization, which screens thousands of Texans each year in an effort to eliminate preventable blindness.  In addition, he is a board member for God’s Garden, which grows food organically for various food banks.

Elena Sharma began her career with STA Wealth Management in January 2013, following her successful completion as an intern with Streettalk Advisors. As a member of STA Wealth’s financial planning team Elena works in conjunction with the advisors to create efficient and effective wealth management strategies for our clients. She takes a holistic approach in analyzing each client’s unique situation, assets, goals and life-stage to develop a comprehensive financial plan. Elena’s responsibilities include the preparation of financial plans with a focus on retirement planning, college funding, estate planning, and risk management. Elena graduated from Texas Tech University with a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning. She received her Series 65 license and has successfully completed the educational and examination requirements to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). Elena enjoys cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Michael Smith is President and Partner of STA Wealth Management and has over 15 years of investment experience. His experience includes portfolio management, securities markets, debt securities, equities, options and alternative investments. Michael holds a B.A. in Business Management from Sam Houston State University.

As the CEO and Chief Investment Officer for STA Wealth Management, Luke Patterson has nearly 20 years of investment experience, including portfolio management, equity and debt securities, options and alternative investments. Over his career, he has represented corporate clients and high net worth individuals and their families in a diverse range of financial transactions. In his roles as STA Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Officer and a member of its investment committee, Luke is responsible for directing the firm’s investment strategy, portfolio management, financial analysis and research. He focuses on identifying and implementing broad, multi-asset investment opportunities for client investment portfolios. Luke adheres to a disciplined investment strategy centered on conservative principles, effective risk management and capital preservation – all aimed at achieving long-term results for each client. Luke is also the head of our Business Development Department.

Michael Smith is President and Partner of STA Wealth Management and has over 15 years of investment experience. His experience includes portfolio management, securities markets, debt securities, equities, options and alternative investments. Michael holds a B.A. in Business Management from Sam Houston State University.

Andrei Costas has been with STA Wealth Management since June 2013. He joined the firm as a Quantitative Equity Analyst Intern and following the successful completion of his internship stayed with STA Wealth Management as a Senior Investment Analyst. Andrei completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland, College Park and earned an MBA at Rice University. He resides in West University and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and reading.

Carlos Flores joined STA Wealth Management in April 2016 as a Senior Trader. Previously, he worked as a Trading Operations Analyst with Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co and as a Corporate Actions Analyst with Goldman Sachs & Co. Carlos completed his BBA at the University of Texas at Austin. He enjoys reading and spending time with his family.      

Nan Lu joined STA Wealth Management in May 2015. As a Senior Investment Analyst, he assists the Chief Investment Officer Monitor market developments, improve financial models and research tools, and perform up-to-date analytics to make informed investment decisions. Nan provides daily support in the Fixed Income investment process by analyzing, evaluating, and communicating risks and value opportunities across Government, Municipal, Corporate, and Securitized debt securities. He is also responsible for the due diligence of STA Real Estate Funds. Nan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Fudan University in Shanghai, China and earned an MBA in Finance from Rice University in Houston.

As the Chief Compliance Officer for STA Wealth Management, Hope Edick is responsible for ensuring that the company is in compliance with all rules and regulations of regulatory agencies and for guiding senior management on compliance matters. She also directs the firm’s alternative investments and serves as the general operations manager, which includes payroll, benefits, general accounting, client account billing and client liaison. Prior to joining STA Wealth Management, Hope worked for Wunderlich Securities, where she was responsible for all back-office functions for six registered representatives as well as maintenance of the portfolio management systems and billing for the investment advisory activities. She also previously worked in public relations for other companies. A longtime resident of Houston, Hope has three daughters and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, outdoor cooking, water activities and live music. She is a member of the Investment Advisor Association and the Young Life Committee (Stratford-Westside).

Katherine Yarber has served as the Chief Accounting Officer at STA Wealth since February of 2011. Her responsibilities include  Billing, Payroll/Benefits, Financial Reporting, Tax, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Budgeting and Special Projects. Katherine is a Certified Public Accountant. She graduated with honors and received her BS in Business Administration and Accounting from The University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, TN. Her minor areas of study include Finance, Economics, and World Literature. Her hobbies include fitness, interior and fashion design as well as self-study of Theology.

Carter Blackburn joined the team at STA Wealth Management in 2017 and serves as Wealth Management Advisor.  He has over 12 years of experience working with business professionals. Prior to joining STA, Carter serves as the CEO of Blackburn Productions, where he specializes in providing entertainment solutions for corporate events with small, medium, and international companies. Carter also served as an associate minister at one of the largest churches in America, working with families around the Greater Houston Area. Carter and his wife, Sarah love traveling, and sharing their passion for Jesus and the Gospel with others

Cindy Booth joined the STA team in March 2016. She currently serves as the Executive Administrator to two of our firm partners; Michael Smith and Luke Patterson. She is heavily involved with client management which encompasses client data, retention, interfacing, and overall service. Additionally, she shares responsibility of new client outreach through business development. Her responsibilities include calendar management and day to day partner operations. Cindy started her career in elementary education and went on to serve as Children’s Director of two large churches for 16 plus years.  Her background in ministry and leadership drives her to provide a quality experience and lasting relationship for all our clients. Cindy graduated from California Lutheran University with a degree in Communications. A resident of Katy, TX and the mother of two boys. Cindy enjoys running and is very passionate about health and wellness. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Rachel Daniels came to STA Wealth Management in December 2012. Her responsibilities as Head of Operations for the Business Development Department include overseeing marketing and business development related projects, including new technology and software. Rachel is responsible for running the STAWealth.com website as well as all of our social media platforms. Rachel also handles all new accounts, account funding, and account maintenance for the clients of our CEO Luke Patterson, as well as our President Michael Smith.  In addition, Rachel is the Administrator of our Salesforce CRM, and she specializes in our client portal. Rachel grew up in Jersey Village and currently resides in Houston. A busy mom of two, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, as well as family and friends. She is very active in her church community, she loves classic movies and live music.

Jennifer Garrett has been with STA Wealth Management since November 2008. She spent the first five years specializing in new accounts including account funding and all client account maintenance. Following that she served as Sales Associate Manager focusing primarily on daily operations and client service. Recently she has taken the role of Advisor Relationship Associate/Compliance Support. She is responsible for the on boarding and implementation of advisors and operations staff. In addition, she provides support to the CCO for ensuring the company is in compliance with all rules and regulations of regulatory agencies. She is cross trained in cashiering and trading.

Jennifer attended Lonestar College and the University of Houston. She is a member of the Investment Advisor Association. She resides in Katy with her husband and daughter and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, reading and running.

Stephen Kirby joined the STA Wealth Management team in July 2015. He works in the financial planning department where his duties encompass retirement planning, education planning, and estate planning. Prior to joining STA, Stephen worked for Sound Financial Solutions in their financial planning department. Stephen graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. After completing his undergraduate work, he went on to earn a law degree from the Michael E. Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas.

Stephen enjoys cooking and spending time with his family. Stephen, his wife Amy, and their children live in Sugar Land.

Mark Meyers, aka Max Gains provides background support and creative elements for the on-air hosts who are experts in money management. While focusing on keeping the show running on a professional format he also makes sure the show is as fun and interesting as it is informative. Max likes to think of himself as one of those people who knows a little about a lot of different things. This talent comes in handy on the show and allows him to take part in the discussion that can often be too technical for non-investment professionals or industry insiders… and brings it to a level that normal people and dogs can hear.

Kimberly Perez joined STA in February 2017 as the Front Office Administrator. She is the first person to extend a warm welcome to visitors of STA and oversees the daily operations of the office to maintain a standard of excellence in client service. Her primary focus is client service. Kimberly has an extensive background in client service stemming from years working with children, youth, and adults in Ministry. She graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. She is a busy mom of two who enjoys spending time with her family, reading, running, singing, and volunteering in church.

Michelle started at STA Wealth Management in February 2017. Michelle's primary responsibilities as Wealth Management Assistant are to provide administrative support to multiple financial advisors and their clients, including calendar management, meeting preparation and client maintenance.

Michelle was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. She graduated from Maple Woods Community College with an Associate of Arts: Field of Study in Business.  She’s a health food enthusiast, loves cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Newly married; she currently resides in Richmond, TX.

As IT Specialist, Robert Staten’s primary responsibility is the overall technical function of STA Wealth Management. He ensures all equipment is running properly to warrant ultimate performance and efficiency for all staff. This includes all software programs, phone and fax systems, as well as websites including social media. He is in charge of rectifying any and all technical related issues. In addition, he specializes in CRM, our client database system. Robert has been with STA Wealth Management for over two years. He is a married father of one. When he’s not working, you’ll find him spending time with his family or at the gym.

LaTika Tillis joined STA Wealth Management in 2013 and currently serves as Wealth Management Associate. She is responsible for all essential functions relating to new and existing clients as well as maintaining client relationships. She focuses on creating, implementing, and sustaining effective client management during all stages of the financial planning process. She is a graduate of Baylor University. A native Houstonian, LaTika is a married mother of two beautiful girls and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and singing.

As the CEO and Chief Investment Officer for STA Wealth Management, Luke Patterson has nearly 20 years of investment experience, including portfolio management, equity and debt securities, options and alternative investments. Over his career, he has represented corporate clients and high net worth individuals and their families in a diverse range of financial transactions. In his roles as STA Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Officer and a member of its investment committee, Luke is responsible for directing the firm’s investment strategy, portfolio management, financial analysis and research. He focuses on identifying and implementing broad, multi-asset investment opportunities for client investment portfolios. Luke adheres to a disciplined investment strategy centered on conservative principles, effective risk management and capital preservation – all aimed at achieving long-term results for each client. Luke is also the head of our Business Development Department.

With more than 12 years in providing a comprehensive range of investment planning services to clients, Cy G. Cattan joined STA Wealth Management in August 2013 as Senior Director of Wealth Management for STA Wealth Advisors (an affiliate of STA Wealth Management, LLC). Cy primarily serves high net worth individuals, executives, retirees and business owners to achieve their goals for retirement, investment, business succession and estate planning. He specializes in locating private equity deals for high net worth, accredited investors. Prior to joining the STA Wealth Management team, Cy was a founding partner of Sound Financial Solutions, L.P. in Houston, TX where he and his team worked collaboratively to assist their clients in organizing their financial, accounting and legal matters. Cy began his career in the investment industry as a financial planner with Sagemark Consulting, where he provided fee-based financial planning for wealthy individuals and families across Texas. During his first year at Sagemark Consulting, Cy was ranked as Sagemark’s top new planner nationally among his peer group. Before joining Sagemark Consulting, Cy worked in the insurance industry with North Western Mutual Life Insurance Company. Cy is a graduate of Baylor University in Waco, TX with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Financial Services and Planning. He earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) professional designation from the Center of Fiduciary Studies, which is associated with the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, he has participated in extensive formal training programs in investment fiduciary responsibility, including the Kingdom Advisors training program that emphasizes helping families to manage their wealth in a biblical manner. As part of his community involvement activities, Cy is a long-time board member for Every Village, a nonprofit Christian organization which seeks to improve the physical and spiritual health of people in southern Sudan. Cy is an active member of Grace Bible in Houston. Cy and his wife Allison have two sons, Cole and Carter. Cy enjoys bow hunting and quail hunting in South Texas with friends, family and clients.

Rachel Daniels came to STA Wealth Management in December 2012. Her responsibilities as Head of Operations for the Business Development Department include overseeing marketing and business development related projects, including new technology and software. Rachel is responsible for running the STAWealth.com website as well as all of our social media platforms. Rachel also handles all new accounts, account funding, and account maintenance for the clients of our CEO Luke Patterson, as well as our President Michael Smith.  In addition, Rachel is the Administrator of our Salesforce CRM, and she specializes in our client portal. Rachel grew up in Jersey Village and currently resides in Houston. A busy mom of two, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, as well as family and friends. She is very active in her church community, she loves classic movies and live music.

Mark Meyers, aka Max Gains provides background support and creative elements for the on-air hosts who are experts in money management. While focusing on keeping the show running on a professional format he also makes sure the show is as fun and interesting as it is informative. Max likes to think of himself as one of those people who knows a little about a lot of different things. This talent comes in handy on the show and allows him to take part in the discussion that can often be too technical for non-investment professionals or industry insiders… and brings it to a level that normal people and dogs can hear.

As IT Specialist, Robert Staten’s primary responsibility is the overall technical function of STA Wealth Management. He ensures all equipment is running properly to warrant ultimate performance and efficiency for all staff. This includes all software programs, phone and fax systems, as well as websites including social media. He is in charge of rectifying any and all technical related issues. In addition, he specializes in CRM, our client database system. Robert has been with STA Wealth Management for over two years. He is a married father of one. When he’s not working, you’ll find him spending time with his family or at the gym.