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Registered Investment Advisor Representatives
Michael Jon Byers
President
Michael Jon Byers is President & Founder of LoneStar Wealth Management & LoneStar Registered Investment Advisors, PLLC. Michael is co-author of the book, “Planning a Secure Retirement”, & hosted a radio talk-show for seven years called “The Money Talk”, providing financial planning tips and instructions. He has additionally aired on Fox News on numerous occasions as a financial analyst. Coupled with over 22 years of experience, Michael excels at translating complex financial matters into understood dialect for readers & audiences around the country. It is Michael’s mission to educate & equip everyone for the financial life of their dreams, while avoiding the volatility of the greater economy. As the proud son of an Army Veteran, Michael grew up in Korea, Okinawa Japan, Germany & the United States. While growing his financial practice, he is also an involved parent alongside his wife Sarah, raising seven wonderful children; Kimberlee, Ethan, Caden, Bri, Sky, Seth, & baby Jon.
Mark Groom
Investment Advisor Representative
Mark Groom is an Investment Advisor Representative, assisting clients with retirement planning, wealth management services, & estate planning. He has been featured as a financial expert on local radio & television talk shows, offering his insight, opinions, & financial analysis. He is also Co-Author of the book, “Planning a Secure Retirement”. Mark understands the complexity of federal employee benefits & having studied under the Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant (ChFEBC) program for several years. While he is attentive to his client’s needs, that does not keep Mark from being a loving husband, father & his favorite role, a grandfather!
Christian Caraveo
Christian assists clients with income retirement planning. While he is originally from Alhambra, CA, he now resides in Castle Rock, CO. Christian believes that educating individuals is the key to helping them receive clear insight into our process and achieve their goals and obtain financial security. Christian received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Azusa Pacific University in California, where he played Division II football as a full-time student-athlete. Christian and his wife Emily met while at Azusa Pacific University and are expecting their first child in 2023!
LoneStar Wealth Management Team
Maria Richburg
Operations Manager
Maria Richburg is our Operations Manager. Having joined the firm in 2011, Maria quickly became the strong foundation needed to allow this company to flourish. She developed an organized workflow that allowed for additional personnel as the business grew. Today, she oversees account processing and maintenance for both new and existing clients. Maria’s background includes a B.S. in Education and Interdisciplinary Studies, along with a vast experience in office management.
Gabriela Alvarado
Wealth Management Associate
Gabriela Alvarado is our Wealth Management Associate and a licensed insurance agent. In 2013, Gabby moved to Lubbock to become a first-generation college student. Gabby Graduated from Texas Tech in 2017 with a B.A. in Marketing and Management, and in 2019 obtained a M.S. in Personal Financial Planning. Gabby’s role involves attending client meetings and overseeing new business accounts for our financial advisors. When not serving our clients, Gabby can be found spending time with her husband, Bryan, and their Bernadoodle, Remi!
Kimberlee Byers
Client Relations
Kimberlee Byers is our Client Relations specialist and a licensed insurance agent. Kimberlee graduated Utah Valley University in 2019 with a B.S. in Behavioral Science, with an emphasis in Family Studies, and a minor in Psychology. Kimberlee moved back to Lubbock shortly after graduation and joined the firm. LoneStar is thankful to experience her enthusiasm, passion, and terrific problem-solving skills!
Ben A. Mercado, AFC®
Family Retirement Income Associate
Ben Mercado is our Family Retirement Income Associate. Ben joined the Lonestar Wealth Management team in 2013 and loves helping people achieve their retirement income planning goals. He is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and is an AFCPE® Member. Ben received his Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University. He understands the importance of family retirement income planning and how financial literacy will impact legacies for many generations. As a financial literacy and benefits instructor across the country, Ben’s focus is on helping others easily understand retirement income planning concepts. Ben serves his local, Lubbock community, and is a proud father and little league coach to his son Lincoln.
Mandi Melville
New Accounts Coordinator
Mandi Melville is our New Accounts Coordinator. Mandi graduated from Wayland Baptist University in 2018 with a Bachelors in Business Administration and a minor in Management. Since early 2021, Mandi has provided a background in Customer Service as well as a thorough attention to detail. She believes in our customer comes first attitude, while at the same time knows we support her personal life as a caring mother and wife!
Matt Bullen
Business Relations Coordinator
Matt obtained his B.S. in University Studies with an emphasis in Sociology and Communications from the University of New Mexico in 2003. In 2009, he moved with his family to Lubbock and has since served his church as a board member. Matt joined our LoneStar team in early 2022 and has enjoyed assisting local business owners in facilitating their retirement options. He is excited to be a part of LoneStar because of the passion we have for helping people connect with their aspirations. Matt shares that unique passion while assisting people achieve their dreams. However, his greatest desire is to be a loving a husband to Amanda and father to Kade and Tayley, continuously supporting them in all they do.
Lori Lesly
New Accounts Coordinator
Lori joined the LoneStar team in early 2022, bringing with her a heart for serving others. She believes in building a rapport with our clients and establishing trustworthy relationships. Lori has experience in Operations Management, as well as Customer Service. In her free time, Lori enjoys spending time with her family and serving in ministry opportunities, such as prison outreach programs.
Jeremy Brown
Life and Health Specialist
Jeremy joined our firm in mid 2022. He brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience as the co-owner of a masonry business for over 20 years with his father. Jeremy is also a Veteran, proudly having served twelve years in the U.S. Air Force. As part of our team, Jeremy builds new relationships with a client-first approach as he ensures to provide the best fit for life and health insurance needs. Most importantly, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his lovely wife Kellie, and their five wonderful children: Ashley, Rebecca, Victoria, Jason and Jesse.
Brady Escobar
Wealth Management Associate
Brady is a proud Texas Tech Graduate with a Bachelor’s in Personal Financial Planning. He joined the LoneStar team in early 2022 and is committed to making a career out of providing the highest level of service to his team and LoneStar’s clients. Brady is a CFP Candidate and licensed insurance agent. As a Wealth Management Associate, he assists in client meetings and arranges follow-up meetings, providing amazing support for our Advisors. Brady is also responsible for Estate Planning within the firm. When Brady is out of the office, he enjoys attending Texas Tech Athletics events, playing guitar and bass, and vacationing with his friends and family.
Affiliated Specialists through LoneStar Financial Services
Reed Hitch
Medicare Specialist
Reed graduated from Texas Tech with a B.S. in Engineering Technology in 1985. A few years later he found his true calling in helping seniors. For the past 17 years, Reed has been helping people with their insurance needs, providing insight, trainings, and has guest appeared on radio talk shows. Even though Reed makes an effort to be there for his clients, he still ensures his family is his top priority! Happily married for over 34 years, he and his wife have five wonderful children and one “spoiled” grandchild.