STEPHEN MELI, MBA, CRPC^®

Managing Partner

Professional Details

• 20+ years investment industry experience
• MBA, Business Management – Graziadio Business School, Pepperdine University
• BA, Radio-TV-Broadcasting – California State University, Northridge
• CRPC®, CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR™ professional
• Affiliated with Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network since 2012
• Formerly Senior Vice President / Resident Director with Merrill Lynch
• Series 7, 9, 10, 66 registrations, variable annuity and life insurance licensedCA Insurance License 0D45230 Resident State CA

After completing my business education, I began a career journey that first led me to Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor. My entry into the profession came with an unexpected and profound twist of fate: I had just graduated on September 7, 2001 in New York City, just days before the tragic events of September 11. The World Trade Center – where I had received my training – became the epicenter of a moment that reshaped the world. That experience, combined with the turbulence of the dot.com collapse, Enron’s corporate failures, the 2002 market downturn, the sub-prime housing crisis, and the far-reaching 2007 global financial recession, all shaped my character and deepened my commitment to stewarding my clients' wealth with utmost responsibility.

Following my tenure at Morgan Stanley, I joined Banc of America Investments, which later became Bank of America / Merrill Lynch. Over eight transformative years, I advanced to Senior Vice President/Resident Director and took on leadership of the Westlake Village branch. At the same time, I also earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) and Portfolio Manager designations, further strengthening my expertise.

In 2012, I reached a pivotal moment. I envisioned a more independent and liberated environment – one that would allow my team to serve clients with greater flexibility, deeper personalization, and a truly holistic approach. This vision led to the founding of Westlake Private Wealth Management, where our dedication to fostering genuine relationships and facilitating comprehensive strategies takes precedence.

Today, I serve a diverse and discerning clientele, including affluent families, entertainment professionals, corporate leaders, and retirees. Through personalized consultations, I collaborate with each client to help identify tangible objectives, then design and execute tailor-made investment plans utilizing a blend of financial instruments, from traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to innovative ETFs and socially conscious investments.

I am honored to have been named a Forbes Best‑In‑State Wealth Advisor in 2025 and 2026, a recognition I believe reflects my commitment to thoughtful advice, disciplined investing, and exceptional client service. I am also a long‑standing member of the Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council, a distinction I have earned consistently over the last ten years.

I live in Westlake Village, CA, with my wife Lisa, with whom I’ve shared 29 remarkable years, and our three children – Camryn, Ethan, and Owen. I am a passionate sports enthusiast, whether cheering on my son at Cal Poly baseball games or supporting the Dodgers, Kings and Chargers across Los Angeles.  I am an avid cinema aficionado, an ever-improving skier and golfer, and a devoted traveler who embraces new cultures, experiences and horizons.

2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2026; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/24- 6/30/25 (Source: Forbes.com). 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/23- 6/30/24 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year's industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. Fee paid for use of marketing materials.

The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by one or more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structures.