Our Team
Doug De Groote
MBA, CFP® - Managing Director
Doug is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) and has an MBA with an emphasis in Financial Planning from Cal Lutheran University. Doug is a master certified member of the HS Dent Advisors network. In addition, Doug is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). He founded United Wealth Management a division of United Capital Private Wealth Counseling in 2006, now known as United Capital Private Wealth Counseling. Prior to that he was a partner at Crowell, Weedon and Co. from 1996 until 2006 when he formed his own company.
Doug has appeared on a wide variety of media outlets including CNBC and Fox Business. He has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Kipplinger’s Retirement Report, Christian Science Monitor, Men’s Health, The Street.Com and Smart Money. Doug is a contributing editor to Westlake Malibu Magazine.
Doug and his wife, Samantha, are the proud parents of two daughters and a son. They are very active in their community, their church and Doug is an active member of Rotary. Doug and Sam enjoy spending time as a family and the “much deserved date night.” Doug enjoys running, working out, reading, hunting, traveling with Sam, meeting new people, spending time with family and friends, collecting great people (new friends and wonderful influences) and the occasional trip to the bushveldt in Southern Africa where he also enjoys growing avocados and citrus.
Bruce Lacey
CIMA® - Wealth Adviser
Bruce.Lacey@unitedcp.com
Bruce Lacey is a Wealth Adviser with United Capital Financial Advisers LLC, after having served in a capacity of Vice President – Investments with UBS Financial Services Inc. since 1997. His career in a financial role started in 1975 after graduating with a B.S in Business Administration from Towson University. He achieved the distinction of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maryland and practiced in public accounting from 1976 – 1979. For the next 17 years he served in various corporate financial roles as Controller and Chief Financial Officer, most notably with Aramark Corporation, where he served as CFO of 2 major subsidiaries from 1983 – 1995.
Bruce has developed a wide mix of life-long clients. His approach in working with clients leverages his diverse financial background using a “Life Relevant” philosophy. Having performed in a role as CFO at the corporate level, Bruce uses this diversified financial experience to working with families, individuals, and businesses that appreciate and value this comprehensive approach. The hallmark of his background is built upon the honesty and integrity associated with his 35+ years of trusted roles as a CPA, CFO and trusted financial advisor. Bruce is an avid golfer and loves to travel the world with his wife Ellen.
Beth Weaver
Practice Manager
Beth.weaver@unitedcp.com
Beth is responsible for overseeing office operations, client service experience, drafting investment/new account paperwork and transaction monitoring. Beth also oversees appointment scheduling, document retention, and office P&L. Beth joined United Capital in January 2008. She brings with her 19 years experience as Operations & Customer Service Call Center Manager for First Interstate Bankcard (now Wells Fargo) and Sparklett’s Water. Beth also has service/operations management experience in Multi -Level Marketing. Beth enjoys life with her husband Kirk. She loves painting, dog training, traveling and making plans with her 11 siblings.
Jeannie Garver
Administrative Manager
Jeannie.garver@unitedcp.com
Jeannie is an Administrative Manager and Notary Public. Jeannie is the face of the front office in greeting clients and answering incoming calls. Jeannie schedules appointments and provides meeting reminders. She handles the deployment of e-mail blasts, mass mailings, tracking expenses and ordering office supplies. She joined United Capital in April 2010. Jeannie brings experience as a Customer Service Associate for UBS Financial Services. She also brings with her 18 years experience as an Executive Assistant for Certified Public Accountants. Jeannie enjoys spending time with her birds, getting together with friends and riding her Harley Davidson.
Fadi Ahmed
Relationship Manager
Fadi started his career in financial services in the service department of AIG SunAmerica. From there he went on to become a Relationship Manager with Schwab Advisor Services where he obtained the Series 7, 66 and 9 & 10 licenses. At the end of 2009, he joined the Westlake branch of United Capital as a Relationship Manager. In this capacity he acts as a liaison between clients and the firm's Wealth Advisers, provides analytical and operating support for clients' portfolios, and participates in all client meetings. Fadi plays league basketball and enjoys travel & sports.
Professional Advice from a Dedicated Team
Effective planning solutions become most powerful when each step is implemented with uncompromising dedication. For this reason, United Capital, formerly United Wealth Management, has followed a service philosophy built upon high quality personal service that focuses on meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations. Each client is serviced by an experienced team member that is a licensed, seasoned professional dedicated to providing uncomplicated solutions and excellent service.
In our business the difference is made by the people. Their skill, their sensitivity, their knowledge and their passion makes the difference. United Capital is committed to developing the highest caliber people possible. When you speak to one of us you will meeting one of us who is vitally concerned with your business.