ABOUT OUR MISSION

Languages Spoken: English, Armenian

As the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Encore Capital Management, Ara Mekhitarian is passionate about helping clients not only manage their finances, but define and pursue their goals. Through a long-term investment approach, Ara helps clients build and implement strategies focused on developing wealth that outlasts their lifetime. His specialty is working with retirees, medical professionals, and small business owners. Ara’s mission is to provide personalized and timely financial guidance with the highest level of service.

Ara began his journey with financial services in 1999 with Wells Fargo, eventually becoming a Regional Bank Private Banker assisting affluent clients with wealth management. In 2011, guided by a desire to play more of an integral role with investment management, he became a Financial Advisor.

Ara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fresno. He is also a graduate of UCLA Extension's Personal Financial Planning program and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. The CFP® certification is widely considered the gold standard in financial planning. In 2015, Ara further expanded his financial credentials and obtained a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation. For this certification, he successfully completed the CIMA® executive education program at Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a current member of the Investments & Wealth Institute.

Driven by a need to offer an enhanced client experience and dynamic solutions across products and platforms, in May 2022 Ara and his business partner Leonardo Aguilar left Wells Fargo to join LPL Financial and found their independent practice, Encore Capital Management.

Ara resides in Glendale and stays involved with the local community. Away from the office, Ara enjoys strength training, golf, and travel.

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*Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP® and  CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

With more than 20 years of experience as a Financial Advisor, and 30 years in the financial industry; Leonardo Aguilar is dedicated to helping his clients pursue their financial needs through a customized and holistic approach. He believes that everyone's financial situation is unique, and therefore deserves personalized services tailored to their current lifestyle – and hopes for their future. He works collaboratively with his clients to explore their full financial outlook, specializing in retirement planning and wealth management. Leonardo also enjoys working with individuals, trusts, charitable organizations, and businesses.

Leonardo began his journey with Great Western Financial Securities in 1990. As the years progressed, he transitioned into an advisory role at Wells Fargo where he was recognized as a Premier Advisor (2012-2016), a distinction reserved for the firm's top Financial Advisors based on business production, completion of educational components, and professionalism.

With a desire to offer an enhanced client experience and dynamic solutions across products and platforms, in May 2022 Leonardo and his business partner Ara Mekhitarian left Wells Fargo to join LPL Financial and found their independent practice, Encore Capital Management.

Leonardo graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a BA in Economics and worked with Washington Mutual Financial Services for 15 years before joining Wells Fargo. In 2015, he continued expanding his financial credentials by obtaining a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®)  designation. For this certification, he successfully completed the CIMA® executive education program at the esteemed Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Residing in Temple City, California, in his free time he enjoys golf, exercising, and spending time with his family.

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Chayanne earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from American Military University and began her career in healthcare recruitment, where she developed strong communication skills and a passion for guiding individuals through important life transitions. She later brought that experience into the financial services industry, where her focus on precision, organization, and client care continues to shine.

As an Administrative Associate, Chayanne is known for her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. With a focus on clear communication and reliable follow-through, she helps create an organized and seamless experience for clients.

Outside of the office, Chayanne enjoys spending time with her husband and children, traveling, and staying active through running.

^{*Not registered with LPL Financial}

With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Deanna is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and building lasting relationships with our clients. A native of New York, she relocated to California to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science at Chapman University. She later earned her MBA and has since held key roles at prominent firms such as Franklin Templeton Investments and Ameriprise Financial.

Outside of work, Deanna enjoys staying active through hiking, triathlon racing, and paddle-boarding. She also loves traveling and spending quality time with her family and two dogs.

^{*Not registered with LPL Financial}