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 for developing wealth that outlasts their lifetime. His specialty is working with retirees, medical professionals, and small business owners. Ara’s mission is to provide objective 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™ (CFP®). The CFP® designation 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.