MISSION: RETIREMENT
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Doors Open: 9:30 a.m. | Event Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Neptunian Woman’s Club, 920 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, California, 90266
CAST (ON-SCREEN/INTERNAL)
Cory Chapman
Lead Agent
Founder / Managing Partner /
Sr. Wealth Advisor
Sydnie Mills
Strategy & Intelligence
Director of Operations/Marketing/Wealth Advisor
Barack Little
Technical Execution
Wealth Advisor
Client
The Operative Who Unlocks the Code
Speakers
Kick off the new year with excitement and insight.
Our leaders will share their unique perspectives on the economy, firm growth, and exciting new initiatives for the year ahead.
Cory Chapman
Founder/ Managing Partner /Sr. Wealth Advisor, Life Licensed – Series 65 – RE Licensed
Cory Chapman
Founder/ Managing Partner /Sr. Wealth Advisor, Life Licensed – Series 65 – RE Licensed
Cory J Chapman has established himself as a financial expert and entrepreneur, notably through his founding and leadership of EFC Wealth Management firm.
His extensive twenty-five-year tenure in the financial services sector is characterized by educational contributions, such as authoring books and conducting seminars, which reflect his deep-seated knowledge and expertise. Chapman’s comprehensive background spans several domains, including mortgage, real estate, estate planning, and taxation, providing a solid foundation for his advisory role.
His educational endeavors, such as writing on financial planning and personal development and engaging in various media engagements, underscore his commitment to financial education. Chapman’s insights, drawn from a robust career, offer valuable perspectives to those seeking financial guidance.
Phon Vilayoune
Founder and CEO of Veta Investment Partners
Phon Vilayoune
Founder and CEO of Veta Investment Partners
Phon Vilayoune is the Founder and CEO of Veta Investment Partners, which he established in 2019.
Before founding Veta, he led the risk management and derivatives team atSecurity Benefit, an insurance company managing a $16 billion portfolio based in Kansas.
Today, Veta oversees more than $4 billion in assets under management (AUM), including $1.6 billion for insurance carriers and $2.5 billion for advisors and wealth platforms. The firm's primary focus is on risk management and mitigation, aiming to deliver a smoother portfolio experience.
Phon graduated at the top of his class from the University of Iowa with a degree in Economics.
Kagen Bunning
Advisors Excel, Director of Wealth Management
Kagen Bunning
Advisors Excel, Director of Wealth Management
Kagen Bunning is a Director of Wealth at AE Wealth Management, where he partners with advisors and their clients to design thoughtful, comprehensive investment strategies that empower retirees to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Since joining AEWM in January 2021 after earning his B.S. in Finance from Kansas State University, Kagen has served in multiple roles across the organization — from trading to advisor training — each one deepening his understanding of what investors value and what advisors need to deliver an exceptional wealth management experience.
Today, he leverages that diverse experience to guide advisors through portfolio construction, investment positioning, and client communication, ensuring every plan reflects both sound strategy and the client’s long-term vision. Kagen holds his Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Katie, and their two pets, Layla and Luna.
Stan Schroeder
Advisor Excel VP of Advisor Development
Stan Schroeder
Advisor Excel VP of Advisor Development
Stan’s deep knowledge of the industry, gained from years in the IMO world, enables him to serve as a virtual extension of his producers’ offices. Stan does not just specialize in product awareness. He offers the proactive, comprehensive support today’s producers need to excel. That support is reflected in the premium written by producers he serves. Within 24 months of joining Advisors Excel, Stan’s producers average an increase of $4.5 million in annual annuity premium.
Producers rely on Stan for:
- One-on-one coaching and practice development
- Sharing of time-tested sales ideas from other top producers around the country
- Prospecting support and annual marketing plan development, innovative marketing strategies and advanced case design support
- Competitive angles and approaches in a host of sales scenarios
When he isn’t helping some of the best producers in the business get even better, you can find Stan spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three active children, Ty, Jordy and Allie.
Nick Tortarolo
Regional Sales Director, Care Solutions
Nick Tortarolo, CLTC®
Regional Sales Director, Care Solutions
Greater Los Angeles Area, Central Coast, Bakersfield & San Francisco Bay Area
Nick brings over a decade of experience educating financial advisors, insurance professionals, and their clients on the critical importance of extended care planning. His passion for long-term care solutions is deeply rooted in personal experience, driving his commitment to helping families achieve peace of mind through thoughtful and comprehensive planning.
Nick began his financial services career in 2015 with Vanguard Mutual Funds in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2017, motivated by a strong belief in planning for the unexpected—and a desire to return to his Southern California roots—he joined OneAmerica. Soon after, he earned his Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC), further cementing his dedication to this essential area of financial planning.
Today, Nick empowers financial professionals and their clients with the knowledge needed to make informed, lasting decisions about extended care. He currently resides in Dana Point, California, with his wife, Amanda, where they enjoy spending time with friends, family, and making the most of life at the beach.
Gabe Abelson
Metalist Speaker
Gabe Abelson is one of the most in-demand celebrity mentalists today, having performed in over 40 countries as well as having several television appearances under his belt, on such shows as “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” (NBC), “Josh Gates Tonight” (Discovery), “The MTV Half-Hour Comedy Hour”, and “The Today Show” (NBC). His personal appearances include the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, as well as numerous corporate functions and private parties, which include shows for two sitting presidents.
Gabe has performed in over 40 countries, and on many upscale cruise lines including Regent, Oceania, Crystal, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Gabe is also a five-time, Emmy-nominated comedy writer whose numerous credits include head writer for Late Show with David Letterman.
Despite his impressive comedy credentials, Gabe’s greatest talent and passion is that of mind-reading. His original demonstrations of mind-reading, thought-sending, persuasion, suggestion, clairvoyance, and telekinesis are unlike anything else audiences have seen, as Gabe leaves all those who witnessed his show in slack-jawed disbelief! Those who have seen Gabe’s act never forget his demonstrations of thought-reading, which is why a large percentage of his bookings are from repeat clients who want to experience the wonder and amazement all over again, and want all their co-workers and friends to experience it, too!
Tobias Moody
Jazz Player, from Global Stages to Intimate Moments — Music That Moves.
A recognized saxophonist with an international reputation for excellence, Tobias blends technical mastery with soulful expression, creating performances that leave a lasting impact. His musical journey has led him to renowned stages, collaborations with top artists, and performances for diverse audiences around the world. Known for his versatility, he seamlessly adapts to any atmosphere — from smooth, romantic tones for weddings and proposals to high-energy performances for sporting events, corporate celebrations, festivals, and private parties. His passion for music is evident in every note, and his commitment to professionalism makes him one of the most sought-after musicians in the industry.
Whether performing center stage or providing the perfect ambiance, he delivers an elevated musical experience designed to inspire, engage, and move audiences of all kinds.
State of The Union 2025
The past event, the EFC Wealth Management "State of the Union 2025," was an insightful gathering focused on financial planning and securing a successful retirement.
We’ll share our perspective on the economy, the firm’s growth, and our exciting new initiatives for the year. Connect with fellow clients, enjoy a delicious brunch starting at 9:30 a.m., and network with our community.
👉 Registration begins at 9 a.m. Please RSVP by January 18, 2026, by 5 p.m. via the registration link.
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