Get to Know Us

Blending a passion for our work with a deep care for you & your family

About Gardey Financial Advisors

Your Fee-Only, Fiduciary Wealth Management Firm

In 1985, Kim Gardey established what is now known as Gardey Financial Advisors in Saginaw, Michigan. His initial vision was to provide personalized problem solving, a thoughtful approach and experienced perspective to help people achieve a worry free future. Kim along with the rest of us continue this passion. While we have expanded geographically throughout the decades, we treat all of our clients in Saginaw, Midland, Bay City and beyond as our neighbors—as only a hometown family business can.

Whether you’re a neighbor of ours or reside elsewhere, we get to know you. We celebrate with you. We want the best for you, and we help you through challenges that inevitably come up. Each member of our team is committed to helping you secure your financial future with an understanding of how you wish to live and what you value. We serve with your best interest as our highest priority by working in a strictly fiduciary capacity. We look forward to building and protecting your hard-earned wealth for many more years to come.

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Kim M. Gardey, CFP® Photo

Kim M. Gardey, CFP®

Founder & Honorary Chairman

Kim’s lifelong career in finance began in the Investment Department of the National Bank of Detroit. He then moved to the Second National Bank of Saginaw where he rose to the rank of Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer and directed the Bank’s Trust Department and the Bank’s Investment Department. In 1985 he formed his own investment management and financial planning firm, which is now known as Gardey Financial Advisors.

Kim earned his undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of Michigan where he graduated with honors and his Master’s degree in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley.

Kim is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional and the past president of the Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council. He is a member of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners, the CFA Institue, the Financial Planning Association, the CFA Society of Detroit, the American Economic Association, and the National Association of Personal Financial Planners (NAPFA).

He has also served on the board of directors of a number of local nonprofit organizations.

Jonathan M. Gardey MBA, CFA®, CFP® Photo

Jonathan M. Gardey MBA, CFA®, CFP®

President And Chief Executive Officer

Before he joined the firm in 1993, Jon learned leadership, discipline, and responsibility from six years in the US Navy. Jon served on an aircraft carrier in the Indian Ocean and was Chief Engineer on a high-speed hydrofoil in the Caribbean.

Prior to his Naval service, Jon’s academic career began at the University of Wisconsin. When he finished his Naval career, he continued his studies and earned his Master of Business Administration degree in both “Finance” and “Money and Financial Markets” from Columbia University in the City of New York.

Following a successful military service career and graduate studies, Jon then began his career in finance and earned the designations of Chartered Financial Analyst™ (CFA®) charterholder and Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional. This knowledge and years of experience has made Jon a valuable team player as well as a leader and trusted professional.

In his 29+ career with Gardey Financial Advisors, Jon has worn and continues to wear many hats. In addition to his duties as President and CEO, he is also a Financial Advisor, the Director of Research, and Chairman of the Investment Committee.

Jon brings his knowledge, experience, and leadership skills to a number of key institutions in his field, and he is also an active member of his community. Jon is a member advisor of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), a member of the CFA Institute, and the CFA Society of Detroit. He is a past president of the Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council and past member of the Delta College Endowment Fund Investment Advisory Committee. Jon is also a member of the Board of Directors at financial, educational, and private enterprises, including Covenant Healthcare System, Stevens Center for Family Business at Saginaw Valley State University, and Central Equity Investments Incorporated.

Jon lives in Thomas Township with his wife and children. His oldest daughter lives nearby, with her husband and son, and has a career as a Medical Laboratory Specialist. Jon’s second daughter is working locally as an Event Planning Assistant. His oldest son is working toward his business degree, and his youngest son attends High School. In his spare time, Jon serves as Treasurer for his son’s Boy Scout Troop, and he is a member of the chain gang for the Swan Valley High School Football program. Additionally, Jon has earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, works on his 1947 Willy’s – Overland Jeep with his sons, and enjoys fishing and sailing.

Ashley M. Ciolek, IACCP® Photo

Ashley M. Ciolek, IACCP®

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer

Ashley joined the firm in 1993. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Saginaw Valley State University while working at Gardey Financial Advisors. Ashley continued her education and became certified as an Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP®) and a Risk Management Specialist.

There are over 1000 IACCP® designees in the United States. Ashley is one of only 23 people in Michigan to earn this designation.

Ashley’s knowledge, skill, dedication, and leadership abilities make her an exceptional member of the Gardey Financial Advisor’s Team. Ashley has worked in many areas of the business, giving her a depth of knowledge and experience that is very beneficial to both clients and co-workers. As Chief Operating Officer, Ashley runs the firm’s daily operations in addition to her compliance responsibilities.

Ashley lives in Freeland with her son and their two pets. Besides spending time with her family and friends, Ashley enjoys shopping, traveling, reading, and golfing.

Cheri B. Gardey Photo

Cheri B. Gardey

Business Development Officer

Cheri joined the firm in September of 2016. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science with a business minor.

She has extensive experience in property management and retail sales. In addition, she holds a Diamonds and Diamond Grading Certificate from the Gemological Institute of America in New York City.

Cheri is married to Jon Gardey, the firm’s President and Chief Executive Officer. She has kept busy with property management, their children’s activities, and is chief caretaker of the family pets. Cheri has served as a soccer coach, a Cub Scout Cub Master, and a Sunday school teacher. She is currently volunteering for the Swan Valley Pay It Forward charity based in Thomas Township, MI. In her spare time, she enjoys playing cards, watching sports, keeping up with nutritional and health news, and following politics. She also loves to garden and spend time with family and friends up north.

Melissa A. Seamon, CFP® Photo

Melissa A. Seamon, CFP®

Senior Financial Advisor

Melissa is a Certified Financial Planner™ CFP® professional and has been with Gardey Financial Advisors since 2001. Melissa graduated cum laude from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1999 and in 2006 earned her Certified Financial Planner™ designation.

In addition to her role as Senior Financial Advisor, she serves on the firm's Investment Committee, Business Development Committee, and is the point person for questions about Social Security retirement benefits. Melissa is a member advisor of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and a member of the Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council.

Melissa and her husband live in Saginaw with thier dog and two cats. Nearby they lend elbow grease to the family farm. Melissa occasionally shares her professional skills outside the firm by writing grant requests for a ministry at church. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys motorcycle rides with her husband, camping, politics, reading, and going out for ice cream. Melissa's biggest travel inspiration is to take a month's long trip that would include stops in England, Scotland, Finland, Israel, Fiji, and Australia. And then she will never get on a plane for more than two hours ever again.

Douglas L. Hail Jr. Photo

Douglas L. Hail Jr.

Investment Strategist

Doug joined Gardey Financial Advisors in 2008. A member of the firm’s Investment Strategy Committee, Doug assists the Research Department with the formulation of company-wide investment policies.

Before joining Gardey Financial Advisors, Doug earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University. After graduation, he started at the Dow Chemical Company. During his 35-year career at Dow, he initially held managerial and technical positions in engineering and operations before joining Dow’s Corporate Finance Department. His knowledge and expertise in finance along with his leadership abilities later brought him to Gardey Financial Advisors.

Doug and his wife Barb have been married 51 years and are active members of their church and community. They are proud parents and grandparents and are regularly involved in their lives.

Brianna Campos Photo

Brianna Campos

Client Service Associate

Brianna joined Gardey Financial Advisors in February 2018 as a valued member of the firm’s Client Associate Services Team. She graduated with the highest honors from Delta College with an Associate in Business Studies in General Management. In May of 2019, she graduated summa cum laude from Northwood University after earning her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree.

Brianna began her career in finance by spending five years in the banking and automobile finance industries. Prior to that, she spent eight years working in customer service and the retail industry.

Brianna lives with her husband, daughters, and dog in Saginaw. Brianna enjoys Michigan summers during which she and her family travel to new places discovering new restaurants, camping, kayaking, and spending time at the beach.

Mary A. Chavalia Photo

Mary A. Chavalia

Client Service Associate

Mary joined Gardey Financial Advisors in December 2016. She is a graduate of Davenport University, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with High Honors.

Currently, she is working toward earning her Certified Financial Planner™ CFP® professional certification, and just recently completed the education requirements towards this goal. She is continuing to work on the experience requirements, as required by the CFP Board, along with preparing and studying for the national exam.

Outside of her routine office tasks, Mary is a member of the Financial Planning Review Committee.

Her background includes serving on her local City Council, volunteering as Treasurer within organizations in which her children were previously involved and working in various office support positions.

Mary and her husband of 20+ years, have two boys. Their eldest lives and works in the Detroit area. Their youngest is a junior at Garber High School in Essexville. She takes pride in her family and enjoys every moment she is able to spend with all of them together, whether it’s taking a few laps around a go-kart track, hanging out in Tawas, taking a road trip around the Great Lakes, watching a sunrise or sunset, relaxing at the beach, going on a family vacation, or simply sitting down to a meal together.

Janel Roach

Client Service Associate

Janel joined Gardey Financial Advisors in August of 2021. She is attending Delta College pursuing her Associate of Business Studies degree with a major in Legal Support Professions. She is an Honors student and a member of the Women’s Inclusive Network.

Throughout her career, Janel has worked with organizations across a wide range of industries – from restaurant management and construction administration, to engineering and irrigation. She brings a wide variety of skills to our company.

Janel lives with her husband, stepdaughter, and four dogs in Merrill. Janel is an avid Detroit Tiger’s fan, and enjoys shopping, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.

Anne M. Moskal

Office Assistant

Anne joined Gardey Financial Advisors in February of 2018. She graduated magna cum laude from Nouvel Catholic Central High School and currently attends Saginaw Valley State University. Anne serves as an Office Assistant in the operations department of the firm, assisting our client service associates and working on other office projects as her college schedule allows.

Anne lives in Bay City, and in her spare time she enjoys photography and going to concerts.