Our Team

Gary is the founder and owner of Blom & Howell, a financial planning company focused on helping individuals and families navigate the myriad of financial issues they face over their lifetimes. Prior to establishing his firm, Gary spent 10 years at Merrill Lynch in Modesto after which, he decided to become an independent financial advisor in 2009.

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His passion is helping people in four distinct areas of financial planning; 1) Retirement Planning with an emphasis on social security, Medicare, and cash flow management. 2) Investment Management that tailors individual’s portfolios to their specific needs and risk tolerances. 3) Helping clients understand their options concerning independent and/or assisted living arrangements.  4) Life Insurance -protecting families from financial hardship due to pre-mature death and helping grandparents ensure smooth wealth transfers to their children and grandchildren.

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Always a numbers guy, early in married life while navigating the pitfalls of a first-time homebuyer, Gary was challenged by a caring lender to actually “understand” what it meant to take on a 30 year mortgage as an early twenty-something. The process left a lasting impression and gave him a passion for helping others remove the proverbial “fog” we experience with so many of our financial decisions.

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Born in Escalon and raised in Modesto, Gary and his wife Sharilyn have 4 children and two grandchildren who live here locally and are very much a part of their lives. He is a member of the Modesto Rotary Club, City of Modesto’s Board of Zoning Adjustment and Casa de Modesto Retirement Center Board.

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Michael is a co-owner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Blom & Howell and provides comprehensive financial planning for families and business owners in the areas of their retirement, investment, life insurance, and college planning. Michael graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Business Administration and earned his MBA with an accounting concentration from Liberty University.
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After spending the first several years of his career in the banking industry, Michael joined Blom & Howell (formerly Blom & Associates) in 2012 with a passion to help propel others to a place of financial freedom and joy. In a world filled with financial anxiety, Michael firmly believes financial planning is an ongoing process that helps clients gain a better understanding of their financial picture, take control of their financial future, and can provide a sense of peace that is difficult to obtain otherwise.
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Michael and his wife Jackie live in Modesto and have three children - all boys! Michael teaches business and personal financial stewardship classes at Southeastern University Norcal as an adjunct professor. The Howell's also attend and love serving at Shelter Cove Community Church where Michael teaches financial classes from a biblical perspective and serves as a volunteer musician and singer on the worship team.

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CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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Michele was born and raised right here in Modesto, the heart of the Central Valley. She met the love of her life, Greg, in Hawaii. After marrying, they settled down in Modesto where they raised their two children together.
She has over 25 years of banking and administrative assistant experience. This includes owning and operating a successful small business which she ultimately set aside to raise her young family.​

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Michele has charisma to interact with clients in a professional yet very personal manner. She has a passion for making a great cup of espresso and has spent many years honing her barista skills for grateful customers, friends and family.  Her interests include hand-making Hawaiian leis for special events, camping and spending time outdoors by the ocean or in the mountains.

Jessica joined Blom & Howell Financial Planning in April 2021 and works with clients in all areas of client service.

Prior to joining Blom & Howell Financial Planning, Jessica worked in the banking industry for 12 years and in various administrative capacities.

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Jessica and her husband, Anthony have 2 adult children in their mid twenties. She has lived in Modesto most of her life. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys crafty DIY projects, exploring new places with Anthony, and enjoying great food

(as long as she doesn't have to cook!). Need a recommendation for a good restaurant? Jessica just might have a suggestion!

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