Making Your Future a Success

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OUR TEAM

Vice President

Stephanie Mearse has worked with Desert Capital Management Group as the Vice President since 2014. Stephanie has a BA in Business Management and an MBA in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She has been a professional in Marketing for over 15 years and is a published author and motivational speaker featured on Radio Shows and Podcasts. From 2014 to 2019, she received the company's Top Performer Award for her commitment to excellence and outstanding performance.

Her book "Women of Perfection; Perfectly Imperfect," addresses the overwhelming expectations of women in today's society to be perfect. As a Speaker, she focuses on overcoming fear and self-imposed boundaries to achieve goals. Stephanie has a talk show on Sacramento's Money 105.5 FM, as well as a podcast Empower Hour. Stephanie is the President of The Butterfly Element, and a co-founder of Empower Hour, a women's networking group; both of which are non-profit organizations designed to help impoverished women and children.

In her personal life, Stephanie is dedicated to her family, friends, and church. She's actively involved in Rotary Club, The Women's Thursday Club, and her local Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie is passionate about impacting the lives of others and helping those she meets to achieve both their professional and personal goals.

Registered Investment Advisor Representative

        Dana Beards grew up in Eureka, CA. After high school, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. Following four years of honorable service, Dana attended Eastern Nazarene College in Boston, MA and graduated with a degree in Communication Arts.
       He returned to California and began a 15-year career as a TV-News Anchor and Reporter. It was at this time that Dana began following the markets and became interested in investing. As a reporter in the Silicon Valley, Dana covered the IPO launches of dozens of emerging tech companies including Yahoo and Google and witnessed huge swings in the markets during the internet boom and bust that occurred at the turn of the millennium.
       After finishing his TV career as a Reporter and Weekend News Anchor at Fox 40 in Sacramento, Dana accepted a position at VSP where he ran a program providing entrepreneurial support for young eye doctors looking to become business owners. Dana became a Registered Investment Advisor in 2014 and joined the team at Desert Capital Management. He lives in Fair Oaks, has three children and has been married to his wife Maeve since 1992.

Registered Investment Advisor Representative

Austin Collins is a Registered Investment Advisor Representative. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and International Business from Sacramento State University, along with certificates in Financial Trading and Investment, Bloomberg Market Concepts, and Technical Trading. He has experience in derivatives trading and he holds a Real Estate License while specializing in luxury condo sales. Austin has been featured on national and international podcasts.

In his private life he enjoys riding his motorcycle, playing golf, and reading financial literature. He gives back to his community through a personal finance class he co-teaches to high school-aged students. Austin recognizes the need for financial literacy and considers it to be his raison d'etre. Additionally, he volunteers on Tuesdays at a local church serving hot meals to families in need. Since he began investing at the age of 18, he understands the value of timing and the importance of taking control of your own financial future. Plan today and live the way you want tomorrow.

Registered Investment Advisor Representative

Mark Fierro grew up in Carmichael, CA. After attending Jesuit H.S. he went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Boston College. He then moved to New York City to begin work on the equity trading desk of a UK/German investment bank. He worked on the proprietary trading desk, as well as facilitated business for some of the largest firms in the country, as well as many hedge funds for several years. His next move was to London to pursue a role in sales trading to strengthen client relationships. He recently moved back to California and has chosen to pursue a career spending his time helping individuals and families plan for their future.

In his free time Mark enjoys outdoor activities: golfing, running, swimming; as well as travel and reading. Since moving back home, Mark is looking for opportunities to become more involved in helping the community.

Registered Investment Advisor Representative

Mario Nieto is a Registered Investment Advisory Representative. He also serves as a compliance officer based out of Desert Capital Management’s Los Angeles office.

Mario grew up in California’s South Bay, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. After years developing a background in client services, Mario turned to pursuing a career in helping people attain their short and long-term financial goals. For him, the process of assessing clients’ needs begins with getting to know the individual, their story, and the unique factors that motivate them to plan for the future.

In his leisure time, Mario enjoys all manner of outdoor activity, particularly in swimming, running, and soccer. He’s an avid reader, following financial texts and periodicals to stay abreast of market activity. He’s currently on the lookout for initiatives through which he can give back to his community.