Decorum Wealth Management is an independent financial services firm based in Merced, California. We provide financial guidance rooted in integrity, responsibility, and long-term perspective. Our team brings decades of experience and a shared commitment to helping clients make well-informed decisions that reflect their values and goals.
Our Mission
Our mission is to serve clients with care, clarity, and integrity, building lasting relationships and providing guidance that helps them feel supported, understood, and confident in their financial lives.
Ronald Ewing, CFP®
FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER
A founding member of Decorum Wealth Management, Ron brings 17 years of experience to his role as Managing Partner.
Before entering financial services, he spent more than a decade as a professional golfer. His career took him around the world, with highlights including an appearance in the 1996 U.S. Open and a win at the 2001 Idaho State Open.
He began his financial services career in 2003 at HSBC. He joined UBS in 2007, where he was recruited as a financial advisor by his senior partners and later promoted to Branch Manager of the Merced office. Helping people pursue their goals and make a meaningful difference in their lives has guided his work ever since.
Ron’s approach is grounded in long-term relationships, some of which span the length of his 17-year career. He takes pride in that consistency and the confidence clients place in him. His approach is thoughtful and steady, with a focus on building portfolios aimed to weather uncertainty and evolve with each client’s needs.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and holds Series 7 and 63 registrations, along with a life insurance license through LPL Financial.
Ron and his wife live in Merced, California, with their four dogs. They have two adult children, ages 26 and 24. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with family, skiing in any season, and staying competitive on the golf course. He is a member of Merced Golf and Country Club and Rancho Del Rey Golf Club.
Edward Macha
FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER
Ed is a dedicated advisor with more than twenty years of experience in the financial services industry. Since becoming an advisor in 2007, he has focused on building meaningful relationships with clients, guiding them toward decisions that strengthen their lives and their families’ futures. His clients are like family and friends, and these personal connections motivate his work each day as Managing Partner at Decorum Wealth Management.
A graduate of California State University Stanislaus, Ed holds Series 7 and 66 registrations as well as a life and health insurance license through LPL Financial. He works with business owners, individuals, and families, providing comprehensive, goal-focused guidance.
Raised in Merced County, Ed remains deeply connected to the community he calls home. He lives in Merced with his wife, Annette, and together they have four children, ages 22, 20, 14, and 10.
Ed’s passion for sports has also been a defining part of his life. He was inducted into the inaugural Atwater High School Hall of Fame for football, an honor that reflects his commitment, discipline, and leadership both on and off the field.
Away from the office, Ed enjoys spending time with family, golfing, and staying active. He supports local sports programs and rotates other charitable causes each year, reflecting his ongoing commitment to giving back.
Alex Pittz, AAMS®
FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER
Alex brings 25 years of experience in the financial industry to his role as Managing Partner at Decorum Wealth Management.
He began his career in 2000, after being inspired by his cousin and mentor—who approached him while he was in college about joining the team. That conversation marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to financial services, grounded in meaningful relationships and a desire to help others succeed. Today, Alex works closely with individuals and families to provide individualized guidance rooted in long-term goals and steady perspective.
Alex earned a B.A. in Organizational Behavior and Management from Brown University. He is an Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠ (AAMS®) and holds Series 7 and 66 registrations, as well as a life and health insurance license through LPL Financial.
Born and raised in Chowchilla, California, Alex continues to call it home with his wife and their two children, aged 16 and 14.
A passionate coach and mentor, Alex views coaching high school football and baseball as a way to give back and instill values in the next generation—something he sees as both a privilege and a responsibility. He is also the founder and leader of the Chowchilla Athletic Foundation. His service and leadership have been recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the Chowchilla Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame, the 2008–09 Golden Apple Award, the 2010 Citizen of the Year Award from the Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber’s Community Support & Leadership Awards in 2022 and 2024.
Brian Gudgel, CFP®
PARTNER
Brian brings nearly two decades of experience to his role as Partner at Decorum Wealth Management. He works closely with clients as they navigate retirement decisions—when to retire, how to transition, and how to plan for the years ahead.
He became an advisor shortly after graduating from college, joining UBS in 2007. There, he worked alongside the colleagues who would later become his partners at Decorum Wealth Management, serving individuals, families, and business owners.
Brian earned both his undergraduate and MBA degrees from Azusa Pacific University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and maintains Series 7 and 66 registrations, along with a life insurance license through LPL Financial.
Originally from Agoura Hills, California, Brian now lives in Merced with his wife and their four children, ages 12, 13, 15, and 17. Outside of work, he enjoys landscaping, DIY projects, and staying active in his children’s sports and performing arts. He also enjoys golf, paddleboarding, hiking in Yosemite, and visiting the coast.
Brian serves as Treasurer on the board of the Community Foundation of Merced County and is a member of Summit Church—ways he gives back and helps strengthen the community he calls home.
Andres “Andrew” Curiel IV, CFP®, CEPA, AWMA, APMA
PARTNER
In his role as Partner, Andrew brings more than a decade of experience to Decorum Wealth Management. He focuses on connecting with people and fostering long-term relationships. He values having the freedom to work with individuals and families based on their needs and not their account size.
He began his financial services career while still in college, after a professor challenged him to pursue his licenses early. That decision gave him a head start to a fulfilling career helping hardworking people prepare for retirement and what comes next. He saw how important planning is after watching his grandparents retire without one. They received investment advice, but without a plan, their assets didn’t add up to a retirement they could rely on.
Andrew earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ (AWMA®) and Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠ (APMA®) designations. He also maintains Series 7 and 66 registrations, as well as SIE and life and health insurance licenses through LPL Financial.
A native of Merced, Andrew lives and works in the community he calls home. Outside of work, he likes to golf and is a member of Merced Golf and Country Club.
Clinton Moore
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Clint's career in financial services spans nearly four decades, shaped by his genuine love of working with people and guiding them through important decisions. His greatest fulfillment comes from engaging in thoughtful, long-term planning with clients and helping guide them through that process.
He attended Merced College and California State University, Chico, and has earned recognition as an AAP advisor. Clint holds Series 7 registration and insurance licenses through LPL Financial.
Clint and his wife live in Merced. They have three children and five grandchildren and cherish the time they spend together.
His connection to the community runs deep through volunteer work with the Merced Elks, where he supports youth activities, veterans' causes, and programs for challenged children, as well as his active involvement at Central Presbyterian Church. He is also a member of Merced Club Mercedes and the Shelby American Auto Club.
Away from work and his commitments, Clint's passion for classic cars and cooking has earned him recognition and awards. However, time with his grandchildren is what he enjoys most.
Nicholas Pistoresi, CRPC®
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Nicholas is a Financial Advisor with eleven years of experience in the financial services industry. His love for helping others and building relationships is what drew him to become an advisor. What he finds most rewarding is staying involved with clients' lives and helping them work toward their objectives.
Nicholas earned his degree from Azusa Pacific University. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® (CRPC®) designation and maintains Series 7, 65, and 63 registrations, along with life insurance licenses through LPL Financial.
Merced has always been home for Nicholas, where he lives with his wife, their 20-month-old son, and a Goldendoodle.
Outside of work, Nicholas is actively involved in his faith and community, where he leads a men's bible study for Jesus Saves Men Ministries. He also enjoys playing sports and traveling with his family.
Thomas Ochinero
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Thomas began his career as a financial advisor in 2019, driven by his fascination with how money works. He discovered he could turn his curiosity about investments, markets, and planning into meaningful work helping people with their financial planning needs.
The fast-paced nature of the financial industry energizes him, and he is continually seeking new and better ways to serve clients. Helping clients develop strategies and supporting them through the process is what he finds most rewarding about the work.
Thomas earned his degree from California State University, Fresno, and holds Series 7 and Series 66 registrations, along with life insurance licenses through LPL Financial.
A Madera native, Thomas enjoys the simpler things in life, spending his free time fishing and golfing.
Melissa "Missy" Frazier
SENIOR LPL REGISTERED CLIENT ASSOCIATE
With 19 years of experience in the financial services industry, Missy serves as a Senior LPL Registered Client Associate at Decorum Wealth Management. What she enjoys most about her work is building relationships and helping people.
Missy attended Monterey Peninsula College and holds Series 7 and 66 registrations, along with life insurance licenses through LPL Financial.
A native of Atwater, California, Missy and her husband have three children, ages 27, 23, and 21, and recently welcomed their first granddaughter. Spending time with her family, especially her new granddaughter, brings her the greatest joy.
Missy volunteers with Students With Aspiring Goals (SWAG), where she continues to make a difference in people's lives.
Suzanne Smith
SENIOR LPL REGISTERED CLIENT ASSOCIATE
A veteran of the industry, Suzanne brings more than 25 years of experience to our team. Her background encompasses client services, operations, and wealth management support, providing her with comprehensive insight that benefits everyone she works with.
At Decorum, Suzanne brings this well-rounded experience to her work supporting the advisory team and helping clients navigate their needs.
She holds Series 7, 63, and 66 registrations through LPL as well as life, variable life, health, and variable annuity insurance licenses.
Holly Jeppesen
LPL REGISTERED CLIENT ASSOCIATE
Holly's career in financial services began in banking at age 18 and now spans 23 years. As an LPL Registered Client Associate at Decorum Wealth Management, she focuses on taking ownership from start to finish and ensuring a smooth process. Her sense of urgency and the satisfaction of seeing clients happy and impressed with their service make her proud to be part of a successful and respectable team.
Holly holds Series 6 and 63 registrations, life insurance licenses through LPL Financial.
A Modesto, California native, Holly is married and has three sons, ages 18, 15, and 11, and a dog. Her boys keep her busy with their various activities, including dirt track car racing and soccer.
Holly extends her commitment to helping others beyond the office through her volunteer work at McSwain Elementary School.
Araseli Navarro
SENIOR CLIENT ASSOCIATE
Araseli’s career in the financial industry began in 2004 and now spans more than 22 years. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her dedication to clients, including being awarded an Excellent Customer Service Award during her time at UBS Financial. Araseli takes pride in delivering thoughtful, attentive service and building strong, long‑term relationships with those she works with.
A native farm girl from Los Banos, California, Araseli now lives in Merced with her husband, four children, and her grandbaby. Family is at the center of her life, and she loves bringing everyone together—whether through home‑cooked meals, family parties, or hosting special gatherings.
Outside of the office, Araseli enjoys reading, cooking, and creating memorable moments with her family and friends, values that reflect the care and dedication she brings to both her personal life and her work.