Meet Ryan
Ryan is a Sr. Wealth Advisor who joined Mercer Advisors through the acquisition of Poterack Capital Advisory (PCA), the firm he founded in 2001. Ryan has been helping clients make thoughtful, informed decisions about their financial lives since graduating from Iowa State University in 1990. His book, “Making it Count: Life Isn’t Lived on a Spreadsheet,” was published in 2017.
Ryan’s specialties
At Mercer Advisors, all of our wealth advisors provide a highly personalized approach, backed by a team of specialists that ensure every part of your financial list is addressed. Additionally, Ryan has focused experience in these areas:
- Planning for retirement, from high-earning years to long-term income strategies
- Guiding clients through living in retirement with steady income and smart planning
- For corporate executives, guidance on equity comp, concentrated stock, and evolving financial complexity
- Family businesses navigating succession, liquidity, and legacy goals
- For women breadwinners, financial strategies to support their families and long-term goals
His working style
Ryan is known for his thoughtful questions, critical thinking, and contrarian style. He wants you to have an understanding of all relevant information, including answers to questions you didn’t know to ask, before making important decisions. Ryan wants to be your household CFO and advocate.
Ryan in real life
Why do you like working at Mercer Advisors?
The culture is aligned with how I ran my company for over 25 years. Money is simply ink on paper until you exchange it for what you value. I want to understand what people value.
What makes you tick?
I’m a life-long learner and intensely curious. I have a strong desire to know how things work.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
I love live events, travel, and all activities outdoors, especially when I’m sharing time with my family and friends!
Ryan’s snapshots
Meet Ryan’s Teammates
Anna Hopkins
Relationship Manager
What Ryan Says
Anna has been a phenomenal business partner since 2007, helping bring smiles and joy to the families we serve!
Alec Quaid
Wealth Advisor
What Ryan Says
Alec is a super person, of great faith, and has been a supportive advisor and friend for years. We collaborate in helping clients achieve their dreams!
Laura Combs
Executive Managing Partner, Head of Women and Wealth
What Ryan Says
Laura quickly became a Mercer Advisors mentor to me after my firm joined. I admire her focus and determination to get results and am a supporter of her “Women and Wealth” initiative!
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