Our Team
Meet The Mestmaker & Petrey Advisor Team.
Learn more about our team.
Jeff Mestmaker
Chief Executive Officer
Jeffrey K. Mestmaker: A Legacy of Financial Stewardship and Community Engagement
Jeffrey K. Mestmaker stands as a distinguished figure in the financial advisory landscape, currently serving as CEO and a founding partner of Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Inc. His career, marked by a profound commitment to client success and a deep-rooted connection to his community, reflects a journey of continuous growth and significant achievement.
Early Life and Educational Foundations
Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Jeffrey’s formative years were shaped by the values of hard work and community involvement. He attended Garces Memorial High School, where the seeds of his future leadership were sown. His academic pursuits led him to Loyola Marymount University, where he graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics. During his time at university, Jeffrey became heavily involved with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), an experience that profoundly influenced his understanding of business ethics and societal impact. His dedication and leadership within SIFE were recognized at the highest level when he received the national president’s award for student service from President George W. Bush and the Walton Family, a testament to his early commitment to service and excellence.
Professional Genesis and Rise to Prominence
Jeffrey’s professional journey began with a valuable internship at Marquis Jet / Net Jets in their Santa Monica office, where he gained invaluable insights working alongside the Vice President of business and entertainment travel. This early exposure to high-level corporate operations provided a strong foundation for his subsequent career.
From 2005 to 2009, Jeffrey honed his expertise at Morgan Stanley, a period during which he rapidly ascended through the ranks. His exceptional performance was recognized nationally, as he attained the top rank in the country among his peer group for assets and revenue. His success was so notable that he was regularly invited to speak to incoming trainees at national sales meetings, sharing his strategies on how to build a book of business and grow a business organically. This experience underscored his innate ability not only to achieve personal success but also to mentor and inspire others.
Founding Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Inc.
In 2009, driven by a vision to provide more personalized and client-centric financial guidance, Jeffrey co-founded Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Inc. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to implement his philosophy of comprehensive financial planning. The firm’s commitment to serving a broader client base led to the opening of a central coast office in 2015, further expanding their reach and impact.
Under Jeffrey’s leadership, Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Inc. has focused its growth on fee-based asset management and corporate retirement plans. His extensive knowledge in these areas has made him a trusted advisor for a diverse clientele. He possesses particular expertise in assisting businesses with the development of robust corporate retirement plans, especially within the Agricultural and Oil industries, sectors vital to the regional economy. Beyond corporate clients, Jeffrey is dedicated to working with individuals, crafting personalized financial plans that align with their unique goals, and providing expert guidance to estates and trust clients.
Personal Life and Community Engagement
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jeffrey is a devoted family man and an active member of his community. He is married to Sarah, and together they are raising their three boys—Liam, Elijah, and Barrett—on their small ranch in Santa Margarita. This rural setting allows Jeffrey to indulge in a variety of hobbies that connect him with nature and his family.
When not in the office, Jeffrey can often be found working on his property, a testament to his hands-on approach to life. He has embraced beekeeping as a hobby, currently managing multiple hives with his sons, a pursuit that teaches patience and the intricacies of natural ecosystems. His other passions include gardening, actively participating in his children’s 4-H projects, hiking and biking across the scenic central coast, and, most notably, fishing. These activities not only provide a balance to his demanding professional life but also reinforce his deep connection to the community and the natural environment of the Central Coast.
Daniel Petrey, MBA
Owner & Chief Financial Officer
Daniel Petrey, MBA: A Journey of Dedication and Financial Expertise
Daniel Petrey, MBA, serves as an Owner and Chief Financial Officer at Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Inc. His career is distinguished by a profound work ethic, a commitment to continuous learning, and a passion for empowering individuals through sound financial guidance.
Early Life and Educational Foundations
A proud native of Taft, Daniel’s upbringing instilled in him the importance of family, community, and a strong work ethic. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age, as he began paying for his college education by working as a paperboy at the age of 10. His family also emphasized the invaluable role of a college education in personal and professional development.
Daniel pursued his academic journey diligently, first receiving his Associate of Arts (AA) degree from Taft College. He then immediately continued his studies at California State University Bakersfield (CSUB), where he earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Initially, Daniel felt a calling to make a difference in people’s lives through education, leading him to obtain his Teaching Credential from CSUB. He dedicated many years to teaching in Bakersfield, gaining invaluable experience in communication, problem-solving, and understanding diverse perspectives.
Professional Genesis and Rise to Prominence
Throughout his extensive working career, Daniel accumulated incredible experience in navigating various people, situations, and solutions. This journey also sparked a growing interest in business and finance, particularly as he closely observed and studied his father’s investment strategies. Even as a teacher, Daniel found himself increasingly drawn to the world of business and finance. This burgeoning passion, coupled with an innate entrepreneurial desire, led him to own various businesses.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a desire to deepen his financial acumen, Daniel decided to further his education, culminating in the attainment of a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from California State University Bakersfield. This advanced degree solidified his expertise and prepared him for a significant transition in his career.
Following the completion of his M.B.A., Daniel accepted an offer from Morgan Stanley, where he served as a Financial Advisor. During his tenure at Morgan Stanley, his specialized knowledge in retirement planning was formally recognized, earning him the designation of Retirement Planning Specialist. This period allowed him to refine his skills in comprehensive financial advisory services and gain a deeper understanding of client needs.
Founding Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Inc.
The culmination of Daniel’s entrepreneurial spirit, his experience in education, and his profound passion for investment and finance led him to co-found Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Inc. This venture was born from a shared vision with his partner, Jeffrey K. Mestmaker, to create a firm dedicated to providing highly customized, tailored, and specific financial services to their clients. Daniel is deeply committed to offering personalized solutions that truly address the unique financial goals and circumstances of each individual and family they serve.
Personal Interests and Continued Growth
Beyond his professional commitments, Daniel maintains a strong and continuous desire to understand and study the intricacies of the stock market, reflecting his enduring intellectual curiosity. In his personal time, he enjoys engaging in sports, coaching, and reading, activities that provide both recreation and continued learning. Above all, Daniel cherishes spending precious time with his wife, Stephanie, and their family, recognizing the paramount importance of these personal connections in his life.
Heidi Canet
Investment Advisor
Heidi Canet: A Foundation of Diligence and Client-Centric Operations
Heidi Canet serves as a Licensed Investment Advisor at Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Inc. Her career is built upon a strong foundation of dedicated work ethic, comprehensive operational expertise, and a commitment to exceptional client service, particularly within the realm of corporate retirement plans.
Early Life and Educational Foundations
Born in Fresno and raised in Bakersfield, California, Heidi’s early life instilled in her a profound understanding of hard work and responsibility. Her journey into the professional world began at the tender age of 14, an experience that cultivated the strong work ethic that defines her career. Heidi is a proud graduate of North High School.
Beyond her foundational education, Heidi has continuously sought to expand her professional capabilities, holding certifications as a Notary Public and a Licensed Real Estate Agent. These diverse experiences have provided her with a broad skill set and a unique perspective on client needs and operational efficiency.
Professional Journey and Role at Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors
Heidi joined Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Inc. (Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors) in 2011, bringing with her a wealth of experience from a long and successful career in the Home Building and Real Estate industries. This background equipped her with invaluable insights into client relations, project management, and the intricacies of complex transactions.
Upon joining Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Heidi found dedicated mentors in Jeffrey K. Mestmaker and Daniel Petrey, who have actively encouraged her growth and development within the financial industry. This mentorship has been instrumental in shaping her expertise and expanding her role within the firm.
As the Head of Operations at Mestmaker & Petrey Wealth Advisors, Heidi is a pivotal figure responsible for the seamless functioning of the office and the delivery of superior client services. Her responsibilities encompass a wide array of tasks crucial to the firm’s daily operations, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction.
Heidi plays a critical role in managing 401k qualified plans, a testament to her specialized knowledge in this complex area. Her responsibilities include conducting employee education and enrollment meetings, facilitating annual plan administration, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of these plans. Her meticulous approach ensures that both employers and employees receive comprehensive support and guidance regarding their retirement savings.
Personal Interests and Community Connection
Outside of her professional life, Heidi is an avid reader, enjoying a wide variety of genres. She can often be found with a book or her Kindle in hand, indulging her passion for literature. Her mornings frequently begin with long, invigorating walks alongside her beloved four-legged companion, Pierre, a cherished routine that connects her with nature and provides a peaceful start to her day. Heidi also possesses a keen love for travel, actively seeking out new cities and adventures to explore, broadening her horizons and enriching her life experiences.
