Fortify Capital Team

Michael A. Waxberg is the Founder and a Private Wealth Advisor of Fortify Capital, as well as a founding member of the Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group. He has spent more than two and half decades building a nationally recognized investment advisory and financial planning practice, and is deeply rooted in the legal, entertainment and business communities advising on investment, retirement, and estate planning strategies.

Michael is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designations from The American College of Financial Services.

Michael graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business.

Outside of the office, Mike enjoys traveling abroad, golfing, rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and spending time at the beach with his family. He is a member of the Collins & Katz Family YMCA Board of Managers, as well as an active member of the Jonathan Club.

Darren is an Associate Private Wealth Advisor and began his career in finance in 2004. He joined the firm in 2007 and works closely with each area of the practice, overseeing the implementation, maintenance, and auditing of investment and risk management planning strategies.

Darren holds his Series 7 and 66 securities licenses as well as California State Life and Health insurance license.

He is a graduate of California State University - Northridge with a degree in Business/Marketing.

In his free time Darren enjoys golfing, traveling and cooking for his wife and two sons.

Kim is the Director of Investment Services and joined the firm in 2003. She oversees the Investment Operations Department and works closely with clients, assisting in portfolio construction, attribution analysis, and asset movement. In addition, Kim is directly responsible for implementation of planning and distribution strategies.

Kim is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®). She holds her Series 6, 7, and 63 licenses as well as the California State Life and Health license.

Kim is a graduate of Chapman University with a degree in Management with an emphasis in Finance.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband Art, reading a good book, and watching movies.

Cordell is a Client Service Representative and joined our firm in 2022. He works closely with our operations team assisting with account servicing and team workflow.

Cordell holds his Series 7 securities license.

Cordell is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in Media Arts.

Originally from Oregon, Cordell recently relocated to Las Vegas to be closer to family. He is an avid outdoorsman and in his free time, enjoys camping, hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Orry is a Client Service Coordinator and joined our firm in 2022. He works closely with our clients assisting with scheduling, underwriting, client onboarding and support. Prior to joining the firm, Orry worked as a Major League Baseball player agent assisting with the trading-card and equipment endorsement negotiations. 

Orry is a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Economics as well as a master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of San Francisco. 

Living in Santa Monica, California with his wife and daughter, in his free time he enjoys watching sports and exploring different types of bourbon. Orry is also a supporter of the Johnathan Jacques Children’s Cancer Center.

Ben is a Financial Advisor. Prior to beginning his career as an advisor, Ben spent 10 years as a lawyer representing banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions in complex commercial litigation. He applies his analytical approach across all aspects of plan creation and implementation, including investments and risk management to ensure our clients attain financial security for their families and businesses.

In addition to his juris doctorate, Ben is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, holds his Series 6, 7, and 63 licenses as well as the California State Life and Health license.

He is a graduate of Occidental College with a degree in Economics and obtained his J.D. from Loyola Law School.

When not in the office, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife, Ashley, and their two kids, Nate and Abby. He also coaches youth sports for his kids, enjoys being at the beach, golfing, cheering on the Los Angeles Kings, and traveling.

Dave Rasak began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2012, and specializes in the legal, commercial real estate, and medical communities, advising on investment, retirement, and creative tax planning strategies. Dave’s in-depth experience in the non-qualified planning space allows him to craft tax-efficient solutions for his clients while focusing on helping them plan for life’s unique challenges. 

Dave is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and also holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), Charted Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designations from the American College of Financial Services.?Dave also holds his Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 securities licenses 

Dave is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication. 

Dave splits time between California and Hawaii, enjoying the incredible beaches, impressive restaurants, and thriving culture that both states provide. 

Charles is a Financial Advisor. He works with career executives and their families on their comprehensive financial planning needs; helping with goals like retirement, college planning, general investing, risk management and tax mitigation.  Charles also works with closely held business owners in critical areas such as profit sharing and executive compensation as well as rank and file benefits like 401(k) planning and group insurance. 

Charles is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and holds his Series 6 and 63 securities licenses. He is a graduate of California State University at Long Beach with a BA in Film Production.  Before moving into the financial services industry, he worked in the post production sector of the entertainment industry for 20 years.

Charles is a consummate networker and connector.  He has a strong desire to take his skillset in a philanthropic direction, serving on several boards in order to build deeper relationships and better serve his community.

Charles lives in the Montrose area of Glendale with his 16 year old daughter, Vivian. In his free time, he enjoys writing and recording music.