Bruce R. Barton, CFP® CFA
Principal and Wealth Manager
When Bruce started his career in wealth management, he quickly discovered how much he enjoyed drawing on powerful economic principles to help clients solve their financial challenges.
As firm owner, Bruce oversees all aspects of client service and business operations and is responsible for organizing the team’s work to achieve client service standards. He serves informally as chief financial planning officer, chief investment officer, and head of tax planning. He thrives in meeting the complex wealth management needs of our clients, managing their financial, investment, tax, and related goals.
Bruce started his working life as an engineer. He then spent over a decade in executive and senior product management positions for several venture capital–backed startup companies and Alcatel, the telecommunications equipment supplier. Yet he retained an interest in financial markets that dated back to childhood, and about 15 years ago that lifelong interest and a family situation prompted him to pursue a career in wealth management. An engineer to the core, he applies that education and expertise to the technical aspects of finance and investing.
Outside of work, Bruce is an avid swimmer and gets up early enough for his 6 a.m. swim most days of the week. He has swum from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco five times and counting. In college he played inside linebacker for the Claremont-Mudd Stags and has sailed up and down the California coast during a gale. He usually has at least two books that he is reading and has played electric guitar in a neighborhood rhythm-and-blues band. He lives in Los Gatos with his wife and dog, and has two kids away in college.
Education and Certifications
Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Arts, Claremont McKenna College
Bachelor of Science, Engineering, Harvey Mudd College
Master of Business Administration, Finance, University of Chicago
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
Chartered Financial Analyst®
NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor
Memberships and Community Involvement
NAPFA Board of Directors, 2010-2011
NAPFA West Region Board of Directors, 2008–2011
NAPFA West Region Board President, 2009–2010
