Meet the Team
Our decision to pursue careers as financial professionals is rooted in a profound sense of personal commitment. Having witnessed the struggles faced by many friends and family in their journey for financial guidance, we have dedicated ourselves to leveraging our extensive knowledge of personal finance to empower individuals to better prepare for their financial future. Over the years, we have earned a reputation for our ability to distill complex financial concepts into easily understandable terms, enabling people to easily grasp our personal finance principles. Above all, our dedication extends to our community, as we believe in achieving financial security and independence for the collective well-being and prosperity of our shared environment.
James P. Ripley, CFP®, AAMS®
President
Jim is a Certified Financial Planner and an Accredited Asset Management Specialist. Jim began his financial career after graduating with a business degree in finance from California State University Fullerton in 1987. In 1989 Jim joined Richey Financial Group, a securities broker-dealer firm, where alongside partners J.H. Richey and Norm Kredit established the registered investment advisory firm of Richey Advisors, Inc. (R.A.I.) in 1992. Jim became president and principal of R.A.I. in October of 2015 and re-organized the firm under the dba of R.A.I. Wealth Management. Throughout his more than 30-year career, Jim has focused on providing independent and objective financial planning and investment management services to clients throughout the U.S.
In addition, Jim served as a board member and Executive Committee member of the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce and currently sits as a board member of the Rotary Club of Fullerton and Fullerton Rotary Foundation as well as President for the club.
Terri Grassi, CPA
Investment Advisor Representative
Terri received her degree in Accounting from California State University Fullerton in 1988. She became a Certified Public Accountant in 1989. Terri served as a partner at Martin Grassi & Company-Certified Public Accountants from 1993 through 2011, and owner of Terri Grassi, CPA from 2011 through 2019. From 1999 through 2009, Terri was a Registered Representative with a national brokerage firm. In 2010, she joined RAI Wealth Management as an Advisor Representative. Terri has been in the financial services industry, admirably serving her clients for more than 30 years.
Terri joined Rotary in 1995 and continues to be active in the Rotary Club of Fullerton and its Foundation. She served as President of the club and as a board member of the Foundation. At the District level of Rotary, she served as Assistant Governor. She currently volunteers her time on various committees of a nonprofit and at a local school. When she has free time, she enjoys spending it with her family
Angel Mendez, CFP®
Financial Planner
Angel is an Investment Advisor Representative at R.A.I. Wealth Management, where he helps individuals and families achieve their financial goals.
He earned a degree in Finance from California State University Fullerton while also completing a Professional Certificate in Personal Financial Planning. After graduating, he passed the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam to become an Investment Advisor Representative.
Angel later attained the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation, one of the most respected credentials in the financial industry.
Outside of work, Angel enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether rock climbing, hiking, or fishing, he brings the same energy and passion to these activities that he brings to serving his clients.
Kate Gregory Walker, CFP®
Financial Planner
Kate Gregory Walker, CFP®, joined RAI Wealth Management in 2025 to better her clients with a team of advisors to handle their needs.
As President and owner of Gregory Advisors Incorporated, she has specialized in helping clients maximize their finances through appropriate strategies, Kate is dedicated to helping people make smart financial and estate planning decisions.
After graduating with honors from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising, Kate worked for several years in industrial sales. She later moved her career into finance in 2000. Kate took over Gregory Advisors in 2017 when her husband, Ted, the founder, passed away. Kate is insurance licensed in California and has earned the designation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, the standard of excellence in financial planning.
Kate is known for her conscientious work ethic. She goes above and beyond clients’ expectations, reaching out to them when she discovers strategies that could benefit them. She helps clients get on—and stay on—a path for financial security through investment management, prudent tax planning, social security planning and estate planning. She is a careful listener and actively helps to educate clients in making important financial decisions. As a widow herself, Kate is especially aware of what is needed after a spouse passes away. She knows firsthand how to help couples prepare in advance of the death of a spouse. She enjoys helping clients avoid mistakes and improve their financial situation.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Kate lives in Huntington Beach, California, where she and Ted raised their daughter. She is a member of the FPA Orange County chapter. In her free time, Kate enjoys cooking, reading, exercising, playing the piano and traveling. Kate and her husband Don Walker are active participants in their church.
Client Centered
Whether you are investing to build wealth, protect your family, or preserve your assets, our personalized service focuses your needs, wants, and long-term goals.
Our team of professionals have years of experience in financial services. We can help you address your needs of today and for many years to come. We look forward to working with you.