The EquityFTW Team

CJ Stermetz CFP®, CEP Founder

I write articles, build online tools, and advise people for a flat fee.

I’ve lived in and have been an advisor in Silicon Valley for the last 7+ years. Over this time I’ve noticed that people want advice, but don’t want all the typical baggage that comes from working with an advisor (asset management fees cough cough.)

We’ve built EquityFTW to be Silicon Valley’s fee-only and advice-only firm. Our entire focus is to deliver the advice you deserve with the least amount of conflicts of interest as possible.

Jason Tate CPA Advice Only Silicon Valley

Outside of business-y things. I have a wife and two sons. I enjoy running, cooking, playing volleyball, playing board games (currently on a Wingspan kick), metal detecting, and hanging out with my family.

Jason Tate CPA, MST Tax Planning Director

I am a CPA with 5+ years of advising and working with clients on their tax and estate planning. I have always enjoyed working through issues with people and answering tax-related questions.

Over the years, I’ve seen planning opportunities get overlooked in favor of annual compliance and tax deadlines. I like that EquityFTW is dedicated to being available to advise clients and structure tax/estate plans, without the burden of the compliance seasons and deadlines, so we can truly focus on the client’s questions and needs.

Away from work, I grew up playing and following baseball, so you can always find me catching up on college and pro baseball scores. I also enjoy playing slowpitch softball and golf in my free times.

Bryan Tate CPA, Tax Planning Director

I have been in public accounting for about 6 years, with a focus on high-net-worth individual tax for the last 5. I was born and raised in the Bay Area and enjoy working with clients on a variety of aspects of fast-growing companies. I like working with clients on the challenges that arise with equity compensation.

Other than taxes, I enjoy golfing and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Toby Johnston Founding Investor of EquityFTW - Silicon Valley Advice Only Advisor

Toby Johnston CPA, CFP® Founding Investor

I retired from public accounting and advising clients in 2023.

During my career, I lived and worked in Silicon Valley for over 20 years. I advised people in the tech community on what to do with their equity compensation.

I came to realize that many of my clients were capable of following good advice, but didn’t know where to find it without handing over their assets for management.

When CJ pitched me on this new way to serve clients, I was excited to invest in its growth.

I enjoy spending time with my wife and four kids. I'm a big college football and basketball fan. In my retirement, I've been known to share money tips for NIL athletes.

Elise Stermetz Plain-English Officer

I am a former 5th grade teacher who entered the world of tech sales during the pandemic. I have been with Adobe for 6 years now, and support customers' Enterprise agreements for Adobe's Creative products.

I have found that both teaching 10-year-olds and negotiating contracts are dependent on clear communication skills and genuine connections. I strongly believe this also applies to financial advice and is the foundation of what sets EquityFTW apart.

While I don’t interact with clients, I review the articles CJ writes to make sure they make sense for the average person in tech.

My greatest joy and stress in life are my two toddler sons. When I'm not wrestling or hiking with them, I enjoy playing basketball, reading, and baking.

Drew Torrens Paraplanner Intern

I’m currently a junior at Brigham Young University–Idaho studying Business Management and Financial Planning. I’m passionate about building a career in financial advising and continuously learning how to help clients make smarter, more confident decisions with their money.

EquityFTW’s commitment to helping people in tech make smarter financial decisions with their taxes and equity resonates with me. I’m excited to support the systems and processes that ensure every client receives an exceptional, detail-oriented experience.

Outside of academics and finance, I’m usually creating music with my band, 3 Boys and a Bongo (3BAAB), going for long runs, or spending time in the mountains with friends.

EquityFTW’s Mission

Provide transparent advice.

We are a Fee-Only Firm and an Advice-Only Firm. Meaning we don’t earn commissions and we don’t manage investments for clients. We focus on giving advice that’s best for you and our clients don’t have to worry about hidden incentives.

Our Advice-Only Services start at $800/month or $6,000 for a one-time engagement. If you don’t know what Advice-only is, please give our article on Why People Want Advice-Only Advisors a read.

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