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Biographies

Beacon Insurance is a locally-owned full-service independent agency that offers personal and commercial lines insurance products. We thoroughly evaluate client needs and risk to provide quality insurance coverage and services.

Susana Calderon Guajardo

Head of Insurance

Susana graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She achieved success in her career in the multi-family and student housing sectors holding various naturally progressing positions during her tenure overseeing multiple assets and leading cross-functional teams dispersed across the United States.

Upon relocating back to Texas, Susana received her certification in Health and Life Insurance in 2018 and joined Aflac Insurance where she has achieved an impressive client base and portfolio of accounts. Susana’s natural strengths in leadership and development allowed her to assemble a team of successful benefit advisors which resulted in an expansion of her district and adding value to the company by expanding her service to local businesses with insurance needs in the community.

Susana joins Beacon Insurance adding value to the company by bringing in her expertise in Health and Life benefits for clients. Susana obtained her certification for her license in Property and Casualty insurance in 2022, in an effort to offer a better range of products for Beacon’s clientele.

Alejandra Cadena

Insurance Specialist

Alejandra is magna cum laude alumna from Texas A&M International University holding a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and perusing a Master’s in Business Administration with a concertation in International Business. She holds nine years of customer service, marketing, and business operations experience.

In 2016, Alejandra joined Faro Companies as a client associate. She currently runs day-to-day operations for Faro Wealth, Beacon Insurance, and Faro FX clients. Additionally, she is licensed in Texas for property & casualty insurance.

In her spare time, you will catch her on movie night with her two daughters, or watching a good Houston Texans game with her husband!

Veronica Cantu

Insurance Specialist

Veronica graduated from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, College Station, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She focused on Marketing with a concentration in Retailing Strategy and developed a passion for customer experience management. While pursuing her degree, Veronica gained customer service experience as a sales associate. In 2022, she joined Beacon Insurance as an Insurance Specialist and has since provided exceptional, efficient service to clients, always with a warm smile. Outside of work, Veronica enjoys cooking, staying active, and spending time with loved ones.

Renata Ramirez Quintanar

Head of Business Development

Renata is a native of Mexico City, and she worked with a large legal firm as a paralegal assistant. She currently resides in Laredo, TX, where she earned her degree in Economics and International Business. She has worked in the foreign exchange industry for three years in several positions. She began her career with Faro FX as a Client Associate in 2020. She moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the corporate office, Monex USA, as an FX Operations Specialist in 2022. She has since returned to work for Faro Companies as Head of Business Development, where her main goal is to develop and maintain client relationships with all of the business divisions.

Besides Renata’s passion for finance, she has enjoyed synchronized swimming since she was eight years old. She still practices in her free time and loves to travel.

Pamela Gomez

Client Associate

Pamela is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. With two years of customer service experience, she possesses a keen understanding of client’s needs and excels in fostering positive relationships. Since joining Beacon in June 2023, Pamela has been committed to providing unparalleled service to our valued clients. During her free time, she stays active through exercise and values spending quality time with her friends and family.

Veronica Lopez

Head of Billing Department

Veronica has over a decade of experience in customer service; she has had the opportunity to work in various roles, including as a dental assistant, an event coordinator, and a member service representative for a bank. Her professional approach and strong sense of responsibility have been key to her success in these diverse fields.

In 2023, Veronica joined Faro Companies and currently manages the Billing Department for Beacon Insurance Group.

Outside of work, her priorities shift to her family. She cherishes spending time with her husband and two children, creating lasting memories together. She also has a passion for travel, exploring new destinations and cultures, and enjoying the simple pleasures of going to the movies and spending time outdoors.

Rafael Gutierrez Nieto

Managing Agent | Managing Partner

Rafael is a partner and co-founder of FARO Wealth. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Science in Finance from Georgetown University, Washington D.C.

Rafael began his career at Falcon International Bank and LPL Financial. While there, he obtained his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and assumed duties that ranged from portfolio management to equity and bond portfolio analysis.

Rafael’s career advanced when he was hired to join Jack Avigael’s team at Merrill Lynch. During his six-year tenure there, he managed Ultra High Net Worth accounts for domestic and international clients and was instrumental in growing the Laredo office assets under management and production.

Immediately following his time at Merrill, Rafael ventured into the independent realm of investment management. Co-founding AlphaPoint Investment Management, Rafael gained extensive knowledge of the financial services infrastructure and the flexibility available to independent advisors. After refining his business approach and aligning with partners who shared a common vision, Rafael co-founded FARO Wealth in 2013.

Securities offered through Kovack Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 (954) 782-4771. Advisory Services offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Faro Wealth and Beacon Insurance are not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovac Advisors, Inc. Rafael Gutierrez is registered in CA, DE, FL, NY and TX

Jack Avigael

Managing Partner

After graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, Jack began his career in finance at the Permanent University Fund of the University of Texas System. During his three years there, he assumed a number of duties, from bond swap analysis to equity research in paper, forest products, and retail sectors of the equity market. Jack’s next career advancement landed him at Laredo National Bank in his hometown of Laredo, Texas. Holding two positions over the course of his 17-year tenure – Trust Investment Officer, then Executive Vice President of Bank Investments – Jack managed assets exceeding $1 billion. He then went on to become the Branch Manager at Merrill Lynch for 19 years and was instrumental in the growth of $30 million to approximately $400 million in assets. In 2011 Jack co-founded AlphaPoint Investments, an independent investment management firm. Following AlphaPoint, he founded FARO Investment Management with Rafael Gutierrez Nieto.

Career highlights include the Houston Society of Financial Analysts Award and induction into the Society of International Business Fellows. In addition, Jack consulted with the Federal Reserve Chairman on the Impact of the Mexican Peso Devaluation and the United States immigration policy on the economies of Mexico and the United States during the 1980s.

Securities offered through Kovack Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 (954) 782-4771. Advisory Services offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Faro Wealth and Beacon Insurance are not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovac Advisors, Inc. Rafael Gutierrez is registered in CA, DE, FL, NY and TX

Mayra Becerra-Alanis

Marketing Coordinator

Mayra leverages her Bachelor of Arts in Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia from The University of Texas at San Antonio in her current role as Marketing Coordinator at Faro Companies, a leader in innovative solutions across diverse industries. Her responsibilities include crafting and executing marketing campaigns and strategies, utilizing her strong communication and organizational skills alongside proficiency in various content creation platforms. Prior to joining Faro Companies in 2024, Mayra gained experience as an Account Manager at Auto Transportes Alanis S.A. DE C.V. There, she built strong client relationships and consistently delivered high-quality solutions aligned with organizational goals.

A passionate learner, Mayra thrives in collaborative environments and is always eager to acquire new skills and technologies. This dedication extends to her personal life, where she values spending quality time with family and friends.

Irazu Caballero

Front Desk Representative

Since 2018, Irazú has passionately immersed herself in the realms of human development, emotional management, and personal growth, committing to both learning and sharing her insights with others. By exploring various aspects of natural medicine and alternative therapies, she has gained the expertise needed to provide valuable assistance and encouragement to numerous individuals on their personal paths. Concurrently, Irazú actively collaborated with the Social Economic Networkers team, participating in network marketing to expand her skills and connections.

To stay up-to-date in this constantly evolving landscape, Irazú consistently attends and participates in conferences, seminars, and leadership training programs, continuously refining her abilities and expanding her knowledge. Her dedication led her to complete comprehensive training as a Life Coach in 2023, arming herself with a diverse toolkit to empower and elevate human potential.

Irazú joined Faro Companies in 2023 as a client associate aiming to deliver exceptional service to clients characterized by warmth and quality. During her leisure time, Irazú finds joy in nature, painting, and practicing meditation.

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