Our Team

LEADERSHIP

Meet Richard Eller, Founder and President

Blueprint Financial Founder - Retirement Specialist

Richard Eller is the President and Founder of Blueprint Financial Group, LLC.   Since 1985, he has worked with a superb team of investment, research and support staff that focus on educating and preparing you for the most important decisions that affect your financial future and retirement lifestyle.

He graduated from the University of Rochester, and successfully completed the graduate financial planning program at Fairfield University. He began his career in corporate banking at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank and then joined a private family investment firm. Clients appreciate the frequent communication from Rich and his team keeping them informed.

Rich often speaks to the public and has been interviewed on radio and television. His popular retirement planning workshops for pre-retirees and retirees alike have been held in many locations. Rich was the host for a well-known radio financial program. He wrote a monthly newspaper column and authored other articles on investment management, saving for retirement and working to reduce taxes during retirement.

Mr. Eller works diligently as an educator and independent retirement planning specialist.  This gives him the freedom and ability to focus solely on client relationships without any potential conflicts of interest. That is the Fiduciary standard of care he follows in service to you.  He works for you, solely in your best interests, not any company.

Rich is a Certified Financial Fiduciary® as well as a Federal Government employee benefits specialist

Rich used to raise chickens and would donate the fresh eggs.

BLUEPRINT FINANCIAL GROUP

Our Team

Ms. Gabriella Borges

Director, Client Support Services

Ms. Gabriella Borges is Director, Client Support Services at Blueprint Financial Group where she oversees all new and existing client management functions.  Gabriella has worked for Wells Fargo and most recently, Morgan Stanley.

Gabriella graduated with a degree in Financial Investments and Markets from Western Connecticut State University.  She enjoys volunteering with Junior Achievement and teaching the younger generation about saving money. During her free time, she enjoys going to the gym and spending time outdoors with her dog.

Sladana (Jana) Bukalov

Director of Client Services and Operations

Sladana (Jana) Bukalov is the Director of Client Services and Operations in our Naples office.  She is the first person you speak with and the smile you see when you visit us.

Jana has worked in the financial services industry since 2000.  She prides herself on instilling trust and confidence and is truly dedicated to providing outstanding service to all our valued client relationships.

Jana’s extensive industry knowledge and expertise help provide a critical component to our seamless operations.

Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband at home and at the gym, traveling and learning new languages.

Kwan Laepet

Kwan Laepet is a critical part of the Blueprint team. She graduated with honors in accounting and currently manages the research and quantitative analysis department. Kwan has a unique skill set regarding data analysis and integration with client investment portfolios.

Her ability to multitask with multiple functions helps benefit clients on a daily basis. Kwan is one of the most determined and focused people and excels at helping clients reach their goals through her financial and data analysis.

Outside of work, Kwan enjoys traveling, immersing herself in new cultures, and engaging in outdoor activities.

Ms. Alicia Gao

Portfolio Investment, Research Analyst

Ms. Alicia Gao is a Portfolio Investment and Research Analyst at Blueprint Financial Group. Prior to joining Blueprint, she was an Investment Consultant at CITIC Securities which is a premier investment bank in China.

Ms. Gao holds an MS in Financial Risk Management from University of Connecticut, a BS in Global Business from The London School of Economics and Political Science and a BS in Finance from Nanjing Agricultural University.

During her free time, Alicia likes traveling, hiking outdoors and cooking.

Victoria Abrams

Victoria Abrams works in the financial sector and specializes in providing client service. Victoria graduated from The University of Maryland, and values the time she spends with her daughter. Outside of the office, Victoria enjoys biking and traveling.