Our Qualifications
Our Qualifications
Gary S. Bedford, ChFC, CIMA
303 499-7300
Gary's experience and technical education provide a sophisticated service platform for his clients. He is presently responsible for over $70 million of client assets under management. He has been involved in the design and implementation of over 250 estate plans, with estates as large as $40 million.
Education & Certifications
- B.A., California State University, 1978
- M.A., Denver University, 2011
CIMA® - (Certified Investment Management Analyst®, Investments & Wealth Institute)
The CIMA® credential is awarded by the Investments & Wealth Institute to professionals who pass a pre-qualifying and a certifying exam, complete coursework at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, have a minimum of three years experience in investment consulting and fulfill continuing education requirements.
In April 2011, CIMA certification gained additional credibility when it earned third-party accreditation by American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This accreditation distinguishes the CIMA® certification as the only financial services certification in the United States to meet international standards (ISO 17024) for personnel certification. http://www.investmentsandwealth.org/cima
ChFC® - (Chartered Financial Consultant®), American Society of Financial Service Professionals
The ChFC® designation currently requires nine college-level courses. Required courses cover extensive education and application training in financial planning, income taxation, investments, and estate and retirement planning. Additional electives are chosen from such topics as macroeconomics, financial decisions for retirement, and executive compensation. ChFC® designees must meet experience requirements and adhere to continuing education and ethical standards. http://www.theamericancollege.edu/academics/adv-descriptions
CLU® - (Chartered Life Underwriter®), American Society of Financial Service Professionals
CLU® designees have completed eight or more college-level courses representing an average study time of 400 hours. Topics for required courses include insurance and financial planning, life insurance law, estate planning, and planning for business owners and professionals. Elective courses include such advanced topics as income taxes, group benefits, retirement planning, and health insurance. CLU® designees must meet experience and continuing education requirements and must adhere to a high ethical standard. http://www.theamericancollege.edu/academics/adv-descriptions
RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional™) American Society of Financial Service Professionals
The RICP® designation teaches advisers techniques and best practices used to create sustainable streams of retirement income. The education covers retirement income planning, maximizing Social Security and other income sources, minimizing risks to the plan, and managing portfolios during the asset distribution phase. The designation includes three required, college-level courses that represent a total average study time of more than 150 hours. RICP® designees must meet experience, continuing education and ethics requirements. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator with an 85-year heritage and the highest form of academic accreditation. http://www.theamericancollege.edu/academics/adv-descriptions
Memberships
Gary is a member in good standing with the following professional organizations:
- The American College & The Society of Financial Services Professionals, PACE (Professional Achievement in Continuing Education) qualifier
- The Investments & Wealth Institute (formerly Investment Management Consultants Association, "IMCA")
- The National Association of Estate Planners and Councils
Professional Licenses & Registrations
- Series 7 General Securities & Series 63 Registrations held with Cambridge Investment Research Inc. ("Cambridge")
- Series 65 Registration held with Cambridge
- Life and Variable Life Insurance Licenses in Colorado and various state
Michael Mooney
Premier Service Team Member
Michael Mooney joined EQIS in 2016 and has been in the financial industry for over seven years. Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and currently holds the FINRA series 65 securities license. Michael is part of the Premier Service Team at EQIS and works directly with advisors and their office staff to help with service needs.
Michael Mooney and EQIS Capital Management, Inc. are not affiliated with Bedford Wealth Advisors or Cambridge Investment Research Inc.
John Fenwick
OSJ, Cambridge Partners
Our Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (“OSJ”) partner is headed by John Fenwick, who leads one of the largest OSJs with Cambridge Investment Research Inc. John is a Registered Principal and holds the CLU, ChFC, and BCEP professional designations.
Janelle Lind
COO and VP of Operations
Gary’s management team includes Janelle Lind, COO and VP of Operations for our Preferred Partners OSJ group. Janelle has over 10 years supervisory experience, and over two decades of operations management.
Janelle is a Denver native and a graduate of the Metropolitan State College of Denver, where she earned a BA in History and an associate degree in Speech Communication and Business Management. She earned a master’s degree in Non-Profit Management from Regis University in 2008.
Felicia Aplara
Executive Administrative Assistant
Felicia Aplara
Felicia Aplara, Gary’s virtual executive assistant, has worked and trained extensively with Cambridge Investment Research. Since December 2018, she has worked as an independent executive assistant. She remains licensed with Cambridge, and also integrates with Gary’s other key service platforms, including Eqis Capital.
Felicia was born and raised and continues to reside in Southeastern Iowa and in proximity to Cambridge’s home office in Fairfield.