Team Group: Advisors

  • Loren Paul Fiffik

    Loren joined Confluence Financial Partners as a Wealth Manager in 2019, bringing over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

    Prior to joining Confluence, Loren was an financial advisor at PNC Investments, where he provided exceptional care and guidance to clients in the Eastern Suburbs of Pittsburgh. He began his career as a licensed associate at KeyCorp/McDonald Investments before becoming a financial advisor associate at UBS, where he concentrated on conducting research for client portfolios and providing essential wealth management services. Loren holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has earned his CFP® certification through Duquesne University.

    Loren’s roots in a family-owned grocery business in the Laurel Highlands have profoundly influenced his approach to wealth management. This background has given him unique insights into the challenges and aspirations of small business owners, allowing him to communicate effectively about financial goals and develop tailored strategies for his clients. His firsthand experience with family business dynamics enables him to navigate complex financial decisions while considering both personal and professional objectives.

    In his free time, Loren enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and sport shooting, including skeet, sporting clays, and trap. He remains active in his community as a member of the Forest Hills Planning Committee and volunteers at the Red Door Pittsburgh, part of Divine Mercy Parish. Loren and his wife, Janel, are proud parents to their two children, Sebastian and Wila. They are thoroughly enjoying this stage of parenthood.

    •

    martin_admin

    •

  • Nathan Garcia

    Nathan Garcia, CFP® has been serving individuals, families, and organizations as a financial advisor and planner since 2001. With a deep understanding of the meaningful, positive impact that quality advice can have, Nathan is committed to helping clients achieve clarity and confidence in their financial futures. He takes the time to listen carefully to clients’ needs and effectively communicates planning concepts and strategies in a clear, approachable way.

    A native of Florida, Nathan earned his Bachelor’s degree in marketing and risk management from The Florida State University in 2000. He went on to complete his M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School of Business in 2009. He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

    Nathan lives in Pine Township with his wife, Ashleigh, their two children, Ava and Nicolas, and their two dogs. He enjoys spending time outdoors—mountain biking, running, and hiking—and cherishes time with family and friends.

    •

    martin_admin

    •

  • Katie Montagazzi

    Katie has a passion for connecting with people and building relationships, which has been foundational to her work in marketing and wealth management. This passion drives her in helping clients and associates solve challenges and seize opportunities. At her core, Katie understands how financial planning and a strong relationship between advisor and client is about so much more than numbers; it’s about building confidence, maximizing both lives now and legacies in the future.

    After graduating from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in Economics, Katie earned an executive certificate in financial planning from Duquesne University in 2018. She holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.

    Katie is passionate about using her skills and talents to support meaningful causes. She serves as the Chair of the Young Professionals Board for Junior Achievement of Western PA. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Directors for Network of Life, a local organization dedicated to providing life-affirming pregnancy services to families in Pittsburgh.

    Katie and her husband reside in Zelienople and have three sons. She attends Victory Family Church and can often be found boating or beachside with a book in hand, or gathered around a good meal with close family and friends.

    •

    martin_admin

    •

  • Neil Rongaus

    Going the extra mile has been the hallmark of Neil’s career.  For more than 22 years, Neil has been delivering sound, objective guidance across a range of disciplines – including retirement planning, portfolio management, wealth management and wealth transfer.

    A lifelong learner, Neil earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Duquesne University. His extensive experience includes serving as vice president and a team partner at UBS Financial Services, managing $250 million in assets. Before joining Confluence, he was a wealth management advisor at TIAA-CREF Individual Advisory Services, delivering complex financial plans for high-net-worth individuals.

    Neil believes that building true, lasting connections with his clients is just as important as delivering strong financial strategies. He takes pride in understanding what matters most to each individual and helping them navigate life’s financial complexities with clarity and confidence.

    Outside of work, Neil is a dedicated family man who treasures quality experiences with his wife and children. An avid golfer and fisherman, he also enjoys traveling, working out and watching his kids compete at youth sports. Originally from Donora, Neil now lives in Charleroi with his wife, Marijo, and their children, Marco and Remi.

    •

    martin_admin

    •

  • Brandon Corlett

    Brandon has always been motivated by a desire to help others to improve their lives and to leave a lasting legacy on the people and communities that they love. He lives out this mission by partnering with families and individuals to make financial decisions that go deeper than numbers to help achieve what matters most to them.

    Brandon’s experience with providing financial advice began in 2011 at Selker Advisors. He later joined Greycourt & Co., but knew he ultimately wanted to be a part of the Confluence team with their like-minded vision and values. He joined Confluence Financial Partners in 2017 and in 2020, Brandon had the opportunity to assume leadership of a team within the firm. Since then, he has found success and fulfillment deepening those relationships and growing the team.

    Outside of the office, Brandon spends most of his time with his wife Anna, and his son Vernon. A staunch believer in giving back, Brandon is dedicated to helping others. As a volunteer for Hope for HIE, he helps parents of children with disabilities by mentoring other Dads, participating in parent-led panels and leading support groups. He is active in participating with other charities dedicated to disabled persons, the homeless in his area, and to other individuals in need within his community.

    •

    martin_admin

    •

  • Chuck Ziants

    Known for his personable and positive demeanor, Chuck was drawn to the financial services industry because he sought to help people and build lifelong relationships with his clients. He makes himself available to address each of our clients’ needs and works diligently to provide the personalized, knowledgeable and prompt service they deserve.

    Before joining Confluence, Chuck worked with the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team, starting as a sales consultant before eventually working with top business owners and partners in Pittsburgh and the tristate area. He graduated from Bethany College with a degree in Sports Management. He also played baseball the four years he was there and was awarded the John J. Knight Award in 2013, recognizing him as a top male athlete and sports management major.

    In his spare time, you can find Chuck cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates and Ohio State Buckeyes. Originally from Moundsville, West Virginia, he now lives in the South Hills, and is a proud father to his son, Landon.

    •

    martin_admin

    •

  • Joe Tabaka

    What does an individual seek when they hire a financial advisor? Honesty in pursuit of their goals, clarity in the investment planning process, and dedication to their family’s needs. These values describe Joe Tabaka’s approach.

    With more than 25 years of experience, Joe has been helping families reach their goals while striving to provide excellent service. Prior to joining Confluence Financial Partners in 2016, he and his partner founded the Kolias-Tabaka Wealth Management Team of Wells Fargo, where Joe served as a First Vice President–Investment Officer.

    A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in economics, Joe is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Additionally, he is a proud alumnus of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. Over the years, Joe has stayed involved with his alma mater by coaching the hockey team, serving on the Auction Committee and the Letterman’s Club, and mentoring current students.

    Joe lives in Sewickley with his wife, Julie. Their three children are thriving on their own, successfully pursuing their respective careers.

    •

    martin_admin

    •

  • Zachery Saunders

    Known for his professionalism and calming demeanor, Zac is focused on helping his clients reach their financial goals through comprehensive financial planning and unbiased guidance.  Zac and his team support and care for the overall financial well-being of their clients.  Zac’s relationship with his clients – whether families & individuals or business owners & executives – remains the most gratifying aspect of his practice.  The Saunders Team is committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives.

    After a decade of working at the University of Pittsburgh, Zac decided to put his economics degree to work while merging his passion for helping others reach their financial & life goals.  While growing up, Zac had a deep interest in finance and learning about the stock market at a young age, when his grandfather first introduced him to investing and the significance of owning great companies as a shareholder.  His interest in business and serving others was also inspired by his father and their family plumbing business.

    Dr. Saunders attended the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in both economics and psychology.  He holds a masters degree and doctorate degree in education from Pitt.  Zac was a recipient of the George I. Carson graduate fellowship while at Pitt and served as a football student manager for Pitt Football during his undergraduate days.  He also earned an executive certificate in financial planning from Northwestern University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. 

    Zac is a passionate advocate for various community organizations and is particularly interested in educational issues and financial literacy.  He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Community College of Beaver County and previously served as Chairman & Vice-Chairman of the Board.  Zac is also a member of the Pitt Varsity Letter Club and The Economic Club of Pittsburgh. 

    Zac resides in the Beaver Valley area with his wife, Lauren and their two daughters, Romy & Tory.  The family is active members of Mary, Queen of Saints Roman Catholic Parish.  He enjoys golfing, reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends.

    •

    martin_admin

    •

  • Chuck Kolias

    Relating to people, identifying their needs and developing customized solutions to help clients reach their goals has been Chuck’s passion for over 30 years. In 2016, Chuck Kolias joined Confluence Financial Partners, whose vision of ‘clarity not complexity’ ties in with his core values of mutual trust and exceptional service.

    Chuck earned a B.A. degree in economics at the University of Pittsburgh, then his master’s degree at Youngstown State University. He was a financial advisor with A.G. Edwards from 1993 to 2003, then branch manager of the Sewickley office through 2011. That’s when he and Joe Tabaka, formed the Kolias-Tabaka Wealth Management Team, based on a conservative, client-focused approach with exceptional service.

    A firm believer in giving back, Chuck has served on several charitable organization boards–among them the Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central Pennsylvania Sports Auction, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, and the Neighborhood Resilience Project. He is an avid Pittsburgh sports fan whose love of golf led him to organize impactful fundraisers for St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Cystic Fibrosis and ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Chuck and his wife, Cathy, live in Mars, PA.

    •

    martin_admin

    •

  • Kurt Kimmich

    Kurt believes to get better at something, you must be open to change. It was this belief that inspired him to help form Confluence Financial Partners. Founded on the principle that integrity begins with how we treat people, Kurt has helped lead Confluence in treating clients with genuine concern for their financial objectives.

    Leveraging a wealth of experience to help his clients succeed, Kurt began his career as a Regional Sales Representative with a national steel company before joining the financial services industry in 1992. A graduate of Westminster College with a degree in Business Administration, Kurt also holds the Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM certification — a course of study that enhances his ability to employ strategies focused not only on investments, but also in planning for insurance, tax, retirement and estate issues.

    Away from work, Kurt gives back in a variety of ways, most importantly his deep involvement with the Murrysville special needs community. To relax, Kurt enjoys volunteering, playing golf with his buddy Ben and spending time with his wife, Amy, their six children and now grandchildren. Kurt and his family live in Murrysville where they attend Mother of Sorrows Church.

    •

    martin_admin

    •