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 with 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.

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.

Manuel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM).  He worked in Grupo Financiero BASE for 9 years as a Senior Financial Advisor in the Specialized Banking Division operating FX and derivatives, servicing Mexican and international corporate clients.  He obtained the AMIB Figura III license as a registered representative in Mexico to operate in the capital markets.  Manuel holds an MBA from EGADE Business School and spent a semester in ESSEC Business School pursuing a Master in Strategy & Management of International Business.

Manuel joined FARO to head the FX division.

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 concentration 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 at movie night with her two daughters, or watching a good Houston Texans game with her husband!

Sofia is an alumna of the University of Texas at San Antonio. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health Administration, she began pursuing knowledge and experience in her broad array of interests. Her background in organization and business brought her to a full-time position as a client associate. She assists with customer service and a range of operations here at Faro.

Sofia spends her free time enjoying the outdoors, traveling, and visiting with family and friends.

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.

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.