WHO WE ARE
The advisors behind every plan.
We bring you a dedicated approach rooted in our Colorado upbringing
A small, credentialed team that intentionally stays small, so you always know who is on your account, and we always know your story.
Gary Shirman, ChFC
Founder, Managing Partner – Financial Advisor
As a Managing Partner and Financial Advisor at Boulder Wealth Advisors, my primary responsibilities revolve around managing investment portfolios and crafting financial plans for our clients. With over 38 years of experience in the financial services industry, I have witnessed many bull markets and bear markets, and learned a tremendous amount throughout the journey. I have honed my investment management skills and dialed in our proprietary financial planning software, Life On A PageTM, over the years.
What truly inspires me are the relationships I have built with our clients across my career. I love helping people see the big picture when it comes to their finances. Nearly everyone has encountered stress from money, but I firmly believe that building a roadmap is the antidote to financial worry. By working closely with our clients, I aim to define both financial and personal goals, designing a detailed plan to close the gap. Helping clients make the most of their lives, however that may look to them, is my ultimate goal. Over the years, I’ve celebrated with my clients when things go well and have been there as a source of support when they have been faced with life’s inevitable challenges. The friendships we’ve built together make my work incredibly meaningful and rewarding.
Originally from the north suburbs of Chicago, I ventured to Boulder as an 18 year old to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, and never left. My wife and I reside in north Boulder, where we have made our home for many decades. Together, we have two adult children and three wonderful grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking, spending time in nature, and cherishing moments with my children and grandchildren. I also have a passion for reading fiction, which provides a delightful escape and fuels my imagination.
Michael Hake, CFP®
Managing Partner – Financial Advisor
As a Managing Partner and Financial Advisor at Boulder Wealth Advisors, I have dedicated over 20 years to the financial services industry. My financial career began in May 2006 at Janus Capital Group. In 2012, after serving as a Retirement Director at Janus, I joined PIMCO as a Vice President before ultimately finding my home at Boulder Wealth Advisors. I hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation, a testament to my commitment to providing comprehensive financial advice. Prior to beginning my career, I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, laying the foundation for my future endeavors.
I am motivated by the relationships I build with clients, solving their financial challenges, and helping them create lasting legacies. The ever-changing markets keep me engaged and driven. I take a client-first approach, customizing financial plans and investment portfolios to fit each client’s unique situation. I understand that as life evolves, personal and financial goals may change, and I’m here to provide guidance every step of the way. My greatest values lie in serving as a trusted resource, offering holistic planning, and delivering experienced investment advice.
Currently, I reside in Erie, Colorado, with my wife, Erica, and our children, Lucy, William, and Declan. My children are very active in athletics, and I relish the opportunity to coach them, and watch them play. I am active in my Church, and enjoy volunteering in the community. In my free time, my family and I love skiing, golfing, and traveling the world together. During the fall and winter months, you can often find us tailgating and attending University of Colorado football and basketball games.
CFP® professionals have met the CFP Board’s high standards for education, examination, experience, and ethics. To become a CFP® professional, an individual must fulfill the following requirements:
Education – Earn a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and complete CFP Board-approved coursework at a college or university through a CFP Board Registered Program. The coursework covers the financial planning subject areas the CFP Board has determined are necessary for the competent and professional delivery of financial planning services, as well as a comprehensive financial plan development capstone course. A candidate may satisfy some of the coursework requirements through other qualifying credentials. CFP Board implemented the bachelor’s degree or higher requirement in 2007 and the financial planning development capstone course requirement in March 2012. Therefore, a CFP® professional who first became certified before those dates may not have earned a bachelor’s or higher degree or completed a financial planning development capstone course.
Examination – Pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination. The examination is designed to assess an individual’s ability to integrate and apply a broad base of financial planning knowledge in the context of real-life financial planning situations.
Experience – Complete 6,000 hours of professional experience related to the personal financial planning process or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience that meets additional requirements.
Ethics – Satisfy the Fitness Standards for Candidates for CFP® Certification and Former CFP® Professionals Seeking Reinstatement and agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct (“Code and Standards”), which sets forth the ethical and practice standards for CFP® professionals.
Individuals who become certified must complete the following ongoing education and ethics requirements to remain certified and maintain the right to continue to use the CFP Board Certification Marks:
Ethics – Commit to complying with the CFP Board’s Code and Standards. This includes a commitment to the CFP Board, as part of the certification, to act as a fiduciary, and therefore, act in the best interests of the client, at all times when providing financial advice and financial planning. CFP Board may sanction a CFP® professional who does not abide by this commitment, but CFP Board does not guarantee a CFP® professional’s services. A client who seeks a similar commitment should obtain a written engagement that includes a fiduciary obligation to the client.
Continuing Education – Complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain competence, demonstrate specified levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities, and keep up with developments in financial planning. Two of the hours must address the Code and Standards.
CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may be subject to CFP Board’s enforcement process, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation of their CFP® certification.
Rudy Rudolph, CPA
Financial Consultant
Rudy Rudolph is a seasoned accounting professional and business advisor based in Boulder, Colorado, with decades of experience supporting business owners and high-net-worth individuals. Prior to joining Boulder Wealth Advisors, Rudy served as a Partner at Eide Bailly LLP, where he advised clients on tax strategy, business consulting, and financial planning.
Throughout his career, Rudy has held a number of leadership roles, including serving as Office Managing Partner of Eide Bailly’s Boulder location. He has also held leadership positions at other national firms, expanding his experience across a broad range of industries and client needs. His work is centered on helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence, particularly within the middle market and entrepreneurial community.
Beyond his professional work, Rudy is deeply connected to the Boulder community. He serves as a Trustee for PGA REACH Colorado, supporting initiatives focused on youth, military, and inclusion. He is also closely tied to the local business landscape, with longstanding involvement in the Pearl Street community.
Rudy is known for his steady, relationship-driven approach and is widely regarded as a trusted advisor to both clients and colleagues.
Andrea Guderian
Operations Manager
I am currently serving as the Operations Manager at Boulder Wealth Advisors, bringing over 13 years of experience in the financial services industry. My journey in this field has been both rewarding and diverse, having previously worked at Elevations Credit Union and Edward Jones Investments. Before embarking on my career, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering & Operations Research from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
As an Operations Manager, I enjoy seeing clients achieve their lifetime financial goals. My engineering background equips me with the tools to solve problems, which I apply not only in my job but also at home and in my volunteer work.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, I now reside in the vibrant city of Boulder, Colorado. I am the proud parent of three adult children: Dylan, Erin, and Sean. Outside of my professional life, I am actively involved in Congregation Har HaShem and the Boulder Jewish Community Center, where I cherish the sense of community and connection. Balancing my professional and personal life has been a fulfilling journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of those I work with and the community I am a part of.
Erica Hake
Compliance Specialist
Erica Hake brings over 15 years of corporate experience in supply chain and logistics, where she has worked closely with organizations to bring structure, clarity, and efficiency to complex operations. Her background includes roles with global companies such as Rio Tinto and APL, where she developed expertise in logistics management, contract negotiation, and client service.
Today, Erica serves as a Compliance Specialist with Boulder Wealth Advisors. She supports the firm in key operational areas of compliance. Erica is dedicated to maintaining a values-drive culture of compliance. She focuses on streamlining operations through risk assessments, regulatory filings, and tailored compliance programs that support regulatory requirements while enhancing operational efficiency across the firm.
Erica earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Finance from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.
Stacie Craddock
Compliance Consultant
Stacie Craddock is a seasoned compliance professional with over 30 years of experience in the RIA and broker-dealer regulatory space, including more than a decade serving as a Chief Compliance Officer. She brings deep expertise in helping advisory firms navigate regulatory requirements while supporting operational growth and strategic transitions.
As the Founder of Integrated Compliance Advisors, Stacie is known for designing practical, effective compliance frameworks that align with both SEC regulations and business objectives. Her approach is grounded in attention to detail, clear communication, and a strong commitment to helping firms operate with confidence and integrity.
Stacie holds Series 7, Series 24, and Series 66 licenses and is widely regarded as a trusted partner to advisory firms seeking thoughtful and reliable compliance guidance.
Based in Boulder, Stacie enjoys Friday night football, photography, and pastry design. She values time with family, travel, and creative pursuits outside of her professional work.
Melinda Bradley
Service Coordinator
With over a decade of experience navigating complex industries, Melinda Bradley brings a wealth of operational expertise and strategic insight to her role at Nifty Advisors. Melinda has built her career on a foundation of versatility, moving seamlessly between high-level oversight and essential day-to-day execution.
Most recently, as the Partnership Operations Director at MMX Management LLC, Melinda was instrumental in streamlining business processes and maintaining rigorous compliance standards. Her career is marked by a “people-first” approach; whether she is managing multi-million dollar vendor relationships or mentoring new staff at Vault Automotive, Melinda focuses on clear communication and service excellence. At Nifty Advisors, she continues to leverage her background in cross-location coordination and administrative strategy to ensure both the team and their clients thrive.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, our team cherishes many of the same things our clients do: the outdoors lifestyle, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. A life well lived.
For over 25 years, we have been committed to helping our clients align their wealth with their goals. Through personalized, fiduciary advice designed to help grow and preserve your wealth, we simplify and manage your entire financial life so you can focus on living it. With a planning-first mentality, we work with you to define your goals and craft a roadmap forward. We believe financial planning should create clarity, not confusion. That’s why we developed our proprietary Life On A Page™ planning process, giving clients one clear roadmap that connects every aspect of their financial life.
At Boulder Wealth Advisors, we care. We’re committed to you. And we’re here to help however we can.
