Michael R. Weston, ChFC®
Captain
Michael is the founder and Captain of Wharf Financial, an independent personal wealth management firm specializing in responsible investing and financial/retirement planning. Michael has almost 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in the areas of wealth preservation, investments, retirement income and planning strategies, estate and tax strategies, family finances, domestic partner planning, and more.
Michael created Wharf Financial with one goal in mind: to provide a better experience for both the client and himself.
A Big Apple native, Michael attended the City University of New York from 1975 to 1980. His professional career began in the hospitality industry in 1984 with a number of management positions at Sheraton Hotels in New York. From 1989 to 1995, Michael worked and consulted on the openings of several major hotel projects in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Moscow.
Seeking new challenges, in 1996 Michael switched his career focus from hospitality to financial services, becoming a financial advisor at Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., and establishing its Washington, DC, office. It was during his time at Ameriprise that Michael earned his certification as a Chartered Financial Consultant®. Michael remained at Ameriprise until his move to Commonwealth Financial Network® in 2017.
Michael is the proud recipient of the Five Star Wealth Manager Award (2013–2015, 2022).*
Michael is the father of one daughter, Allegra, and one stepson, Marc. He resides in Washington, DC, where he enjoys visiting new restaurants and hip hotels, attending cultural events, listening to live music (particularly Phish and the Grateful Dead), playing golf, running, and scuba diving. Growing up in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, it goes without saying that Michael is also a rabid baseball fan, as well as a supporter of DC United.
Michael loves working with clients who work hard, have an eye for art, a taste for wine, who love to travel, and who do good deeds. Oh, and if they're a Yankees or Nationals fan, all the better!
A strong believer in service to others, Michael finds time to volunteer for a number of organizations in and around the Washington, DC, area, including Martha’s Market and Martha’s Table. With his black Lab, Reuben, Michael also enjoys making therapy visits to patients at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Montgomery Hospice and the residents of Bread for the City.
*2013–2015 and 2022 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. The 2022 award was presented on 10/2022 based on data gathered within 12 months preceding the issue date. 2,597 advisors were considered, 159 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
Paul C. Trinh, CFP®
Financial Planner
Paul is a financial planner at Wharf Financial. He began his career in financial services after graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in economics and a minor in statistics. He always had an affinity toward helping people, using his tutoring background from his years in school and combining that with his interest in the world of finance and behavioral economics. Paul is also extremely detail-oriented, stemming from his work during school breaks with a supply-chain management firm in Rockville, where he assisted in handling the logistical mire of shipping tons of construction materials overseas.
These skills and passions made his first post-college endeavor as an advisor at MassMutual in Tysons Corner an enjoyable one, specializing in insurance planning and oftentimes sitting with his clients at their kitchen tables. Paul strived to consult with them at a level that brought the future into the present and gave his clients the confidence they needed. His focus on building relationships first, and following through with tactful planning, earned him a Rising Leader award.
“Talking about finances is not everyone’s favorite discussion, and just the thought alone is often stressful. I look to establish relationships with my clients over time and focus on being a teacher first. I can’t expect people to work with me without getting to know me. Just being able to meet new people every day is why I love what I do.”
Looking for a new challenge and to become more holistic with his planning as an independent advisor, he joined Michael and Wharf Financial at the start of 2020.
Paul was born and raised in Rockville, Maryland, falling in love with the DC-Metro area and its diversity. He currently resides in, and enjoys, living in DC’s Penn Quarter. He is an avid sports fan that grew up playing basketball, baseball, and soccer. Paul is a die-hard Red Sox fan, something that he and Michael agree to disagree on.
In his spare time, Paul loves traveling and finding new and/or hot dining spots. His favorite cuisine is Vietnamese, a nod toward his father’s heritage. You’ll also find him perusing the local museums and attending networking events in the area.
Matt Hammaker
Financial Planning Associate
Matt Hammaker is a Financial Planning Associate at Wharf Financial and the newest member of the team. His path into financial advising is anything but traditional — shaped by military service, leadership, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to helping others build long‑term success. Matt has always had a strong interest in finance, and his analytical, detail‑oriented nature made the transition into the industry a natural fit. The combination of disciplined decision‑making, structured problem‑solving, and people‑focused leadership he developed throughout his career uniquely prepared him for the demands of financial planning.
Born and raised in Roswell, Georgia, Matt enlisted in the United States Marine Corps infantry immediately after high school. He served as a mortarman with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines at Camp Pendleton, deploying twice — first with the 11th MEU to the Middle East and later with the 31st MEU throughout the Asia‑Pacific region. During his service, he attended Advanced Infantry School and became a section leader, responsible for 11 Marines and one Navy Corpsman. His leadership earned him the prestigious Gung‑Ho Award, a peer‑voted honor recognizing outstanding small‑unit leadership and the Marine others would most want beside them in any scenario.
After completing his military service, Matt returned to Georgia and earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Kennesaw State University, where he also played Division I rugby. He then attended graduate school at Wingate University, earning his Doctorate in Physical Therapy and graduating as valedictorian. Even during his academic and clinical career, Matt found himself drawn to financial markets, personal finance, and long‑term planning. That passion, combined with his precision, discipline, and ability to break down complex information, ultimately led him to pursue financial advising and wealth management — a field that allows him to build meaningful relationships while helping people create stability for their future.
Outside the office, Matt enjoys anything outdoors — from hiking to traveling and experiencing new places. He also has a deep love for working with dogs. He has a rescue mix named Nala and volunteers with dog‑related organizations whenever possible. Matt is a huge sports fan — a die‑hard Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs supporter — and he loves attending all kinds of sporting events. Since moving to the DMV area, he has also become an enthusiastic Washington Capitals fan. You’re also likely to see him around the DC area continuing his passion for sports by playing recreational leagues with friends.
Tandis Kiumarsi
Executive Assistant
Tandis serves as the assistant to Michael and the entire Wharf Financial team, with her primary aim being the fulfillment of our clients' satisfaction. Her role is pivotal in enhancing the process of financial planning and in providing comprehensive support for the administrative requirements of our practice.
Her academic journey culminated in achieving Dean's List honors at Tidewater Community College. From there she ventured into the retail clothing sector. Her dedication and proficiency led her to ascend to the position of store manager with regional duties at notable establishments such as Wet Seal and The Children's Place. In 2017, leveraging her exceptional organizational skills and commitment to customer service, Tandis embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by founding Clutter Free Solution, a personal organizing business. Tandis has redirected her ambitions toward the financial services sector, and it is our privilege at Wharf Financial that she is part of our team.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Tandis finds joy in travel, theater, yoga, and the vibrancy of live music. Her heart is particularly warmed by the precious moments she spends with her beloved niece, Parastu, whose youthful exuberance brings a unique joy to her life. Additionally, Tandis cherishes the companionship of her dog, Snuggles, whose loyalty and affection provide her with constant comfort and happiness. Above all, her greatest pleasure is derived from the time spent with her extensive family, cherishing the moments shared together.
Reuben
First Mate
While Rueben isn’t particularly a fan of hats, he wears many. He’s a Labrador Retriever as well as a highly skilled - and enthusiastic - receiver of treats. He enjoys accompanying Michael to make therapy visits to patients at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Montgomery Hospice and the residents of Bread for the City.
