Team

Michael Behner CFP^®

Born and raised in San Diego, I come from a third generation San Diego family. The Navy originally brought the Behner family to San Diego with my great grandfather serving as Rear Admiral stationed on North Island. My grandfather served as executive officer at the 32nd St. Navy Base. Both commanded ships in the Theatre of the Pacific in WII and my great grandfather also serving in WWI. My father, grandfather and great grandfather all went through basic training at the Naval Training Center in Point Loma at what is now known as Liberty Station.

During pre-law studies at UCSD I interned with Merrill Lynch and immediately found a passion for the capital markets, more so than Law. Prior to graduation I procured a position with Prudential Securities in their Financial Advisor development program. Of 138 trainees I was ranked number one at six months, one year and two years. The bear market of 1999-2002 took its toll and upon graduating at the end of year two, I was one of only three left in their program nationwide. Early in my career I took an interest in fixed income while tech and Internet stocks captivated most others. I was the youngest Financial Advisor in the Prudential Securities system approved to trade the highly complex collateralized mortgage obligations of CMO’s and CDO’s.

I took an offer to run the Wealth Management arm of several Citibank branches in 2004 but quickly found the bank environment was not the right fit. A year later I accepted a management position with the investment arm of New England Financial, an insurance company with roots to 1897. At New England Securities I was responsible for running the San Diego branches’ investment book and also served on the investment committee defining investment policy and asset allocation for the five-state firm. I was also responsible for new advisor development and training, a role I truly enjoyed.

Although I took great pleasure in my five years with New England Financial, establishing my own firm was always my long-term vision. I found two excellent partners in Tom Brenner and Brigand Kline and together we spent a year crafting our exit. We opened shop in September of 2010 as Nautilus Advisors LLC. Within two weeks we transitioned 99% of our clientele. We are thrilled with our move and feel that we now can create the platform the best serves our clients.

I am married to Melissa Williams, an adjunct professor of Literature at the University of San Diego. We have three young children, Maximus, Hagen, and our most recent addition, Gretchen. My interests include wine tasting and cooking, watching English Premier League soccer, cycling, surfing, golf (when I’m hitting the ball well) and playing sports with the kids.

Brigand Kline CFP^®

As a financial planner who specializes in business and personal financial strategies, I’m dedicated to a long-term relationship and focused on helping clients work to achieve their financial goals and objectives.

I grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida and have always enjoyed living near the ocean. After high school I still felt the need to be by the sea and attended the United States Naval Academy. I received my BS in Systems Engineering. Upon graduation from USNA in 1995, I served aboard the USS Vincennes (CG 49) as the Damage Control Assistant and Repair Officer. Following my overseas tour in Japan, I transferred to the Special Warfare Community and was stationed on the Coastal Patrol Craft, USS Zephyr (PC 8), in 1998, as the Weapons and Executive Officer. I finished my naval career as the Command Special Boat Squadron One training officer. While concluding my naval career, I obtained my master’s degree at San Diego State University with an emphasis on finance, entrepreneurship, and management. While at SDSU I felt it was my responsibility to achieve the highest financial planning designation possible. I received my Certified Financial Planner, CFP ® certificate soon after graduation.

Upon leaving the Navy in 2001, I came aboard New England Financial as a financial representative. I had always been interested in numbers and finance, most especially in helping my friends and family understand the concepts of money. The transition from military life and serving my country to one that continues to serve my clientele was a natural fit. The decade I spent with New England Financial was a great experience and wonderful stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of owning my own independent firm.

In September of 2010, with the help of my two partners, we launched Nautilus Advisors, LLC Registered Investment Advisor. Utilizing my operations experience from earlier navy days, I enjoy holding the titles of Operations and Compliance Officer.

I am still actively involved with San Diego State University; serving on the Alumni board for 6 years and President for 2010, as well as volunteering for SDSU’s Child Care Center. My interests include enjoying the SoCal life through surfing, volleyball and basketball.

I am married to Kristen Fimmen, a financial analyst for Encore Capital Group. We have one daughter named Lyra Jane.

Thomas Brenner

I have been a financial advisor for the last decade, beginning my career at New England Financial in San Diego and continuing to follow my passion in as a partner with Nautilus Advisors. Prior to joining New England Financial, I worked in the action sports industry in various sales and management positions.

Growing up in New Jersey, I spent my summers lifeguarding on the Jersey Shore. I attended a very unique high school on those same beaches, where my studies were focused on Marine Sciences. Continuing my education in Rhode Island, I received a B.S. Degree in English from the University of Rhode Island in 1994.

After graduating from college, I moved to San Diego and have made it my home since 1995. I’m married to Jennifer Brenner and have a step-daughter Kayla. I’m a long-time and passionate surfer and when I’m not working, I’m most often found enjoying the ocean.