Our Team

Gary is the founder and co-owner of Blom & Howell, a financial planning company focused on helping individuals and families navigate the myriad of financial issues they face over their lifetimes. Prior to establishing his firm, Gary spent 10 years at Merrill Lynch in Modesto after which, he decided to become an independent financial advisor in 2009.

His passion is helping people in four distinct areas of financial planning; 1) Retirement Planning with an emphasis on social security, Medicare, and cash flow management. 2) Investment Management that tailors individual’s portfolios to their specific needs and risk tolerances. 3) Helping clients understand their options concerning independent and/or assisted living arrangements.  4) Life Insurance -protecting families from financial hardship due to pre-mature death and helping grandparents ensure smooth wealth transfers to their children and grandchildren.

Always a numbers guy, early in married life while navigating the pitfalls of a first-time homebuyer, Gary was challenged by a caring lender to actually “understand” what it meant to take on a 30 year mortgage as an early twenty-something. The process left a lasting impression and gave him a passion for helping others remove the proverbial “fog” we experience with so many of our financial decisions.

Born in Escalon and raised in Modesto, Gary and his wife Sharilyn have 4 children and three grandchildren who live here locally and are very much a part of their lives. He is a member of the Modesto Rotary Club and City of Modesto’s Board of Zoning Adjustment board.

Michael is a co-owner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Blom & Howell and provides comprehensive financial planning for families and business owners in the areas of their retirement, investment, life insurance, and college planning. Michael graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Business Administration and earned his MBA with an accounting concentration from Liberty University.
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After spending the first several years of his career in the banking industry, Michael joined Blom & Howell (formerly Blom & Associates) in 2012 with a passion to help propel others to a place of financial freedom and joy. In a world filled with financial anxiety, Michael firmly believes financial planning is an ongoing process that helps clients gain a better understanding of their financial picture, take control of their financial future, and can provide a sense of peace that is difficult to obtain otherwise.
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Michael and his wife Jackie live in Modesto and have three children - all boys! Michael teaches business and personal financial stewardship classes at Southeastern University Norcal as an adjunct professor. The Howell's also attend and love serving at Shelter Cove Community Church where Michael teaches financial classes from a biblical perspective and serves as a volunteer musician and singer on the worship team.

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CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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Born and raised in Modesto, California, Kendall's journey took an exciting turn when she ventured to Phoenix, Arizona, to pursue her college education at Grand Canyon University. Over the past four years, Kendall's college journey has been a transformative period of personal and professional growth. While pursuing her Business Management degree at GCU, she cultivated lasting friendships, deepened her faith, refined essential life skills, but also developed a strong interest in business concepts and strategies. All of which led to her graduation in April 2023.

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Now equipped with her degree and a passion for fostering relationships, and assisting others, Kendall has become a part of the Blom & Howell Financial Planning team, taking on the role of Client Service Advisor.

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Before joining Blom & Howell, Kendall dedicated five years to working at Trader Joe's—spanning high school and college. Through this role, she honed her ability to collaborate, discovered the joy of assisting people, and thrived on engaging with others in a hardworking environment.

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Outside of her professional endeavors, Kendall embraces an active lifestyle, being an avid participant at GetFit Modesto. She attends Shelter Cove where she furthers her spiritual growth and enjoys fellowship with other members of the church. Kendall cherishes quality time spent with her family, especially her nephews, and she enjoys meeting up with friends over coffee. 

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Jessica joined Blom & Howell Financial Planning in April 2021 and works with clients in all areas of client service.

Prior to joining Blom & Howell Financial Planning, Jessica worked in the banking industry for 12 years and in various administrative capacities.

Jessica and her husband, Anthony have 2 adult children in their mid twenties. She has lived in Modesto most of her life. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys crafty DIY projects, exploring new places with Anthony, and enjoying great food

(as long as she doesn't have to cook!). Need a recommendation for a good restaurant? Jessica just might have a suggestion!

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