John Folsom

FOUNDER, INVESTMENT MANAGER

John brings more than 40 years of experience to his role as Founder and Investment Manager at EverMark. He began his career in 1977 at Merrill Lynch, where he rose to the position of First Vice President and participated in one of the firm’s earliest discretionary portfolio management programs. In 1994, he began a successful advisory partnership that laid the foundation for the client relationships and team he continues to lead today.

Before founding EverMark, John served as a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management. Throughout his career, he has focused on direct equity investing, thoughtful planning, and building long-term relationships with individuals and families.

John is originally from Minnesota, where he attended Bemidji State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Economics. He moved to California in 1973 and now lives in San Diego with his wife, Rita, an accomplished pianist and artist. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Outside of work, John enjoys restoring classic cars, fishing, gardening, and collecting Bordeaux wines—a passion he’s pursued with care and curiosity for more than four decades. That same appreciation for craftsmanship, discipline, and patience is reflected in his approach to investment management and the way he supports his clients through every chapter of their financial lives.

John is active in his community and currently serves as Financial Chair for the United Methodist Southern California District.

Matt Sweeney, CFP®

FOUNDER, INVESTMENT MANAGER

A lifelong interest in math, business, and finance led Matt to begin investing in college and ultimately inspired his career in wealth management. With more than 30 years in the financial industry, Matt is Founder and Investment Manager at EverMark, where he works with high-performing individuals and families to help them make thoughtful decisions, plan with purpose, and pursue goals that reflect what matters most to them.

Matt began his advisory career at Merrill Lynch in Santa Barbara. He later moved with Merrill Lynch to San Diego and began working with John where he was profiled by The Wall Street Journal for his participation in a mentorship-based training program. Eventually joining RBC Wealth Management, he spent more than two decades working with clients and advancing into leadership as a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager. His focus included portfolio strategy, retirement planning, and multigenerational wealth guidance.

He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation, which reflects rigorous training in financial planning, investment strategy, tax, insurance, and estate planning, as well as a commitment to fiduciary standards and client-first ethics. He also holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses and a life insurance license through LPL Financial.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with honors. He also holds an MBA in Finance from San Diego State University and studied abroad in Budapest through the University of California’s Economic Transformation of Post-Communist Europe program at Eötvös Loránd University. While in Hungary he completed an internship with Ernst & Young.

Traveling to Europe as a child with his grandfather, along with time spent living abroad, sparked a lasting love of food, culture, and exploration. When he’s not working, Matt and his partner of 30 years, Joseph, enjoy cooking, traveling, gathering with close friends and family, and reading.

Matt supports several local community organizations that help kids, fight hunger, and promote education, including area food banks, Promises2Kids, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Tanner Carter, CFP®

INVESTMENT MANAGER

Tanner discovered his interest in finance in high school and began investing while in college. That early spark led him to pursue a degree in finance and economics from the University of Nevada, Reno, and set the foundation for a career in wealth management.

He began his career in 2019 at RBC Wealth Management in San Diego, where he joined John and Matt’s team. There, he earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation—a reflection of his dedication to his clients and commitment to doing the work at the highest standard.  He holds the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses, as well as a life and annuity insurance license through LPL Financial.

As Investment Manager at EverMark, Tanner contributes to the firm’s planning and investment strategy and works closely with clients to help guide thoughtful, informed decisions. What Tanner finds most rewarding is knowing that the work he’s doing is valued and plays a positive role in his clients’ lives.

Tanner lives in San Diego. Outside the office, he enjoys snowboarding, working out, and playing pickleball with friends. He also has a passion for performance driving and enjoys spending time at the track.

Tanner serves his community through his church and local outreach programs, where he regularly volunteers his time and support.

Kristin Garnica

SENIOR INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE

Kristin has worked in financial services since 1983 and has built her career around being reliable, responsive, and ready to solve whatever problem lands on her desk. As Senior Investment Associate at EverMark, she handles operations, account service, and client support with a level of care that comes from decades of experience and a strong sense of responsibility.

She takes pride in solving problems and following through—whether it’s researching an account issue, working with service teams behind the scenes, or helping a client through a complex request.

She holds Series 7 and 63 licenses through LPL Financial. A graduate of San Diego State University, Kristin moved to San Diego from Sacramento to attend college—and has called it home ever since.

Outside the office, she enjoys long walks, gardening, and reading. Kristin and her husband live in San Diego and have two grown children. She supports Special Olympics and values the opportunity to give back to a cause that brings joy to so many families.

Heather Walter

INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE

Heather brings four years of financial experience and a 14-year background in client care to EverMark. Her passion for building geniune client connections and driving operational excellence shapes her approach to every interaction.

As an investment Associate, Heather provides dedicated support to clients, delivering the focused attention and care they deserve. She also serves as a vital liaison between the advisory team's investment management work and the firm's day-to-day operations, streamlining processes and ensuring seamless execution.

Heather holds  the SIE, Series 7, and 66 licenses through LPL Financial. She continually seeks new challenges and opportunities to expand her skillset, both professionally and personally. A proud San Diego native, Heather was born in La Jolla and raised in Scripps Ranch. She's a devoted dog mom to three Japanese pups—two Shiba Inus and one Shikoku. Outside of work you'll find her on the golf course, hiking local trails, or enjoying a game of pickleball.