Our Founder
Raymond “Ray” Stellhorn-Tavera is the founder of AlpenWeis Financial & Insurance Solutions. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Ray is a fourth-generation American whose family roots are predominantly Swiss and German, with Irish, English, Scottish, and Dutch heritage as well. Proud to be American while embracing the cultures and traditions that shaped his family, Ray sees that diverse heritage as part of the broader American story, where generations of different backgrounds have come together while carrying forward pieces of where they came from. His connection to his Swiss-German roots ultimately helped inspire the AlpenWeis name and the philosophy behind the practice.
Ray’s path into financial services was anything but conventional. He studied at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland, where he minored in International Studies, before completing his bachelor’s degree at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. Before entering financial services, Ray built a career in sports management and youth development. He coached with the Red Bull New York Academy before moving to Los Angeles in 2017, where he joined Soccer Stars. There, he progressed from Coaching Supervisor for Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange County to Program Manager, overseeing coaches, programs, and client relationships across Southern California.
In 2020, Ray brought his background in coaching, leadership, and relationship management to financial services, starting his career with New York Life as an agent. In 2023, he was promoted to Partner with New York Life Southern California, where he gained experience leading and developing financial professionals while continuing to deepen his understanding of the industry. Ray holds the ChFC® and FSCP® designations, the FINRA Series 7 registration, and serves as an Investment Adviser Representative.
In 2026, Ray founded AlpenWeis Financial & Insurance Solutions with a desire to get out of the boardroom and return to working directly with clients. AlpenWeis represents a return to what drew him to financial services in the first place: building relationships, understanding what matters to people, and helping them navigate important financial decisions with clarity and confidence.