Your Valuable Team at the Helm

What many people don’t expect when they work with us — we’re human too. We’ve all made our fair share of mistakes in this world; many of these mistakes helped us become the competent advisors we are today.

Without these lessons, we would be left referencing textbook material and subjective news commentary, and that’s no way to run a business. Our hope for every one of our clients is that after each meeting, you’ll feel more confident and rest assured that your money is here to be an engine of opportunity.

Key Personnel

Mark Merten, MBA

President

Mark Merten founded Merten Capital with a vision of delivering truly personalized financial guidance to each client. His 25-year journey in financial services reflects his commitment to understanding the unique stories and aspirations behind every portfolio he manages.

Before establishing his independent practice, Mark spent eleven years as a Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo, preceded by eight years at Morgan Stanley. This extensive experience at leading financial institutions helped shape his comprehensive approach to wealth management and client service.

A graduate of the University of Dayton with an MBA, Mark combines academic rigor with practical expertise to craft individualized financial strategies. He takes particular satisfaction in developing custom solutions that align precisely with each client's goals, values, and circumstances.

Mark strives to foster genuine relationships with his clients, believing that authentic connections lead to better financial outcomes. His hands-on approach and dedication to understanding each client's unique situation have become hallmarks of the firm's service philosophy.

Vince Dipietro

Chief Investment Officer

Vince brings over three decades of wealth management expertise to his role as Chief Investment Officer at Merten Capital. His comprehensive approach integrates investment strategy, retirement planning, and wealth preservation to create enduring value for clients.

His distinguished career has evolved through several prominent leadership roles in wealth management. Starting at Prudential Bache Securities, Vince went on to serve as Senior Vice President of Investments at PaineWebber for a decade. After five years as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, he advanced to serve as President of Private Wealth at Royal Alliance Associates and President of Private Wealth and Retirement Services. Before joining Merten Capital, he spent thirteen years at L.M. Kohn and Company, further refining his holistic approach to wealth management.

As Chief Investment Officer, Vince oversees investment strategy and portfolio management, specializing in retirement income planning and risk-adjusted portfolio construction. He believes in building lasting client relationships through collaborative partnerships, working closely with local tax and legal professionals to create comprehensive wealth management solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term legacy goals.

His expertise encompasses:

Strategic asset allocation and portfolio management
Retirement income planning and distribution strategies
IRA and 401(k) advisory services
Tax-efficient investment approaches
Estate preservation strategies
Risk management solutions
Annuities and Life Insurance Management

Shelly Lingg

Operations Executive

Shelly D. Lingg brings over twenty years of financial services expertise to her role as Operations Executive. Her career journey reflects a consistent focus on elevating client service and optimizing advisory practices.

Starting at Morgan Stanley in 1998, Shelly built a foundation in client services that she later expanded during her thirteen-year tenure at Wells Fargo Advisors. There, she distinguished herself by implementing innovative process improvements that significantly enhanced service delivery efficiency. Her subsequent leadership role at J. Kelly & Associates, LLC showcased her talent for managing complex operational systems while maintaining exceptional client service standards.

Shelly's approach combines strategic operational oversight with a dedication to team development. Her colleagues value her ability to transform challenging operational demands into streamlined solutions that benefit both advisors and their clients. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she consistently develops systems that allow advisory teams to focus on what matters most: serving their clients' financial needs.