John Gerken

John Gerken is a personal financial consultant and investment advisory associate licensed with Centaurus Financial. As a registered principal, he specializes in personalized financial and retirement planning for individuals, businesses, endowments, and charitable organizations. John is particularly recognized for his expertise in the 401(k) and defined contribution marketplace, where he manages over $1 billion in client assets.

A graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., with a Bachelor of Arts in political science, John began his financial planning career in 1992. His dedication and results quickly earned him numerous honors, including “Agent of the Year,” multiple “Quantum Leap Branch Awards,” and recognition as one of the top money managers in Orange County by OC Magazine for every year of the award (2009–2026). He was also named one of the top 401(k) retirement advisers in America by the Financial Times of London in 2015 and 2016.

John is a frequent speaker on financial planning topics and has presented workshops to organizations including PERS, STRS, CAROCOP, various school districts, universities, and the American Institute of Architects.

John has been married to his wife Renee for over 27 years and is the proud father of three children: Xavier, Gabrielle, and Isabella. He remains deeply involved in his community through the Boy Scouts of America (past Chairman of the National Eagle Scout Association), the Coastal Conservation Association of California, and several charitable boards. An avid outdoorsman, John enjoys fishing with the Huntington Rod and Reel Club and Dana West Anglers.

California Life Insurance License No. 0B26305