Who We Are
About UsOur History
Our founder, Joseph A. D’Orazio, had a vision to provide expert advice to individuals and families by combining tax planning, comprehensive financial planning, investment management, insurance risk management, retirement planning, and education funding into one office. Looking back 40 years later, with many of the same families he started his career serving, D’Orazio & Associates, Inc. has expanded to become D’Orazio Wealth Advisors. The office has transformed into a team of dedicated professionals providing every client with access to our four departments: Tax Planning, Wealth Management, Financial Planning, and Estate Planning.
Joseph A. D'Orazio, CFP®, CPA, JD, LLM, PFS
Founder, Director of Advanced Strategies
Joseph A. D’Orazio is the President and Founder of D'Orazio Wealth Advisors. Joe specializes in financial planning, estate and income tax planning, asset allocation, and portfolio risk management. He has over 40 years of experience across an array of industries including tax, legal, financial planning, and investment management. He received a BS in Accounting, cum laude, from Villanova University, a JD from Southwestern University School of Law, and Master of Law in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. He holds the Certified Public Accountant, Personal Financial Specialist, and Certified Financial Planner designations and is admitted to the Virginia, Pennsylvania, and District of Columbia Bars. When not in the office, Joe enjoys classic cinema, making homemade pizza, and bass guitar. Within D'Orazio Wealth Advisors, he is the best contact for advance planning strategies.
What makes D'Orazio Wealth Advisors unique?
Our philosophy is to go the extra yard for our clients.
How is D'Orazio Wealth Advisors different from other places you've worked?
We just don't give advice to clients; we implement our recommendations.
How would you describe D'Orazio Wealth Advisors in one word?
Dedicated
What's something you do every morning without fail?
Pray for those who are ill.
What do you value most in your friends?
Loyalty
Comedies or dramas?
Comedies
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Beach or mountain vacation?
Beach
Professional credentials or designations should not be viewed as the sole determining factor in obtaining or retaining a financial adviser’s services. Please see our disclosure page for further information on the professional designations discussed on this webpage.
Jennifer D. VanLandingham, CFP®
Managing Director, Tax Planner
I lead our Tax Planning Department and specialize in personal financial planning strategies with a focus on tax minimization. I received a BA in Economics, a BS in Housing, Interior Design and Resource Management with a concentration in Financial Planning, and a minor in Mathematics from Virginia Tech. I maintain the Certified Financial Planner designation and have been an investment adviser representative of D'Orazio Wealth Advisors since the firm started in December of 2004. Outside of the office, I enjoy what I call the Triple B—reading a good Book with a tasty Beverage on the Beach. I also have two other Bs—my Bernese Mountain Dogs—that vie for my attention. Within D'Orazio Wealth Advisors, I am the best contact for any and all tax-related questions.
What makes D'Orazio Wealth Advisors unique?
We are a small team that retains the family business feel with responsive service that feels like a major institution.
How is D'Orazio Wealth Advisors different from other places you've worked?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. We customize every recommendation to each client’s personal situation.
How would you describe D'Orazio Wealth Advisors in one word? Why?
Tough. We choose to have the tough conversations so our end client is armed today for tomorrow's problems.
What's something you do every morning without fail?
Start with coffee and sometimes end with wine.
What do you value most in your friends?
Trust.
Comedies or dramas?
Dramas
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Beach or mountain vacation?
Beach
Professional credentials or designations should not be viewed as the sole determining factor in obtaining or retaining a financial adviser’s services. Please see our disclosure page for further information on the professional designations discussed on this webpage.
Jeremy L. Meek, CFP®
Managing Director, Relationship Manager
I lead our Financial Planning team, specializing in personal financial planning and tax planning strategies. Notably, I have served as the lead of the Portfolio Management department and as a tax and financial planner. I received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from Shippensburg University. I went on to complete the College of Financial Planning certificate program in Certified Financial Planning. I maintain the Certified Financial Planner designation and have been an investment advisor representative of D'Orazio Wealth Advisors from June 2007 through April 2011, and from August 2014 to the present day. Within D'Orazio Wealth Advisors, I have taken on a relationship management role and am a primary point of contact for matters related to portfolio management, financial planning, and income tax planning. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young boys, traveling, running, and watching sports with friends.
What makes D'Orazio Wealth Advisors unique?
Our team approach.
How is D'Orazio Wealth Advisors different from other places you've worked?
Small collaborative group.
How would you describe D'Orazio Wealth Advisors in one word?
Dedicated
What's something you do every morning without fail?
Drink coffee
What do you value most in your friends?
Ease of friendship
Comedies or dramas?
Comedies
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Beach or mountain vacation?
Beach
Professional credentials or designations should not be viewed as the sole determining factor in obtaining or retaining a financial adviser’s services. Please see our disclosure page for further information on the professional designations discussed on this webpage.
Andrew T. Eskelsen, CFA
Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer
I oversee the research, analysis, selection, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of D’Orazio Wealth Advisors’ managed assets. With more than 15 years of experience in investment research, financial analysis, and investment implementation, I bring a disciplined, evidence-based approach to portfolio management. I earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Finance from the College of Charleston and am a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). I have been an Investment Adviser Representative with D’Orazio Wealth Advisors since October 2020.
Outside the office, I’m a long-suffering D.C. sports fan and enjoy golfing and spending time with my wife, daughter, and our golden retriever. Within D’Orazio Wealth Advisors, I’m the best point of contact for specific investment or portfolio-related questions.
What makes D'Orazio Wealth Advisors unique?
Full-service financial advice delivered with exceptional customer service and intimate client relationships—our clients are treated like family.
How is D'Orazio Wealth Advisors different from other places you've worked?
We're a small team of exceptional employees where everyone pitches in as needed to solve problems for our clients. It can be hectic and stressful at times, but the work is always interesting, and I enjoy my coworkers.
How would you describe D'Orazio Wealth Advisors in one word? Why?
Fiduciaries. We take the concept of a fiduciary very seriously, sometimes to the detriment of our own business, but it's a commitment we uphold.
What's something you do every morning without fail?
I read the news to get a view on what's going on in the markets and the economy.
What do you value most in your friends?
Loyalty
Comedies or dramas?
Comedies
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Beach or mountain vacation?
Beach
Professional credentials or designations should not be viewed as the sole determining factor in obtaining or retaining a financial adviser’s services. Please see our disclosure page for further information on the professional designations discussed on this webpage.
David B. Trenner, CFP®
Managing Director, Relationship Manager & CCO
David B. Trenner leads our Estate Planning team and specializes in personal financial planning strategies. He received a BS in Accounting and Business Administration with a focus on Economics from High Point University. He went on to complete the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies certificate program in Certified Financial Planning. David maintains the Certified Financial Planner designation and has been an investment advisor representative of D'Orazio Wealth Advisors since June of 2012. In his free time, David enjoys spending time with his wife, home improvement projects, and trying to keep up with his children and dog. David is in a relationship management role and is a primary point of contact for matters related to estate planning, financial planning, and small business planning.
What makes D'Orazio Wealth Advisors unique?
Our team approach where we give clients unparalleled personalized advice from someone who’s passionate about the subject matter.
How is D'Orazio Wealth Advisors different from other places you've worked?
A familial atmosphere where everyone's singular focus is our clients.
How would you describe D'Orazio Wealth Advisors in one word? Why?
Excellence. The firm is populated with highly intelligent people who are focused solely on what is best for their clients.
What's something you do every morning without fail?
Remind my children that I'm proud of who they are and that I can't wait to return home to them.
What do you value most in your friends?
Honest and genuine individuals.
Comedies or dramas?
Comedies
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Beach or mountain vacation?
Chesapeake Bay
Professional credentials or designations should not be viewed as the sole determining factor in obtaining or retaining a financial adviser’s services. Please see our disclosure page for further information on the professional designations discussed on this webpage.
Benjamin R. Corson, CFA
Director of Investment Implementation
I am responsible for the analysis, selection, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of all our managed assets. With over a decade of experience in investment research, financial analysis, and investment implementation, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my role. I received a BS in Business Administration and Finance with a minor in Mathematics from American University. As a Chartered Financial Analyst, I've been an investment advisor representative of D'Orazio Wealth Advisors since April 2023. Before joining D'Orazio Wealth Advisors, I served as a head of trading and investment committee lead with my prior two employers. Outside the office, I'm a Seattle native who enjoys traveling and spending time with my wife. Within D'Orazio Wealth Advisors, I'm another contact for any specific investment or portfolio-related questions.
What makes D'Orazio Wealth Advisors unique?
Our financial planning and investment process.
How is D'Orazio Wealth Advisors different from other places you've worked?
The team approach. We work closely together across all departments, and each member of the team is informed of the key details of each client's situation.
How would you describe D'Orazio Wealth Advisors in one word? Why?
Thoughtful—we have financial experts in various areas who are very detail-oriented and thorough when recommending solutions to better our clients' lives.
What's something you do every morning without fail?
I check my phone for the latest sports news.
What do you value most in your friends?
I value supportive friends who have integrity.
Comedies or dramas?
Comedies
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Beach or mountain vacation?
Beach
Professional credentials or designations should not be viewed as the sole determining factor in obtaining or retaining a financial adviser’s services. Please see our disclosure page for further information on the professional designations discussed on this webpage.
Megan L. Rodriguez
Tax Planning Associate
I am a Tax Planning Associate, working closely with clients and the advisory team, focusing on tax planning to prepare and process any paperwork required to fulfill requests. I received a BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and bring almost a decade of experience working in customer service, most notably from the hospitality industry. Growing up in California, I obtained The Applied Accounting Certificate through the University of California, Irvine. I am currently attending the Surgent Income Tax School to become a Chartered Tax Professional. This program combines my love of math and passion for helping others. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, watching movies, and going to the beach. I am the best contact to assist with the implementation of any tax planning recommendations.
What makes D'Orazio Wealth Advisors unique?
Our personalized approach.
How is D'Orazio Wealth Advisors different from other places you've worked?
There are opportunities to grow with a built-in mentorship program for talent development.
How would you describe D'Orazio Wealth Advisors in one word? Why?
Comprehensive. We have a team approach that goes through the nitty-gritty of personal wealth management.
What's something you do every morning without fail?
Coffee
What do you value most in your friends?
Someone who is accepting.
Comedies or dramas?
Comedies
Cats or dogs?
Cats
Beach or mountain vacation?
Beach
Professional credentials or designations should not be viewed as the sole determining factor in obtaining or retaining a financial adviser’s services. Please see our disclosure page for further information on the professional designations discussed on this webpage.
Charlotte C. Denekas
Client Services Representative
I am a Client Service Representative, working closely with clients and the advisory team to prepare and process any paperwork required to fulfill requests. I graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and International Politics. I've been working with D'Orazio Wealth Advisors, Inc. since early 2018. Prior to joining the firm, I was a Legal Assistant for Bergstrom Attorneys, which provided me with hands-on experience in the estate planning process. When I'm not working, I like to read novels, paddleboard on the Chesapeake Bay, and spend time with my family. I'm a great contact to assist with the implementation of any and all advisor recommendations.
What makes D'Orazio Wealth Advisors unique?
Our flat rate fee structure and our comprehensive services that include tax planning and help with real estate purchases.
How is D'Orazio Wealth Advisors different from other places you've worked?
There is a team-like atmosphere where voices are heard.
How would you describe D'Orazio Wealth Advisors in one word?
Collaboration
What's something you do every morning without fail?
Check my email
What do you value most in your friends?
Feeling comfortable around them
Comedies or dramas?
Dramas
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Beach or mountain vacation?
Mountain
Professional credentials or designations should not be viewed as the sole determining factor in obtaining or retaining a financial adviser’s services. Please see our disclosure page for further information on the professional designations discussed on this webpage.
Bailey M. Schmitz
Operations Associate
I am an Investment Advisor Representative and Operations Associate, responsible for the flow of data, firm systems, and keeping the office in working order. I received a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Communications from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. My prior experience at Alpha Mortgage provided me with relevant exposure to every aspect of personal finance and mass data management. When I'm not working, you can find me enjoying live music, throwing clay on my wheel, traveling the world, or exploring the beauty that lies beneath the waves.
How is D'Orazio Wealth Advisors different from other places you've worked?
D'Orazio is a very collaborative environment.
What's something you do every morning without fail?
Snooze my alarm
What do you value most in your friends?
Consistency
Comedies or dramas?
Dramas
Cats or dogs?
Cats
Beach or mountain vacation?
Beach
Professional credentials or designations should not be viewed as the sole determining factor in obtaining or retaining a financial adviser’s services. Please see our disclosure page for further information on the professional designations discussed on this webpage.
Sebastian A. Florero
Paraplanner
Sebastian Andres Florero graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with an Associate of Science in Business Administration in 2022, and a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Financial Planning & Wealth Management from George Mason University in 2024. He has been a paraplanner and investment advisor representative of D’Orazio & Associates, Inc. since July 2024. From January 2020 through July 2023, Mr. Florero was a crew member with Five Guys. From July 2023 through May 2024, he was an intern with VLP Financial Advisors.