Ronald Taraborrelli, ChFC®, CLU®, CFP®, EA
COO/Wealth Advisor
The right financial partner is the one who helps you finally see the whole picture—the opportunities you’ve been too busy to notice, the decisions that deserve your focus, and the small but meaningful shifts that move everything forward. That perspective has shaped not just my work, but my entire path into this profession.
Long before I became a wealth advisor, I was a 15-year-old working in restaurants, learning what real service looked like: anticipating needs, listening closely, helping people feel taken care of. For a while, I was on track to become a union electrician, but a few business classes changed the course of my life. I discovered that I loved understanding how things work, and even more, how to make them work better for people. That blend of hospitality, practicality, and curiosity became the foundation of how I show up for clients today.
With more than 25 years of experience, I’ve built a practice grounded in holistic, comprehensive planning to help safeguard your future. My background spans hands-on work, entrepreneurship, and advanced training, including the CFP® designation, ChFC® designation, CLU® designation, and Enrolled Agent status. It’s a combination that allows me to simplify complex decisions, lead with tax strategy, and give clients clear, actionable direction they can feel confident about.
Outside the office, I’m rooted in Philadelphia with my wife, our two daughters, and a few pets. Our seasons are marked by beach days at the Shore, ski trips to the Poconos, winery visits, and cheering on our Philly teams.
If you’re looking for a financial relationship that feels collaborative, thoughtful, and genuinely useful, let’s connect!
Support from Stratos Wealth Partners and Stratos Investment Management
Investment Management
John Nichol, CFA®
Chief Investment Officer
Stratos Investment Management
Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager with Fundamentum Investment Management. A senior investment executive with 27+ years of success integrating fundamental analysis, quantitative research, technical, and derivative management strategies to meet portfolio management objective, risk, and performance goals.
Prior to joining Fundamentum, John worked for Equity Bank Trust & Wealth Management, Federated Hermes, Inc., Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio, and the U.S. Department of Treasury – Office of Thrift Supervision. He has been in the investment industry since 1992, including 19 with Federated Hermes Inc. where he had been both a securities analyst, senior portfolio manager, and Growth & Income Group Head.
He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics and received his MBA from The Ohio State University in 1992. John holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
John actively follows current events and has a passion for all types of history, ranging from Ancient to Modern times. John is a sports enthusiast and a gym “junkie” who loves to workout, bike, and row.
Malcolm Polley, CFA®
Director of Strategic Market Analysis
Stratos Investment Management
Malcom joined Stratos Investment Management in January of 2024, bringing over 30 years of industry experience. He acts as Chief Market Strategist and curates a range of market commentaries as well as facilitates in investment decision processes. Prior to joining Stratos, Malcolm led the effort to form Stewart Capital Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment advisory subsidiary of S&T Bank. He acted as President and Chief Investment Officer for 18 years. Malcolm began his career in 1987 on Black Monday; and he has held leadership positions with many financial services organizations including S&T Wealth Management, Marquette Trust Company, Marquette Advisory Services, and West Bank.
He received a BBA in finance from Iowa State University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is a member and past president of the CFA Society of Pittsburgh. Malcolm has served as adjunct faculty at the Eberly College of Business and Technology at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Malcolm often presents to client, community, and industry groups; and he has been a frequent guest on various financial and investment programs including Squawk Box, Squawk on the Street, Power Lunch, Closing Bell, Fox Business, Bloomberg TV and Bloomberg Radio. One of those appearances is quoted by Andrew Ross Sorkin in his bestselling book, Too Big to Fail.
Travis Smythe, CFA®, CIPM
Portfolio Manager
Stratos Investment Management
A Portfolio Manager with Stratos Investment Management, Travis graduated from The University of Tulsa with a Bachelor’s degree in finance. He began his career as an investment analyst for a single advisor firm in Tulsa, which was later acquired by a firm that would ultimately become Capital One Investing.
In this role, Travis grew from a primary focus on investment analysis to helping lead the Portfolio Management & Trading team for a network of advisors. Travis holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Compliance & IT
Kathryn Louttit, JD
Chief Compliance Officer
Stratos Wealth Partners
Kathy Louttit is the Chief Compliance Officer and Legal Counsel for the regulated entities within the Stratos family of companies. Kathy is responsible for leading the compliance programs for Stratos and providing legal advice on regulatory matters, contract negotiations and acquisitions.
Kathy began her career as an associate with K&L Gates and began to work in the financial services industry for more than 20 years in the Legal Department at KeyBank and as Corporate Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for regulated entities at CBIZ.
Kathy earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Miami University, a Masters Degree in Education from Governors State University and a law degree from The University of Toledo College of Law.
Jacob Stewart
Chief Information Security Officer
Stratos Wealth Partners
Jacob Stewart is the Director of Information Technology for Stratos Wealth Partners. His team provides full-service helpdesk support firm-wide. Along with supervising the IT department, Jacob’s responsibilities include management and support of all technology assets, developing business continuity & strategic plans, administering IT policies and procedures, and auditing information systems for compliance and security standards.
Jacob has over 15 years of experience in the technology field. Prior to joining Stratos Wealth Partners in 2009, he provided IT consulting, network administration and network security to his clients. Jacob brings valuable industry knowledge, technical capabilities and leadership skills to his current role that he has obtained throughout his earlier career where he served in roles as a network technician, systems administrator and IT consultant.
Jacob attended Youngstown State University where he studied Computer Information Systems and played collegiate football. His IT certifications include MCITP, CCSA and he is currently obtaining his ITIL v3 and MCSE certification. Jacob resides in Austintown Ohio with his wife and two children.