Our Team
949.359.6496
Ben P. Julianel
PARTNER
CA INSURANCE LICENSE #0G75955
Ben P. Julianel has been helping individuals, families, and businesses with their wealth management needs since 2009. Ben began his career with Tax & Financial Group, in Newport Beach, CA and started Navigators Advisory Group in 2023. Ben enjoys advising others on how to make good decisions that affect their financial situation and their life. Ben’s practice focuses on helping privately held business owners with their business exit strategies and he also provides overall financial planning with an exit preparation analysis.
Prior to 2009, Ben played professional baseball for nine years with the Cardinals, Yankees, Marlins, Twins, and Rockies organizations. Before being drafted by the St Louis Cardinals in 2001, he played his college years at San Diego State University (SDSU). While playing at SDSU, Ben pitched against some of the nation’s best teams including USC, UCLA, and Cal State Fullerton. At SDSU, Ben received a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology. He also received a Masters of Science degree from Azusa Pacific University.
Ben was on the Council Board for Olive Crest Safe Families, a well-known local charity, and was instrumental in developing their annual fundraising dinner that continues to be the organization’s #1 event to raise money for Safe families. Ben was on the Orange County Board for a Christian organization called Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (FCCI) which provides resources to Christian business owners. The church that Ben and family call home is Crossline Community Church in Laguna Hills, California, where he is active in the Mens ministry. During his baseball career, Ben helped launch a unique ministry called E-Fellowship which provides current and former Christian baseball players an opportunity to share what God is doing in their lives.
Currently, Ben lives in Ladera Ranch with his wife Christy and their three children, Gwen, Vance, and Reeve. Ben is active in coaching kids sports in the community as his three kids continue to show a passion for athletics.
949.359.6497
Grason Lanz
FINANCIAL PLANNER
CA INSURANCE LICENSE #0M38536
Grason is dedicated to guiding businesses, families, and individuals with the accumulation and preservation of wealth through comprehensive financial strategies. Grason utilizes his knowledge and experience in combination with the expertise of a team of specialists available at Navigators Advisory Group. Together, they provide innovative solutions and professional direction to help clients work towards their financial goals and objectives.
Grason received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance from California State University, Fullerton. During college Grason led a committee that donated over $20,000 dollars to blood cancer research. He also volunteers at events supporting Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Make a Wish.
Grason is an avid sports fan and enjoys baseball, football, skiing, sailing and spending time outdoors. He also values spending time with his family.
949.359.6498
Dylan Costello
FINANCIAL STRATEGIST
CA INSURANCE LICENSE #0M78094
Dylan is dedicated to guiding businesses, families, and individuals with the accumulation and preservation of wealth through innovative solutions and professional direction. Dylan uses his knowledge and experience in combination with the expertise of a team of specialists available at Navigators Advisory Group. Together, they can provide comprehensive financial planning strategies to help clients work towards their financial goals and objectives.
Dylan received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from California State University of San Marcos.
In his spare time, Dylan enjoys playing sports, playing the drums, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.
949.359.6495
Mark Giraud, CFP®,CKA®
Biblically Based Wealth Management
CA INSURANCE LICENSE #0I14540
Mark is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®). Mark also holds the following FINRA securities registrations: Registered Representative (Series 7) and Investment Advisor Representative (Series 66).
Mark is passionate about helping his clients manage their money with confidence and peace of mind as he assists them in living out what is most important to them and their family.
He considers his professional practice his God given calling and has completed the Jesus Christ’s CEOs® Bible Institute course which equips business owners to view their business as a platform for God’s unrestricted use to bless others and build His Kingdom. Mark formally consecrated his company to the Lord in 2019.
In 2023, Mark celebrated 10 years of professional practice as an independent financial advisor.
Mark received his Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering from Louisiana State University and his Personal Financial Planning certification from UC Irvine. Additionally, Mark met the rigorous educational and practical requirements to earn the CFP® and CKA® certifications.
Mark lives in beautiful southern Orange County, California, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Jullie, their four children and three grandchildren and dog, Bella. He is an avid runner, swimmer and all-around health enthusiast.
949.359.6499
Anthony Martinez
Practice Manager
Anthony has been part of Ben’s team for over 14 years and in the Insurance/Investment industry for over 25 years. He helps in all aspects of client customer service and office operations. He graduated from Rio Hondo College with an Associates of Science in Business Management. Anthony also has two Industry Certifications Titles-FLMI (Fundamentals of Life Management Association) and ACS (Accredited Customer Service). In his free time, you will find Anthony playing softball/tennis. He also likes traveling and spending time with friends.
949.617.5227
Jasmine Trogman
Jasmine holds a degree in Communication from California State University, Channel Islands, where she honed her skills in effective communication and understanding human interactions.
Beginning her career in the restaurant and bar industry, Jasmine gained valuable experience in customer service and hospitality. This foundation paved the way for her transition into finance and recruiting, where she leveraged her interpersonal skills in client-facing roles.
Jasmine's true passion lies in helping people. She thrives in roles that enable her to make a meaningful impact on others' lives. With a diverse background and a heart for connecting with people, Jasmine is a valuable resource for the Navigators clientele. She enjoys the journey of life, exploring new horizons and making a positive difference in the marketplace she serves.
Christy Julianel
DIRECTOR OF FUN
Christy Julianel has always been attracted to “fun”. She has often been the spark that ignites social gatherings and can be given credit for creative influence behind amazing memorable social events. Her role at the firm is the “Director of Fun”, heading up client appreciation events, scheduling firm events, and driving a high level of “fun” energy into the workplace. Christy has a professional background in Psychology, she worked for a handful of local Orange County schools most recently (2009) as a School Counselor at Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate. In 2003 she received her bachelor’s degree from SDSU and two years later received her Master’s Degree from Azusa Pacific University. Navigators Advisory Group fully launched the brand in 2023 and Christy had a nice influence on various aspects of the theming.
In 2009, Christy and Ben made the decision to start a family and have been blessed with three young, energetic and sport loving kids (Gwen, Vance, and Reeve). Gwen is a spark plug like her Mom and can be seen playing all types of sports and serving with her mom at the National Charity League (NCL). Vance is also a sporty kid who loves basketball the most but routinely plays a variety of other sport activities. He is what is known as a “rollercoaster enthusiast” and likes nothing more than seeking a thrill on a Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, or Magic Mountain roller coaster. Lastly, Reeve the youngest, also loves sports and also watching others play sports. Known as the “Rocket”, he can be seen following in his older sibling footsteps playing sports but clearly paving his own way.
Christy serves on the National Charity League local chapter (Canyon) and loves spending those service hours with her daughter just like she did herself growing up with her mother (Midge). The Julianel family goes to Crossline Church in Laguna Hills and are involved at the church as a family. She loves to travel, make memories, go on dates with Ben, and watch the three kids grow up.
STRATEGIC PARTNER
TIMOTHY D. GARRETT
PINNACLE BUSINESS GUIDE
Tim helps visionaries realize their business & personal aspirations through his 30+ years as an entrepreneur and with the use of the Pinnacle Business Guide system. He works with business owners and their leadership teams to implement a customized business operating system that is focused on maximizing their PEOPLE - PURPOSE - PLAYBOOKS - PERFORMANCE - PROFITS.
Through a series of off-site meetings and monthly financial checkups, Pinnacle Guides help clients be intentional about their system to make results happen. Through this process, clients can enhance the value of their business and be in a position to seamlessly transition or sell the business depending on their ultimate objectives. The end result is for clients to have freedom to choose a path that most fulfills them and all involved.
There are several ways to engage Tim as a Pinnacle Guide and it starts with a free 90-minute Strategic Assessment Session where he provides clarity on the current business situation and options to achieve that big, rewarding vision that business owners/clients have always dreamt about.
A graduate of San Diego State University, Tim lives in South Orange County. He has been married to his bride Marlo since 1992 and they have two adult children, Jessica and Jason. An avid Aztec sport fan, Tim has become very involved with the Alumni programs and local development efforts to support the University.
Tim is not employed by Navigators Advisory Group nor affiliated with Valmark Advisors Inc. Mr. Garrett is a strategic resource to Navigators clients and can be engaged for a full complement of services separately from his association with the firm.