Kate Sweetman

I have the privilege of working with someone I truly admire, being part of a team dedicated to helping clients navigate a wide range of financial issues, and witnessing the positive, meaningful impact our efforts have on their lives.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work for several people I deeply respected and admired—starting with my father. He owned a small roofing and remodeling business, and I began working for him at 15½, doing everything from office tasks to job site clean-up. Over time, I saw how committed he was to earning each homeowner’s trust, delivering real value at a fair price, and letting his work speak for itself. His business didn’t grow through flashy marketing—it grew because people genuinely believed in him and passed his name along.

After graduating from San Diego State with a degree in Communications, I stepped into the role of Office Manager at my dad’s company. It was a crash course in the realities of running a small business—through both smooth sailing and stormy weather. The 2008 Financial Crisis, in particular, showed me how global events can ripple through local communities and affect everyday lives. That experience sparked my interest in financial resilience and the importance of long-term planning.

When my father retired, I had the good fortune to join two thriving insurance agencies, where I was mentored by industry leaders. They helped me refine my approach to client service and gave me hands-on experience in helping people safeguard the assets they’d worked so hard to build and hold dear.

Transitioning from insurance to financial services felt like a natural next step, eventually leading me to a role with Stratos Wealth Partners. Over eight years on the Stratos Transition team, I worked closely with countless advisors and their teams—helping them navigate the move to independence and re-establish their practices. It was a dynamic, collaborative chapter that deepened my appreciation for the advisor journey and the power of thoughtful support during times of change.

Still, I felt a strong pull to return to what I love most—working directly with clients. That’s when I connected with Aura, who was considering moving her practice to Stratos. The timing couldn’t have been better, and from the beginning, it felt like a great fit for both of us.

I’ve worked with many talented advisors, but Aura stands out. Her knowledge is undeniable, but it’s the genuine care she brings to every client relationship that truly sets her apart. She’s there for her clients through every chapter—welcoming new babies, guiding them into retirement, and helping them shape their legacies. She celebrates their wins, shares in their losses, and builds connections that go far beyond financial planning.

Being part of a partnership with this kind of energy fuels my passion for helping others, and I’m grateful to Aura and our clients for the opportunity to do this work.

I’m also incredibly thankful for my husband, John, and our two amazing kids, Chase and Brynn. Chase is working to become an electrical lineman, and Brynn is a senior in high school—so we’re on the cusp of becoming empty nesters. We’re excited to see them step into their next chapters, as we begin a new chapter in our lives. Thankfully, we have Tracy, our energetic bird dog, and Charlie and Sawyer – two lovable rescues who graciously let us share their world.