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Our Wealth Management Firm
in Laredo, TX

Our Laredo-Based
Team’s Approach

Strong partnerships matter. And your financial life deserves to be prioritized. Our firm does this by embracing a long-term mindset and strategy, focusing on thoughtful, big-picture decisions that drive lasting financial success for you and your loved ones. We value relationships over transactions and perform best as we immerse ourselves as a trusted partner in our clients’ evolving financial lives.

We operate as a team, and every client is a client of the firm—not just of an individual advisor. While you may have one primary point of contact, our entire team works collaboratively to support your needs and deliver the highest level of service.

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Meet Our Team

At Cresta, we’ve built a team of committed financial experts and strategists who share a common goal: expanding our unique capabilities so we can better unlock all your unique possibilities.

Cresta Advisors Team

Manuel E. Garza
Chief Executive Officer
Founding Partner
Mark Deutsch
Chief Investment Officer
Founding Partner
Ismael Delgado
Business 401(k) Plan Advisor
Ximena Del Campo
Financial Operations Associate
Diego Lucatero
Financial Advisor
Cesar Martinez
Financial Operations Associate
Jeronimo A. Martinez
Director of Public Funds
Sophia Martinez
Marketing Coordinator
Karla Peña
Client Service Lead
Johana Soldevilla
Client Service Lead
Claudette Soto
Associate Financial Advisor

Why Work With a Registered Investment Advisor?

An Independent Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm is your trusted partner in personalized financial guidance, offering tailored investment advice, comprehensive financial planning, and expert wealth management. Unlike commission-driven firms, RIAs are held to the highest fiduciary standard. This means they are legally and ethically obligated to always act in your best interest.

Rather than pushing products, RIAs focus on delivering personalized financial guidance and long-term value through a service- driven approach. Experience the difference an independent RIA can make in shaping a confident financial future tailored just for you.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Why Cresta Advisors

In a conflicted and confusing industry, it can be difficult to find honesty and intentionality that are totally transparent. But you deserve to work with someone who is committed to your success and provides strength in collaboration.

Based out of Laredo, Texas, our value as financial advisors is reflected by consistent performance over time and the lasting relationships we build with our clients. Our approach to financial planning is grounded in transparency and collaboration, empowering meaningful partnerships that help you reach your financial goals.

Our Investment Philosophy

Our investment management approach is grounded in our core values—transparency, trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Guided by our fiduciary duty, we tailor each portfolio to your unique financial goals, investing with a long-term mindset and evaluating markets through the lens of an investor, not a trader. To ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your stated risk and return objectives, we maintain clear, client-focused communication every step of the way.

Our culture fosters thoughtful, research-driven strategies, focusing on macroeconomic trends and investment opportunities with strong fundamentals—never short-term speculation. We believe that asset allocation is the primary factor in projecting future returns and work diligently with you to ensure proper asset allocation is maintained in your portfolio through all market cycles. With decades of experience, we know that consistency, discipline, and a client-first mindset is the perfect recipe to help create lasting financial success.

Asset allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. It is a method used to help manage investment risk.

Delivering a Lifetime of Advice

Our process is designed to provide clarity and a personalized road map, ensuring that every step forward is intentional and built around your unique financial journey. You can move forward with confidence knowing that our approach is built to evolve with you, supporting your goals through every stage of life.
No two clients are the same, which is why our process is never one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand what truly matters to you, crafting strategies that reflect your values, adapt to life’s changes, and grow with your needs. This is advice for life—tailored, thoughtful, and with you at every step.
1. Assessing Your Current Financial Landscape
Gaining a clear picture of where you stand today is the first step toward where you want to be tomorrow. We start with a comprehensive evaluation of your financial life, including income sources, expenses, assets, liabilities, insurance coverage, tax situation, and investment holdings. This assessment helps uncover opportunities, pinpoint gaps, and establish a solid foundation for crafting a personalized financial plan.
2. Discovering What Really Matters to You
Engage in meaningful conversations to uncover your short-term and long-term financial goals, risk tolerance, and personal aspirations. This crucial step ensures that the financial plan reflects your unique circumstances and objectives.
3. Developing Your Personalized Financial Plan
Based on all the personalized information we’ve gathered, we’ll develop a comprehensive financial plan that addresses key areas such as retirement planning, investment strategies, tax optimization, insurance needs, and estate planning. This plan will serve as the road map for achieving your financial goals.
4. Implementing the Appropriate Strategy
Put the agreed-upon strategies into action, ensuring that each step aligns with your objectives and risk profile. Our team will be with you every step of the way, providing clarity and building confidence.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
Consistently review the financial plan to assess progress and make adjustments in response to changes in your life’s circumstances, market conditions, or financial goals. This proactive approach helps maintain alignment with your objectives.
6. Lifetime of Advice
We’re committed to providing a lifetime of guidance. Major life events—such as marriage, the birth of a child, career transitions, or retirement—can reshape your goals and priorities. When they do, we adjust your financial plan to keep it relevant, effective, and aligned with your evolving vision for the future.

Our History

1989

Founding partner Mark Deutsch starts his financial services career as trader on the American Stock Exchange.

2002

Founding partner Manuel Garza starts his financial services career at The Laredo National Bank.

2005

Mark and Manuel meet at the Merrill Lynch office in Laredo, TX.

2011

Mark leads efforts to establish an independent firm.

2013

Cresta Advisors (RIA) established.

2017

Expansion of the Financial Planning Division.

2019

Business 401(k) Division created.

2023

Public Funds Division created.

Discover how we can help

you plan for the future.

A stronger future starts with a chat today. Let’s work together to build a financial plan that aligns with your vision.
Schedule a Call
Manuel E. Garza
Chief Executive Officer
Founding Partner
manuel@crestaadvisors.com956.267.8130

Manuel E. Garza

, CPWA®

Manuel is the Chief Executive Officer at Cresta Advisors. With over twenty years of experience in the financial services industry, Manuel plays a dual role at Cresta: as the visionary leader responsible for setting and executing the firm’s strategy for the future, and the Director of Financial Planning Division within Cresta Advisors.

As CEO of Cresta Advisors, Manuel is driven by his desire to build a lasting, impactful, memorable business that prioritizes collaboration, client satisfaction, and professional development for his team. He is responsible for developing and implementing the firm’s strategic vision and leading the team to execute the firm’s initiatives. He envisions Cresta Advisors as not only a firm that always works to place its clients’ interests first, but also a firm that empowers its team members to collaborate and grow professionally.

As the Director of the Financial Planning Division, Manuel actively participates in advising key client relationships at Cresta Advisors, but more importantly, he oversees all client relationships across the firm to ensure they are progressing toward their financial goals and having exceptional client experience along the way. Through coordination and mentorship, he empowers his team to deliver outstanding value to each client relationship.


Manuel believes that a key pillar within the Financial Planning Division, and Cresta Advisors, is communication. Transparent, intentional, and focused communication establishes rapport, which ultimately fosters trust, a key to success for our clients, team members, and our relationships. 

Outside of his professional life, Manuel is deeply passionate about spending time with his family. He values creating memories through travel, outdoor activities, staying active through sports, and being an engaged husband and father.

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Mark Deutsch
Chief Investment Officer
Founding Partner
mark@crestaadvisors.com956.267.8130

Mark Deutsch

Mark Deutsch is the Chief Investment Officer of Cresta Advisors. Mark’s expansive knowledge of the financial markets comes from a collection of experiences in his over thirty years within the financial services industry. His extensive career has seen him work as a trader on the floor of the American Stock Exchange, manage institutional bond portfolios, and function as an advisor to client relationships. Prior to transitioning into his current role, Mark played an integral part in establishing Cresta Advisors and developing it into the firm it is today.

As the CIO of Cresta Advisors, Mark establishes the investment philosophy and sets the investment process across all the firm’s divisions. Within his role, Mark relies on members of the Cresta Advisors team to execute portfolio strategies, manage portfolio allocations, and monitor investment performance to ensure it aligns with client’s risk and return objectives.

Mark is driven by a desire to build a firm that transcends the traditional financial services experience. He is dedicated to cementing Cresta Advisors as a firm that goes above and beyond in all interactions with its clients. He plays an important part in instilling this mindset in all the team members at Cresta Advisors and serves as a reliable source of guidance and support for them.

Outside of work, Mark is fond of researching his family history and connecting with distant family members. He has built out a family tree that goes back over 100 years, extends multiple generations, and full of remarkable anecdotes.

Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

Ismael Delgado
Business 401(k) Plan Advisor
ismael@crestaadvisors.com956.267.8130

Ismael Delgado

, CPFA®

Business 401(k) Division

Ismael Delgado is a Retirement Plan Advisor within the Employer 401k Division at Cresta Advisors. He is dedicated to helping business owners establish and maintain retirement plans for their companies. Employer sponsored retirement plans play an integral part in an individual’s financial plan, and Ismael helps make the connection between saving through a company plan and the impact it has on an individual’s financial goals.

In his role, Ismael works closely with business owners, their tax professionals, and their internal human resources personnel to diligently manage the employer’s retirement plan. Ismael works to stay abreast of industry regulations pertaining to retirement plans, as it is crucial to not only be proficient in all aspects of a retirement plan but also be able to interpret ever-changing regulatory impact on each plan. He coordinates with various service providers to ensure the retirement plans are compliant, efficient, functioning in the client’s best interests, and progressing towards the plan’s goals.

One of Ismael’s greatest strengths is his ability to foster meaningful relationships, grounded in transparency and integrity. His motivation stems from a desire to increase financial literacy and empower others to plan for their futures. He was drawn to Cresta Advisors’ mission and his current role also gives him the opportunity to educate retirement plan participants to prepare financially for their future.

Outside of his professional life, Ismael is deeply committed to his family. He is particularly passionate about instilling strong moral values and positive life experiences in his children, ensuring they are guided by principles that will serve them well in life. He is proud of his journey from an underprivileged background to becoming a purpose-driven family man. His guiding philosophy is simple: “Live in the present. You can’t change the past, and tomorrow is not promised.”

Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

Ximena Del Campo
Financial Operations Associate
ximena@crestaadvisors.com956-267-8130

Ximena Del Campo

As a Financial Operations Associate at Cresta Advisors, Ximena focuses primarily on client service and data management. She supports the team by helping ensure client information is accurate, organized, and properly maintained, while also assisting with client needs and day-to-day service requests.

Her role combines attention to detail with a client-focused approach, helping maintain efficient internal processes. Through her work, she supports both the operational needs of the firm and the service provided by the Cresta Advisors team.

Diego Lucatero
Financial Advisor
diego@crestaadvisors.com956-267-8130

Diego Lucatero

Diego Lucatero is a Financial Advisor at Cresta Advisors, where he plays a pivotal role in the Financial Planning Division helping clients craft comprehensive financial plans that align with their long-term goals. Passionate about financial empowerment, Diego chose this career path because he believes that mastering financial skills offers both professional growth and the ability to positively influence his own life and those of others. He is proud to be part of a firm that places clients’ interests first and provides multiple financial solutions – helping make a broader impact in the financial space.

His focus is on delivering insightful advisory support services that include financial plan preparation and maintenance, account openings, and assisting in client relationships. With a relentless commitment to learning and self-improvement, Diego seems to enhance his expertise every day.

Diego’s journey in finance began as a sophomore in college, with an internship at Cresta Advisors, and the chance to pursue his goal of becoming a financial advisor.

Outside of his professional life, he is driven by a passion for self-improvement, whether it’s honing his golf game or building skills in other areas. He is also immensely proud of his accomplishments in soccer, particularly his achievement of joining a professional academy and traveling across the county—a testament to his dedication and perseverance.

Looking ahead, he has set his sights on being hardworking, God-centered man who spreads positivity and love to those around him, making a lasting impact both professionally and personally.

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Cesar Martinez
Financial Operations Associate
cesar@crestaadvisors.com956-267-8130

Cesar Martinez

Supports the firm’s investment operations by assisting with trade execution, portfolio reporting, and account reconciliations. Works closely with advisors to help ensure trades are processed accurately, reports are prepared in a timely manner, and client accounts remain up to date. Contributes to efficient operational workflows while maintaining accuracy, regulatory compliance, and a high standard of service across all investment related activities.

Cesar holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He has also successfully passed the FINRA Series 65 and Series 63 examinations, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and the financial services industry. His background in investment operations and financial reporting helps support the firm in delivering accurate, timely, and efficient service to both advisors and clients.

Jeronimo A. Martinez
Director of Public Funds
jeronimo@crestaadvisors.com956.267.8130

Jeronimo A. Martinez

Jeronimo Martinez leads the Public Funds Division at Cresta Advisors, where he and his team are dedicated to serving and supporting public entities with integrity, transparency, and strategic investment expertise. His mission is simple yet powerful: to set a new standard in public funds investment management, ensuring that his clients receive unparalleled service, expert guidance, and the highest fiduciary responsibility when managing their investments.

With a deep understanding of the Texas Public Funds Investment Act (TPFIA) and years of experience in fixed-income markets, Jeronimo is committed to helping public officials navigate the complexities of investing taxpayer funds—always prioritizing Safety, Liquidity, and Diversification. His passion for public fund investments is driven by his ability to help government offices and officials achieve their investment goals while making a lasting impact in their communities.

Jeronimo leads his division with the understanding that when it comes to public funds, attention to detail matters. As both Director and lead advisor, he believes in rolling up his sleeves and getting to work—becoming a true extension of the offices he serves. His discipline and continuous drive for improvement allow him to advocate effectively for his clients while ensuring their funds are managed with precision and care.

Outside of work, family and faith are the guiding forces in Jeronimo’s life. They motivate him to work hard, stay present, and continually strive for self- improvement. He is actively involved in his community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and volunteering at his local church.

Jeronimo lives by the philosophy that the hardest paths lead to the greatest rewards and that a strong mindset is one of the most valuable assets in both business and life. His vision is clear: to elevate the Public Funds Division into an industry leader, redefine service excellence, and leave a lasting impact on the communities he serves—always putting service above himself.

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Sophia Martinez
Marketing Coordinator
sophia@crestaadvisors.com956-267-8130

Sophia Martinez

Sophia Martinez is a creative marketing strategist with a background in mass communication and a strong focus on building meaningful brand connections. With experience developing campaigns across hospitality, lifestyle, and community-based organizations, she brings a human touch to every strategy, blending storytelling, design, and digital marketing to engage clients in a genuine way.

Originally from Laredo, Texas, Sophia brings a community-driven perspective to her work, one rooted in connection, culture, and authenticity. She leads the firm’s marketing and communication efforts, crafting educational, compliance-aligned content that helps make finance approachable and trustworthy. She focuses on translating complex financial concepts into clear, relatable messages that reflect Cresta’s fiduciary values, transparency, integrity, and long-term vision.

Her approach combines brand strategy, visual design, and digital engagement to strengthen Cresta’s presence both online and within the community. Through every project, Sophia aims to connect people not just to a firm, but to financial confidence and clarity.

Karla Peña
Client Service Lead
karla@crestaadvisors.com956.267.8130

Karla Peña

Karla is a Client Service Lead at Cresta, playing a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating service operations across all divisions of the firm. With a deep understanding of the firm’s processes, she ensures seamless communication and collaboration between teams, delivering consistent, high-quality service throughout clients’ financial journeys. Karla has served as a trusted point of contact for clients, efficiently managing day-to-day requests and facilitating smooth interactions between clients and advisors. By building trust and fostering strong relationships, she helps cultivate client loyalty in a field where confidence and reliability are paramount. Her unique blend of energy, dedication, and passion for people and service makes her an invaluable asset to the Cresta team.

Johana Soldevilla
Client Service Lead
johana@crestaadvisors.com956.267.8130

Johana Soldevilla

Johana is a Client Service Lead at Cresta Advisors, where she leads operations and oversees the client service and junior advisor team. She is dedicated to collaborating closely with advisors to facilitate smooth client onboarding, account maintenance, and operational needs, ensuring a seamless and professional experience for clients.

With over 13 years of experience in the banking and financial industry, Johana has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service and empowering her team to do the same. Her passion for helping others led her to Cresta Advisors, where she works to empower individuals and families to navigate their financial journey. She thrives in the collaborative environment of Cresta Advisors, where she is committed to making a positive impact on her clients and team.

Claudette Soto
Associate Financial Advisor
claudette@crestaadvisors.com956-267-8130

Claudette Soto

As an Associate Financial Advisor, Claudette is committed to putting clients first and delivering personalized financial guidance tailored to their unique needs. She is the first female advisor at Cresta Advisors, bringing a unique and valuable perspective to our wealth management team. Her presence enhances our ability to connect with a broader range of clients by fostering inclusivity, empathy, and trust—qualities that are especially important in building long-term financial relationships. Claudette helps individuals gain clarity, confidence, and control over their financial future through thoughtful planning. She believes that financial advising is not just about managing money, but empowering people to make informed decisions and achieve what matters most to them.

Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.