
Our Story
Custom Wealth began in 2014 with a belief that still guides us today: financial guidance should start with understanding the person behind the plan. After 18 years in financial services, our founder, Damian Dering, had seen how advice that overlooked a client’s circumstances could have lasting consequences. He founded an independent firm where getting to know clients and helping them understand their options would come before recommendations.

That is why “custom” is the leading part of our name. Your goals, family, and financial decisions deserve more than a standard formula. For us, building lasting relationships means taking time to listen, looking at how the pieces of your financial life fit together, and explaining strategies so you can make informed choices. Our lifeguard tower represents that commitment: keeping watch, looking ahead, and offering guidance as you navigate your financial life.
As our team has grown, that personal approach has remained central to our work. We continue to refine our processes, strengthen communication, and make time for meaningful check-ins as your needs evolve. From the first conversation to your next chapter, our role is to provide guidance that keeps your priorities at the center.
Meet Our Team
Get to know the people dedicated to understanding your goals and supporting you along the way.

Founder & Wealth Manager
Damian Dering, ChFC®
Damian brings nearly 30 years of financial services experience to Custom Wealth. His civil engineering background informs his analytical thinking and personal approach to wealth management. He takes time to understand each client’s full financial picture and explain strategies before making recommendations. Outside the office, he enjoys time with his wife and children, golf, and pickleball.
Licenses: Series 7, 24, 63 & 66 | CA Insurance 0C00427

Director of Development
Jay Mitsch
Jay brings 25 years of experience as an educator, mentor, coach, and entrepreneur to Custom Wealth. He supports client relations and business development, assisting with 401(k) plans, financial planning support, and asset-allocation reviews under Damian’s supervision. Outside the office, he enjoys time with his wife and son, surfing, running, and coaching soccer.
License(s): Series 7

Executive Assistant & Operations Specialist
Sara Dering
Sara joined Custom Wealth in 2021 and supports clients and advisors through account processing, scheduling, client communications, and daily operations. A University of Portland graduate with a double major in Communications and English, she brings an organized, thoughtful approach to solving problems and keeping the practice running smoothly. Based in Seattle, Sara enjoys golf, live music, Broadway shows, and cheering on Seattle’s sports teams.

Marketing & Operations Coordinator
Isabella Dering
Isabella leads marketing and supports client relations and daily operations at Custom Wealth, with a focus on organizing and improving internal workflows. A Cum Laude marketing graduate of Santa Clara University, she is studying for the SIE exam to deepen her financial services knowledge. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, gardening, painting, and exploring the outdoors, with a longstanding interest in sustainability and community.

Events & Media Coordinator
Barry Murphy
Barry brings decades of television and film production experience to Custom Wealth, where he coordinates events, builds industry relationships, and develops new media opportunities. A Columbia College Chicago graduate, his editing credits include Shark Tank, Survivor, and The Voice, for which he earned an Emmy Award. With a collaborative approach and a passion for storytelling, Barry helps the team connect with audiences through events and future video and podcast projects.

Client Relations Specialist
Elizabeth Dering
Elizabeth has supported Custom Wealth’s clients since 2014, building lasting relationships through attentive client service and event coordination. A Loyola Marymount University graduate with a BBA in Finance, she brings experience in practice management, staff training, and financial planning support from American Express Financial Advisors. Her focus is helping clients and their families feel appreciated and cared for. Outside the office, Elizabeth enjoys family time, traveling, pickleball, and dining out with her husband.
Your next chapter starts with a conversation.
360 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 2000
El Segundo, CA 90245
310.417.4113
