About Us

Richard Watson, CLU, ChFC, CFP ®
Founder, CEO, Registered Principal

After 30 years in the financial industry, Rick instinctively knows how to help his clients focus on the “big” picture. Figuring out what they want to accomplish in life, while at the same time defining all the steps required to obtain the end result, is what Rick does best.

Rick’s passion for financial consultation was inspired by his father’s life long career in the financial industry. Rick often recalls his father telling him if something was worth doing, it was worth doing it right. By developing relationships with his clients, who quickly become friends, Rick is able to determine their emotional needs, which goes far beyond the financial aspect. In fact, 90 percent of the conversations Rick has with his clients do not include finances! His ability to see the emotional implication of the decision-making process helps him to understand the people beneath those decisions.

Today, Rick exclusively serves the needs of high net-worth clients including physicians, professionals and retirees whose main desire is to maintain security of their families. As a trusted confidant, Rick’s clients trust him for answers beyond finance. He delights in sharing his clients’ greatest joys, but stands by those who are dealing with life’s struggles as well. This personal touch often results in a face-to-face meeting as opposed to a phone call.

As founder of Protection Point Advisors, Rick is the driving force behind the company’s vision of providing all clients with the highest degree of financial knowledge, investment skills and personal compassion.

In addition to his formal education Rick holds the following certifications:

CLU (Certified Life Underwriter)

ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant)

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner

Michael Clarke, CLU
Registered Principal

Michael is second generation in the financial services industry. He became fascinated with the profession when visiting his mother’s office in San Francisco where she worked as a representative for a large Financial services firm. He found the relationships she was able to build with her clients as well as her level of professionalism very inspiring.

Michael knows that every client’s financial goals are as varied as their personalities. Therefore, he is dedicated to spending the extra time with each client to ensure all their thoughts and needs have been addressed and documented. Michael is sure to engender their peace of mind around the solutions they create together. As a co-founder of The Protection Point Advisors in 2009, and having logging over 22 years as an advisor, Michael is proud to carry on the core values that inspired him so early in his life.

Shannon Ott
Client Service Specialist

Shannon is a self-described fanatic for details. She likes digging in the data to support the health of client portfolios. Shannon believes that establishing trust is key for any business relationship. She keeps open communication with clients, learning what is most important for them so as to respond to their needs quickly and effectively. Shannon has a genuine care and concern for the people who put their faith in Protection Point Advisors and knows it’s important that they feel that too.

Shannon shows up to work with a smile on her face every day, determined to deliver the WOW experience for clients at any opportunity.

Beyond EWG, there’s nothing she enjoys more than spending time with her family. With husband Ryan and her four year old son, Shepard (whom she calls “her heart”) Shannon loves cooking and going on rides with the Vespa club.