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Deric Ned was born and raised in New York City, he was fortunate to gain early exposure to the financial world, interning at two prominent Wall Street firms. It was there that he quickly recognized the high-pressure, cutthroat environment didn’t align with his values or vision for a career grounded in integrity and service.
Seeking a fresh start, he moved to California and began his journey in the precious metals industry. Over time, he rose to become one of the nation’s top executives in the field. However, the company ultimately faltered due to unethical practices by its leadership, reinforcing his belief that integrity must always be the foundation of any business. This pivotal moment led him to take control of his path, and in 2021, he founded his practice in Pasadena, California, specializing in retirement planning.
When it came time to name the company, Deric chose GSE, which stands for Gladius Sapientia et Exemplar, meaning “Sword, Wisdom, and Leadership.” This philosophy underpins everything. The sword represents the strength and protection GSE provides to creating retirement and estate planning for a confident future. Wisdom means the experience GSE brings to every decision. Leadership stands for how GSE guides clients through complex landscapes, ensuring clarity and direction at every stage. GSE incorporates this ideology into our work, empowering clients with the tools, knowledge, and strategic vision needed to achieve long-term success.
Having had the privilege of reviewing thousands of portfolios throughout his career, Deric has developed a unique understanding of not only what works, but also what doesn’t. He has seen firsthand why certain strategies succeed and why others fall short. This perspective allows GSE to keep clients’ plans dynamic and adaptable—ready to evolve as life throws its inevitable curveballs. GSE helps ensure that retirement and estate planning remain resilient, no matter what changes life may bring.
What excites Deric the most is not just connecting clients with the right professionals but also coordinating these experts at the right time. Just like building a house, where the plumber arrives before the drywall installer and the electrician comes after the framing, effective planning requires precise timing and collaboration. By managing these moving parts, GSE helps clients create a solid, well-structured plan that grows alongside their goals.