Our clients have diverse objectives when managing their equity-based compensation. Some aim to maximize the cash from their Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) sales, while others focus on minimizing taxes or lowering cash expenditure when exercising employee stock options, such as Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs). Those with a significant RSU or ESPP stake in the issuing company have distinct interests to safeguard as well.
We gather all relevant information about your unique situation to develop a tax strategy for ISOs, NSOs, RSUs, and ESPPs that integrates into a comprehensive long-term plan, positioning you for success. Our holistic approach considers your entire equity-based compensation structure, ensuring you optimize your returns while managing tax liabilities effectively.
Senior Tax Manager
Senior Tax Manager
San Francisco Office
J.T. Harold Forbus joined SD Mayer in 2025 as part of the firm’s merger with Bogdan Frasco CPAs. With over 30 years of tax experience, J.T. has built a distinguished career working with individuals and small businesses. His expertise includes specialized tax planning for stock-based employee compensation, and he is known for his ability to explain complex tax concepts in plain, accessible language.
Prior to joining SD Mayer, J.T. gained extensive experience at Bill Pollard, CPA, and Bogdan & Frasco LLP. His educational background includes studies at San Joaquin Delta College and California State University, East Bay (formerly Cal State Hayward), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a specialization in Accounting.
J.T. is actively involved in professional and community organizations. He is a proud member of CalCPA and the Rotary Club of San Francisco, one of the oldest Rotary Clubs in the world. As a former President of the Rotary Club, he has dedicated time and energy to community betterment projects in San Francisco, fostering meaningful connections with fellow Rotarians.
Outside of work, J.T. values the wisdom of everyone he encounters, often saying, “The most important person to know in your firm is the janitor...they have all the keys!” This philosophy reflects his appreciation for the contributions of every individual and his belief in the power of collaboration and respect.
Vice President
Vice President
San Francisco Office
In the world of finance and wealth management, few names resonate as harmoniously as Dan’s. With a legacy spanning over three decades in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area’s finance realm, he stands as a beacon for expertise and human-centric leadership.
Dan’s journey is nothing short of illustrious. Beginning with the prestigious KPMG, where the pillars of finance and auditing are held to the highest standards, he honed his foundational skills. This foundation led him to global giants such as Nokia, where he grappled with the intricacies of international finance and operations. His stint at the New York Life Insurance Company and Eagle Strategies further enriched his proficiency, driving him deeper into the realms of wealth management and insurance intricacies.
But what truly sets Dan apart isn’t just his extensive experience or knowledge. It’s his rare blend of technical prowess combined with an innate ability to connect. In an industry that can often be perceived as cold or purely transactional, Dan infuses warmth. He doesn’t just crunch numbers; he builds relationships. He doesn’t just strategize; he listens. His financial acumen isn’t just about money; it’s about dreams, hopes, and aspirations.
This engaging leadership style, where communication isn’t just a tool but a core tenet, has helped him forge bonds with individuals across the board. From fresh recruits to seasoned professionals, clients to partners, Dan’s approach is consistently genuine and heartfelt. He isn’t just a financial expert; he’s a guide, a mentor, and often, a friend.
With Dan, wealth management isn’t just about accumulating wealth. It’s a holistic approach that sees beyond the numbers. His goal isn’t limited to the black and white of balance sheets but extends to the colorful dreams and ambitions of his clients. It’s this unique perspective that has, time and again, led his clients towards achieving their financial objectives, anchored firmly in trust and mutual respect.
As he continues to shape the world of finance and wealth management in the Bay Area, Dan’s legacy will be remembered not just for his financial brilliance but also for his commitment to building genuine human connections. In Dan, the world sees a testament to the idea that finance, when married to empathy, can indeed be a force for good.
CA Insurance #0E09918
Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Fee based planning offered through SDM Advisors, LLC. Third party money management offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc a SEC registered investment advisor. 130 Springside Drive, Suite 300, Akron, Ohio 44333-2431. 1-800-765-5201. SDM Advisors, LLC is a separate entity from Valmark Securities Inc. and Valmark Advisers, Inc.
Senior Financial Advisor
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Senior Financial Advisor
Fully Remote
Blending the precision of a golfer with the analytical mindset of a financial advisor, Cody stands as a pillar of dedication, commitment, and strategic vision in his role as a Senior Financial Advisor at SD Mayer. His specialty lies in curating all-encompassing financial plans – meticulously designed blueprints that illuminate the path to a secure and prosperous future for clients and their families.
Bound by a fiduciary duty, Cody’s dedication extends beyond the professional realm, ensuring he always champions the best interests of his clients. His approach is rooted in the philosophy of personalization. He dives deep into understanding the singular goals, dreams, and aspirations of each client, crafting a financial strategy that seamlessly aligns with their envisioned success. Beyond individuals, Cody’s expertise spans to small businesses, assisting them in orchestrating, managing, and servicing corporate retirement plans with the same zeal and precision.
What truly sets Cody apart is his riveting journey prior to joining SD Mayer. With a past that resonates with the thrilling greens and fairways of professional golf, Cody has played on esteemed tours spanning South Africa, Europe, and Canada. Golf, a game that demands patience, precision, and unwavering focus, has ingrained in him the principles of dedication, strategic decision-making, and an unparalleled attention to detail. He seamlessly marries these attributes from his golfing career with his financial advisory role, offering clients a distinct experience infused with a champion’s mindset and approach.
With Cody, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about harnessing the power of strategy, dedication, and passion to shape financial futures. As he once navigated the complexities of golf courses, he now guides clients through the intricate pathways of wealth management, ensuring a swing that’s always aimed at success.
Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Fee based planning offered through SDM Advisors, LLC. Third party money management offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc a SEC registered investment advisor. 130 Springside Drive, Suite 300, Akron, Ohio 44333-2431. 1-800-765-5201. SDM Advisors, LLC is a separate entity from Valmark Securities Inc. and Valmark Advisers, Inc.
Independent Member of
BDO Alliance USA
