About Us

Built on the Belief That Every Investor Deserves Institutional Rigor.

Our Story

SilverOak Investments was founded on a straightforward conviction: individual investors deserve the same level of discipline, documentation, and process that has long been standard practice for institutional portfolios. Too often, retail wealth management defaults to generic allocations, vague risk categories, and reactive decisions. We built SilverOak Investments to be different.

Our practice is grounded in a structured investment philosophy, one that emphasizes clarity about risk, discipline in portfolio construction, and a genuine focus on after-tax outcomes. We work with a select group of clients so we can give each one the attention their situation deserves.

We are a registered investment adviser. Our interests are aligned with yours: we earn our fees through the value we deliver, not through commissions or product sales.

Our Team

The People Behind Your Plan.

Ryan J. Yuhnke

Founder and Principal

Ryan Yuhnke is the Founder and Principal of SilverOak Investments, an independent, fee-based investment firm working with individuals, families, and business owners. With over two decades of experience, Ryan helps clients design and manage portfolios with a structured, transparent approach to risk, income planning, and long-term wealth.

Ryan began his career at Merrill Lynch while attending the University of California, Irvine, where he earned his degree in economics. He later went on to serve as a First Vice President and Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley before founding SilverOak Investments.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys traveling, snowboarding, and chasing total solar eclipses around the world. He has traveled to 27 countries, with memorable eclipse trips including Idaho Falls, Chile, and Austin.

Kitty Chu

Chief Operating Officer

With a career spanning nearly 20 years in the investment industry, Kitty has worn many hats, from service and compliance to operations at leading firms like LPL Financial and TD Ameritrade, and Barron’s Top 100 Firms. Her passion lies in creating an environment where both clients and colleagues thrive, making SilverOak Investments a place where teamwork and excellence go hand in hand.

Away from the office, Kitty stays busy as a mom of two teenage boys and two cats (a former dog lover turned feline enthusiast). She’s deeply involved in the volleyball community as both a player and referee and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, pickleball, and anything adventurous. A lifelong learner, she loves books and podcasts on personal development and exploring the complexities of the human mind. If you have a recommendation, she’d love to know!

Shayan Rehman

Business Development Associate

Shayan Rehman is a Business Development Associate at SilverOak Investments, where he focuses on building lasting relationships with clients across California. With a BA in Business Administration (emphasis in Finance) from UC Irvine and hands-on experience managing his family’s business during the pandemic, Shayan brings a unique blend of financial acumen and real-world business expertise to his role.

Shayan is also pursuing his Professional Fiduciary License through PFAC and is passionate about being a reliable resource for the clients and families he works with. Outside of work, he enjoys doing standup comedy, volunteering with Laura’s House, and staying updated on finance and business trends.

Calvin Chitwood

Relationship Manager

Calvin Chitwood brings nearly a decade of financial services experience and a people-first approach to SilverOak Investments. With a background at firms like Schwab and Rocket Mortgage, and experience supporting firms managing over $30 billion in assets, Calvin specializes in account transitions, maintenance, and custodial operations, helping ensure every client receives seamless, detail-oriented service.

Known for his teamwork, reliability, and commitment to getting things done right the first time, Calvin combines operational precision with a client-focused mindset. Outside of work, you’ll find him shooting hoops, traveling, or getting inspired by a great biography or documentary.

Our Approach

Four Principles That Guide Every Decision We Make.

Define Risk Clearly

How much could this portfolio realistically go up or down over the next six months?

We don't rely on vague labels. By analyzing what is actually inside your portfolio, we estimate realistic ranges for potential gains and losses, and stress test performance against both difficult and favorable market conditions. You should always know what you own, and what it means for your financial life.

Plan for Income and Longevity

Based on my goals and assets, how much can I spend, and for how long?

We use planning analytics, including Monte Carlo modeling, to evaluate the sustainability of different income levels over time. The goal isn't a single projection; it's a set of clear guardrails that can flex as your life and market conditions change.

Build Portfolios with Discipline

How do we construct something thoughtful, efficient, and grounded in a clear process?

Our independence allows us to evaluate a broad universe of ETFs and investment vehicles through an unbiased, documented process. We look for investments with strong forward-looking characteristics, low costs, tax efficiency, and a defined role in your overall portfolio.

Manage Equity Positions with Care

If I have a large holding in a single stock, what is the most prudent course of action?

Concentrated positions deserve individual attention. For large or legacy equity holdings, we follow a documented process, evaluating valuation, dividends, external research, and technical factors, to give you a solid basis for deciding what to do next.