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Pooled Employer Plan

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Ribbon Cutting ceremony at Victorias House

Our story

Castle Rock Investment Company, formed in 2006, is an independent woman-owned SEC-registered investment adviser located in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specialties include advising workplace retirement plans, including 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), 457, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, defined benefit plans and individual financial planning.

Capabilities Statement

Catalog of Services

Woman Owned Small Business Certification

Testimonial

“From 2007 to 2021, I worked with Castle Rock Investment Company as our independent investment advisor for our company's 401(k) plan. Their expertise was invaluable every step of the way. They thoroughly evaluated our existing plan, guided us through the RFP process to find a new recordkeeper, and helped establish an administrative committee. Their deep knowledge of ERISA regulations and support for fiduciary governance were crucial, ensuring that our plan was managed with the highest level of compliance and integrity.

Castle Rock provided comprehensive fiduciary training, consistently conducted thorough investment reviews, and supported the selection of top-tier investment options. They also played a key role in educating our workforce, not only on investments within the 401(k) plan but also on essential retirement topics like Social Security and Medicare. This well-rounded approach helped ensure our employees were truly prepared for retirement.

Their communication was exceptional—always available, proactive, and transparent. Castle Rock’s dedication to their clients was unmatched, and their consistent support during those 16 years strengthened our plan governance and overall investment strategy.

I highly recommend Castle Rock Investment Company to any organization looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and client-focused partner with ERISA expertise to manage their investment plans and prepare employees for retirement.”
Bryan Burton
Director of HR at Oneida ESC Group | SHRM-SCP, Master's in Human Resources and Labor Relations

Ready for a New Type of Adviser?

Michele Suriano Founder

Our founder

Career

Prior to founding the firm in 2006, Michele Suriano served plan sponsors as a retirement plan adviser for Ceridian (2002-2006) and retail investors as an investment adviser with T. Rowe Price, Inc. (1999-2002).  Between 1994 and 1999 she worked in the mortgage industry holding several positions including Executive Branch Manager for Transamerica Financial Services, Inc. in Colorado Springs, CO and Advanta Finance, Inc. in Vienna, VA.

Volunteer Work

In addition to her business activities, Michele teaches yoga at https://peaceoutyoga.com/ and serves on the Investment Committee for Disability Law Colorado (“DLC”), a nonprofit organization protecting the human, civil and legal rights of people with disabilities and older people. She served on the Board of Directors for DLC from 2011 – 2017). She served as Crew Leader for Keepers of the Rock, in partnership with the Town’s Teen Court program (2005 – 2018). https://www.crgov.com/2370/Trail-Maintenance-Groups She served on the Board of Directors for the Denver chapter of the Western Pension & Benefits Council (2007- 2013).

Additional Designations
  • Tax-Exempt & Governmental Plan Consultant (“TGPC”) certification awarded by the American Society of Pension Professional and Actuaries (“ASPPA”).
  • Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (“QPFC”) designation awarded by ASPPA
  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ (“AIF®”) designation awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies
  • Global Fiduciary Strategist (“GFS”) designation
  • Thunderbird's Certificate in Fiduciary Governance
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Economics from Hofstra University.
  • Leadership Development Institute at Glen Eyrie from the Navigators
Public Speaking Engagements
  • Panelist at the 2010 PLANADVISER National Conference in Orlando, FL
  • Panelist at the 2011 PLANSPONSOR National Conference in Chicago, IL, PSNC 2011:  Small Plans, Big Challenges, https://www.plansponsor.com/psnc-2011-small-plans-big-challenges/
  • Presented at the 2011 Rocky Mountain Area Conference on the importance of measuring retirement readiness and using plan design to optimize participant outcomes.
  • Presented at the September 2012, Rocky Mountain Area Conference on the plan-level and participant-level ERISA notice requirements, “408(b)(2) for Responsible Fiduciaries.”
  • Panelist at the 2013 PLANSPONSOR National Conference in Chicago, IL PSNC 2013:  Metric Taking, https://www.plansponsor.com/psnc-2013-metric-taking/
Referenced in Trade Publications

Quoted in several articles by the retirement benefits industry trade publications, www.plansponsor.com and www.planadviser.com

    1. The Moment of Truth, The 408(b)(2) fee disclosure rule is a tremendous opportunity for advisers https://www.planadviser.com/magazine/the-moment-of-truth/
    2. Getting Wired, Seven keys for advisers to use social media effectively. https://www.planadviser.com/magazine/getting-wired/
Passed these FINRA examinations:
  • Series 6 (Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representatives)
  • Series 7 (General Securities Representative)
  • Series 63 (Uniform Securities State Law)
  • Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law).
  • Passed the Colorado state insurance exams for life, health and variable annuities.
Adviser to Finalists for Plan Sponsor of the Year (2013 and 2017)
    1. https://www.plansponsor.com/magazine/2013-plan-sponsors-of-the-year/
    2. https://www.plansponsor.com/awards/2017-plan-sponsor-year/?pid=47011

Our values

Transparency. Honesty. Trust. Creative Solutions.

This is what you can expect when you work with Castle Rock Investment Company.

We believe

You always come first. You will always know what you are paying for when you trust us with your finances. No hidden fees. No commissions.

Innovative Match Approach Increases Participation

Read how our client increased employee participation from 67% to 98% and was selected as a finalist for Plan Sponsor of the Year.

PVC CFO Jim Kozal PLANSPONSOR of the Year Finalist 2013

 

Testimonial

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Castle Rock Investment Company for the past 8 years, and I couldn’t be happier with their expertise and personalized guidance.
The team at Castle Rock is highly professional and knowledgeable. They take the time to understand individual financial goals and tailor their advice accordingly.
Castle Rock provides exceptional customer service, a wide array of investment choices, and well-educated financial guidance. Whether it’s for small or large business needs, Castle Rock covers it all.
Castle Rock truly puts clients first. Their consultative approach ensures that each client receives personalized attention and strategic solutions.
Throughout my engagement, Castle Rock maintained clear and transparent communication. They explained complex financial concepts in a way that was easy to understand and easy to manage.
The results speak for themselves. Castle Rock manages substantial assets and has a strong track record of success.
Castle Rock Investment Company is a reliable partner for anyone seeking financial guidance. I highly recommend Castle Rock Investment Company's services to any company looking to partner with an independent investment adviser with ERISA expertise.”
Jeff Day
Jeff Day, Senior Manager, Shippers Automotive Group

See what people are saying

My company (Rocky Mountain Insurance Advisors) has been utilizing the pooled employer retirement plan services of Castle Rock PEP for 6 months now… the experience has been outstanding to date. They have been diligent with regards to helping both launch and administrate the plan for my staff and myself. The plan investment options are numerous, their financial guidance on-the-spot, and the many tax benefits to my family owned and operated business are all needed and welcomed. Michele and Ryan… the plan directors are both top notch professionals that know their craft. I highly recommend Castle Rock PEP's pooled employer plan services to small business owner’s (like myself) that are looking to provide a top-notch, “big-corp type” retirement solution for their employees.
Bob Willig, Owner, Rocky Mountain Insurance Advisors
I worked with Castle Rock Investment Company on the 401(k) plan since starting with the firm in 2016 and had a fantastic experience. Their ERISA expertise supported management with fiduciary governance and decisions about plan design. Our employees' financial health is strong due to the quality investment choices and low costs they put in place. They were responsive, professional, and reliable through the years and I highly recommend Castle Rock Investment Company to any employer looking for retirement solution.

Diane Villafana, PHR, Network HR Manager, The Shippers Group

Castle Rock helped us select a Pooled Employer Plan as the best course of action for our small organization, and helped us get it up and running quickly. I highly recommend them!
Phil Triolo, CPA, CFP®. President & CFO of Slawek Family Holdings
Cattle Drive through Castle Rock
Starlighting 2023 Fireworks
Starlighting 2023 Guests
Keepers of the Rock
2013 Awards Ceremony PLANSPONSOR of the Year
PVC CFO Jim Kozal PLANSPONSOR of the Year Finalist 2013
Mount of the Holy Cross 2013
Michele Suriano Yoga
2017 Awards Ceremony PLANSPONSOR of the Year with Ian Bird