MEET THE TEAM

Michael Pfeffer, Managing Director – Investment Officer, is an accomplished Financial Advisor, whose personal experiences have profoundly shaped his professional journey. Over the past decade, Michael has navigated the challenges of his mother's battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a condition that has deeply influenced his approach to wealth management. This personal journey has instilled in him a unique perspective on the importance of balancing present enjoyment with future security, a philosophy he passionately shares with clients.

Michael's commitment to his clients is evident in his transparent and empathetic approach. He believes in building genuine relationships, going beyond the typical biographical stereotypes to share his own life experiences. This openness fosters trust and allows him to inspire confidence in his clients, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while they still have their health. His dedication to generational wealth is deeply personal, as Pfeffer Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors is a second-generation financial advisory practice started by his father, Mark C. Pfeffer, at E.F. Hutton in 1984 in Detroit, Michigan. This legacy underscores Michael's sincere care for his clients' financial futures, as he continues the family tradition of providing thoughtful and personalized financial guidance.

Michael has earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional certification. To earn the CFP^®, he completed hundreds of hours of rigorous courses and examinations. These courses were followed by a comprehensive examination administered according to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. In addition, Michael Pfeffer is honored to have been recognized as one of Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2025 and 2026¹ and Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State for 2024 and 2025².

Michael received the Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council distinction in 2025. The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism.

Prior to his financial services career, Michael worked in live family entertainment, working with renowned brands like Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Disney on Ice, and Monster Jam. This diverse background, combined with his father's mentorship, has equipped him with a unique skill set that he has successfully applied to becoming a trusted financial advisor.

Michael is active in the community and has contributed to the Ada Jenkins Center and Big Brother Big Sisters organizations. He aspires to further his impact by organizing an annual aging and dementia education event for clients and their families. Since 1995, Michael has called Lake Norman home.  Currently, he resides in Huntersville, NC with his wife, Sarah, who owns her own Architectural Design Firm called Castelletto Homes, daughter (Juliana), son (Ethan), and Siberian Husky (Sydney).

Sam Schaefer, CFP^®, Financial Consultant, is a financial professional with over 11 years of financial services experience. At Pfeffer Wealth Management Group, Sam specializes in helping clients and their families create comprehensive plans to help achieve their financial goals and secure their future.

Sam’s passion for finance began at a very young age, working for his parents’ quilt company. Often saving and investing as little as $5 increments while in elementary school, Sam learned the powers of compounding early while saving for a first car and then for college. 

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2014 with a double major in accounting and finance, Sam was approached by his professor to join and eventually lead the research department for a family investment office outside of Milwaukee. As more than a few of you can relate, Sam and his wife Abby, moved to Charlotte, NC in 2018 to escape the Wisconsin winters.

Eager to take on new challenges, Sam joined Wells Fargo Securities as part of the Fixed Income Sales team, where he gained invaluable experience in financial markets and client relationships. However, he soon recognized that his true passion lies in working directly with individuals, families and business owners to help them achieve their financial goals. This realization is what led to Sam connecting with Michael Pfeffer, Managing Director – Investment Officer, about joining his practice, where he could leverage his unique financial background to provide personalized financial guidance.

Since joining Pfeffer Wealth Management Group in 2022, Sam has earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional certification, refining his expertise in guiding clients through complex financial situations. Sam helps educate clients about the importance of starting early, emphasizing a focus on savings over spending. In his day-to-day role, he helps clients with retirement planning, saving strategies, asset allocation, withdrawal strategies, and comprehensive wealth planning. Sam is committed to providing honest and relatable financial advice. He believes in the value of sharing personal stories and maintaining open communication with clients.

Outside of work, Sam keeps a down-to-earth approach to life. As a first-generation college graduate and the second youngest of ten siblings, he learned early the value of hard work and strong family relationships. Sam loves spending time outdoors – whether its enjoying time on the water or reading a book outside. A true hobbyist at heart, he finds joy in woodworking, beekeeping and gardening. He and his wife live along the Catawba River with their two dogs.

Known for his unwavering positivity, Jean-René (JR for short) is a Senior Registered Client Associate at Pfeffer Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. Before joining the team, JR was an Advanced Trader for WellsTrade, a division of Wells Fargo Advisors. His day-to-day responsibilities include opening client accounts, onboarding new clients, executing securities trades for the team, resolving client inquiries, managing account administration, and helping to deliver an exceptional client experience.            

Originally from Montreal, Canada, JR holds a master’s in philosophy from the University of Montreal and recently earned an MBA from Eastern Carolina University. With nearly two decades of leadership experience in the e-commerce sector, JR has now shifted his career to pursue his passion for the stock market. He holds the FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations.

JR is fluent in French, English, and German. He enjoys playing golf in his spare time. JR and his wife, Cynthia, a native of New Bern, North Carolina, have twin sixteen-year-old sons.

WellsTrade brokerage accounts are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC.