About
The Full Story
"Pretium" derives from the Latin word for value. We chose this name because we believe successful wealth management begins with understanding and committing to what matters most to each client. Financial plans, investment strategies, and long-term decisions are most effective when they are aligned with the goals, priorities, and values they are intended to support.
At Pretium, we believe wealth management is ultimately a relationship business. While markets change and financial circumstances evolve, the need for thoughtful guidance, disciplined decision-making, and trusted advice remains constant. Our role is to help clients navigate complexity with clarity, confidence, and a long-term perspective.
Meet the Team
Richard M. Sotell, CFP
Partner | Wealth Management Advisor
Rich Sotell, CFP® began his career in the financial services industry in 1975 with New England Life. In 1982, he co-founded the Kraematon Group, one of the early retirement benefits firms to specialize in the design and implementation of 401(k) plans.
With more than five decades of experience in financial services, Rich is recognized for his expertise in retirement plan design, financial planning, and investment management. Throughout his career, he has lectured extensively on these topics to insurance industry executives, professional education organizations, radio audiences, corporate groups, and college students.
In 2018, Rich sold the Kraematon Group, which is now part of ALKEME Insurance
Services. In 2026, he co-founded Pretium Wealth Advisors, where he focuses on
providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services to
retirees, executives, and their families.
Rich remains passionate about financial education and continues to speak on portfolio management, retirement planning, and broader financial planning strategies on college campuses and in corporate boardrooms. He is also developing a YouTube channel dedicated to financial literacy, scheduled to launch in the fall of 2026. Rich resides in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with his wife, Kathleen. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and golfing with his sons, Erik and Spencer.
Kristen L. Smith, CFP, AIF
Partner | Wealth Management Advisor
As a founding partner of Pretium Wealth Advisors, Kristen brings more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. She began her career with Merrill Lynch in Williamsburg, Virginia, after graduating from college, and has since built her practice around a commitment to exceptional service and the development of long-term, trusted relationships with her clients.
Kristen is a graduate of The College of William & Mary and holds the CERTIFIED
FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. She currently holds Series 7 and 66 registrations through Cambridge Investment Research, as well as state insurance licenses. Her experience and client-focused approach allow her to help individuals and families navigate important financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
Kristen resides in Merrimac, Massachusetts, with her partner, Jeff, and their four children, Abby, Luke, Bryce, and Evie. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending summer days at Plum Island and fall Sundays cheering on the New England Patriots.
Ilona Burrier
Client Service Associate
Ilona joined the financial services industry in 2005 and has dedicated her career to providing exceptional client service and helping families navigate their financial journey. She takes pride in building meaningful relationships with clients and ensuring every interaction is handled with professionalism, care, and attention to detail.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Ilona brings extensive knowledge and a commitment to delivering a seamless client experience. She holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 registrations and works closely with advisors to support clients through every stage of the financial planning process.
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Ilona earned her Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Her strong educational foundation, combined with years of hands-on experience, allows her to provide knowledgeable, dependable support while helping clients feel informed and confident.
Outside of the office, Ilona enjoys spending time with her husband, Shaun, and their three boys, Aidan, Dillon and Jayden. She can be found humming or singing everywhere she goes.
Advisory Services offered through Investment Advisor Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, a Registered Investment Adviser.
Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, to residents of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, & Washington.
Cambridge and Pretium Wealth Advisors are not affiliated.
Check out the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck