Journal Staff
In June, several businesses expanded or opened their doors across several industries that include retail beauty, fiduciary wealth management, advertising, and dining.
ALG Financial, a family-run, registered investment advisory firm began operations in April 2024 and has since moved into an office at the DNA Building in Hagåtña.
The firm is led by mother-son duo Alexandra Leon Guerrero, founder and investment advisor, and Christian Taitano, financial services representative. ALG began in a home office, but with a growing client base, the pair transitioned into a formal space.
“At the foundation of our operations is a comprehensive understanding of our client’s distinct needs and values to provide tailored strategies and empathetic support,” Taitano said.
Diligence, integrity, and transparency are key tenets of the firm he added.
“Our aim is to help simplify complex financial strategies and keep our clients informed, confident, and assured.”
Leon Guerrero has worked in the financial services industry for more than 20 years. She began in 2001 amidst the 9/11 attacks and her career has weathered multiple crises, including the 2008 global financial crisis, the 2011 credit downgrade, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taitano told the Journal that ALG is the only firm on Guam with a direct link to Charles Schwab, a multinational financial services firm that serves as ALG’s custodian. Schwab’s platform provides automation, administrative support, and added client security.
Leon Guerrero said ALG’s use of technology has allowed it to operate with a slim staff. The firm also sees artificial intelligence as a key driver of future growth.
To date, ALG has served more than 150 clients and helped manage or preserve millions of dollars, Taitano said.
SKN Beauty, a skincare and beauty retailer opened a new location at the Micronesia Mall on June 8.
Owner Anica Mateo – who also operates Get Glammed GU – told the Journal that the expansion allows the business to better reach customers in the north.
According to Mateo, the new store is approximately three times larger than the original Agana Shopping Center stall and measures to about 900 square feet and took five months to build out.
In addition to the convenience for its customers, Mateo said that the foot traffic the Micronesia Mall brings would bring more business to the shop.
In other business news, TanganTangan Grill opened on June 27 at the LeoPalace Resort Guam. The restaurant will open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Sous Chef Eddie Chen will oversee the kitchen according to LeoPalace.
The TanganTangan will offer an extensive menu that includes steak, brisket, smoked brisket, rib eye, chicken and escabeche. The restaurant is now occupying the space of the former Eataliano Restaurant. For more photos and details on the restaurant, read The Dish - Tangan Tangan Grill.
Vantage Advertising has installed a new digital billboard on South Marine Corp. Drive, Guam’s Route 1, next to the Mobil gas station in Tamuning. The new billboard wraps around the building’s corner and also has three-dimensional capability. See photos at Vantage Advertising's Billboards & Bubbly.
M.E. International, Inc., which does business as Marianas Electronics & SolCom, closed its doors on June 30 after 48 years as an electronic retailer and repair service in Guam. Marianas Electronics was Guam’s sole authorized Apple reseller and authorized Apple service provider for decades. The business, which is co-owned by the Wegner, Best and Michling families, posted a message of thanks to the community, customers, employees, and partners. The message also reads: “Like many small businesses, we faced unprecedented challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite our best efforts, the ongoing economic fluctuations and mounting difficulties have made it increasingly hard to sustain operations here on island.” mbj
