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intensely focused on your success.

Our Story

Advisor founded to better serve 
our clients.

Private Wealth was founded to deliver the best possible service for each and every client. Our advisors have an exceptional amount of experience and we have a deep bench to serve clients across the generations seamlessly. We built a better way that puts client interests ahead of all else.

Meet our Team
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Our approach

Surround yourself with a team of experts.

We customize our approach for every client by surrounding them with a team of specialists who apply hard earned knowledge to elevate the collective impact on portfolio management and all of our service offerings. No single advisor can do it all well and we recognize the strengths in each member of our team. The results of our highly effective structure are seen by the 17+ years of historical relationship tenure with our advisors.

Our Mission

We formed Private Wealth Asset Management with the promise to be experts in managing the complexities in the financial lives of successful families and institutions. We accomplish this with highly experienced financial professionals who know you and your families personally, bringing decades of experience to serve your needs. Our team is here with the expertise that you deserve, in your local markets. For us, it’s not just about today, it’s about providing the same level of expertise for future generations and beneficiaries.

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Core values

Our clients always come first.
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Dedication

We put all of our expertise, skills and energy into each of our clients.

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Transparency

We share everything for full transparency and trust in our relationships.

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Accessibility

Put the 1-800 numbers aside. We are always responsive and available for our clients.

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Value

Our commitment to success is evident in our work ethic and performance-driven approach to wealth management.

Why private wealth?

Trust is everything in wealth management.

Our client-centric model prioritizes you above all else. We are here for you with a dedicated team you can access at all times.

Spend more time on the things that matter.

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15+ years

Average Client Tenure

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500+ years

Combined experience

27+ years

Average Partner Experience

our Team

Our team is ready to work with you
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Investment Advisory Services offered through Private Wealth Asset Management
1901 Howard Street, Suite 312 Omaha, Nebraska 68102
www.privatewealth.com

This website is offered for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer of personal investment advice. This website does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation, or needs and does not create a binding obligation on Private Wealth Asset Management or its representatives to enter into any transaction with you. Use of any specific strategy or particular investment advice does not assure a profit or avoidance of loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

This website is not intended to offer tax advice. Please consult with your tax professional for details specific to your situation.

Private Wealth Asset Management does not offer insurance policies or other insurance services. We may make recommendations of a particular insurance broker. We do not receive payments for such referrals.

Private capital and pre-IPO investments are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities regulator. These investments are generally considered to be long-term, illiquid investments which sometimes carry minimum holding periods and a market for sale or liquidation may not be readily available. Liquidation prior to the end of an investment term generally yields less than originally invested. These investments are subject to special suitability requirements and screening. This process may result in you not being selected as an investor.

There is no form of partnership or legal affiliation between Fidelity Investments and Private Wealth Asset Management nor is such a relationship created or implied by the information herein. Fidelity Institutional® provides clearing, custody, or other brokerage services through National Financial Services LLC or Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Members NYSE, SIPC. 1035216.1.0

Private Wealth provides some of these services directly. In cases where it does not, Private Wealth will collaborate with outside service providers to create solutions for the client. Services provided by PW are described in Form ADV Part 2A and the client’s Financial Services Agreement. In the event Private Wealth uses other providers, the client will pay that provider directly. This is in addition to any advisory fees the client pays to PW. PW may have pre-existing business relationships with selected service providers; PW does not receive any referral fees, percentages of payments by clients to service producers, or any other form of compensation associated with selection of a particular service provider.

© 2024 Private Wealth. All rights reserved. Sitemap.

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Zac Ritchey, CFP®

Partner, Managing Director

Years of Experience: 10 years

Educational Background:

  • B.S., Financial Planning and Financial Management,
    from Western Kentucky University, Honors College,
    Summa Cum Laude Ogden Scholar Award

Designations:

  • Completed CRP Board Registered Program
  • Zac is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM

Other Notable Information:

  • Zac assists families with complex wealth in avoiding unintended consequences of critical decisions. He works with business owners and entrepreneurs to assist with multi-generational wealth transfer planning, sale transactions, complex cash flow and tax planning and intentional philanthropic planning.
  • In 2022, Zac was recognized in Forbes Magazine as a Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor, he is rated #26 in America and #1 in Nebraska
  • He proudly supports a variety of organizations, including Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity.
  • Originally from Atlanta, Zac now resides in Omaha, NE with his wife, Sarah, and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Georgia. He enjoys being an active member in his country club, upland bird hunting, deer hunting and fishing.
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Tyler Schlumpf, CFA

Partner, Senior Portfolio Manager

Years of Experience: 17 years

Educational Background:

  • B.S., Finance from San Diego State University

Designations:

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CFA Institute, 2011

Other Notable Information:

  • Tyler focuses on helping clients marry individual/specific financial and estate plans with their underlying investments. He also helps clients find long term financial success utilizing the right mix of equities, fixed income, real assets and private capital.
  • His focus is on business owners, high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, and individuals who experience a liquidity event/inheritance.
  • Tyler is an active member of his community, currently volunteering as a board member with College Possible Omaha and previously engaging with the CFA Society of Phoenix, CFA Institute Research Challenge and working with students through the Aztec Mentor Program at San Diego State University.
  • Personally, Tyler has been married for over 13 years to his wife Alicia. He is an advocate for Autism awareness/therapy, an avid cook and enjoys craft beer and cocktails. Tyler likes fishing with his three boys, boating with family and visiting the beach.
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Ben Goethel, J.D.

Partner, Senior Wealth Strategist

Years of Experience: 13 years

Educational Background:

  • B.S., Accounting from Iowa State University
  • Juris Doctorate from University of Nebraska – College of Law

Designations: J.D.

Other Notable Information:

  • Ben specializes in simplifying complicated advanced wealth transfer planning for Private Wealth clients. He works specifically with business owners and high-net-worth families.
  • He serves on the board of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
  • In his free time, Ben enjoys a plethora of hobbies, including golf, working out, cooking, and cribbage. He delights in spending time with his wife Morgan and playing with his dogs, Reagan and Kennedy.
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Mandy Jones

Senior Client Associate

Years of Experience: 15 years

Other Notable Information:

  • After launching her career in the financial services industry at Scottrade, Mandy brings a plethora of experience and professionalism to the organization.
  • Mandy’s skills provide a high level of client services and support, handling information in a secure and discreet manner. Her experience includes a variety of clientele, including business partners, 401(k) and personal financial services.
  • She lives in St. Peters, Missouri where she enjoys spending time with her husband and four boys. Mandy and her husband are proud Army and Marine parents. She enjoys reading, boating, and watching their youngest son play soccer.
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Schedule a Time to Talk

Timothy Durbin

Partner, Managing Director

Years of Experience: 21 years

Educational Background:

  • St. Louis University, BA Psychology

Other Notable Information:

  • As an active member of his community, Timothy was a long-time board Chairman of the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis and previously served as president of the Rotary Club of Clayton-Ladue. 
  • Timothy and his wife have four children and enjoy spending time coaching and cheering at sporting activities.
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Schedule a Time to Talk

Jeffrey Steiner

Partner, Senior Portfolio Manager

Years of Experience: 30 years

Educational Background:

  • University of Illinois, MBA
  • Texas A&M University, BA in Finance
  • Sauk Valley Junior College, Associate Degree in Engineering

Other Notable Information:

  • Jeffrey focuses on helping clients understand their investments and how they support their plans for the future.
  • From seniors to grandchildren and any age in between, he works with a variety of clients to help them successfully manage their investments. He also works with the Foundations and Endowments team regularly to meet his clients’ goals. 
  • Jeffrey is a proud member of the board of directors for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and currently sits on their finance committee.
  • He spent 3 years in the United States Army and 5 years in the United States Army Reserves.
  • He has been married for 27 years and has three children.
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Caitlin Henry | Director of Operations of Energy Asset Management at Private Wealth Asset Management

Caitlin Henry

Director of Operations of Energy Asset Management

Years of Experience: 10 years

Educational Background:

  • The University of Texas at San Antonio, BA in Public Relations/Communication

Designations:

  • RL, PLM Certification

Other Notable Information:

  • Caitlin specializes in strategic operational initiatives for Energy Asset Management.
  • From onboarding and managing monthly billing and division orders, all the way to analyzing and negotiating leases, she focuses on supporting oil and gas energy clients to keep assets running smoothly and creating the best opportunities for the client.
  • Caitlin has extensive knowledge on applications and reporting utilized by Private Wealth’s oil and gas energy clients, enabling her to fully assist clients in understanding their assets.  
  • She is a proud mother to her handsome, smart and funny son.
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Leslie Miller

Leslie Miller

Partner & Senior Portfolio Manager, CFA, CFP, CTFA

Years of Experience: 30 years

Educational Background

  • University of Texas at Austin, BA, Business Administration
  • Vanderbilt University, MBA
  • University of Nebraska Omaha, MA, Gerontology – Enrolled

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • CFA, CFP, CTFA

Other Notable Information

  • Leslie specializes in portfolio management and trust and fiduciary services. 
  • Working primarily with clients of retirement age, Leslie excels at providing holistic, thorough financial and estate planning guidance for seniors. 
  • Leslie is dedicated to ensuring that her clients comprehend the full scope of their plans. Because people often do not understand their fiduciary responsibility and liability of their power of attorney and trustee, she advocates strongly for the use of a corporate trustee. 
  • Stirred by her personal experience navigating the complex legal, medical and financial challenges resulting from her parents’ dementia, Leslie is currently pursuing her master’s degree in gerontology.
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Julie Wagner

Chief Compliance Officer

Years of Experience: 26 years

Educational Background

  • AIB College of Business, Associate Degree, Business Management and Marketing

Designations/Certification/Classes

  • Iowa life insurance license
  • Passed FINRA Series 6 and 26

Other Notable Information

  • Julie has extensive experience working in regulatory compliance and risk management with some of the largest and most reputable financial organizations in the industry.
  • Julie’s expertise spans risk mitigation, compliance, data security, performance management, and organizational assessments and training.
  • As a highly regarded, dynamic specialist, Julie speaks on complex compliance and regulatory environments for high-growth companies.
  • In addition to her technical specialties, Julie has expansive leadership experience in employee development, operational excellence and strategic planning.
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Aaron Curry

Aaron Curry

Associate Wealth Advisor

Years of Experience: 13 years

Educational Background

  • Purdue University, BA, Health and Fitness

Designations/Certification/Classes

  • Currently pursuing a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation

Other Notable Information

  • Aaron brings more than a decade of experience that spans a wide variety of expertise in the financial services industry.
  • His experience includes financial planning, wealth management, investment portfolio construction and analysis, long-term care and various insurance, as well as retail banking in both commercial and consumer segments.
  • Aaron comments, “I am blessed with an amazing wife and three beautiful children. We love to be outside and active, whether riding bikes or playing at the park.”
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Mac Laas

Mac Laas

Senior Landman – Energy Asset Manager

A Texas native, Laas has deep roots in the energy and land sectors with background ranging from exploration to direct work with energy providers. His deep knowledge of the farm and ranch real estate landscape and every side of the land business makes him a major asset for Private Wealth clients. Haas also has an affinity for adventure, having completed long distance treks and hunting experiences spanning North America, Africa and Australia. He gives back to the community through his non-profit serving underprivileged youth in 4H activities and his involvement with the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.

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Pedie Monta

PEDIE MONTA

Director of Land

Holding a BA and MBA from Texas Tech, Monta has a long and successful career of institutional and private land and resource management. He excels in oil and gas contracts, fiduciary portfolio management and business development in mineral management and alternative investments. When he’s not developing leases and investments as a landman, Monta spends time with his family, enjoys the outdoors and traveling.

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Ryan Nielsen

Ryan Nielsen

Associate Wealth Advisor

Years of Experience: 12 years

Educational Background:

  • University of Iowa, MBA
  • University of Iowa, BA, Business Administration: Finance

Designations/Certifications/Classes:

  • University of Iowa, Certificate in Risk Management and Insurance

Other Notable Information:

  • Background in Corporate Compliance/Supervision
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Liz Yzaguirre

Associate Wealth Advisor

Years of Experience: 36 years

Educational Background

  • University of the Incarnate Word, MBA, graduated with distinction
  • University of the Incarnate Word, BA, Business Administration (Magna Cum Laude)
  • Del Mar College, AAS, Banking and Finance

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Graduate, Cannon Trust School I, II and III

Other Notable Information

  • Liz’s niche is elder/life care services
  • Liz worked at Wells Fargo for 36 years providing comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to the clients’ specific needs.
  • Liz is adept at coordinating teams of specialists, such as other advisors, attorneys, and accountants to work toward achieving the clients’ wealth and financial goals.
  • Trust and estate planning expertise
  • Financial planning expertise
  • Budget and bill pay expertise
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Kristen Mott

Kristen Mott

Associate Wealth Advisor

Average Length of Client Relationships: 7 years

Years of Experience: 15 years

Educational Background

  • University of Iowa, BFA, Graphic Design

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA®)
  • Graduate, Wells Fargo Advising with Impact
  • Graduate, Wells Fargo Family Dynamics Training

Other Notable Information

  • Kristen’s niche is working with families, bringing to bear her experience in budgeting and bill pay, family educational planning, tax preparation management, and trust and estate planning.
  • She is skilled in partnering with her clients to navigate their financial planning and fiduciary banking needs.
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DeAnna Connell

DeAnna Connell

Senior Client Associate

Years of Experience: 33 years

Designations/Certification/Classes

  • Series 7, 63 and 66
  • Life and health insurance license

Other Notable Information

  • DeAnna spent nine years at Kirkpatrick Pettis Smith Polian where she gained experience in mutual funds, reorganization, new accounts, physical securities processing and finally finding her passion in customer service as a sales assistant.
  • She brings more than 20 years of experience combined through mergers and acquisitions with A.G. Edwards, Wachovia Securities and Wells Fargo Advisors in front-office customer service roles.
  • DeAnna uses her vast industry knowledge to provide exceptional ongoing client support. Her responsibilities include processing client service requests, assisting with the movement of funds and equities, reviewing paperwork for completeness, addressing and resolving routine and non-routine client inquiries, opening new accounts and trade executions. She works hard to build and maintain client confidence and takes pride in providing the highest level of customer service.
  • DeAnna grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband, John. Outside of the office, DeAnna enjoys reading, crafts and spending time with her family.
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Tonya Weber

Tonya Weber

Senior Client Associate

Years of Experience: 32 years

Educational Background

  • Kirkwood Community College, Associate of Arts

Designations/Certification/Classes

  • Series 7 and 63

Other Notable Information

  • Tonya entered the banking industry in 1989 working for Norwest Bank, as a teller, customer service representative and personal banker. She moved to Norwest Investments/Wells Fargo Advisors in 1997 as a senior registered client associate until September 2021.
  • Tonya is married to Rick; has a son, Peyton; daughter, Taylor; step-daughters, Stacy, Erin, Meagan and Michelle; and nine grandchildren.
  • She enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
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Marissa Bormann

Marissa Bormann

Director of Operations

Years of Experience: 9 years

Educational Background

  • University of Iowa, studied Business

Other Notable Information

  • Marissa was in the Leadership Program for Corridor Women Connect.
  • Marissa started in banking for Wells Fargo in Edmonds, Washington, in 2012. In 2013, she transferred to the Wells Fargo Branch in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There she held various positions before transferring to Wells Fargo’s Private Bank division. As a senior client associate she assisted clients with high net worth and trust accounts.
  • Marissa is married to her husband, Kyle. They have a daughter named Marlie and two dogs, Myla, a Maltese Poodle; and Klancy, a Labradoodle.
  • Marissa enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and most important, spending time with family and friends.
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Karla Kruger

Karla Kruger

Senior Client Associate

Years of Experience: 31 years

Educational Background

  • Des Moines Area Community College, Associate’s Degree

Other Notable Information

  • Karla loves sports—both college and professional football, Major League Baseball and college basketball.
  • Cooking is another pastime for Karla, she especially enjoys making all kinds of pasta dishes.
  • One of her main passions is spending time with her family and friends.
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Janie Attaway

Janie Attaway

Senior Client Associate

Years of experience: 39 years
 
Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • American Institute of Banking, with classes in the Principles of Banking & Trust Business  
  • Attended Odessa College

 
Other Notable Information

  • Janie joined Bank One in 1982, which later became Chase Bank. She started as an Administrative Assistant then moved up into the operations department of the bank.
  • In 1996, Janie took the position of Operations Officer with Western National Bank. In 1997 Western National sold the trust department to Norwest Corporation, which later became Wells Fargo.
  • Janie’s specialty is in investment and fiduciary service support and relationship management support for high-net-worth families and individuals.
  • Serves as a key resource for client inquiries, day-to-day service needs, operation and account management, documentation, customer service, and technical assistance.
  • One of her other main passions is spending time with her family and friends. 
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Elvira Portillo

Elvira Portillo

Senior Client Associate

Years of Experience: 38 years
 
Designations/Certifications/Classes:

  • Midland College, Associates Degree

 
Other Notable Information:

  • Elvira specializes in investment and fiduciary service support and relationship management support for high-net-worth families and individuals.
  • She is an invaluable addition to clients, as she serves them on a myriad of tasks such as operational and account management, documentation, customer service, and technical assistance.
  • Elvira exceeds client expectations with her diligence and experience on unique service requests.
  • In her free time, Elvira spends quality time with her family and is an avid fan of professional football and baseball.  
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Leslie Wall

Leslie Wall

Senior Client Associate

Years of Experience: 27 years

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Cannon Trust School 1 & 2
  • Wealth Investment Management Catalyst Program 2021

Other Notable Information

  • Leslie joined Victoria Bank & Trust in 1994 in Victoria, Texas, as a trust associate, which became Norwest Bank in 1996, and then Wells Fargo in 1998 where she most recently worked as a wealth management client associate.
  • Leslie’s expertise is in investment and fiduciary service support and relationship management support for high-net-worth families and individuals.
  • Serves as a key resource for client inquiries, day-to-day service needs, operation and account management, documentation, customer service and technical assistance.
  • Junior League of San Antonio, Texas, 1993-1994
  • Junior League of Victoria, Texas, 1994-1998; Board Member 1999-2012
  • Victoria Fine Arts Association, 2004-2012; Board Member 2004-2009
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David Hillner

David Hillner

Investment Specialist

Years of Experience: 7 years

Educational Background

  • University of Texas – San Antonio, MBA focused on Finance
  • Azusa Pacific University, BA, Economics

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
  • Fundamentals of Sustainable Accounting Credential Holder

Other Notable Information

  • David is a member of the Private Wealth Investment Committee
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Beth Rodriguez

Beth Rodriguez

Investment Research Analyst

Years of Experience: 15 years

Educational Background

  • Mount Mercy College, MBA, Emphasis in Quality Management
  • Mount Mercy College, BA, Marketing and Finance, Minor in Accounting

Other Notable Information

  • Beth is a member of the Private Wealth Investment Committee.
  • She loves spending time with her son Manny.
  • Beth also spends lots of time with family and friends as well as cooking and being outdoors.
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Kathy Johnson

Katherine P. Johnson

Investment Research Analyst

 Years of Experience: 20 Years
 
Educational Background:

  • Attended San Antonio College

Other Notable Information

  • Katherine joined Wells Fargo Bank in 1997, her roles included working as a Client Associate and an Investment Management Specialist, providing elevated service levels to new and existing client relationships.
  • Katherine has over two decades of experience in Investment Management, Finance, and Risk Management for high-net-worth families and individuals.
  • She is experienced in every aspect of the account from developing and implementing strategies to executing securities trades. 
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Molly Bock

Molly Bock

Investment Research Analyst

Years of Experience: 18 years

Educational Background: 

  • University of Northern Iowa, BA, Education 

Other Notable Information: 

  • Niche is developing and maintaining new and ongoing client relationships ensuring elevated service levels 
  • Investment portfolio review/maintenance expertise 
  • Securities trading execution expertise
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Melissa Clines

Chief Operations Officer

Years of Experience: 23 years

Educational Background

  • AIB College of Business, Associate’s Degree,
    Business Administration and Financial Services

Other Notable Information

  • As chief operations officer, Melissa manages the daily business activities of the firm. Working closely with executive and department leaders, she directs the internal systems that support our team and business growth. 
  • Melissa is a member of the Executive Committee and co-chairs the Operations Committee. 
  • Melissa provided operational support to help grow a small financial planning firm with less than 100M AUM to an 18–20 employee firm with approximately 700M AUM.
  • With extensive experience in human resources, Melissa has expertise in hiring, onboarding, offboarding, payroll and benefits.
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Abby Arcishewsky

Director, Head of Business Transition Planning

Years of Experience: 15 years

Educational Background

  • University of Nebraska – Omaha, BA, Business Administration

Designations/Certification/Classes

  • Certified Exit Planner, CExP®

Other Notable Information

  • Abby specializes in working with business owners and helping them work through transition and succession planning.
  • With 15 years of experience, she has managed many different client relationships.
  • Clients include entrepreneurs, C-suite executives and multigenerational families. She has worked with companies that range from 10M-1B in revenue.
  • Abby actively serves on the guilds for Child Savings Institute and Project Harmony. She is also an ambassador for Quality Living and an Alum of Leadership Omaha Class 42.
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Wendy Brekken

Wendy Brekken

Chief Wealth Planning Officer

Years of Experience: 18 years (10 as a practicing attorney, 8+ in wealth management)

Educational Background

  • William Mitchell College of Law, JD, Magna Cum Laude
  • Saint Olaf College, BA, Psychology and Family Studies, Magna Cum Laude

Other Notable Information

  • Wendy’s area of specialty is in providing customized wealth planning advice to high-net-worth individuals and families
  • Extensive experience providing holistic planning advice, with experience in the areas of estate and wealth transfer planning, business transition planning and philanthropy
  • Conducting family meetings and navigating challenging family dynamics
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David Tawil

David Tawil

Founding Partner

Historical Relationship Tenure: 9 years

Years of Experience: 24 years

Educational Background

  • Texas State University, BBA, Finance

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA®)
  • Fiduciary Graduate Program

Other Notable Information

  • Chairman, Private Wealth Investment Committee
  • Investment Management Consultants Association
  • Leadership San Antonio – Class 44
  • Member of the Executive Committee, co-chairs Investment Committee
  • Specialization in working with high-net-worth individuals, families, foundations and endowments
  • Specialization in leading advisors working with high-net-worth individuals, families, foundations and endowments
  • Ballet San Antonio – Board of Directors (Treasurer)
  • Active in the San Antonio Estate Planning Council
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Kim Cappellano

Kim Cappellano

Chief Marketing Officer, Founding Partner, Director of Philanthropic Services

Historical Relationship Tenure: 10 years

Years of Experience: 20 years

Educational Background

  • University of Notre Dame, MNA
  • Creighton University, MBA focused on Quantitative Analysis
  • Indiana University, BS, Business Administration and Management
  • AA, Financial Planning

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA®)
  • Yale University – Women’s Executive Leadership Program
  • Graduate, Wells Fargo Business Succession Planning I & II
  • Graduate, Wells Fargo Family Dynamics Training 

Other Notable Information

  • Kim is a member of the Executive Committee, co-chairs Private Wealth Operations and Marketing Committees
  • Trust and estate planning expertise
  • Philanthropic services expertise for nonprofits and private family foundations
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Max Smith

Maxwell Smith

Founding Partner

Years of Experience: 15 years

Educational Background

  • University of Colorado Denver, BA, Economics

Other Notable Information

  • Max’s primary focus has been in operations and mergers and acquisitions with close to $6 billion in AUM with breakaway, mergers and acquisitions experience
  • Max is a founding partner and serves as the firm’s chief operations officer managing the operations of the firm day-to-day as well as assisting advisors in transitions to Private Wealth
  • Max is a member of the Executive Committee and co-chairs the Operations Committee
  • Maxwell is co-author of Breaking Through the Wall: A Financial Advisor’s Guide to Grow, Scale, and Monetize Your Business for Millions
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Jeff Shipley

Jeff Shipley

Founding Partner

Years of Experience: 27 years

Educational Background

  • Texas A&M University, BA, Psychology and Economics

Other Notable Information

  • Jeff brings more than 25 years of private banking experience to the team.
  • Jeff has extensive experience developing teams to reach their fullest potential, most recently providing strategic leadership to more than 1,000 team members across a 21-state region. He is driven by results, delivering outstanding experiences for clients every step of the way.
  • Jeff is very active in the community, serving in leadership roles for some of the largest nonprofit organizations in Houston including Board Director for Houston Methodist Hospital, Chairman of the Board of Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Advisory Director at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Chairman of the Board for Interfaith of the Woodlands, and the Director/Finance Chair for the Woodland United Methodist Church.
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Tim Kneen

Timothy Kneen

Chairman of the Board, Founding Partner

Years of Experience: 36 years

Educational Background

  • University of Denver, BS, Public Affairs/Economics

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Certified Investment Management Analyst, The Warton School, University of Pennsylvania (CIMA®)

Other Notable Information

  • Timothy was the 2007 recipient of the Tom Gorman Award for Lifetime Service to the Investment Management Industry.
  • Timothy was named Top 100 Investment Consultants in America by Barron’s in 2000, and #1 ranked consultant in Colorado.
  • Specialist in working with business owners, family offices and institutional investors. 
  • Tim has founded five companies from scratch, bought several others and has exited all of them selling some to strategic buyers, some to financial buyers and some private equity. 
  • Tim leads our investment banking work, serves on our Investment Committee and chairs our board of directors.
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Bryan Johnson

Bryan Johnson

Founding Partner, Chief Executive Officer

Years of Experience: 33 years

Educational Background

  • Morningside University, BA in Business Administration and BA in Mass Communication

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)

Other Notable Information

  • Bryan and his leadership team won multiple performance-based awards at Wells Fargo.
  • He was a regular instructor at Coaching with Impact Programs, designed to develop better leaders, and the Advising with Impact Program, created to deepen the advisor’s knowledge and skills.
  • Bryan leads the Compensation Committee.
  • Bryan brings his experiences of growing up on a Midwestern farm and running a business for 28 years to help farmers and business owners create effective estate and transition plans.
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Rodney Kleman

Rodney Kleman

Partner, Head of Real Estate Asset Management

Historical Relationship Tenure: 10 years

Years of Experience: 29 years

Educational Background

  • Texas A&M University, BS, Animal Science, Cum Laude

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Graduate Wells Fargo College of Credit

Other Notable Information

  • Rodney’s specialty is farm and ranch property management including surface management and negotiations in energy production.
  • Rodney’s breadth of prior experience has him uniquely positioned to understand and serve families with farm and ranch land. He began his career with ground-level, hands-on, farm and ranch management. He then worked as a lender and credit advisor to agricultural businesses. Most recently, Rodney has been acting as a fiduciary, managing multiple families’ farm, ranch and energy asset legacies.
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Bryan Frazier

Bryan Frazier

Partner, Head of Energy Asset Management

Years of Experience: 15 years in oil and gas industry

Educational Background

  • The Robert Gordon University, MBA, Oil & Gas

Management

  • Texas Christian University, BBA, Marketing Designations/Certifications/Classes
  • Certified Professional Landman (CPL®)

Other Notable Information

  • Bryan worked as a land manager (landman) for five years, running multiple land teams, prior to embarking on the mineral management side. He then oversaw company-owned mineral interests for two years.
  • He has spent more than 10 years as a fiduciary, managing client mineral interests across the country.
    • Clients have included families, municipalities, universities, trusts and estates with such assets representing in excess of $1 billion in value.
  • Involved with his local church for more than 20 years.
  • Currently serves on the board for the National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) for the State of Texas.
  • Held various roles within the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL).
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Debra Wilkens

Debra Wilkens

Founding Partner

Historical Relationship Tenure: 13 years

Years of Experience: 15 years

Educational Background

  • Baylor University, BA, Business Administration and Political Science (Summa Cum Laude / Valedictorian)

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)

Other Notable Information

  • Specializes in building customized investment portfolios to meet the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals, families, foundations and endowments
  • Member of the Investment Committee
  • Active member of the CFA® Society of Austin
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Russell Samples

Russell Samples

Founding Partner

Historical Relationship Tenure: 9 years

Years of Experience: 28 years

Educational Background

  • University of Texas, BA, Business Administration with Honors

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Certified Trust and Financial Advisor, American Bankers Association/Institute of Certified Bankers (CTFA®)
  • Graduate of the Texas School of Trust Banking
  • Graduate of Cannon Trust School I, II and III
  • Graduate of the Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, Graduate School of Bank Investments and Financial Management

Other Notable Information

  • Russell’s area of specialty is in managing wealth and financial planning for high-net-worth individuals, families and foundations
  • Niche in working with business owners and succession planning
  • Trust and estate planning expertise
  • Tax planning and management expertise
  • Budgeting and bill payment expertise
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Bryan Jarman

Bryan Jarman

Partner, Portfolio Manager

Historical Relationship Tenure: 9 years

Years of Experience: 22 years
 
Educational Background

  • Johns Hopkins University, MS, Finance
  • Arizona State University, BS, Finance and BS, Economics
  • Minors, Russian and International Business

 
Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
  • Johns Hopkins University, Graduate Certificate in Investments

 
Other Notable Information

  • Bryan’s niche is working with endowments and foundations.
  • Member of the Private Wealth Investment Committee.
  • Bryan has also spent more than a decade working closely with multigenerational families.
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Gayle Fincher

Gayle Fincher

Partner

Historical Relationship Tenure: 22 years

Years of Experience: 36 years

Educational Background

  • Angelo State University

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Trust Administration, ABA
  • Investments II, ABA
  • Wealth Management and Trust Fundamentals, ABA
  • Generations Program, Graduate

Other Notable Information

  • Gayle’s niche is working with multigenerational families. Gayle is among a small number of advisors in the industry that have experience working with three or four generations of a family. Gayle notes she feels it is such an honor and is so meaningful to have these multigenerational relationships. The result is like becoming a part of that family in many ways.
  • Expertise in trust and estate planning
  • Private banking, budget and bill pay services
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wealth planning

Michelle Acton

Partner

Historical Relationship Tenure: 25 years

Years of Experience: 36 years

Educational Background

  • Attended Midland College’s Paralegal Studies Program

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Graduate, Cannon Trust Schools I, II and III

Other Notable Information

  • Michelle joined the trust department of First City National Bank in Midland, Texas, in 1985. She experienced multiple bank mergers and acquisitions but is proud to say she always went where the clients went.
  • Michelle’s niche is working with institutional clients such as universities, foundations and charitable organizations.
  • Complementing her niche, Michelle also specializes in working with multigenerational families and with families that have legacy assets such as oil, gas and minerals.
  • Budget and bill pay expertise
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David Holtorf

David Holtorf

Founding Partner

Years of Experience: 24 years

Educational Background

  • University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Studied both Psychology and Music Performance

Other Notable Information

  • Niche is farm families, retirement income planning and cash flow planning 
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Chris Casey

Chris Casey

Founding Partner

Historical Relationship Tenure: 13 years 

Years of Experience: 37 years 

Educational Background 

  • Troy State University, BA, Finance 

Designations/Certifications/Classes 

  • Graduate, ABA School of Banking Colorado 
  • Graduate, Cannon Trust School I & II 
  • Graduate, Wells Fargo Business Succession Planning I & II 
  • Graduate, Wells Fargo Family Dynamics Training 

Other Notable Information 

  • Niche is unique income solutions for clients after they retire or sell their business or other assets
  • Member of our Investment Committee
  • Leads the firm’s asset allocation and optimization process to create efficient investment portfolios
  • Board of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, and served on their Investment Committee, Development Committee and Linn County Grant Committee
  • Past President of the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation Board
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Dave Arens

Dave Arens

Founding Partner

Historical Relationship Tenure: 20 years

Years of Experience: 37 years

Educational Background 

  • University of Iowa, MA, Economics
  • University of Iowa, BA, Zoology

Designations/Certifications/Classes 

  • Graduate, ABA School of Banking Colorado
  • Graduate, Cannon Trust School I & II
  • Graduate, Wells Fargo Business Succession Planning I & II
  • Graduate, Wells Fargo Family Dynamics Training

Other Notable Information 

  • Niche is business owners and succession planning
  • Trust and estate planning expertise
  • Tax planning and management expertise
  • P&C/health insurance management expertise
  • Budgeting and bill pay expertise
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Heather Fortune Vestweber

Heather Fortune Vestweber

Founding Partner

Historical Relationship Tenure: 20 years

Years of Experience: 30 years

Educational Background

  • University of Iowa, BS, Business

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Wells Fargo Family Dynamics Training
  • Wells Fargo Business Succession
  • Norwest College of Credit
  • Cannon Trust School I

Other Notable Information

  • Niche is working with the financial problems marital disputes create
  • Trust and estate planning expertise
  • Tax planning and management expertise
  • P&C/health insurance management expertise
  • Budgeting and bill pay expertise
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Brett Halley

Brett Halley

Founding Partner

Historical Relationship Tenure: 11 years

Years of Experience: 29 years

Educational Background

  • University of Iowa, MBA
  • University of Iowa, BS, Investment Finance

Designations/Certifications/Classes

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) 

Other Notable Information

  • Niche is institutional investing
  • Member of the Investment Committee 
  • Directs our fixed income investing