From Our Family to Yours: A Moment of Recognition
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you – Private Wealth Asset Management has been named one of Newsweek’s Top 500 Financial Advisory Firms in America for 2025. This is more than just a headline to us. It’s a moment of reflection, gratitude, and pride.
As a woman leading a firm in an industry that’s constantly evolving, I’ve always believed that our strength lies not just in our expertise, but in the relationships we build. And this recognition by Newsweek, based on client satisfaction, peer recommendations, and rigorous performance data, is a direct reflection of the trust you’ve placed in us.
We don’t take that trust lightly.
Every plan we build, every legacy we help protect, every milestone we celebrate with our clients — it all stems from a shared commitment to do what’s right, not what’s easy. Our team of talented advisors, analysts, and planners work with one goal in mind: to help you and your family thrive for generations to come.
So today, we celebrate this achievement with full hearts — and eyes fixed on the future.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to show you what’s next.
Heather’s Forbes Recognition
At Private Wealth Asset Management, we’re proud to celebrate one of our own: Heather Fortune Vestweber has been named Best-In-State Top Women Wealth Advisor in Iowa by Forbes | SHOOK Research for 2025! 🎉
This prestigious recognition reflects what we already know to be true — Heather’s dedication to her clients, her community, and her principled, client-first approach is nothing short of exceptional. Her leadership shines especially bright in today’s financial climate.
As the stock market continues to reach new heights in 2025, investors are increasingly turning to trusted advisors for guidance. While corporate earnings remain strong, concerns about inflation and global tariffs introduced by President Trump have led to renewed volatility across portfolios. In these uncertain times, experience matters — and so does temperament.
According to Fidelity’s 2024 Women & Investing Study, women tend to adopt a more conservative, disciplined approach during periods of market stress — a strategy that often proves resilient in the long run. Heather’s thoughtful investment philosophy and steady hand are exactly what clients need as they navigate this complex environment.
The Forbes | SHOOK Top Women Wealth Advisors list honors just over 2,400 female advisors across the country, collectively managing more than $3.6 trillion in assets. Selection is based on a combination of quantitative performance metrics and qualitative interviews, meaning this recognition reflects both real-world results and personal excellence.
To Heather — our colleague, friend, and business partner — thank you. Your leadership and commitment make Private Wealth stronger, smarter, and more prepared for the future.
We’re honored to work alongside you.
Tim’s Book Summary
📚 Book Spotlight: Why GRIT Still Packs a Punch — 9 Years Later by Tim Durbin
A powerful reminder that success is more marathon than sprint.
If you haven’t picked up Angela Duckworth’s GRIT, there’s no better time than now. First published in 2016 and still climbing bestseller lists, GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance offers timeless insights into what truly drives achievement — and it’s not just talent.
One of our team members recently read it for the first time and called it “a heartfelt journey through perseverance, growth, and guts.” From her deeply personal stories about her father to her work with NFL coach Pete Carroll and cadets at West Point, Duckworth blends science with soul to show how passion and sustained effort can outpace raw ability.
What makes GRIT especially relevant for us?
It reminds us that true excellence isn’t just about being smart or skilled — it’s about pushing through challenges, learning from setbacks, and showing up with consistency. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a project, or navigating your own career goals, the core message is clear: effort counts twice.
We loved the blend of psychology, real-world case studies, and actionable takeaways. Bonus points if you take the GRIT self-assessment — it’s a fun way to reflect on your own growth mindset.
Up Next on the Reading List:
Think Again by Adam Grant — a compelling follow-up from one of Duckworth’s fellow researchers. Stay tuned for a review!
Brooke’s Blossoms: A Legacy of Love and Hope
Last month, our Private Wealth Asset Management team gathered in San Antonio — and while we were there, we came together for something truly special.
As part of our time together, we participated in a service project benefiting Brooke’s Blossoms, an organization born from the bravery, kindness, and radiant spirit of a young girl who changed the world — one headband at a time.
Giving Back With Purpose 💛
Kimberly Cappellano is proud to serve on SHARE Omaha Board! Our team volunteered with Nebraska Diaper Bank, wrapping 7,394 diapers to support 123 babies. Grateful for partnerships that lift families!
Junior Achievement in Central Iowa
Recently, our Des Moines team had the opportunity to volunteer at Junior Achievement of Central Iowa Our time was spent with a great group of seventh graders, including Kristen’s daughter, from Ankeny’s Parkview Middle School as they got to experience one financial month of “adult life” in JA’s Finance Park program.
See the coverage on our social media: Facebook
Celebrating Two Years of Excellence in St. Louis!
Time flies when you’re helping families build lasting legacies! We’re proud to celebrate the two-year anniversary of our St. Louis Private Wealth office — a milestone that reflects our deep commitment to serving clients in the heart of the Midwest.
Since opening our doors, the St. Louis team has grown into a trusted resource for individuals, families, and business owners seeking personalized financial guidance and long-term strategy. Their impact has been felt not only through strong client relationships but also through active involvement in the local community.
To our clients, colleagues, and partners in St. Louis — thank you for being part of this journey. We’re just getting started, and the future looks bright!
Here’s to continued growth, service, and success in the years ahead. 🥂
Explore Private Wealth on: LinkedIn
We’re Excited to Mark a Major Milestone
Two-year anniversary of three exceptional individuals at our Omaha office:
- Ben Goethel, J.D., Partner, Senior Wealth Strategist
- Tyler Schlumpf, CFA, Partner, Senior Portfolio Manager
- Zac Ritchey, CFP®, Partner, Managing Director, Lead Advisor
Since joining forces with Private Wealth, Ben, Tyler, and Zac have brought vision, innovation, and unwavering dedication to our clients in Nebraska and beyond. Together, they’ve helped grow our Omaha presence into a powerhouse of strategic financial planning, investment expertise, and holistic wealth management.
We Are Hiring an Associate Investment Advisor in Des Moines, Iowa
Join One of America’s Top Wealth Management Firms
Private Wealth Asset Management, recently ranked among Forbes’ Top RIA Firms and Newsweek’s Top Financial Advisory Firms for 2025, is looking for a sharp and driven Associate Investment Advisor to join our Des Moines team. This role is a rare opportunity to grow your career with a nationally recognized firm that values integrity, innovation, and client success.
More Than Just Portfolio Management
As an Associate Investment Advisor, you’ll do more than monitor the markets. From executing trades and crafting investment strategies to collaborating on complex alternative investments like private capital and Pre-IPO equity, this position blends analysis with action. You’ll work hand-in-hand with clients, third-party advisors, and a top-tier internal team to bring clarity and value to every portfolio.
A Culture Built for Growth
At Private Wealth, we believe in building careers as thoughtfully as we build portfolios. With a flexible work environment, a collaborative culture, and a high standard of excellence, we provide the tools and mentorship to help you thrive. If you’re ready to elevate your advisory career, we’d love to hear from you.
Newsweek’s “America’s Top Financial Advisory Firms 2025” methodology, developed in partnership with Plant-A Insights Group, selects the top 750 Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) from over 15,000 SEC-registered firms. The ranking process involves evaluating firms on key metrics like asset performance, client performance, advisor expertise, service offerings, and the absence of conflicts of interest. Newsweek did not receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking.
The Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors ranking methodology, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative data. This approach uses an algorithm that considers factors like experience, assets under management, revenue, best practices, and compliance records. The ranking does not include investment performance as a criterion, as client objectives and risk tolerance vary. Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking.