ASHTON THOMAS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Business Development
AJ Shurts serves as Vice President of Business Development at Ashton Thomas Private Wealth. He previously served on the Advisor Acquisition and Product team at Rockefeller Capital Management in New York City, equipping him with valuable insights into the ecosystem of a successful wealth advisory and private family office enterprise.
Alex Demack, Executive Assistant, joined Ashton Thomas Private Wealth in 2023. Alex is responsible for supporting executive-level functions and managing complex tasks. She prides herself in maintaining a well-organized, harmonious, and productive work environment enabling Ashton Thomas executives to focus on leadership, decision-making, and strategic direction. Her role is multifaceted and dynamic involving administrative support, as well as participating in strategic discussions, project management, and special initiatives.
Originally hailing from the heart of Illinois, Alex's journey led her to the vibrant state of Arizona in 2015. In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Grand Canyon University. With a diverse background spanning across various industries including financial services, event services, cybersecurity, and information technology, Alex brings a holistic perspective to her role. Her professional journey has encompassed sales, marketing, and project management, affording her a diversified skill set that complements her role as an Executive Assistant.
Alex's enthusiasm for health and wellness shines through in her interests and hobbies. She is an avid practitioner of yoga and meditation, using these practices to cultivate mindfulness and balance in both her personal and professional life. Her commitment to balance and fostering harmony in the workplace led Alex to pursue a certificate in "Mindfulness and Resilience to Stress at Work" from the University of California Berkeley.
Job Titles:
- in 2022 As Director of Advanced Planning
- Member of the Denver
Amy joined Ashton Thomas in 2022 as Director of Advanced Planning. As part of the Advanced Planning team, she focuses on complex estate and trust situations, tax planning strategies, and related wealth planning solutions for clients of the firm and their advisors.
Amy has been committed to maintaining a high level of professional acumen throughout her career. She became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2003. Amy added the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, granted by the CFP Board of Standards, to her list of professional credentials in 2005. She also became a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) in 2007 and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) in 2017.
"Some people try to fit wealth planning into a box," says Amy. "I don't take that approach. While the technical aspects are important, planning is an ongoing conversation with a client. It's a dialogue, not a document."
Amy's financial services career has spanned more than two decades in the Chicago and Denver areas. Most recently, she was Director in Baird's Wealth Strategies Group. Prior to that, she was a Senior Wealth Planning Strategist for Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank in the Denver area, and an Executive Director with JPMorgan Private Bank in Chicago. In these roles, she worked directly with high-net-worth and family office clients of the firms on multifaceted planning solutions. Earlier in her career, she was a Senior Tax Consultant with Deloitte in Chicago. She interned for Arthur Andersen while in college and became a full-time Tax Consultant after graduation, focusing on middle market business, family office, and hedge fund tax clients.
Amy hails from the Chicago suburbs of northwestern Indiana. She is an alumnus of Indiana University, where she attended the Kelley School of Business. Majoring in both Accounting and Finance, Amy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2000.
"Because I grew up in a community where family was so important, I endeavor to treat each client like they are my grandparents," Amy states. "I'm also naturally curious, so I really enjoy the get-to-know aspect of planning for clients. Preserving tangible wealth is important, but so are the intangibles like family values, history, and culture. These things can really tie a family together. It's such an important aspect of what I do."
Amy is a committed member of the Denver metro professional community, having been active with the Mile High United Way's Women United Business Alliance for seven years.
"We're just delighted to have a credentialed planning professional of Amy's caliber as part of the Ashton Thomas family," says Ashton Thomas Founder and CEO, Aaron Brodt. "She brings valuable experience and perspective to an already talented Advanced Planning team. Our advisors really have a deep financial planning bench available to serve the complex needs of their private wealth clients."
Amy and her husband, Mike, reside in the Denver area with their two daughters, Mary and Lucy. They enjoy family trips to interesting and educational destinations. Amy and Mike enjoy golf and collecting photographic art. Amy is also an avid reader who enjoys comedy and a good podcast.
Job Titles:
- Managing Wealth Advisor / As Managing Wealth Advisor
, Angela leads the Confluence Private Wealth Team in providing hands-on, attentive service and personalized wealth management solutions to the people of Western Colorado.
Angela has diligently served clients throughout the Grand Valley for her entire career in financial services. Prior to joining Ashton Thomas, she was an advisor with WealthSource. Previously, Angela served as Vice President and Private Banker with Timberline Bank. She began her career with Wells Fargo, and her last role with that organization was also as a Private Banker in Grand Junction.
"The needs of the client come first," states Angela. "This aspect of our business has always been non-negotiable to me. Helping our clients discover their unique goals is the hallmark of our wealth advisory practice."
Angela earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Colorado Mesa University where she majored in Finance. She also successfully completed the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program.
Angela currently serves on the Board of Directors for Riverside Education Centers and the Colorado Northwestern Community College Foundation. Previously, she served on the board of the Mesa Monument Striders. Angela has also volunteered for the United Way Allocation Panel and Habitat for Humanity Women's Build, and she served as a leader for the Grand Valley Youth Cycling Ride.
A Colorado native who enjoys the rugged natural beauty of the Centennial State, Angela and her husband, Brian, enjoy taking in all the Western Slope has to offer. The two can often be found hiking and kayaking with their yellow Labrador Retriever, Regina. Angela also enjoys downhill cycling and has helped build and maintain trails throughout the Grand Valley region.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate, Private Wealth Client Solutions
April is a Client Service Associate in the firm's Helena, Montana, office. She supports the team of Ashton Thomas advisors based there and serves the administrative needs of their clients. Previously, April was a Client Service Associate with Wells Fargo Advisors in Helena.
April grew up in San Bernardino, California. After graduating from California State University, San Bernardino, in 2012, she lived in various locations throughout southern California as she built her career experience. April started in the finance services industry as Financial Advisor Trainee with Merrill Lynch. During the training program, she was asked to serve as a Client Service Associate for a team and remained in that role for the next two years. In 2014, she took a support role with Wells Fargo Advisors in Newport Beach, California. After serving a team of advisors for more than six years, she decided to relocate to the Rocky Mountain region. In early 2021, April interviewed with Montana-based Wells Fargo Financial Advisor Scott Knutson for an open Client Service role in his Helena practice and was hired. She served in that position until joining Ashton Thomas in November 2021.
April is very pleased with her decision to relocate to Montana. "I love camping and visiting national parks," she says, "so I'm right where I want to be!" She used to volunteer frequently for community causes while working in California and looks forward to finding new opportunities to lend her time and engage with the community in Helena. April is a proud "dog mom" to a pup named Zero.
Job Titles:
- in 2019 As a Senior Wealth Manager
- Senior Wealth Advisor
April Horace joined Ashton Thomas in 2019 as a Senior Wealth Manager. Prior to joining the firm, she had an extensive career in financial and fiduciary services. "Protecting the public shareholder, being transparent and putting clients first is what I know," says April.
Upon graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder, April joined KPMG as an auditor, rising to the role of Audit Manager. Following her stint in public accounting, she joined the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), analyzing initial public offerings and financial statements of publicly traded companies. "Protecting the public shareholder has always been at the heart of what I do," says April.
During the 1990s, April built an impressive career in the cable telecom industry with TCI. She worked her way to the role of Vice President of Business Affairs, presenting financial and market data to the executive team and board of directors. When AT&T acquired TCI in 1999, she pivoted to a market-related role. April joined Janco Partners, a regional investment firm, as a sell-side equity analyst covering the cable and satellite industries. "I knew a lot about the cable industry and technologies in this space," says April. "The challenge was learning about the stock market." During her time with Janco, she made several appearances on CNBC and ABC, and was also quoted by the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and Reuters.
In the wake of the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, April decided to capitalize on her institutional understanding of the market and work with high-net-worth individuals as a wealth manager. Her father, a successful business owner in the Chicago and Santa Fe metro areas, had a lasting impact on her approach to business. Starting her own advisory practice was daunting, but it was also familiar territory for April.
"I love translating complex financial concepts into simple ideas people can understand," says April. Today, she focuses on working with corporate executives and senior management, particularly in the cable telecom industry. She is a member of the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals (NASPP), where she keeps track of the latest thinking in the executive compensation field. April also enjoys working with successful entrepreneurs like her father. "I really enjoy learning about people and what interests them," she says.
As an unintentional pioneer of diversity in the workplace, April continues her commitment to helping women become financially independent. She is a volunteer financial coach for Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) and a supporter of workplace diversity.
Personally, April enjoys sailing and traveling abroad. She is a resident of the Denver metropolitan area and is involved in various civic and industry organizations.
Job Titles:
- Client Service Associate
- Wealth Supervisor
Ashley Bomar is a Client Service Associate in Ashton Thomas Private Wealth's Billings, Montana office. She joined the firm in 2021 after serving for four years in a similar role with another financial organization. Ashley is focused on providing white-glove service to clients and proactively supporting the advisors she assists in all facets of day-to-day operations.
Ashley is a native of Big Sky Country. Growing up in Shepherd, Montana, she got "very into horses" during her youth. Eventually, she started competitive reining, which led to an NCAA riding scholarship at New Mexico State University.
After completing her degree and riding programs at New Mexico State, she returned to Montana and took a teller role with Wells Fargo Bank in Billings. Eventually, she became a Personal Banker with the organization, remaining there for a total of eight years. During her time with Wells Fargo, she developed a growing interest in the investment and fiduciary side of the business. When a position in that space became available with D.A. Davidson, she made the move and spent the next four years of her career as a Client Service Associate in their Billings branch office.
Ashley married her husband, Kyle, in 2013. They are "dog parents" of an Old English bulldog and a brand-new Rottweiler puppy. Ashley and Kyle enjoy doing life in the outdoors, particularly when it comes to fishing, camping, hiking, or rafting. Ashley still owns horses but does not ride competitively at present. "I would like to get back to it someday", she says. "But for now, work and life are my main priorities."
Becky L'Allier joined the Compliance team at Ashton Thomas Private Wealth in 2023, assuming the role of Compliance Manager. In this role, Becky is focused on marketing compliance, policies and procedures, and compliance systems. Becky brings her experience in the financial services industry to support the team in ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
Originally from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, Becky embarked on her professional journey after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree as a Paralegal from Rasmussen College in Minnesota, further expanding her legal expertise.
Throughout her career, Becky has gained diverse industry knowledge through her roles in various financial institutions, including a broker-dealer, life insurance company, mortgage company, and capital management firm. This breadth of experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of different facets of the financial services industry, from internal operations to navigating state and federal regulatory entities.
Passionate about continuous improvement and collaboration, Becky enjoys working with individuals from different departments within an organization to enhance processes and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. Her ability to ask pertinent questions and draw upon her wide-ranging experience allows her to contribute valuable insights to the compliance function.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Becky's previous focus revolved around her children's high school hockey and soccer careers. Now that her children have moved out, she has taken on a new challenge with the purchase of a fixer-upper lake property in Chippewa Falls. Embracing the DIY spirit, she looks forward to engaging in house and landscape projects, and exploring her newfound hobbies.
What drives Becky in her role in Compliance is the opportunity to work collaboratively with diverse teams and departments, contributing to the improvement of processes and ensuring regulatory compliance. She values the chance to utilize her experience to understand the intricacies of the business and support the organization's overall success. With her dedication to maintaining high standards of compliance and her proactive approach to problem-solving, Becky is a valuable asset to the Compliance team at Ashton Thomas.
Job Titles:
- CFP® Private Client Tax Advisor
Blake Mattfeldt joined Ashton Thomas in July 2023 as a Private Client Tax Advisor. Blake is an accomplished professional holding the esteemed designation of CPA. Blake plays a pivotal role within the Tax Advisory team at Ashton Thomas located in their Bozeman, Montana office. He appreciates the collaborative nature of working amongst the Advanced Planning Team in support of ATPW advisors.
Blake's academic accomplishments are notable. He earned his bachelor's degree followed by a Master of Professional Accountancy from Montana State University. Building on this strong foundation, he pursued and secured the Certified Public Accountant designation in 2021 and has recently secured his Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation.
Early in his career, Blake focused on supporting individual RIAs across the nation, focusing in areas requiring specialized knowledge such as equity compensation and navigating complex multi-state tax scenarios. Working closely with the investment management and financial planning team he aims to deliver comprehensive solutions, strategic tax planning, and tax preparation for high-net-worth individuals, families, and corporate executives.
Born and raised in Glasgow, Montana, dubbed the "Middle of Nowhere" by Conde Nast Traveler, Blake headed to western Montana where he lived in Missoula for a year and ultimately ended up in Bozeman in 2016. Blake and his fiancée find joy spending time on the golf course with friends and immersing themselves in the natural splendor that Montana has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Senior Transitions Specialist
Job Titles:
- in 2020 As a Wealth Advisor
- Wealth Advisor Associate
Brad Burr joined Ashton Thomas in 2020 as a Wealth Advisor focusing on retirement plans for business, or 401(k) plans. Prior to joining Ashton Thomas, he led the 401(k) effort at Arizona-based Lovitt & Touché.
Brad is a native of Tucson, Arizona, and a graduate of the University of Arizona, where he majored in history and minored in economics and psychology. He started his career in the hospitality industry, holding various position in places of interest like the South Pacific and Alaska. After working in a family business briefly, he was approached by a friend who worked for Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, a predecessor of RBC Wealth Management. His friend encouraged him to consider a career as a stockbroker with the firm and Brad took him up on the offer. The rest, as they say, is history.
In 1985, Brad left the brokerage world to join The Acacia Group in Phoenix where he met current Ashton Thomas advisor and friend, Jay Penney. After serving as the registered securities principal for Acacia's Phoenix office for 16 years, he stepped into the wholesale world for a time, working as an external annuity wholesaler and then internally with an insurance marketing organization (IMO). In 2008, he joined Lovitt & Touché to focus on the retirement plan space for the firm.
"Whether it's an individual client or a business client, you have to uncover their need and find a solution," says Brad of his seasoned perspective on the advisory profession.
To better serve his clients through the years, Brad obtained his Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) Professional designation in 1989. He was also past president of the Phoenix chapter of the National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors (NAIFA), a leading insurance professional industry association.
He and his wife, Cathy, have known each other since college and have been married for more than 35 years. They have two daughters, one who is an actress in New York City and one who lives with her family-which includes a grandson-in the Dallas metro area. Brad enjoys playing golf and traveling with Cathy to visit their family.
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager / Assistant Director of Investments and Trading
- Portfolio Manager and Assistant Director of Investments and Trading
Brandon is a Portfolio Manager and Assistant Director of Investments and Trading at Ashton Thomas Private Wealth. He joined the firm in 2022.
Previously, Brandon was an Associate Portfolio Manager with Charles Schwab & Co.'s Wasmer Schroeder group, a separately managed municipal bond portfolio for high-net-worth individual and institutional investors. Prior to attending graduate school in Europe, Brandon worked alongside Claudiu Barbos-who is now Director of Investments and Trading Ashton Thomas-as a Senior Fixed Income Specialist and Trader on Vanguard's Special Transactions team, which served the firm's ultra-high-net-worth investors. He was recruited out of college by Vanguard and worked as a trader on the company's mutual fund, equity, and options trading desks at various points.
Brandon hails from the Tacoma, Washington metro area. He moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University, graduating with a Finance degree in 2005. He attended graduate school in France at the Rennes School of Business, obtaining a master's degree in Finance in 2019.
Brandon and his wife, Molly, met just prior to his European excursion and were married in 2022. They currently reside in Arizona and enjoy traveling, attending live music events, and spending time with their French bulldog, Fiona.
Job Titles:
- Managing Wealth Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager
Bratton DuBose, CFP®, is Managing Wealth Advisor of Ashton Thomas Private Wealth's Bozeman, Montana office.
"We aspire to excellence every day," says Bratton, "We really value our clients, and we enjoy working with them. We also truly appreciate the team at Ashton Thomas which supports us in delivering financial planning, investment management, and related services to each client."
Assisting Bratton with delivery of an exceptional financial planning and client service experience is his colleague, Becca Dammann, CFP®, AIF®, who has worked with Bratton for several years.
Bratton hails from South Carolina and is an alumnus of Clemson University. He was drawn to the "fresh air, clean water, and mountains" of Big Sky Country during his youth. Never afraid of hard work, Bratton worked as a ranch hand during the winters in Montana while attending Clemson the rest of the year. Bratton fell in love with the Rocky Mountain region and chose to call it home after graduating from Clemson with a degree in economics and accounting.
Bratton started his career as a financial advisor with D.A. Davidson in 1994. However, general brokerage industry practices which were common at the time made Bratton question his career choice. He briefly considered a change of direction which would have set him in the same career path of his father, an internal medicine physician. However, he envisioned that a disciplined, methodical approach like that used by the best physicians could work well in wealth management. As a result, he chose to pursue the CFP® designation, earning it in 2006. "I saw how a focus on pairing comprehensive financial planning with disciplined portfolio management could lead to better outcomes for clients."
Bratton moved his practice to Wells Fargo Advisors in 2011. Becca, who had previously worked with Bratton at D.A. Davidson, rejoined him in 2016. With Becca's help, he has built a substantial wealth management practice based in the Bozeman area. Bratton and Becca remained with Wells Fargo Advisors until 2019, when they joined Ashton Thomas.
Bratton and his wife, Kelly, make their home in Bridger Canyon near Bozeman. They enjoy being on the lake during summer weekends. Their son, Hans, is a sophomore at Arizona State University and their son, Bratton V, is a senior at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Bratton also enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and scuba diving with his family and friends. Bratton and Kelly, who is a Great Falls native, have called Bozeman home since 1996.
"It's all about the client," says Brienne Dylewski, CFP® when asked about how she views herself as a financial professional. "Be a good listener, offer thoughtful and simple solutions, and provide the best client service you can."
Having left Pennsylvania at the age of 4, Brienne grew up in Tucson in humble surroundings. Being a resourceful and motivated person, she moved out on her own at the age of 17 and quickly became self-sufficient as a young adult. "The way I grew up really influenced my relationship with money," says Brienne. Originally an architecture major in college, she still has passion for design, style, and use of space. Brienne also had a passion helping people with their financial futures and graduated with a BS in Accounting from the University of Arizona.
Brienne has been an integral part of the Tucson, Arizona, financial advisory landscape since 2002, when she began her career with American Express Financial Services. She quickly realized the opportunities for professional growth in a small firm environment, and became a part of Financial Architects in 2003, joining founder, James "Jim" Walker. "I had a good working relationship with Jim right away and realized early I had a lot to learn from him as a financial professional," says Brienne of the dynamic that developed between the two future business partners.
Continuing the theme of professional development, Brienne completed Boston University's Financial Planning Certificate Program in 2006 and received her Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) mark. Shortly thereafter, Brienne became very active in the Financial Planning Association of Southern Arizona, serving for a time as chapter president and for several years as a board member.
In 2013, Brienne Dylewski acquired Financial Architects from Jim Walker. This was the result of a carefully-planned transition leading to Jim's retirement from the business. In 2018, Brienne partnered with Ashton Thomas and became the firm's Managing Wealth Advisor in its Tucson office, the former location of Financial Architects.
Brienne has been active in several community and not-for-profit organizations, including OdaikoSonora, where she served on the board of directors, and Junior Achievement, where she has volunteered regularly.
In her recreational time, Brienne enjoys hang gliding, sky diving, surfing, and paragliding. She is also an avid hiker and can be found exploring trails and mountain paths throughout her home state. "I like to be outdoors when I can. I enjoy my work as an advisor, but it's nice to step away on weekends and unplug." Perhaps this alone time is one reason Brienne remains the kind of attentive listener her clients appreciate.
Cade is a Wealth Advisor on the Schwinck Private Wealth Team at Ashton Thomas Private Wealth. The Schwinck Private Wealth Team has offices both in Cherry Creek (Denver) and Colorado Springs.
Cade joined the team in August 2022. Prior to joining the team, he was an operational liaison with Charles Schwab & Co., working closely with the firm's Registered Investment Advisor clients.
Cade became interested in financial services by observing the financial discipline his parents exemplified through his formative years. This was reinforced when Cade spent time job-shadowing Karl Schwinck and his team while in college. Cade earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.
According to Managing Wealth Advisor, Karl Schwinck, "I had the pleasure of coaching Cade in youth baseball for years, enabling me to see his work ethic, desire to learn, and intelligence. He sincerely wants to help others and that perspective is why I'm excited to have him on the team."
The Schwinck Private Wealth Team is led by Karl Schwinck. In addition to Cade, the team also includes John McCloskey - Senior Wealth Advisor, Tiffany Shorkey - Private Wealth Marketing Associate, and Sandy Martin - Private Wealth Client Associate.
Cade owns a home in Colorado Springs and, in his spare time, enjoys playing golf and adult league baseball. Cade is committed to being involved in his community and giving back, with a particular focus on youth baseball.
Job Titles:
- Compliance Analyst
- Compliance Analyst in the Scottsdale Headquarters
Cathy is a Compliance Analyst in the Scottsdale headquarters of Ashton Thomas Private Wealth. She assists the Compliance team with advertising and communication oversight, compliance platform monitoring, and regulatory policy and procedure. Cathy joined Ashton Thomas in 2023.
Cathy started her financial services career with American Funds, part of Capital Group, where she worked from 2005 through 2015. Prior to joining Ashton Thomas, Cathy worked in client service and operations roles at Charles Schwab, Vanguard, and AssetMark. Most recently, she held a compliance role with Arizona-based wealth management firm Dynamic Wealth Advisors.
Originally from the Chicago area, Cathy moved to Arizona in 1982 with her family. She has been married to her best friend and love of her life since 1996 and has two daughters, one grandchild, and four dogs, Cathy and her husband enjoy riding motorcycles in their free time.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Partner
- Managing Director, Partner Private Wealth Advisor
Chris is Managing Director and Partner with the Stafford Schauer Private Wealth Team at Ashton Thomas. He has more than 25 years of experience working with high-net-worth individuals and families requiring complex, multigenerational wealth advice solutions.
Chris and his team focus on the development and execution of customized wealth solutions for their clients, including advanced charitable and estate planning, investment portfolio management, income tax solutions, and related wealth advice services.
Prior to joining Ashton Thomas in 2023, Chris was a lead member of the Stafford Schauer Group at Alex. Brown, a division of Raymond James. Before joining Alex. Brown in 2005, he spent 14 years with the private client division of Merrill Lynch. Chris was the founding partner of a top-producing team for Merrill Lynch in New England, focusing on risk management and portfolio composition.
Chris is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. He is a former member of the board of directors at the Tower School in Marblehead, Massachusetts
Mr. Morzelewski specializes in retirement planning, income management, philanthropic planning, and estate and legacy planning. Mr. Morzelewski brings more than 17 years of industry experience working with high net worth families to the Ashton Thomas team. Prior to joining Ashton Thomas, Clark served as Vice President and Senior Account Executive with Fidelity Investments where he managed more than 350 client relationships with a combined net worth in excess of $1 billion. While at Fidelity he received the President's Award on multiple occasions, recognizing his outstanding client relationships. Mr. Morzelewski received a Business degree from the University of Phoenix. He is also very involved in the community, serving on the Alumni Board of the David Eccles School of Business at University of Utah, The Canyons Education Foundation Board, as well as The Planned Giving Community at Intermountain Medical and Research Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Director of Investments and Trading
- in 2021 As Director of Fixed Income and Portfolio Manager
Claudiu joined Ashton Thomas Private Wealth in 2021 as Director of Fixed Income and Portfolio Manager. In 2022, he became Director of Investments and Trading. In this role, Claudiu leads the firm's Asset Allocation Team and supports Ashton Thomas advisors and clients through technical research, market commentary, manager and investment due diligence, and oversight of trade desk functions.
Prior to joining Ashton Thomas, Claudiu was Senior Portfolio Trader with Voya Financial, where he covered multiple market sectors and contributed to the broker-dealer's overall asset allocation strategy. Previously, he had an extensive career with Vanguard, primarily as a Senior Fixed Income Trader. He was an inaugural member of Vanguard's Fixed Income Special Transactions team, where he focused on building customized fixed income solutions for high-visibility, ultra-high-net-worth clients of the firm. These portfolios often contained complex financial instruments, as well as tailored, sophisticated cash management strategies.
"Advisors who serve high-net-worth clients typically oversee complex investment portfolios," says Claudiu. "There is usually a need for creative thinking and an experienced perspective when seeking solutions to match their specific mandates. This is what I enjoy doing most."
Born and raised in Romania, Claudiu and his family emigrated to the United States in 1983, settling in the North Shore of the Chicago metropolitan area. The family relocated to Indianapolis during his teenage years, where he attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. Claudiu moved to the desert southwest for college at Arizona State University, graduating in 1999 with a degree in Finance and a minor in Economics and has remained in Arizona since.
Claudiu has been licensed as a real estate agent in Arizona for two decades, largely for personal investment purposes. He resides in a friendly north Scottsdale neighborhood where he has lived for some time. "It's the kind of place where you know all your neighbors and they know you," he says fondly. A former member of the Honeywell League (soccer), Claudiu enjoys watching and playing sports, as well as reading, swimming, and running. He also enjoys spending time with his seven-year-old niece, who is "way too smart for her own good."
During the pandemic, Claudiu discovered a passion for cooking. "Since I couldn't eat out during the lockdown, I decided to look for a selection of assorted recipes, find the necessary ingredients each week, and prepare dishes I hadn't tried before." He intends to keep up this newfound tradition for some time to come.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Partner
- Managing Director, Partner Private Wealth Advisor
Cory is Managing Director and Partner with the Stafford Schauer Private Wealth Team at Ashton Thomas. He concentrates on serving high-net-worth individuals, families, endowments, and foundations by providing wealth planning, estate planning, and asset preservation strategies.
Cory was drawn to the financial services industry out of a desire to work with families pursuing or working with multigenerational wealth needs. Prior to joining Ashton Thomas in 2023, Cory was a member of the Stafford Schauer Group at Alex. Brown, a division of Raymond James. He joined Deutsche Bank in 2009, transitioning to Alex. Brown in 2016. Previously, Cory was Vice President with the Bank of New York Mellon, where he served as a portfolio manager and, subsequently, provided estate planning solutions to clients of the bank. Earlier in his career, he was a practicing attorney and equity partner at Donovan Hatem LLP in Boston, where he focused on tax and estate planning.
Cory is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He earned a master's degree in taxation (LLM) from Boston University and a law degree (JD) from Suffolk University Law School. He is a member of the board of directors for Suffolk University Law Alumni, the Boston Estate Planning Council, and the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore.
Originally from Edison, New Jersey, Cory now resides in Marblehead, Massachusetts, with his wife, Rachel. Together, they have three daughters, Olivia, Carly, and Leah, each of whom are enrolled in collegiate pursuits.
Job Titles:
- Director, Partner Private Wealth Advisor
Dan serves affluent clients as Director and Partner with the McDonagh Private Wealth Team at Ashton Thomas. With a decade and a half in wealth management, he focuses on bringing together resources around the investment, trust and estate, insurance, and banking needs of the team's client base.
Previously, Dan was an advisor with Alex. Brown, a division of Raymond James. Prior to that, he was a client advisor with Lehman Brothers. Dan is graduate of Loyola University in Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in business administration. While at Loyola, he served as captain of the men's varsity lacrosse team.
Dan and his wife live in Connecticut with their three daughters. When not in the office or visiting with clients, Dan enjoys spending time with the family on the Long Island Sound or golfing with friends.
Dan joined Ashton Thomas Private Wealth as Chief Growth Officer in 2021. He focuses on initiatives to foster organic growth within the firm and leads the firm's external business development efforts to drive strategic growth. His leadership is also valued from an organizational perspective, having successfully created, grown, and managed to maturity a number of large-scale wealth management initiatives throughout his career.
When asked why he selected Ashton Thomas, Dan summarizes it like this: "Ashton Thomas gives an advisor the ability to confidently gain independence without having to go it alone. It's truly the best of both worlds."
Job Titles:
- Senior Private Client Tax Advisor
Daniel joined Ashton Thomas Private Wealth in 2022 as a Senior Private Client Tax Advisor. He is based out of the firm's Bozeman, Montana, office and works with Murray Smith as part of the Advanced Planning Team.
Dan attended Norwich University on a Marine Corps scholarship, graduating with a degree in Accounting. Following college, Dan was commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2009, completing a tour in Afghanistan and later serving as an Artillery Instructor based in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 2016, after retiring from military life, Dan and his family moved to Bozeman, where he earned a Master of Professional Accountancy degree from Montana State University. He followed this achievement by pursuing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, earning the credentials in 2018.
Prior to joining Ashton Thomas, Dan began his accounting career as a CPA and staff accountant for a regional accounting firm based in Bozeman. He later served as Senior Manager of Tax Solutions at XY Planning Network, where he oversaw a team of accountants, providing tax planning and income tax preparation to financial advisors across the country.
When he is not in the middle of tax season, Dan, his wife, Desiree, and their four children thoroughly enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of fishing, hiking, and all that Montana has to offer.
David Hatfield serves as the Chief Technology Officer for Ashton Thomas Private Wealth. David brings fresh and innovative ideas to the firm, which enhances our technology solutions for our clients and advisors.
For over a decade, David has deployed solutions to meet the needs of enterprise information management programs, compliance programs, business intelligence and analytics programs, as well as targeted application systems. These successful implementations have improved business worker productivity and provided strategic performance metrics. David graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science and Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the Ira A Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Information Management from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
David works with the Advanced Planning Team at Ashton Thomas Private Wealth. David has been practicing law in Arizona for over 20 years and owns the CDM law firm. He earned his Finance and Juris Doctorate degrees from Arizona State University. He is particular about each client's estate planning goals and objectives so that he can meet their specific legal needs. He loves his wife and children. He is an Arizona native who enjoys serving in his community and church. He also follows local sports and loves to golf and play basketball.
Job Titles:
- Senior Private Client Banking Consultant
Deanna is a Senior Private Client Banking Consultant with Ashton Thomas Private Wealth. As an integral part of the firm's Advanced Planning Team, she provides focused advice and direction to advisors and clients of the firm around credit, deposit, and lending solutions.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate, Private Client Services
- Senior Associate, Private Wealth Client Services
Denise serves as Senior Associate, Private Client Services, for the Confluence Private Wealth Team. Denise blends a wealth of financial industry experience with a calm demeanor and thoroughness to deliver attentive, white-glove service and support to each client served.
Before joining Ashton Thomas, Denise was a Client Relationship Manager with WealthSource Partners. Denise received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Management from Colorado Mesa University. She stayed in Grand Junction to start her career as a legal secretary specializing in trusts. Subsequently, she supported trust officers and investment advisors as a relationship manager.
When not serving clients of Ashton Thomas, Denise enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and two granddaughters.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Advisor With the Confluence Private Wealth Team
Doug is a Wealth Advisor with the Confluence Private Wealth Team. He began his career in financial services in 1983 and has been a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholder since 1987. He enjoys providing investment management and legacy planning advice to his clients.
Doug started an investment advisory firm in 2005 and subsequently merged that practice with Avant-Garde Advisors in 2013. Avant-Garde was one of two companies that formed WealthSource Partners, where Doug spent a number of years, shortly thereafter. He began his career with Wells Fargo's Private Asset Management group, where he was a Portfolio Manager. Doug also managed fixed-income portfolios for United Capital Management, a subsidiary of Norwest Bank of Minnesota.
Job Titles:
- Registered Private Wealth Associate
Eleonore is a Registered Private Wealth Associate in the firm's Bozeman, Montana office. She joined Ashton Thomas Private Wealth in 2023.
Previously, Eleonore was a Registered Client Associate with D.A. Davidson in Bozeman. She joined D.A. Davidson in 2016 as part of a midlife career change. Prior to entering the financial services industry, Eleonore was a work-from-home mom and a writer for Montana Parent magazine (a publication to which she still contributes). Earlier in her career, she was a writer for Time Out New York, and Premiere Magazine.
Eleonore was born in France and grew up in Michigan. She has also lived in Seattle and the New York metropolitan area. Eleonore earned a master's degree in Journalism from Northwestern University and received her undergraduate degree from Goucher College in Townson, Maryland.
Eleonore moved from Fairfield County, Connecticut to Montana in 2010 as part of an intentional lifestyle change. "Of course, I miss the culture and constant variety of the New York area, but Montana offers such a great lifestyle at a slower pace. I love it here!" When she is not working, Eleonore loves traveling, reading, cooking, and shopping. She also makes ample time for family, especially her mom, her adult kids, Ava and Jack, and her husband, Joe. Admittedly less active than many Montanans, Eleonore does love to get outdoors and do the occasional hike with Joe, which is "a lot easier than trying to keep up with him on a mountain bike!"
Joining Ashton Thomas Private Wealth in 2023 as a seasoned Marketing Administrator, Emilie Kaer oversees firm's digital marketing and social media functions, orchestrates impactful campaigns and provides marketing support to advisors. Her role also entails the coordination and planning of advisor events, ensuring seamless execution.
Hailing from the vibrant state of Iowa, Emilie's journey began with a foundation in graphic design from the University of Northern Iowa. This educational background has provided her a unique perspective, one in which she can communicate a brand's messaging from a holistic perspective. Transitioning from academia, Emilie's experiences as a RealtorÒ further honed her prowess in understanding consumer psychology and optimizing market engagement. These diverse experiences have collectively propelled her into the dynamic realm of marketing, where she has expertly built and led teams while setting unwavering standards for success.
Emilie currently resides in Scottsdale alongside her husband, Taylor. Outside of the professional realm, she spends most of her time in a yoga studio, a dance studio or an artist studio. Her insatiable curiosity fuels her passion for exploration, with travel ranking high on her list of personal priorities.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Client Service Associate
Eric Fontenot serves as a dedicated Private Wealth Client Associate at Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, based in our Helena office with the Helena Team. With over ten years of experience in the financial services industry, Eric is a seasoned professional driven by a commitment to investment strategy and delivering client-focused service excellence.
His dedication to mastering the complexities of finance is reflected in his acquisition of Series 6, 63, and 65 licenses, showcasing his unwavering dedication and client commitment. Eric thrives on fostering robust client relationships, understanding their distinct financial ambitions, and crafting personalized solutions that precisely meet their needs.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Eric made Helena his home in 2012 following the completion of his bachelor's degree in Radio, Television, and Film Communications from the University of North Texas.
Beyond his financial expertise, Eric is an avid collector of vinyl records, curating an impressive music collection. He's equally passionate about soccer, showing unwavering support for clubs like Manchester City and FC Dallas.
When Eric isn't dedicated to serving clients, he finds immense joy in quality time with his three children, ages 14, 11, and 2. Together, they enjoy shared interests in music and sports
Eric works with the Advanced Planning Team at Ashton Thomas Private Wealth. Eric is an innovative tax attorney with significant experience structuring aviation matters, high net-worth clients regarding complex tax and estate matters, wealth succession planning, asset protection planning, and client privacy planning. Eric is currently the managing attorney of ATE Law PLC, where he provides his clients with sound creative solutions to their aviation, tax, and estate planning challenges.
Education: New York University School of Law (LL.M., Taxation); The University of Alabama School of Law (J.D.); Auburn University (M.S., Finance); and Auburn University (B.S., Economics).
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- in 2021 As Director of Operations
Erica joined Ashton Thomas Private Wealth in 2021 as Director of Operations and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2024. As COO, she oversees all operational and client service functions across the enterprise and manages third-party custodian relationships. The firm's operations and client service functions are focused on providing consistent, proactive support to the firm's wealth advisors, enabling them to offer clients customized wealth solutions and white-glove service.
Originally hailing from the Minneapolis metro area, Erica attended Cardinal Stritch University from which she received a degree in Business Management.
She began her career with Wells Fargo Investments in 2003 as an Investment Operations Representative. Early in her career, Erica developed a passion for coaching and developing of her professional colleagues. She held several operations and client-service-related roles within the Wells Fargo organization, including Client Service Consultant with Wells Fargo Advantage Funds and a similar role with Wells Capital Management. Before joining Ashton Thomas, she was Director of Client Support Services with Wells Fargo subsidiary Galliard Capital Management, where she spent more than seven years.
Erica and her husband, Erik, a former hedge fund trader, relocated from Minnesota to Arizona with their daughter and son in 2020. When they are not working on their favorite project, building the family's dream home in north Peoria, they enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors.
Erin Galusha, Brand Administrator with Ashton Thomas Private Wealth in the Scottsdale office, is a versatile and accomplished graphic designer with a keen eye for creative endeavors within the firm. Highlighting her career, Erin's prowess shines through her instrumental role in organizing the firm's signature Elevate conference and crafting comprehensive print and digital media for the Ashton Thomas Private Wealth and Amplify team. Known for her adeptness in delivering top-quality projects under stringent timelines, Erin's adaptability and unwavering "can-do" attitude define her professional, energetic, and fun personality.
Driven by an inherent artistic inclination, Erin finds immense fulfillment in her work, relishing the opportunity to create something new every day. Her passion for artistry seamlessly intertwines with her professional endeavors, reflecting her lifelong dedication to creativity.
Initially, Erin spent four years as a massage therapist before transitioning into freelance graphic design in 2020. Erin's academic pursuits include earning an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Applied Science degree from Chandler Gilbert Community College, complemented by a Massage Therapy license and certification. Subsequently, she pursued her bachelor's degree in Graphic Design at Grand Canyon University in 2018.
Originally from the East Coast, Erin enjoyed the Colorado outdoors before engaging in agricultural pursuits upon relocating to Arizona. As a former Officer in the local FFA chapter, she mastered construction, irrigation, and animal handling, wholeheartedly embracing farm life.
Beyond work, Erin enjoys weightlifting, skiing, wake surfing, and honing her baking skills. She actively cares for her parents, engages in painting, and volunteering. Recently married, Erin's diverse professional journey aligns with her quirky traits, such as her fondness for sweets and aversion to spicy food.
Job Titles:
- Senior Accountant
- NMG Restaurants As an Accounting Manager
Garret La Haye is a Senior Accountant at Ashton Thomas Private Wealth. With a passion for numbers and a keen understanding of finance and operations, Garret brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role.
Born and raised in Belleview, WA, Garret has always had a strong connection to the Pacific Northwest. After starting his college journey at the University of San Francisco, he ultimately transferred back to Seattle University, where he graduated in 2013 with a degree in Finance and a minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
Garret began his professional career with Northwestern Mutual, where he was hired as an advisor trainee. While studying for the series 7 and 63 exams, he realized that his true passion lay in the accounting and operational aspects of the business, leading him to transition his focus.
In 2016, Garret joined NMG Restaurants as an accounting manager, leveraging his skills and knowledge to streamline financial processes and drive operational efficiency. Through his dedication and expertise, he quickly advanced to the role of Director of Operations, a position he held until the end of last year.
At the end of 2021, Garret relocated to Arizona, bringing his expertise to Ashton Thomas Private Wealth. He is thrilled to be part of a dynamic team that aligns perfectly with his passion for finance and his enjoyment of accounting.
In his personal life, Garret recently tied the knot with his wife, Katrina, who is a compassionate RN specializing in hospice care. They share their home with two beloved dogs, a golden doodle and a maltipoo.
When not immersed in his accounting responsibilities, Garret finds joy in staying active. He enjoys golfing and weight training at home, nurturing both his physical and mental well-being. Exploring the beauty of Arizona is also a favorite pastime for Garret and Katrina, who consider themselves food enthusiasts and love trying out new and diverse restaurants in the area.
Becca started her career at D.A. Davidson as a Client Associate in 2011, working alongside Bratton, who was already part of the firm. In 2016, she moved to Wells Fargo Advisors to rejoin Bratton's practice, as he had departed D.A. Davidson a few years earlier. While at Wells Fargo Advisors, she transitioned into a Financial Advisor role alongside Bratton. Today, Becca and Bratton are focused on helping clients achieve their financial and lifestyle goals through their Bozeman-based practice at Ashton Thomas.
"We have a great dynamic and enjoy working together," says Becca, who comes from a long line of ranchers. "Honesty and trust are at the heart of how I was raised. We care about our clients and always strive to do the right things for them backed by sound research and solutions."
Becca received her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University. In 2021, she became an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®). Becca obtained her Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) Professional designation in 2022. "It was important to Bratton and to me that we both maintain professional qualifications for serving our clients at the highest standard of care possible from a fiduciary perspective. Financial planning is at the heart of what we do and we value the education and accountability being CFP® Professionals provides."
Becca is a sixth-generation Coloradan by birth. She and her husband, Matt, have called Bozeman home since 2010. They have two children, Monty and Hattie, and enjoy skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and camping as a family.
Rebecca "Becca" Dammann joined Ashton Thomas Private Wealth as a Senior Wealth Advisor in 2019. She is part of the Bozeman, Montana, office where she serves affluent clients with Managing Wealth Advisor, Bratton DuBose, CFP®.