EPIC TRUST FINANCIAL GROUP - Key Persons
Andrea has many years of accounting experience which she employs to help her clients keep meticulous financial records. Her attention to detail and dedication to accuracy makes her a valuable addition to our business accounting team. To keep up with changing best practices, she continues her education with online trainings and is pursuing her Bachelors in Accounting. Andrea enjoys spending her free time outdoors, reading, and geocaching with her family.
Job Titles:
- VP of Operations and Marketing
Working all through school, Carmen finished both her Bachelor and Master's Degrees, both in Business Administration with a focus on management. She continued to use her ability to work independently to develop and implement procedures that further her team's client servicing goals. Her love of history and sociology has helped her see the big picture when it comes to investments. She shares her skills to provide excellent client support. As an active part of the community, she dedicates her time to volunteer causes. When Carmen isn't spending her time finding ways to better address her clients' needs or helping the community, you can find her outside, enjoying nature with her puppy dog.
Charlie has experience working behind the scenes for the accounting team for three decades, starting out working with her husband, Ron, and contributing to the success of his practice. Working on E-Filing and Accounts Receivable, she enjoys using her detective skills to solve issues for clients. As the last eye on tax returns, her scrupulous nature contributes to her success in providing reliable, quality services to our clients. When she isn't dedicating her keen eyes to client services, Charlie enjoys expressing her creativity while decorating cakes, especially for her grandkids' birthdays. She takes every chance at traveling, including trips to Europe and driving all around the Northwest to visit her family. Spending time with them is important to her. She even works with some of them!
Craig has more than 30 years' experience as a financial advisor. His specialties include investment tax planning, estate tax planning, family office administration for high-net-worth individuals and retirement income planning. Craig is a valued advisor and consultant because he listens. His first goal is to help you succeed, to ensure that you reach all your goals and hopes and dreams. He accomplishes that by actively listening and then meticulously meeting with all of your trusted team (CPA, Accountant, Estate/Tax Attorney, etc.), carefully explaining and illustrating all elements of your plan, and then working through the plan until everything is done. Craig lives in Washington Utah with his wife Aliesa. They have 6 children and 4 grandchildren. They love to go to the lake and the beach together. Craig enjoys reading, swimming, running, playing basketball and watching football in his free time.
Eliza is dedicated to equitable and personal service for all clients. She has worked in client service positions in various industries, always putting people first. While she had some experience with accounting before joining the team, she has learned so much more and is constantly expanding her knowledge of the industry. The tax preparers may not always be available right away, so Eliza works diligently to field questions and assure clients that, yes, the IRS really is that slow. When she isn't checking the status of clients tax returns, you can find her watering the strawberry patch at her grandparents' house or walking her handsome kitty cat. She shares her home with her spouse, her sisters, two feline friends, a million house plants, and all the lil' buggies that live in their leaves.
Erica is experienced in solving problems and fielding difficult questions. She has on the job training in payroll, client services, and accounting, which piqued her interest in the financial sector and led her to pursue formal education in business. Her education journey lead her to getting a Bachelors Degree in Project Management, even though she couldn't get enough of her science classes. She polishes her accounting skills with QuickBooks trainings and certifications. Even in her free time she is focused on self development, reading an average of 100 books per year. She won't miss a chance to enjoy some barbeque and might even bring some veggies from her home garden to the next cookout. Hiking and camping are her go to adventures, but she doesn't mind a beach vacation now and again.
Job Titles:
- Insurance Account Manager
Working remotely hasn't stopped Gretchen from being a valuable asset to the insurance team. Another family connection in the firm, she grew up as the oldest of 15 alongside her brother, Tyson. She spent her early adulthood as a domestic engineer, raising five curious kids. Later, she put those management skills to work in an office setting, working with a communications company. Her eagerness to learn and her positivity have been key to her growth within the insurance industry. Always eager to help, she serves her clients with integrity and professionalism while maintaining her lightheartedness. Gretchen lives out of state but makes time to visit the head office to connect with the team. She likes just about any type of yardwork, even weeding! She loves spending time with her grandbabies and chasing them around her garden, soaking up the sun with them.
Julia, a new addition to our team, is a fast learner who believes that, with cooperation, a solution can be found to any problem.
She finds that interacting with clients is often the most fulfilling part of her day. She strives to create a friendly, welcoming environment for clients and coworkers alike and will often share stories of her hometown in western Montana, or of one of her four fluffy pets.
Since Julia arrived in Spokane a little over five years ago, she has dedicated her time to uplifting and supporting her newfound community. Supporting local food bank and animal shelter efforts through donations, and even shepherding a free community pantry in her neighborhood.
When Julia is outside the office, she enjoys painting, yoga, and games with her family- even if her cats do like to steal all the board game pieces.
Job Titles:
- VP Investment Services, Wealth Management Advisor Investment Advisor Representative
Lori is hardworking and energetic, both physically and mentally. She has spent her interesting life practicing everything from financial advising to sports coaching. After diligent study, Lori received her PhD from WSU in 2001. She didn't stop there. She went on to become certified as a Chartered Mutual Funds Counselor in 2015 then earned her CFP four years later. Her favorite formal study has been Mechanical Kinesiology. She uses that knowledge to maximize her sports performance and recovery. Whether it's skiing, backpacking, swimming, or motorcycling, she is always staying active. To refuel after a long day spent serving her clients and exercising her body, she enjoys a good taco.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Management Advisor Investment Advisor Representative
Starting out as a paperboy, Marc has worked since his youth. His industriousness has granted him many unique opportunities. In college, he held positions as a radio DJ and college sports reporter. He interviewed two of his biggest sports idols, hockey players Guy Lafleur and Gordie Howe. His love of hockey helped him succeed as a youth travel hockey coach. He graduated from EMU in 1985 with majors in Economic and Public Administration. His interest in economics sparked his career in Wealth Management. Marc was a two time President's Council appointee with CBSI. During his time with Merrill Lynch, he received his CFM designation in 2005. He regularly blesses the office with his knowledge of trivia and other eruditious information-- in fact his wife Sharon often calls him Cliff, referencing the hit 80's sitcom, "Cheers" (he calls her Carla). They enjoy summers together at the family cabin off Higgins Lake, Michigan.
Mark earned first his Bachelors Degree in Accounting then went on to earn his Master's in Tax and Accounting. Just following his graduation in 2017, he was hired by a nationally known accounting firm to work as a tax staff. He continued to work just as diligently as he had in school and obtained his CPA license in 2019. He jumped at the opportunity to spend 3 weeks in Ghana where he held seminars for small businesses. He was so good at crunching the numbers he ended up being able to build his family's home, his wife acting as the general contractor while he learned how to use a nail gun. Mark's knack for measurements comes in handy when in the kitchen where he loves to spend his free time. He enjoys testing out new baking recipes on his family; wife and his little kids certainly won't complain. His title might not include it, but he really is the king of the office candy bowl.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Management Advisor
Job Titles:
- Accounting and Tax Manager / Senior Accountant
Having worked part-time in accounting for nearly all of her adult life, dabbling in many industries' bookkeeping, she decided to make it official by graduating from Heritage University with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2019. She followed it up by acing her exams and earning her CPA license in early 2022. Mette is enjoying this new chapter of her life. Before starting her career as a Tax and Accounting Manager, she dedicated most of her days to her large family, even working in her parents' business. She loves nerding out on tax but loves raising her kiddos even more. When she doesn't have her hands full with her kiddos and her brain full of accounting, she enjoys any good action flick--as long as it has at least one scene where something blows up!
Job Titles:
- CFO, President of Tax Planning and Strategy Investment Advisor Representative
Nathan started reading the Wall Street Journal with his Grandpa in the early 90's and carries on a subscription today. While his formal education and training is in tax accounting, he keeps up on management trends and strategies. Some of his favorite podcasts are "How I Built This and "View from the Top." Being involved in his own business ownership and development allows him to relate to his business owner clients, looking at their full financial picture when it comes to offering advice. Nathan enjoys cycling, running, and soccer. He stays active with his family and always makes time to enjoy his with his wife and three kids.
Patrick Fair is an accomplished professional with a strong background in business management and leadership. With a proven track record of success, Patrick has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth and deliver results.
Throughout his career, Patrick has held key executive positions in various industries, including technology, finance, and consulting. His strategic vision and expertise in developing and executing business strategies have played a crucial role in driving revenue and profitability for organizations.
Patrick is known for his exceptional leadership skills, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work culture. He has a passion for building and leading talented teams, empowering them to achieve their full potential and exceed expectations.
As a forward-thinking and innovative leader, Patrick stays at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies. He leverages this knowledge to identify opportunities for business expansion, forge strategic partnerships, and drive innovation within organizations.
Patrick is also committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices. He believes in making a positive impact on the community and the environment, integrating ethical and responsible practices into business operations.
With his extensive experience and expertise, Patrick Fair is a trusted leader who consistently delivers exceptional results and drives organizational success.
Patrick Fair is an accomplished professional with a strong background in business management and leadership. With a proven track record of success, Patrick has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth and deliver results.
Job Titles:
- Tax Principal / Senior Accountant
Ron believes in fostering an atmosphere of trust and competence, mitigating the stress of tax preparation since 1979 when he first started in the business. He passed the enrolled agent exam in 1982 enabling him to practice before the IRS. Starting his adult life serving a two-year church mission in England, he continued to serve his country as a Naval Flight Officer. He employs new technology in his field to serve the evolving needs of his clients. His former company, Tri-Cities Tax and Accounting, which he started in 1987, was one of the very first firms in the area to offer electronic tax filing. Ron uses his talent in woodworking to turn beautiful pens and bowls on his lathe. If you can get him to brush off the sawdust, he might beat you in a 5k race, just as the community saw him do in the 2019 Cable Bridge Run. He even won first place in his age division!
Having worked in accounting services and bookkeeping since 1985, Taiya lends her experience within the medical, agricultural, construction, and retail sectors. She has sharpened her skill by taking accounting classes, obtaining QuickBooks certifications, and collaborating with her team to provide quality work for her clients. When she isn't deep in transactions, she enjoys playing with her puppies and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband of nearly four decades.
Job Titles:
- CMO, President of Insurance Insurance Advisor / Commercial
Tyson started his own insurance business in March of 2019. His commitment to employing the latest technologies enables him to adapt to his clients' changing needs. He uses the communication skills that he learned growing up in a family of 15 to serve his clients' unique needs and help understand their goals. He has such a passion for language that he has learned a total of four languages, including Bulgarian. He is interested in cultural studies of the near east and likes trying their traditional dishes. Using his green thumb, Tyson grows peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers which he loves to use on his Bulgarian street tacos. When he is away from work, he enjoys visiting the Oregon coast with his wife and three kiddos. He'll catch any superhero movie that's playing, even if it's in Spanish (another one of the languages he knows)!
Job Titles:
- Client Service Specialist / Paraplanner
Born and raised in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Vicky brings over 25 years of diversified experience in Business Management, Leadership Roles, Human Resources, and Bookkeeping just to name a few! Vicky's career path included President of a Family Moving and Transportation Company, Co-Owner of a Pet Franchise Business, and a Mortgage Consultant specifically collaborating with homeowners who were facing foreclosures.
Each day, she starts her morning routine with a cheerful outlook and a smile in her voice! She is dedicated to providing excellent customer service, and making sure her clients are always satisfied. Vicky enjoys meeting with her clients as they are like family to her. She always puts her client's needs first, going above and beyond in all aspects of her job. Vicky is a natural problem solver and is known to get to the bottom of things efficiently and effectively!
Vicky's life motto is that you must treat every person you meet with kindness, compassion, and respect.
Vicky is also a Certified Notary for the State of Arizona.
Vicky is an avid reader, loves walking and bike riding. She also enjoys volunteering with her two daughters, Ashley and Nicole at the local animal shelter and participates in fundraising activities.
Wendy has been an agent in the insurance industry for longer than some of our staff has been able to talk. Originally from Wenatchee, she moved to Seattle where she started her career in insurance, and moved to the Tri Cities twelve years ago. She spends her early mornings painting rocks and playing dice games with her husband. She loves camping and coming up with new recipes to try on her RV road trips. Named after her father, she is inspired by his hard work. Her passion for people enables her to relate to her clients and make meaningful connections while she helps them protect what they love. She is vivacious and energetic, getting up every morning with positivity--you might not know it with how much she loves to wear the color black. Wendy brings a unique perspective to the team and has enough excitement left to wear out her three doggies when she comes home from the office.