Our Team

Kate Wallace, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, APMA®

President & Senior Wealth Advisor

kate.wallace@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business...

My degree from Cornell is in Psychology and Secondary Education. I always wanted to be a teacher. I remember the first time I taught a neighborhood friend to ride his bike without training wheels; it was so satisfying! Although I didn’t end up teaching high schoolers, what I love about my career is the same feeling I get today when I help someone achieve a financial goal. It is very fulfilling to be a part of the process.

One thing I am doing to help our community...

My community means so much to me as does my role on the board at our local YMCA, and volunteer with HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program).

Outside of work, my passions include...

I’m always interested in finding fun ways to stay active. I enjoy Hot Yoga, Jazzercise, Tennis, and a good old fashioned exercise class here and there - I’m a huge fan of OrangeTheory fitness.

I’ve always been interested in Ancient Egypt, so I love to visit museums with exhibits or read about their civilization.

Who doesn’t enjoy a Netflix marathon in their spare time? I’ve recently been watching the television sitcom, “Cheers.” It’s such a great show and a little walk down memory lane.

One goal I am saving for...

I am proud to say that we are in the midst of accomplishing a goal we saved for - paying for our son, Jake’s, college education!

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

My most recent advancement was acquiring my APMA (Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor).

My personal financial plan is focused on...

My personal financial plan is focused on financial security. Like a lot of my clients, I don’t ever want to worry about money or have to stoop to the level where my family is eating cat food out of a can. I just want my family and I to feel secure in our financial situation.

I am trying to expand what is possible with money by...

Working with my clients. Being in this career allows me to help others by utilizing my time, resources, and knowledge of the financial industry to better his, her, or their financial path(s).

W. Allen Wallace, CFP®, CPA/PFS

Managing Partner & Director of Wealth Management

allen.wallace@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business

I love solving problems. This profession provides an endless stream of opportunities to turn important financial problems into financial successes for our clients. While the basic rules of financial planning are simple, mastery of the depth and layers of complexity is definitely not easy!

One thing I'm doing to help our community

Kate and I enjoy supporting the local YMCA after many years of support from them growing up.

Outside of work, my passions include

Learning new things, watching my children grow  , and spending time with friends and family.

One goal I'm saving for

Education is very important to me, and it is important to my family to provide a sound education for our children.

The primary way I'm advancing my career knowledge

I am constantly reading - my children think I'm a book with arms and legs.

My financial plan is focused on

Priority number one is managing the things we can control, while also preparing ourselves for the things we can't.

I'm trying to expand what's possible with money by

I aim to identify strategies that are tested by time and using them in creative ways that provide opportunities while minimizing risk.

Landis T. Wiley, CFP®

Managing Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor

landis.wiley@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business

As a child, I saw the impact good financial planning and advice can have on people.  My parents were fortunate to work with an advisor in a day and age when the industry was littered with salesmen and brokers.   At the age of 10, I got to see their advisor's work in action, and I was fascinated.  By the time I got to college, I knew eventually I wanted to get into financial planning.

One thing I'm doing to help our community

I enjoy volunteering for organizations where my problem solving nature can help the organization grow or become more successful.  Ask me today which one I'm working on, it's probably different than a week or month ago!

Outside of work, my passions include

First and foremost is my family:  my wife Sally and three sons, Beckett, Theo, and Grady make my day.  Beyond that, I love to golf, do yard work, and referee soccer.  "Down time" isn't a thing I do well at!

One goal I am saving for

I figure college might cost about $500,000 per kid by the time mine get there (sarcasm, maybe...).  So let's go with that one.  

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge

I love to read - anything and everything.  I find having a breadth of knowledge on topics both related and seemingly unrelated to financial matters is incredibly helpful when working with clients. Beyond that, I try to talk to as many people in the industry as I can, and shamelessly borrow the best ideas.

My personal financial plan is focused on

Stability for my family, and balancing the long term savings needs and goals with the requirement that we still enjoy life in the here and now.

I'm trying to expand what is possible with money by

Being as knowledgeable about as many things as I possibly can be, so that when a client or a peer looks to me for an idea, I have a solid foundation from which to dive in and go chase down the solution that nobody else would think to find.

Bryan Knudson, CFP®

Managing Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor

bryan.knudson@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business...

After graduating from Iowa State with a degree in Marketing, I was introduced to this career path. From there, the intricacies of the world of investing and finance had me hooked and I was determined to learn all I could about the business. Before I knew it I was on my way to earning my CFP® and have now been helping others find the balance between finance and lifestyle for 14 years.

One thing I am doing to help our community...

My wife and I are avid recyclers. We do everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint, not be wasteful, and repurpose as much as we can.

We know this will provide a better world for our two children and hope to set a great example for them to follow.

Outside of work, my passions include...

Family is always number one - my wife Jess, and our children, William and Whitney, are my world. We all enjoy living a healthy lifestyle through fitness, outdoor recreational activities like hiking, camping, and skiing, and finally, pairing new recipes with our favorite wine.

One goal I am saving for...

We are in the process of finishing our basement. I love working with my hands and plan on completing as much work as possible myself.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

My biggest goal right now is to enroll in the Masters of Financial Planning program at Iowa State next year. I know I can also always count on my peers to provide a valuable perspective and often use other professionals in the industry as a resource.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

Short Term - Cash flow for the current calendar year, a ski trip to Montana next year, and finishing the basement. Intermediate Term - my children’s education and the success of our business.

Long Term - a relaxing and adventurous retirement.

I am trying to expand what is possible with money by...

I often try to encourage my retirement-ready clients to think about their legacy. Who do they want to benefit? A charity? Their family? Their community?

Katie Ortgies, CRPC®

Chief Compliance Officer & Director of Operations

katie.ortgies@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business

After I graduated from UNI in 2008, I didn’t have a clear understanding of where life could or would take me. There was one thing I knew: I love to help people. When I started with the firm in 2011, I realized that my passion to help people was equally matched by the services and advice we provide through investment management and financial planning. Helping our clients achieve financial success is our priority.

One thing I am doing to help our community...

I am an active member and volunteer at Lisbon United Methodist Church. I currently sit as the co-chair of Worship & Nurture Committee which involves organizing worship services and acting as a leader in the praise band. I am looking to expand my volunteering through Junior Achievement, Waypoint, and the Red Cross.

Outside of work, my passions include...

Spending time with my family, especially my husband, Chris and son, George. I also enjoy playing my guitar, singing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, crafting, and reading.

One goal I am saving for...

My husband and I are currently saving up for our retirement and education for George.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by individuals who challenge my investigative skills, urge me to dig deeper, and support my desires to learn more in the ever-morphing financial environment. My long-term goal is to attain my CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) designation.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

As an accumulator, and having recently started a family, saving is one of the hardest things to do, but I am always up for a challenge.

Chris Blanchard, ChFC®

Senior Wealth Advisor

chris.blanchard@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business...

Independence. Whether wealth means a happy home or financial freedom, I came to this business to guide people to work toward financial independence to allow them to reach whatever wealth means to them.

One thing I am doing to help our community...

Each year I work with HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program) to package and hand out meals to community members in need.

Outside of work, my passions include...

My family is always number one. My wife and I love to travel, and in my free time I love to fish and study astronomy.

One goal I am saving for...

We are really looking forward to taking a big family trip to Disney World in 2019. My wife, Mary and I, our three children and their spouses, and our troop of nine grandchildren!

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

The biggest opportunity to learn new things has come from my recent juncture with Basepoint Wealth. Kate and Allen are wonderful leaders and the breadth of knowledge and expertise found within our team is top notch.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

My plan is mostly focused on long-term growth and funding additional retirement savings.

Ron Malick, ChFC®

Senior Wealth Advisor

ron.malick@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business...

I love helping people reach their financial goals.

One thing I am doing to help our community...

I am an avid recycler and encourage my team to recycle as well.

Outside of work, my passions include...

Traveling with my friend, Judy. We recently had the privelege of exploring Europe.

One goal I am saving for...

Retirement.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

I recently achieved a long-standing goal of completing my ChFC® designation (Chartered Financial Consultant).

My personal financial plan is focused on...

As I near retirement, my focus is to continue to save while preserving my existing assets.

Gary Godfrey, MBA, ChFC®, RICP®

Senior Wealth Advisor

gary.godfrey@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business...

I became a financial advisor to provide sound financial advice that allows people to prosper and obtain the retirement lifestyle they desire.

One thing I am doing to help our community...

I am an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

Outside of work, my passions include...

I am an avid hobby woodworker and enjoy traveling and snow skiing.

One goal I am saving for...

I am excited to be saving up for a trip to Italy my wife and I are planning to take in 2018.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

I am passionate about studying any areas relevent to my individual clients’ needs - most recently that is in the form of my RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional) designation.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

As I prepare for retirement in the next few years, my current focus is on our budget and planning for retirement.

I am trying to expand what is possible with money by...

My financial conversations start with the basics, such as the prioritization of spending, and a savings plan for the future. This allows for the creation of options and opportunities for my client.

Kelli Albert

Marketing Manager / Client Service Associate

The reason I got into this business...

My focus is to know our clients, their individual needs, and personal preferences. My introduction into finance was as a life insurance representative. Knowing I was helping provide income protection and maintain a manageable budget was the most fulfilling aspect of my job, but I knew there was more out there to utilize. I educated myself on investing, switched companies, and learned even more about the world of responsible investing and financial advising. I am excited to change the face of wealth management to a more user-friendly experience.

One thing I am doing to help our community...

I am an active partner at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Marion. My husband and I serve on the hospitality team and are considering the opportunity to teach an introductory course for visitors or involvement in youth ministries. We also participate in an annual Relay for Life Event to support cancer research.

Outside of work, my passions include...

I love to be outside in my garden, on a run, or simply eating dinner on our deck with my husband, son, and beloved Cocker Spaniel, Arthur. In the winter months I can be found in my basement art studio drawing and painting, or on a Netflix binge with coffee in hand and playing with my son and dog. #momlifeisthebestlife

One goal I am saving for...

My husband and I are currently saving for our son, Lewis’s, education.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

I subscribe to a wonderful marketing blog that is always posting content relevant to client relationships, but also like to keep up on current events that effect the financial world. I am currently studying to expand upon my existing financial licensures.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

Student Loan debt is a gnarly reality of my generation, and as we are still in the accumulation phase of our life cycle, our focus is to pay down debt by always paying off more than is due. With that said, we also allocate funds to allow us a very active lifestyle full of time with friends and new adventures.

I am trying to expand what is possible with money by...

Finding new ways to communicate financial planning basics to our clients in an easy-to-understand format and via media that is readily available.

Shayne Boles

Client Service Associate

The reason I got into this business...

As a recent college graduate, I understand the pressures of financial stability. I chose this path to not only gain the knowledge and experience to help myself, but to also help others attain financial confidence.

One thing I am doing to help our community...

My favorite volunteer activity is assisting in Special Olympics Iowa programs.

Outside of work, my passions include...

I can often be found at the gym getting in a workout, playing pickup games (usually basketball), or cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, my alma mater.

One goal I am saving for...

Like most individuals my age, I currently am saving up to buy my first home and to eventually start a family.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

I am fortunate enough to work in an environment where I am always learning from the knowledge and experience of my coworkers.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

My financial plan is to instill discipline into the management of my money - save now, spend later.

I am trying to expand what is possible with money by...

Similar to my financial plan, I am working on staying disciplined and sticking to a budget that not only is comfortable, but allows me to achieve my long term goals.

Aaron Epstein

Client Service Associate

The reason I got into this business...

After attending Mount Mercy University and receiving my bachelor’s decgree in accounting, I made the decision to enter the finance industry with the hopes of using my knowledge to help people make educated decisions in pursuit of achieving their financial goals.

One thing I am doing to help our community...

I enjoy coaching club youth soccer in Eastern Iowa. I have had the pleasure of helping kids that are unable to afford the price of competing by working with a group of parents to create an “everybody plays” program - ensuring that any child that wants to participate has the opportunity.

Outside of work, my passions include...

I thoroughly enjoy sporting events, spending time in the outdoors, traveling to new places with my fiancé, and creating irreplaceable memories with family and friends.

One goal I am saving for...

In 2016, I made the purchase of a new home with my fiancé and we are saving once again so we can complete a few home improvement projects: finishing the basement, extending the deck, and possibly a pool if she gets her way.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

Being new to the industry I try to absorb more advanced knowledge through collaborating with others, reading a variety of literature, and listening to financial podcasts.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

Like most millenials, I am focused on paying off my liabilities, while putting additional cash toward my retirement savings.

I am trying to expand what is possible with money by...

I plan to have enough money saved to be able to travel the world in retirement.

Antriksh Kandhari

Associate Financial Analyst

The reason I got into this business...

I always found that financial decisions left people worried.  I felt the need to be capable enough to fill the gap and hence started on this journey.

One thing I am doing to help our community...

I am a part of the worship team in my Church and participate in a number of community programs through that.

Outside of work, my passions include...

Music is my biggest passion.  I am a singer-songwriter and most of my time outside work goes into playing or recording music.

One goal I am saving for...

I recently got married and we are currently saving for our first home.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

Reading and putting what I learn into practice.  Also, I am fortunate to be a part of the knowledgeable and helpful team at Basepoint.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

Right now I am focused on buying my first house.  In the longer run, having a stable life for my family with a lot of traveling.

Marci Flanagan

Director of First Impressions - Cedar Rapids

The reason I got into this business...

After a couple of years as a substitute teacher, I knew I was ready for a family. I was able to devote my time and energy to being a full-time mother of four daughters. The opportunity to work within the community again came when I was offered a position as a receptionist for a tax office, which eventually led me to the transition of my position as Office Manager at Basepoint Wealth.

Outside of work, my passions include...

I love making our house a home, and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy healthy eating and walking regularly, as long as it is at least 70°! Our cat, Donovan holds an extra special place in my heart.

One goal I am saving for...

Although we are not quite there yet, as empty nesters, my husband and I have our eyes on the prize: RETIREMENT!

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge...

I am always learning on the job; constantly asking questions and listening to my coworkers.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

See goal I am saving for... RETIREMENT!

I am trying to expand what is possible with money by...

Continuing to engage in smart saving and wise investing has shown me that I can reach my goals.