Our Team

CEDAR RAPIDS / IOWA CITY DUBUQUE QUAD CITIES CORPORATE LEADERSHIP

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 a founding member of Orangetheory Fitness Cedar Rapids, which is my favorite place for “me time.” I recently joined a women’s tennis team and have enjoyed playing when my schedule allows.

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! He’s a student at the University of Iowa. Go Hawks!

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

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

Every year I enjoy taking the time to keep up on my continuing education requirements to keep my CFP designation current.

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. 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...

Applying my years of experience and hours of advanced education to help my clients. Being in this career allows me to help others by utilizing my time, resources, and knowledge of the financial industry to better help the people I care about most.

W. Allen Wallace, CFA, CPA/PFS, CFP®

Chief Investment Officer

W. Allen Wallace, CFA, CPA/PFS, CFP®

Chief Investment Officer

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 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 adviser'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, and do yard work. "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, CFP®

Managing Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor

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

The reason I got into the business

After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Marketing, I was introduced to this career path. I immediately took an interest in the world of investing and finance. My passion for helping others and striving to deliver the highest level of advice led me to earn my CFP® designation in 2011.

One thing I am doing to help our community

My wife and I are passionate about the planet and our environment. We try and do all we can to reduce our imprint.

Outside of work, my passions include

Spending time with my wife Jess and our children, William and Whitney. We enjoy living a healthy lifestyle through fitness, sports, and outdoor recreational activities like hiking, skiing, and camping. I love to cook and try new recipes.

One goal I am saving for

College.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge

Engaging in economic and market/investing material as often as possible, whether through reading, watching or listening. I like to get different perspectives, from both inside the industry as well as outside. Working with high-level professionals and business owners also gives me a window into the passion and expertise they bring to their industry, I try to bring the same to ours.

My personal financial plan is focused on

Balance. Managing a family budget and saving with long-term goals like college and retirement.

I am trying to expand what is possible with money by

Helping clients understand and differentiate between a good investment and the market, how investing, compounding interest, and risk can allow you to achieve bigger/better goals or get there more quickly over time, and a legacy plan can mean many things, but what is important is to understand what is important to you.

Katie Ortgies, CRPC®

Chief Compliance Officer & Director of Operations

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 also volunteer at Waypoint Services in Cedar Rapids.

Outside of work, my passions include...

Spending time with my husband and three children. I also enjoy playing my guitars, singing, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, crafting, and reading.

One goal I am saving for...

We recently purchased a new home to accommodate our growing family. One of our home-improvement goals is to gradually re-landscape the backyard with a garden and a patio.

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

As the Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Operations, I am constantly keeping up to date on rules and regulations, along with helping to develop new systems and processes to help best serve and protect our clients. The world of finance is ever-changing, and it’s important for us to stay informed of changes in the markets and legislation.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

Balance; paying down liabilities while saving for retirement and future education expenses for the kiddos.

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

Constantly learning, growing, and challenging myself, both personally and professionally.

Nate Breiby, CFP®, CRC®

Senior Wealth Advisor

Nate Breiby, CFP®, CRC®

Senior Wealth Advisor

nate.breiby@basepointwealth.com
(563) 582-1606

The reason I got into this business

I discovered financial planning through a college internship. The firm utilized a life insurance based broker/dealer where agents received incentives to offer their insurance products over others. This led me to become a Certified Financial Planner professional and a fiduciary to place my clients' interest first. From this experience I now understand the different motives financial advisors may have when offering advice.

One thing I'm doing to help our community

I enjoy presenting to high school and college students on the basic principles of financial planning.

Outside of work, my passions include

Creating memories with my wife, Chelsea, and our daughter Elliette. I also enjoy every season the Midwest has to offer. In the cold winter months you'll find me skiing in the terrain parks of Chestnut Mountain and Sundown Mountain. When the snow melts I enjoy golfing at Meadows Golf Club and Eagle Ridge Resort.

One goal I am saving for

I am currently saving to finish our basement and fund a college savings account for Elliette.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge

Reading articles, newspapers, magazines and continued education classes.

My personal financial plan is focused on

Managing our cash flow to balance numerous financial goals.

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

Thinking outside of the box to deliver creative and unique financial advice.

Scott Cooley, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®

Wealth Advisor

Scott Cooley, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®

Wealth Advisor

scott.cooley@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business

Growing up we didn’t have much money. I saw how my mom was able to stretch our dollars each and every month through wise budgeting and planning. This experience drove me to want to help other people learn ways to make their money work for them.

One thing I'm doing to help our community

My wife, Meghan, and I focus our charitable efforts on helping low income and homeless people and families in our community. We donate clothes, food and more to the local pantry.

Outside of work, my passions include

My favorite thing to do is to spend time with my wife and our two kids, Nile and Eden. I am also a huge fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and most sports. I also enjoy learning about almost everything and love trivia.

One goal I'm saving for

Currently, we are saving for a new vehicle as we’ve outgrown our current family hauler.

The primary way I'm advancing my career knowledge

After earning my Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) credential last year I’ve been more focused on reading books and articles to continue learning and growing.

My financial plan is focused on

Really a balanced approach to both short term and long term savings.

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

Continuing to learn and growing my network to acquire more knowledge and be able to do more with money for my clients.

Shayne Boles

Associate Wealth Advisor

Shayne Boles

Associate Wealth Advisor

shayne.boles@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

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

Associate Wealth Advisor

Aaron Epstein

Associate Wealth Advisor

aaron.epstein@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business...

After attending Mount Mercy University and receiving my bachelor’s degree 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 millennials, 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.

Hannah Gerdes

Client Service Associate

Hannah Gerdes

Client Service Associate

hannah.gerdes@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

The reason I got into this business...

I love helping people, I’m excited to learn more about this industry and I am eager to work with clients to help them achieve their financial goals in any way I can.

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

Currently I volunteer at a local library for their organized toddler reading activities. I am a firm believer in teaching children to love reading at a young age.

Outside of work, my passions include...

Spending time with my son, Anthony. I also enjoy going to the gym, cooking and spending time outdoors.

One goal I am saving for...

To buy my first home and put down some roots.

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

By utilizing my resources, listening to my co-workers and reading new books about the industry. I am constantly learning new things to help grow my knowledge. I also plan to return to school in the near future.

My personal financial plan is focused on...

Stability and sticking to a budget. As well as saving for my son’s educational future.

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

Learning and experiencing as much as I can while I am able, while staying within the limits of a budget and being disciplined.

John Carstensen

Associate Financial Analyst

John Carstensen

Associate Financial Analyst

john.carstensen@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

Why I got into the business

Helping people is something I have always desired in a career. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in Economics, I found that finance was the best avenue for me to pursue something I love while still helping and educating the people within my community.

One thing I am doing to help our community

In the spring, I volunteer as a golf coach. The best part of volunteering as a golf coach is watching students develop their game both physically and mentally. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a drastic improvement in a golfer due to how they think their way around a golf course.

Outside of work, my passions include

Baseball, golfing, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

One goal I am saving for

As a recent college graduate, I have begun saving for a new place to live and a new vehicle.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge

Studying for the Chartered Financial Analysist designation.

My personal financial plan focuses on

At the moment, my focus is primarily paying off student loans and increasing my emergency funds. Once I feel comfortable with those, I plan on developing my financial portfolio.

I am trying to expand what is possible with money by

Expanding my experiences and relationships. I am a firm believer that possessions cannot bring happiness. True happiness is found in developing relationships and sharing experiences and memories with others close to you.

Andrew Mong

Associate Financial Analyst

Andrew Mong

Associate Financial Analyst

andrew.mong@basepointwealth.com
(319) 826-1898

Why I got into the business

I have always enjoyed learning about investments and the flow of money. I studied finance and accounting at Iowa State University with the intent to work in finance after graduation.

One thing I am doing to help our community

I enjoy donating supplies to my local humane society.

Outside of work, my passions include

Tennis, golf, playing the piano and spending time with my friends and family.

One goal I am saving for

My overall goal is to continue saving to build my investment portfolio. I have an opportunity to save while I’m young and allow the power of compounding to work over time.

The primary way I am advancing my career knowledge

I am currently studying in preparation for the CFA exam.

My personal financial plan focuses on

Saving and investing as much as I can to help provide financial security later in life.

I am trying to expand what is possible with money by

Utilizing the information I learn while studying for my CFA designation to provide value to the investment strategies we employ for our clients.

Marci Flanagan

Director of First Impressions - Cedar Rapids

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.