Story & Team

Letter from our founder

Multi-family offices and investment management firms are changing rapidly. In our view, one thing will always remain the same – people want a personal connection.

We have the privilege of helping people navigate some of the most sensitive financial and social issues that families may encounter. We don’t take the role we play in our clients’ lives lightly. Becoming a trusted advisor and providing value to our clients is one of the most rewarding feelings a professional advisor can have.

Delivering that value and seeing the impact of our work keeps us motivated and eager to continue to find new ways to positively impact our clients. We are on a mission to revolutionize the way families leverage coordinated services to create, maintain, and foster their legacy and wealth.

We have yet to meet a prospective client who loves spending their time coordinating multiple professionals to manage the intricacies of their financial lives to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Most often, the job goes unfinished.

We give clients back more of what they truly want:
time, purpose, and peace of mind.

Today, our firm serves as a platform where these ideas can be realized.  We are committed to consistently enhancing our ability to make a meaningful impact on those we serve.

Matt Walker

Matt Walker

Founder & CEO

Matt is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fortitude Family Office, LLC. Driven by the desire to seek meaningful and direct solutions for his clients and their families, Matt has spent his career building relationships and a team that is dedicated to providing holistic services to high and ultra-high net worth families.

Private Deal Structuring

Wealth Management & Portfolio Strategy

Income, Estate & Gift Tax Planning

Family Dynamics & Governance

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

B.S. in Accountancy: ASU

M.S. in Taxation: ASU

Loving Husband & Father of 2 Baby Girls

Would Rather Be Raising Cheetahs & Lions in Africa

Clinging to Flag Football Glory Days

Builds Computers for Fun

Meet The Team

Corey Bird

Director | Wealth, Ranching Services

Corey brings a diverse, multi-faceted history of service as a Veteran, current Reserveist, and trusted advisor. He has a depth of experience in family governance, investment strategies, and wealth management solutions for entrepreneurs and families, specializing in land, agriculture, ranch holdings, and operations.

Wealth Management

Ranch & Agriculture Services

Family Governance

Consulting

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

MBA in Finance: GCU

M.S. in Psychology: GCU

B.S. in Finance: CWU

Lieutenant Colonel: US Army Reserve

Cowboy That Ropes Poorly

Blessed Husband & Father

Fly Fishing Enthusiast

John Brimhall

Senior Coordinator | Family Services

John is part of the Family Services division and focuses on connecting people and information. Having spent 10+ years in advisory roles, John is an avid learner, thriving on understanding how things work and improving them.

Client Relationships

Process Improvement

Consulting

Financial Analysis

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

B.S. & M.S. in Accountancy: ASU

Average Husband & Father to 2 Daughters

Hardcore DIYer

Library Fanatic

Preferred Attire: Jeans & Work Boots

Matt Brower

Associate | Wealth, Tax

Matt is focused on leveraging an integrated team approach to provide solutions to clients’ complex wealth matters. By serving as all-around support in both tax and financial planning, Matt strives to obtain a holistic view of each of his clients’ unique circumstances to efficiently advance client goals.

Wealth Management

Tax Planning & Compliance

Team Support

Research & Analysis

5+ Years in the Industry

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

B.S. in Accounting: GCU

M.S. in Accounting: GCU

Plays Mediocre Golf

Gym Enthusiast

Shortest Matt in the Office at 6’2.75

Enjoys Church with His Wife

José Butanda

Associate | Tax

José is a detail-oriented team member who prides himself on accurate and efficient tax preparation. With a solid understanding of tax regulations, he is committed to offering clients comprehensive support for optimizing their financial positions. José’s dedication to excellence makes him an invaluable resource in the firm.

Tax Preparation

Tax Compliance

Process Improvement

B.S. in Accountancy: ASU

Professional Photographer

Small Business Owner

Proud Father to Two Boys

Exploring Arizona

Soccer Fanatic

James Coons

Senior Director | Tax, Partner

James ensures clients benefit from the most effective tax, financial, and business planning ideas available. He coordinates the day-to-day operations of the tax practice to ensure clients receive thoughtful and well-executed assistance.

Estate & Gift Tax Planning

Income Tax Planning & Compliance

Family Governance

Business Succession Planning

10+ Years in the industry

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

J.D.: U of A

M.S. in Taxation: ASU

Restores & Collects Antique Equipment

Adventures with His 2 Daughters

Outdoor Enthusiast

Everything’s Better a Little Bit Country

Danna Fierros

Associate | Advisory Operations

Danna plays a vital role in coordinating and supporting day-to-day activities for Fortitude and its clients by providing exceptional client service and a seamless experience. An integral part of our operations team, Danna liaises with our custodians to ensure proper execution on behalf of our clients.

Administrative Support

Process Optimization

Money Movements

Family Office Operations

8+ Years in Operations

B.S. in Business Entrepreneurship: ASU

Law Firm Accounting

Schwab Onboarding

6+ Shots of Espresso are Needed Daily

Mother of a 90 lbs. German Shepherd

Foodie

Loves Attending Concerts

Emily Gall

Associate | Tax

Emily provides an array of tax and financial services for clients to help them optimize their financial positions. She ensures that every financial detail is thoroughly examined, guaranteeing compliance with the latest tax regulations. Emily is an analytical, detail-oriented team member willing to go the extra mile for the clients she serves.

Tax Compliance

Tax Preparation

Data Analytics

B.S. in Finance: ASU

Certificate in Applied Business Data Analytics

7 Years in Client Service

Dog Mom to a Doodle Named Dallas

Hot Yoga Enthusiast

Can Do a Backflip

Kristin Greenleaf

Director | Wealth, Advisory Operations

Kristin is focused on the client experience at Fortitude. Throughout her career, Kristin has worked to build processes that cultivate meaningful relationships and ensure every client feel like a part of the family. Her passion and dedication are an integral part of the Fortitude Family Office team.

Service Specialist

Relationship Manager

Data Management Professional

Operations Guru

30+ Years in the industry

Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA)

Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP®)

Series 65 License (FINRA)

3 dogs: Steve, Gary & Kevin

Feeding Friends & Family

Travel & Adventure Enthusiast

Wife, Mom & Grandma

Rob Himmelman

Associate | Wealth

Rob brings a diverse set of skills to our team, combining a passion for learning with a talent for developing relationships. These abilities allow him to be a valuable resource to clients across Fortitude’s wealth management and family office platforms.

Wealth Management

Financial Planning

Business Consulting

Corporate Stock Analysis

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)

B.S. in International Business: TCNJ

Goethe University of Frankfurt

Self-Proclaimed History Buff

Guitar Enthusiast

Italian Cuisine Connoisseur

Aesthetically Sub Par Golfer

Atticus Lavelle

Associate | Wealth

Atticus is dedicated to solving problems. Whether the problem is financial, professional, or personal, Atticus turns obstacles into assets. He attempts to integrate cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights with a personal touch, ensuring each client receives tailored and personalized solutions.

Wealth Management

Financial Analysis

Data Science

B.S. in Finance: U of A

Series 65 License (FINRA)

Schwab Alternatives Platform

Sports Fanatic

Chess Enthusiast

Speaks French and Learning Korean

Matt Lucas

Advisor | Wealth

Matt specializes in retirement planning, investment strategies, and wealth management solutions. He is committed to providing personalized financial guidance and helping Fortitude clients achieve their long-term financial goals.

Wealth Management

Financial Analysis

Financial Planning

Retirement Planning

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®)

B.S. in Business Management: ASU

M.S. in Financial Planning: CFFP

Embarking on Outdoor Expeditions

Golfing

Costco Enthusiast

Amateur Breakroom Party Planner

Stephanie McLean

Associate | Family Services

Stephanie is a seasoned associate specializing in family services, bringing over 20 years of industry experience to manage accounting duties efficiently and streamline bill pay processes for our clients. As a former small business owner she understands the importance of personalized care and attention to detail. Outside of work, Stephanie is a dedicated full-time cheerleader for her kids, a passionate movie fanatic, and enjoys being part of her large and vibrant family.

Accounting and bill pay coordination

Process Improvement

Family Office Services

20+ Years in the industry

Former small business owner

East Coast transplant to AZ

Full-time Cheerleader to Her Kids

Movie Fanatic

Part of a Large Family

Trevor Moore

Advisor | Wealth

Trevor aims to provide personalized, comprehensive advice on various aspects of financial planning and wealth preservation to help Fortitude clients not only protect their wealth but to grow it. Alongside his teammates, Trevor works tirelessly to ensure the needs of Fortitude clients are put first in everything he does.

Relationship Manager

Wealth Management

Financial Planning

10+ Years in the industry

B.S. in Global Business Management: UoPX

M.S. in Business Administration: UoPX

Cool Dad to 3 Sons

Ocean Enthusiast

Formula 1 Driver Wannabe

Amanda Noxon

Associate | Advisory Operations

Amanda brings over nine years of experience in the financial industry, focused on operational excellence. She enjoys working with clients and colleagues to resolve issues and drive process improvement. Her knowledge of back-end account administration and custodial processes is integral to streamlining the client experience. 

Administrative Support

Process Improvement

Money Movement

9+ Years in Operations

Schwab Onboarding

International Work Experience

Mother to a Pup Named Doug

Dr. Pepper Enthusiast

Lover of Naps

Suparva Paruthy

Associate | Advisory Operations

Suparva is a highly analytical and performance-driven team member who leverages his expertise in data analytics, design, and research to facilitate tangible improvements in our operations and investment teams. He orchestrates the day-to-day operations while performing quality control on our database systems. Also, he assists in due diligence and investment research while working as the firm’s main trader. 

Data Analytics/Database Management

Machine Learning, AI

Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering: ASU

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering: ASU

M.S. in Business Analytics: ASU

Amateur Street Racer

Photography Enthusiast

Sneakerhead

Christy Pater

Advisor | Wealth

Christy has spent the past 35 years helping clients build their investment portfolios, specializing in municipal bond portfolio management. Building long-term client relationships and assisting with generational wealth planning have been important aspects of her career.

Wealth Management

Relationship Manager

Municipal Bond Administration

35+ Years in the industry

B.S. in Marketing: ASU

MIM: AGSIM

Hot Yoga

Avid Reader

Mom to Twins

Drew Phillips

Chief Operating Officer, Partner

Drew handles investment strategy, compliance, and technology for the firm. With a focus on regulatory compliance and risk management, he oversees day-to-day operations and trading. Drew also spearheads growth strategies, innovation, and prioritizes exceptional client service, all aimed at driving long-term success for the organization as a whole.

Investment Management

Technology Specialist

Firm Compliance (SEC/FINRA)

Business Operations

15+ Years in the industry

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

B.S. in Finance: ASU

MBA in Finance: GCU

2 dogs: Bassket & Ball

Avid Traveler & Hiker

Phoenix Suns Enthusiast

80’s Movies Fan

Nicole Schabel

Coordinator | Family Services

Nicole plays a pivotal role within our Family Services division, where she handles personal and business accounting, bill payments, and payroll. Additionally, she assists with client human resources and employee onboarding. Nicole is dedicated to building strong client relationships through personalized service and attention to detail.

Client Relationships

Payroll/Human Resources

Process Improvement

20+ Years in the industry

B.S. in Accountancy: UToledo

Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor

Empty-Nest Mom to Amazing Kids

AZ Hiking & Paddleboarding

Amateur Baker & Cake Decorator

Remy Solves

Associate | Wealth

Remy Solves is a recent graduate from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Financial Planning and was previously part of Fortitude’s internship program. His interests in personal investing and aptitude for helping others translate well in the family office context. In his role, he will serve as a trusted resource for families and the Fortitude team. 

Wealth Management

Financial Planning

Team Support

B.A. in Financial Planning: ASU

ASU Investment Club Member

Fortitude Internship Program

French Native

Cat Dad

Certified Scuba Diver

Geoff Tran

Director | Wealth, Tax

Geoff specializes in identifying opportunities and implementing strategies across investment, financial, tax, estate and charitable goals for ultra-high net worth families. Over his career, he has navigated families through complex transactions, simplified their financial lives and focused on non-monetary aspects of planning and wealth transfers that impact clients.

Estate & Gift Tax Planning

Income Tax Compliance

Wealth Management

Family Education

15+ Years in the industry

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

B.S. in Accountancy: ASU

M.S. in Taxation: ASU

Travel & Scenic Drives

Cooking & Recipe Testing

Modern Art

Reformer Pilates

David Walser

Director | Client Strategies

Working for over 30 years in the industry, David is dedicated to empowering our clients with innovative tax and financial planning solutions. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for excellence, he specializes in custom-tailored strategies that maximize financial well-being. David’s expertise spans estate planning, income tax planning, tax compliance, and family governance services. His approach not only safeguards clients’ assets but also fosters long-term financial health and legacy preservation.

Estate & Gift Tax Planning

Income Tax Planning & Compliance

Family Governance

Business Succession Planning

30+ Years in the industry

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)/Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)

B.S. in Accountancy: BYU

Master of Accountancy (Tax): BYU

3 children

4 grandchildren

Woodworker

Daily driver: 1990 Porsche 928 S4

Sam Winter

Analyst | Investments

Sam is focused on unlocking value for client portfolios. He leverages his deep curiosity and lifelong passion for markets to develop thoughtful research on investment opportunities. Sam works to create and preserve client wealth through prudent analysis and durable strategy.

Portfolio Strategy

Investment Analysis

Data Science

Risk Management

5+ Years in the Industry

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®)

Launched a FinTech Startup

Can’t Grow a Beard

Loves the Outdoors, Golfing & Hiking

Enjoys Vintage Media Content

Avid Reader and Learner