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.