Focus

Dan has a deeply held conviction that people’s financial picture is about much more than their money – it’s about their entire life story.  He strives to understand that story.  

Background and experience

Dan began his career as a Financial Advisor in 2007 with A.G Edwards, a predecessor firm of 

Wells Fargo Advisors in Boulder, CO. In 2021, Dan earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® certification by completing an approved educational program, passing a rigorous examination and meeting stringent experience requirements. For over a decade Dan has helped clients address their financial concerns and develop strategies by focusing on each individual’s specific needs.

Away from the office

Dan’s passion for learning doesn’t end there. Growing up as a competitive Nordic skier, Dan enrolled at the University of Colorado, and skied for the team while earning a bachelor’s degree and a National Championship. Upon graduation, he earned his M.B.A from the University of Colorado as well as coached the Nordic ski team for 3 years. After graduate school, he remained in Boulder, and 15 years later still loves all the city has to offer.

Dan spends his free time with his wife, Jana, a ski coach, their daughter Klara, and sons, Lexi and William. They like to stay active both physically and mentally, whether it’s skiing together or taking trips to see their extended families. Dan still enjoys competitive Nordic skiing, as well as biking, running, and generally being active.

CA Insurance License#0H70298. Resident State CO.

Focus
Frank is committed to helping ensure that each client has an understandable investment plan tailored to their specific needs. Areas of emphasis include the long-term creation and preservation of wealth, strategies for maintaining lifestyle in retirement and the funding of education for children and grandchildren.

Background and experience 
Frank grew up in the Chicago area and earned his master’s degree in economics from Western Illinois University, where he was a Frank Taussig Scholar.    

Frank, who has been in the financial services industry since 1979, has been named to the Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors list from 2009 - 2013, and Barron’s Top 1,200 State-by-State Advisors from 2015 - 2023.* From 2006-2024, Frank has been a Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network Platinum Council Advisor, a distinction held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year, and professionalism. Additional criteria, best practices and team structure may also be used to determine recipients.  As a Managing Director – Investment Officer of the firm, he continues to expand his knowledge and investment management capabilities through an ongoing series of courses in asset management, analysis, performance management, and related areas. 

Away from the office
Frank and his wife, Nancy, are active members of the Boulder community and have been board members and fund raisers for Attention Homes and Diamond Baseball. They, along with their two children, Courtney and Dan, enjoy the beautiful state of Colorado and all it has to offer.  Frank especially enjoys skiing, hiking, playing golf, and biking. 

CA Insurance License#0C03584. Resident State CO.

2023 Barron’s Top 1,200 State By State Advisors: Awarded March 2023; Data Compiled by Barron's based on the time period from Oct. 2021 - Sept. 2022 (Source: Barrons.com); 2020 Awarded March 2020; Data based on Oct. 2018.- Sept. 2019; 2019 Awarded March 2019; Data based on Oct. 2017 - Sept. 2018; 2018 Awarded March 2018; Data based on Oct. 2016 - Sept. 2017; 2017 Awarded March 2017; Data based on Oct. 2015 - Sept. 2016; 2015 Awarded February 2015; Data based on Oct. 2013 - Sept. 2014

2013 Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: Awarded February 2013; Data Compiled by Barron's based on the time period from Oct. 2011 - Sept. 2012 (Source: Barrons.com); 2012 Awarded February 2012; Data based on Oct. 2010 - Sept. 2011; 2011 Awarded February 2011; Data based on Oct. 2009 - Sept. 2010; 2010 Awarded February 2010; Data based on Oct. 2008 - Sept. 2009; 2009 Awarded February 2009; Data based on Oct. 2007 - Sept. 2008. *See additional disclosure.

The Barron’s Top 1,200 State By State Advisors and Top 1,000 Advisors ratings are based on the previous year’s assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices. Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

Focus
By listening to and working with clients, Tom develops an investment plan that is unique to each individual. Tom’s areas of focus include helping to prepare clients for retirement and maintaining their retirement lifestyle.  He does this through planning, portfolio analysis, managing risk and maximizing income opportunities.

Background and experience
Tom launched his career with a predecessor firm of Wells Fargo Advisors working on the municipal-bond desk, where he was involved in daily trading activities. 

Tom became a financial advisor in 1997 and has built his career on a foundation of integrity, prudent capital-markets guidance, and a thorough attention to client needs.

He brings his investment talents to each of his clients while providing outstanding client communication and service. Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Colorado State University. 

Tom grew up on his family’s cattle ranch in western Colorado. That experience taught him the value of hard work and an appreciation for working together with others.

Away from the office
Tom spends his free time with his wife, Lisa, a Registered Nurse, and their four children, Kaylina, Libby, Matthew, and Caden. They like to stay active as a family, and enjoy time spent participating in the children’s various sporting activities. Tom is an avid mountain biker, fly fisherman, and skier.


CA Insurance License# 0D90696. Resident State CO.

As Managing Principal, Jim Johnson’s primary role is to manage and lead Ascent Wealth Partners, LLC, which includes the Boulder and Longmont offices.

Jim launched his career in 1988 as a Financial Advisor with Paine Webber and has been a manager since 1995. Prior to leading Ascent Wealth Partners, he was Managing Director and Market Leader of Wells Fargo Advisors, Rocky Mountain North Market, which encompassed Colorado and Wyoming.  Jim was also Manager of the Chicago North Shore Complex and held various leadership positions in the Northeast Ohio Market, including Productivity Manager and Branch Manager.

Over his 30+ year career, Jim has worked in service to financial advisors, support professionals and clients and has earned a reputation for making sure that each advisor has the tools and resources they need to serve their clients effectively.

Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Ohio State University and holds CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® from the College of Financial Planning.

Jim is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys skiing, hiking and kayaking. Jim has four grown children and lives in Arvada, Colorado with wife Lisa, two Newfoundland Water Rescue Dogs and actively embraces Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle.

Since 2000, Jay has been applying his education, experience and resources to help individuals and families identify and achieve their financial goals. It starts with a conversation, meeting to fully understand your interests and objectives and allows Jay to develop a plan that helps build, manage, preserve and transfer your wealth.

Jay is recognized as an Accredited Asset Management Specialist ^SM by the College for Financial Planning. He is a graduate of Temple University-Fox School of Business and former project manager.

Jay along with his wife Mary and daughter Quinn live in Broomfield while their twin boys live in Boulder, attending The University of Colorado.  Jay and Mary enjoy supporting children’s academic, student leadership and athletic dreams.  Travel usually includes sand and salt water, including summer vacations with extended family on the Jersey Shore.


CA Insurance License# 0G62747 Resident State CO

Elliot D. Forsyth, CFP® is a Senior Partner and Senior PIM Portfolio Manager who brings a consistent, planning driven approach to investing. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Elliot believes great financial advice starts with truly understanding what matters most to each client, their passions, intentions, and long term objectives. With that clarity in mind, he helps individuals and families build a thoughtful strategy to build, manage, preserve, and transition wealth, using a simple step by step process designed to support real life goals.

Elliot is especially passionate about the human side of planning. He views the advisor client relationship as a long term partnership, walking hand in hand through life’s milestones and challenges. From celebrating victories like weddings, promotions, and growing families to navigating difficult seasons involving health concerns or the loss of loved ones, Elliot strives to be a steady presence and trusted guide.

In addition to serving clients, Elliot is deeply committed to the Boulder community. He serves the Community Foundation of Boulder County as Co Chair of the Investment Committee and as a Trustee, and he also supports organizations including TGTHR and Cultivate.

Elliot is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, where he studied engineering and psychology. Outside the office, you will most often find him outdoors, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, or golfing, or traveling with his wife Bri and their two young sons, Penn and Wesley. He is also a Certified Sommelier, a credential earned during an earlier chapter of his career in Boulder’s restaurant industry.

Rob is a dedicated financial professional with over 15 years of experience in banking and investment management. He specializes in helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals by working with them to develop personalized wealth management strategies. A firm believer in employing long-term financial strategies, he uses a detailed-oriented approach to help each client navigate their road ahead.

Rob began his career in finance when he joined Wachovia/Wells Fargo in 2009, making the move from Wells Fargo Bank to Wells Fargo Advisors in 2020. In 2023, his team formed Ascent Wealth Partners and became independent, with Rob joining them as an integral part of the practice from day one. He currently holds his Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 securities registrations, in addition to insurance licenses across various states. He also holds his BSBA in Finance.

Rob and his wife, Mot, moved from Connecticut to Colorado in 2015, where they started their family, welcoming their daughter, Harper, in 2021. Rob and Mot have spent the years since introducing Harper to all that life in Colorado has to offer – from the mountains to museums, and everything in between. In his free time, when not hiking or skiing, Rob can usually be found with a good book or guitar in his hands.

CA Insurance License 4102945. Resident State: Colorado.

Brenda’s focus is to assist clients with their servicing needs.  Her creative nature allows her to make processes easier for the clients while adhering to policies and procedures.

Brenda began in the financial industry in December 1997 as a teller at AmeriFirst Bank in Miami. She holds her Series 7, Series 63, Series 65 securities registrations and Life and Annuities License. She holds a degree in Psychology.

Brenda moved from Miami to Colorado after 50 years of being a “Miamian.”  She used to teach music to children between the ages of 5 and 18.  She played in an all-accordion symphonic orchestra for many years travelling throughout the United States for competition.  She has served as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Event using her musical background to recruit bands to donate their talent for a good cause. She has three children that inspire her to always push forward.

CA Insurance License 4025904. Resident State Colorado.

Laura A. Collins is a Senior Registered Client Associate and Assistant Vice President with more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Known for her dedication, professionalism, and steady client support, Laura plays an essential role in ensuring clients receive thoughtful service and a seamless experience.

Laura attended the University of Vermont and holds her Series 7, 63, and 65 registrations. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for cultivating long term relationships with both clients and peers, grounded in trust, consistency, and genuine care.

What Laura enjoys most about her role is the meaningful interaction she has with clients. She takes pride in getting to know individuals and families on a personal level, supporting them through every stage of life, from welcoming children and grandchildren to celebrating milestones and navigating transitions. She finds this work deeply fulfilling and values the relationships that grow from it.

Outside of the office, Laura is family oriented and loves spending time with her two grandsons. She is married, and she and her husband, John, enjoy playing tennis and golf together, along with many of the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer.

Joseph McAllister is a Registered Client Associate at Ascent Wealth Partners, where he supports clients through thoughtful problem solving. He is especially passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their long term goals and make confident decisions around major life milestones.

Joseph began his professional career in sales, spending three years as a Territory Manager before transitioning into financial services. He joined Wells Fargo Bank as a Banker, where he spent two years building a strong foundation in client service and financial solutions. In 2024, he moved to the investment side of the business with Wells Fargo Advisors, and in July 2025, he joined Ascent Wealth Partners. That same year, Joseph relocated from Southwest Florida, with his wife Emily, to Boulder, Colorado.

Within his role, Joseph particular enjoys assisting in the creation of client investment plans, recognizing the meaningful impact they can have on shaping informed life decisions. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, playing piano and guitar, and reading across a wide range of interests, including history, economics, and fiction.