My role at Gervais Group...

Is to help ensure every one of our clients receives the highest level of care and service during the creation and ongoing management of their financial plan. My focus is to align your investments with your broader — and often complex — family and legacy goals, as well as proactively leverage opportunities and manage risks in regards to estate planning and tax efficiency.

I do what I do because...

I have an interest in financial planning that began when I was a child. I was inspired by those around me and by the fact that anyone from any economic level, with the right preparation and planning, could rise above their circumstances and become financially independent. This experience formed my opinion that financial planning is best practiced with a collaborative and value-driven process. As I have focused my career on financial planning, what I have found most rewarding is ensuring that women have a seat (and a voice) at the table. 

My education and certifications...

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
• Husson University: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance (summa cum laude)

I stay connected with my community…

Through these three wonderful organizations:

• TEMPO Milwaukee – Women in Leadership Group
• Milwaukee Estate Planning Forum
• Cedarburg Junior Woman’s Club

My role at The Gervais Group…

Is to bridge the gap between financial theory and application. My day-to-day activities include the development and review of investment policies, asset allocation analysis, independent manager research and selection, performance reporting and the ongoing management of the investment process. My work provides a platform for our team and clients to discuss relevant ideas and opinions. I have been successful in my role if I have influenced portfolio construction and empowered my clients to make informed decisions.

I do what I do because…

I get the most satisfaction from building genuine, lifelong relationships. Meeting at clients’ homes, being invited to family celebrations, touring the family business and sharing vacation photos have been some of the most rewarding aspects of this job. Knowing that my knowledge and experience allows my clients to focus on relationships, travel and whatever else might be important to them is motivating to me.

Outside of work, I love…

Being active with my kids. Coaching their sports teams, playing chess or simply watching a movie together are a few of the things I enjoy. When the kids are busy, I find myself reading a book, practicing the ukulele or attempting to learn something new.

My education and certifications…

• Chartered Financial Analyst®
• University of Maine: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Concordia University: Master’s degree with a concentration in Finance

I stay connected with my community…

Through these three wonderful organizations:

• Ozaukee Youth Hockey Association
• Crossroads Presbyterian Church
• CFA Society Milwaukee

My role at The Gervais Group…

Is to help individuals and families make smart financial decisions so they can build and protect their wealth over time. We work for each client as if they are our own family and strive to build long-term, multi-generational relationships built on trust and reliable client service.

Our investment approach of “institutional thinking for individual investors” brings the rigor and sophistication that typically characterizes institutional portfolio management for affluent families.

I do what I do because…

I have an interest in financial literacy and investments due to experiencing the impact of poor financial decisions during my formative years. I believe that our childhood stories and family dynamics continue to reverberate through time. These waves impact how we engage with money and make financial decisions. If we can become more aware of how our stories influence us — while also educating ourselves on key financial concepts — we can consistently make wise decisions. Better decision-making can contribute to building (and maintaining) long-lasting financial freedom.

Outside of work, I love…

To actively appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. I enjoy hiking and skiing in the majestic mountains of Colorado. To engage my body and clear my mind, I do yoga and ride my bike. Doing any of these activities with my wife and three children is an added bonus.

My education and certifications…

• Chartered Financial Analyst®
• Louisiana Tech University: Bachelor’s degree in Finance (summa cum laude)
• Kelley School of Business at Indiana University: Master’s degree with a concentration in Finance and Investments
• Passed CPA exam in 1989

I stay connected with my community…

Through these three wonderful organizations:

• Next Door Foundation
• Serenity Inns
• Training Ground

My role at The Gervais Group…

Is to service both institutional and private wealth relationships by providing concierge-level service. I specialize in financial planning, internal and external procedures, as well as issue resolution.

I do what I do because...

With over 36 years with Baird, each new day continues to bring new challenges, learning opportunities and experiences. I love the uniqueness and diversity each of our wealth management relationships brings to the table.

Outside of work, I love…

Staying busy with my many hobbies and pastimes, including gardening, golfing, looming and twining. I also enjoy long walks with my dog and staying connected with my family and friends.

My education and certifications…

• FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses
• MATC: Associate’s degree (Phi Theta Kappa)

My role at The Gervais Group…

Is to provide excellent service to clients by assisting in everyday operations and inquiries.

I do what I do because…

I find it highly satisfying to build long-term relationships and see over time how my role in private wealth management enables individuals and families to achieve their life goals.

Outside of work, I love…

Anything outdoors – I enjoy hiking, camping and fishing to name a few. I also value spending quality time with my family, friends and faith community.

My education and certifications…

• FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses
• Trinity International University: Bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Management (summa cum laude)

Bruce Bittles offers stock market analysis to Baird’s retail, institutional and corporate clients, in addition to being a member of Baird’s investment policy and stock selection committees.

Joining Baird in 2002, Bruce began his investment career as a head trader at the options trading firm of Thomas, Haab and Botts in New York City for almost a decade. Then, in 1974, he joined J.C. Bradford & Company to establish and head the options department.

A few years later in 1985, Bruce joined Bradford’s research department, where he was partner-in-charge of market strategy until the company was acquired by PaineWebber in 2000. He obtained both his bachelor’s degree in business and master’s degree in economics and finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Scott Grenier is the manager of financial and estate planning for Baird’s Private Wealth Management group, a role in which he oversees Baird’s team of financial and estate planners across the U.S. He works with clients and their financial advisors on business succession and tax and estate planning strategies, focusing on tax-efficient wealth transfer opportunities.

Scott is a general member and former board president of the Milwaukee Estate Planning Forum, as well as a general member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, Financial Planning Association and National Association of Estate Planners and Councils.

Erica Kroll joined Baird in 2003, where she is responsible for supporting Baird Financial Advisors and their clients with their insurance based planning needs. By working through the Baird Wealth Management process in a consultative manner, Erica is able to incorporate insurance into the overall financial plan to enhance the client’s goals and objectives.

Prior to joining Baird, Erica worked as an Executive Assistant at Banc One Insurance Services supporting the sales and marketing efforts of their life insurance and annuity solutions.

Erica is a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and has advanced education in long-term care planning. She also holds the FINRA Series 6 & 63 licenses, along with the Wisconsin life and health licenses.

Kathy Carey is Director of Research for Baird’s Private Wealth Management group. In this role, she oversees the Asset Manager Research, Equity and Fixed Income Research, and Value Equity Research Teams.

She is a co-portfolio manager for the ALIGN Strategic Portfolios where she is involved with investment, asset allocation and rebalancing decisions, as well as due diligence of the portfolios. Additionally, she is a voting member of Baird’s Equity Recommended Portfolio and sits on the firm’s Investment Policy Committee.

Laura Thurow is the director of wealth solutions and operations for Baird’s Private Wealth Management (PWM) business. In this role, she is responsible for the people, platforms and back-office services that support Baird’s financial advisors’ wealth management practices.

As part of the PWM Leadership Team, Laura is involved in various strategic initiatives in support of Baird’s overall wealth management platform. Additionally, she serves as a member of Baird’s Executive Committee.

Laura obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics from Trinity College and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst® and CFA Society of Milwaukee member.