Our Team

Working as a flight attendant, Eduardo decided that he’d rather fly the plane then offer passengers chicken or pasta. He earned one of the three pilot licenses before deciding to spend his money on university.

Jamie set a goal for himself to visit 30 countries by his 30th birthday. And he reached that milestone in a fun and memorable way—driving around the British Isles with his grandmother.

Jamie is excited about being able to combine his methodical, problem-solving abilities with the people-loving part of his personality in his role as an Associate Planner at Brio. He can now focus the same skills and drive that have led him to pursue a masters in financial planning on helping clients execute plans that help them succeed.

Being from Minnesota, Matt grew up a huge Vikings fan. When his parents gifted him with a replica of his NFL team’s home field, they had no idea it would turn Matt into an avid collector of miniature stadiums.

Matt is happy that his career journey led him to Brio, where he can share his vast industry knowledge to help the firm reach new heights and continue his mission to make the world better for others. 

When not kayak fishing on the Bay, Claire enjoys hiking and camping with her family, or rock climbing with her partner. She finds the intensity of this highly technical sport and breaking new boundaries an irresistible adrenaline rush.

Michelle was so tiny as a child, that a strong gust of wind blew her and her tricycle over and into a sidewalk drain. Luckily, her father saved her from anything more disastrous than minor cuts and a bruised ego.

Michelle joins Brio as an Administrative Assistant, where her flexibility in tackling new projects is a handy skill to have. She keeps busy learning the business, taking notes in meetings and engaging in various ways across the firm, including wrangling calendars that are in constant flux.

While traveling through Ireland, Jon and his dad spent two nights at a charming B&B in a remote coastal town. Jon later discovered that they had been staying with one of his friend’s parents. In the bedroom the friend grew up in!


Ask Jon what attracted him to Brio and he’ll tell you it’s the people. At first afraid that they were “too good to be true,” he quickly decided that if Brio takes care of its employees so well, the clients must be treated like royalty. And that’s important to him, perhaps given his start in the financial world.

Barbara spent a year in Sweden as an exchange student and became fluent in the language. Many years later, she frequently astounds coworkers and customers by suddenly switching to the Swedish language mid conversation.

As a teen, Gene loved playing trumpet in a drum and bugle corps—partly because he got to travel across the country and the globe. His team even came out on top at the ’88 world championships.

For over 20 years, Gene Elliott has helped individuals and families pursue their greatest financial goals. From estate planning to employee stock options, Gene focuses on simplifying complex endeavors and helping clients find solutions that genuinely fit their needs.

Shannon adores Murder She Wrote, though she’s not sure whether that’s due to the strong female lead who focuses on her career rather than romance—or Jessica Fletcher’s shoulder-padded wardrobe.

On their first date, Dani and her future husband agreed to meet outside a particular café. Both arrived at the appointed time and thought the other was a no-show. Luckily, a phone call cleared up that there were two cafés of the same name and they were each at one.

To her role as an Associate Advisor supporting Brandon, Dani brings her communication, problem-solving and people skills—not to mention a can-do attitude and flexibility that allows her to adapt to ever-changing requests and regulations with a smile.

The first bit of advice Brandon’s dad gave to him when he became a financial advisor is “Pigs get fed. Hogs get slaughtered.” Brandon still uses that bit of wisdom to caution clients against greed.

As Brio’s founder, much of our team’s culture comes from Brandon. His commitment to clients’ best interests — and focus on building a firm where people can feel comfortable and have fun — drives how our team operates each day.

Spinning flags and tossing rifles while doing choreography with his high school’s color guard team helped Angel discover his deep passion for dance. Five years spent as a ballet dancer, then teacher and choreographer didn’t line his pockets much, but also didn’t dim his love of dance.

When she noticed that no one at her high school had chosen the computer-guided lathe machine for the Skills USA contest, Vivian decided to give it a go. She ended up winning first place in the state and went on to compete in the national tournament that year.

Pam spent 10 year volunteering as a finish-line team captain at the Dipsea Race. Corralling timers, handlers and medical personnel—not to mention all the runners—is a gig she likens to a symphony conductor.

Pam Schmitz helps clients plan for tomorrow by taking care of today. With a clear understanding of each client’s unique financial vision, she works to develop a tailored path forward. Whether buying a home, saving for college, or planning for Medicare and retirement, Pam helps each client prepare for life’s many stages.

Michael and his wife Hanna were sad to leave California, but wanted to be closer to family and have more space to spread out. After the move, they got a dog and named her Cali to provide a tail-wagging reward for what they gave up.

If cloning was a real thing, Rachel could be an entire band. Classically trained in violin and drums—well, any kind of percussion really—she decided her repertoire needed expanding and so taught herself piano, guitar, bass and ukulele. A true musician, indeed.

Jake’s favorite birthday involved inviting 12 of his nearest and dearest to revel in Italy at the “Under the Tuscan Sun” villa. The talent show and draining the full wine cellar were two of the highlights.