Michael Watkins, CFP, FCSI, FMA, CSWP
Mike started in the financial services industry as a banker back in 1997. He quickly shifted his focus to wealth management, eventually publishing his Financial Planning guide “It’s Only Money” and writing a bi-weekly column for the Times Colonist called “Dollars and Sense”. Mike works with a wide range of clients in Southern Vancouver Island, and across Canada, helping them to become confident that their personal financial future is secure. When not in the office, Mike is focused on his wife and family. He also enjoys reading and kickboxing (but not necessarily at the same time).
Mark Stoker
Mark began his career at Revenue Canada after University. He spent 14 years there specializing in tax auditing. He has been in the finance and wealth management industry for over three decades and specializes in portfolio creation, retirement planning, and tax-efficient investing. Mark helps his clients achieve peace of mind by providing trusted advice and personalized solutions to meet their financial goals. When looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of wealth management, you may spot him hitting pin-seeking shots at Uplands Golf Course, gardening, camping, or relaxing at the cabin on Hornby Island.
Jordan Dawes, CFP®
Jordan began his financial career with a Credit Union before joining the Watkins Group in 2015. He earned his CFP while taking on the senior advisor position at a bank in Kamloops while supporting his wife through law school. Jordan now lives on the island he grew up on, and is back managing relationships with the team. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone more passionate about educating his clients, and helping everyday people achieve their financial goals – whether it be at the office, or online through his social media channel. Occasionally, you may find him fishing off the coast or playing hockey at ridiculously late ice slots. He lives in Langford, BC with his wife, Stephanie, and his daughter, Dove.
Karen King
Karen has over three decades of financial services and administration management. As CEO (Client Experience Officer) for The Watkins Group, Karen is responsible for the overall experience of the team’s organization and services. Karen’s passions include extensive charitable fundraising, long hikes with her husband Ron and her boy Oliver (white westie), tennis, sports, and wine tasting. Clients love her fiery attitude and her dedication to going above and beyond at helping them achieve their goals.
Kelly Frias
Kelly began her career in Finance in Calgary working as a Portfolio Administrator for a private firm for over three years. Shortly thereafter, Kelly moved back to her hometown of Victoria, B.C with her husband to start a family. Kelly graduated from Camosun College’s School of Business with a certificate in Business Management and a diploma in Business Administration – Management. Kelly is our team’s newest member, and the go-to person for facilitating transfers, sending cash, and file management. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and getting outside.
Brian Einarson, B.Comm., CFP, RRC
Senior Trust and Estate Consultant
Brian believes that a key component of any wealth management plan is an estate plan that protects our clients’ assets, preserves their legacy and ensures their estate is distributed efficiently. Brian has been in the financial services industry since 2000. He started his career with a major investment firm and joined CIBC in Victoria, BC in 2006. Since then he has been honing his skills in financial and estate planning. Brian provides clients with a personalized approach to Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trust services. When it comes to estate planning, every family presents a unique set of circumstances and Brian helps clients establish a plan that is custom tailored to suit their distinct needs.
Pat Marshall, CIM, CFP
Wealth strategist
Pat adds value by working closely with each individual client to provide comprehensive financial plans that focus on what is important to them. She takes an in-depth approach to understand our clients’ unique situation and provides a formal recommendation to optimize how financial affairs are structured, integrating retirement, tax, will, estate, trust and insurance plans.
Aaron McEwen
Estate Planning Specialist
Aaron’s passion and belief in holistic financial planning drives his purpose to build deep client relationships. Utilizing a team that’s entirely focused on family planning, helps guide him to finding the right solutions. Aaron believes in a client-first approach and loves solving complex personal and corporate estate planning issues. He gives his time generously to family planning, focusing on what matters most.
Outside of work, Aaron enjoys golfing with his wife Chelsey, and riding his motorcycle throughout British Columbia.
Jamie Golombek
Managing Director Tax and Estate Planning
As CIBC’s tax expert, Jamie supports CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors in delivering integrated financial planning and advisory solutions to our high-net-worth clients. Jamie is quoted frequently in the national media and writes a weekly National Post column called Tax Expert.
Brian Einarson, B.Comm., CFP, RRC
Brian believes that a key component of any wealth management plan is an estate plan that protects our clients’ assets, preserves their legacy and ensures their estate is distributed efficiently. Brian has been in the financial services industry since 2000. He started his career with a major investment firm and joined CIBC in Victoria, BC in 2006. Since then he has been honing his skills in financial and estate planning. Brian provides clients with a personalized approach to Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trust services. When it comes to estate planning, every family presents a unique set of circumstances and Brian helps clients establish a plan that is custom tailored to suit their distinct needs.
Pat Marshall, CIM, CFP
Pat adds value by working closely with each individual client to provide comprehensive financial plans that focus on what is important to them. She takes an in-depth approach to understand our clients’ unique situation and provides a formal recommendation to optimize how financial affairs are structured, integrating retirement, tax, will, estate, trust and insurance plans.
Aaron McEwen
Aaron’s passion and belief in holistic financial planning drives his purpose to build deep client relationships. Utilizing a team that’s entirely focused on family planning, helps guide him to finding the right solutions. Aaron believes in a client-first approach and loves solving complex personal and corporate estate planning issues. He gives his time generously to family planning, focusing on what matters most.
Outside of work, Aaron enjoys golfing with his wife Chelsey, and riding his motorcycle throughout British Columbia.
Jamie Golombek
As CIBC’s tax expert, Jamie supports CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors in delivering integrated financial planning and advisory solutions to our high-net-worth clients. Jamie is quoted frequently in the national media and writes a weekly National Post column called Tax Expert.