Riverstone Wealth Partners
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![The Market Observatory: Tariffs and Trade Policy [Audio]](https://blog.commonwealth.com/hubfs/Market-Observatory_Ep-006_Horizontal_THUMBNAIL.png)
In this month’s Market Observatory episode, Sam Millette and I discuss the dominating news story of the year: tariffs and trade policy. Uncertainty has weighed on markets and investors, and the on-again, off-again nature of these policies continues to change the range of outcomes for the economy and corporate earnings.
During periods of market volatility and declines, investors get concerned. They question their long-term objectives and whether they have more risk in their portfolios than they can tolerate. These are reasonable thoughts to have at times like these.
Last week, the S&P 500 was up 5.7%, the strongest week for the market since November 2023. The Nasdaq rose 7.3%, which was the best week for that index since November 2022. The rally was a result of President Trump’s announcement that he was pausing reciprocal tariffs for 90 days. And while there was no relief for China and the back-and-forth escalation between the two countries, markets latched onto the good news and rallied after a tough couple of months for equity investors.
The markets are in the middle of a historic decline. Not so much in the magnitude—while we are approaching a bear market, these happen fairly regularly—but in the speed of the drop. We have rarely, if ever, seen this kind of a sudden decline, especially from close to record levels. People are nervous, of course, and understandably so. But that makes it even more important to take a step back and understand how we got here because that will inform where we are going.
At the start of last week, the S&P 500 rallied three days in a row, with investors believing that the tariffs announced on Wednesday would be targeted. But with increasing expectations comes the potential for disappointment. On April 2, the much-anticipated tariff announcements arrived—and investors did not like the news. President Trump announced 10 percent tariffs across the board on all imports from all other countries, excluding Canada and Mexico. Had that been the extent of it, the market’s expectations would most likely have been met. But it also included tariffs on countries identified as bad actors when it comes to trade, which included 34 percent tariffs on China, 24 percent on Japan, and 20 percent on the EU.
![Market Thoughts for April 2025 [Video]](https://blog.commonwealth.com/hubfs/Market-Thoughts-April-2025_V01_20250401.00_00_06_07.Still037.png)
March was a tough month for U.S. stocks, as all three major indices were down for the month and quarter. Bonds performed better, as falling interest rates supported prices, and developed and emerging markets both ended the quarter positively. Hiring and inflation also improved, and the solid economic backdrop should keep driving earnings growth. Despite this, we continue to face uncertainty—including tariff concerns and weakening consumer confidence.
Wealth Advisor
SIE, Series 7, Series 66
Pablo is passionate about living a life of intent and enjoys helping clients find the meaning behind their goals and assisting advisors in connecting them to their financial plan. Pablo has been in financial services for 7 years in a variety of operational and frontline roles, and likes to apply his knowledge from positions in banking and investment management to provide clients with a holistic experience.
“I remember I would always count things growing up. In fact, I still count everything. How many steps it takes to get from where I park to the front door. How many steps there are in a house. And many more. Numbers have always been my passion, and fortunately for me, I’m passionate about people too. And when you connect numbers with what they mean to people, you can transform the financial planning experience. That’s what drives me.”
Pablo was originally born in Bogota, Colombia, and grew up moving to different countries in the Americas thanks to his parents’ work in the pharmaceutical industry. This fostered his love of travel and learning about different cultures; he’s always eager to share a life story and to hear the stories of those he meets.
Outside of work, Pablo enjoys spending time with his wife, Andrea, and his daughters Ana, Mila and Cecilia. When they’re not playing in the backyard as a family, you can find them at a campground or hiking through a state park. Pablo is also active in Sheboygan’s chess club and soccer leagues, enjoys volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and their local congregation, and is always learning about wild food foraging.
Olivia has joined Riverstone Wealth Partners providing knowledge gained from her 15 plus years in management. Olivia has provided services within the financial industry, mortgage industry, and in the non-profit sector. Olivia thrives on providing stellar customer service, accomplishing all goals set before her, and doing the right thing. Olivia’s degree in Business Management allowed her to take on roles that ultimately led her to Riverstone Wealth Partners. Olivia is currently pursuing another degree with an emphasizes in Human Resources, which she has learned over time… is her passion!
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Other things of interest include, faith-building, traveling, and being in attendance for a great live show/concert. You could possibly see Olivia at The Fiserv Forum supporting her local team, The Milwaukee Bucks! Olivia believes that it is important to make memories with loved ones while you are able. She absolutely LOVES a reason to celebrate someone or something! Olivia is a firm believer in “The Golden Rule.” She believes that everyone deserves kindness and respect. Finally, Olivia is optimistic about her future at Riverstone Wealth Partners and will always see the glass half full.
Irenda joined Riverstone Wealth Partners in November 2024, bringing over 21 years of banking experience and 15 years of executive leadership to the team. She is deeply passionate about financial literacy and empowering others, with a strong focus on women’s health and community involvement.
Currently serving as the 2024/2025 Chair for the American Heart Association, Irenda is dedicated to promoting heart health and wellness. She also serves on two boards—one focused on financial literacy and the other on nonprofit initiatives—reflecting her commitment to both personal and community growth.
Recognized as a top leader in 2023 by her peers, Irenda is known for her stern yet flexible approach to leadership, effectively managing and inspiring her teams. She initially began her journey in nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee but realized her true passion for finance after one year, leading her to change her major to business management.
In addition to her professional achievements, Irenda is a passionate volunteer, helping those less fortunate unlock their full potential. She is currently writing a series of children’s books aimed at teaching financial literacy, reflecting her belief in the power of financial education for future generations.
Outside of work, Irenda enjoys spending time with her husband, Herman Jones, with whom she has been married for 8 years. Together, they have four beautiful sons, and a lovable 90-pound Labrador named Rocko. A proud twin sister with a shared passion for finance, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and volunteering at her church in her free time.
Originally from Guyana, I have lived in various regions across the country and eventually planted roots in the Midwest, where I began my career in customer service and finance. I am passionate about supporting our advisors as they help clients navigate their financial goals. Over the years, I have developed a strong commitment to understanding people, building meaningful connections, and providing exceptional service.
Outside of work, I cherish quality time with my husband and our three wonderful children. As a family, we enjoy exploring new destinations, relaxing by the beach, and immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature. I am also an avid photographer, capturing the small yet meaningful moments that make life so special. In my free time, I enjoy playing with our dogs and embracing the simple joys of everyday life.
I am dedicated to continuous learning and growth, always seeking opportunities to improve both personally and professionally. Building meaningful relationships is at the heart of everything I do, whether with clients or loved ones.
Wealth Advisor Assistant
SIE, Series 7, Series 63
Brenna joins the Riverstone team with a profound dedication to collaborating closely with advisors and their clients, leveraging over 10 years of experience in the financial industry to help them define and achieve their financial aspirations. Known as an astute and uncritical listener, she finds value in understanding the unique experiences and perspectives that shape each individual’s financial journey. Brenna believes in a personalized approach to financial wellness, rooted in trust and mutual understanding.
As a native to the area, Brenna has lived in Elkhart Lake, Howards Grove, Sheboygan, and Cedar Grove. Her experience as an Internal Wholesaler and bank Branch Manager in the Greater Milwaukee area has equipped her with invaluable insights into client needs and community dynamics. She is overjoyed to support the current and next generations of our clients.
Places you might bump into Brenna outside of the office: combing the shores of Lake Michigan in search of beach glass, staying active at the gym, perusing books at the library, or hiking with her partner, Cody, and their dog, Milah. She takes great pride in her involvement in philanthropic endeavors supporting veterans, women, animal welfare, and underserved communities.
Liz has worked in a variety of customer service positions her whole life! She is excited to continue with this focus by building relationships with customers at Riverstone and assisting the team with marketing support. Liz graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a degree in Marketing, an emphasis in Digital Media Studies and Design, as well as a certificate in Professional and Technical Writing. Some of her interests outside of the office include playing with her dog Riley, attending yoga classes, reading, traveling, and hiking.
Director of Operations
Series 6, 7, 66
CPA, CAIA
Dave came to Riverstone Wealth Partners from a major global banking firm after starting his career in 1992 working in operations and change management roles within the institutional asset management industry. With an MBA in Finance and a BS in Accounting from DePaul University in Chicago, he is also a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst. A twenty two-year resident of South Elgin, Dave is a Harley Davidson enthusiast and devoted soccer dad. He and his wife enjoy golfing and the sunny shores of southwest Florida.
Riley has enjoyed working in the financial services industry for the last 9 years. Originally starting in the industry as an assistant, then a registered branch operations manager, and now as a wealth advisor. He has been through numerous business changes and understands the impact that clarity and honest advice can have for clients. Riley enjoys getting to know clients and hearing their stories. He enjoys the financial planning process and the impact that sound financial decisions can have on one’s life. He also understands the importance of those who choose to entrust him to be a steward of their financial resources and does not take the responsibility lightly.
Riley and his wife, Jenna, live in Sheboygan with their two sons, both under the age of 5. His family keeps him very busy, but outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors – hiking, camping, and chasing his boys. He also enjoys cooking and baking, golfing, and cheering on his favorite sports teams.
Carol resides in the charming town of Plymouth, Wisconsin, and loves spending winters in the inviting landscapes of Arizona. She has a passion for traveling, exploring both the beauty of their own country and the wonders of international destinations. She enjoys friendly card games with loved ones.
Family is at the core of her heart, with three children and three grandchildren, adding joy and laughter to Carol’s life. Companionship also comes in the form of two adorable cats, Gandalf and Ramsay, who make her home a cozy place.
Taking leisurely walks by the lake and basking in the warmth of the sunshine are simple pleasures that bring contentment and peace. With an optimistic outlook, Carol relishes the small joys that life has to offer and cherishes every moment with her loved ones.
Chrissy provides administrative support to the advisors on the Riverstone team and their clients. She joined Riverstone in 2022 after spending the last 18 years running her family household and raising three girls with her husband John. Chrissy’s cheerful personality, marketing and creative skills, and love for conversation make her a great fit with our firm.
Outside of the office she is a passionate supporter of and volunteer for Little Friends – Naperville through her time spent at Serendipity resale shop in Aurora, IL. You may also find her at a Yoga or workout class during her free time. She is a graduate of UIC and currently resides in Aurora, IL.
Ashley has been working in the customer service field since she started her first job at age 16. For the past ten years she worked in an office setting handling accounts payable and receivable as well as some receptionist work. She is very excited to learn more about the investment field.
Born and raised in Sheboygan, Ashley enjoys spending her free time with family, friends, and her 11-year-old Shih Tzu Oliver. She loves anything outdoors. Some of her favorite hobbies include snowmobiling, attending country music concerts, and being on the beach or around a fire. She also loves watching the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers and tries to attend as many games as possible. Tailgating included of course!
Alec joined Riverstone after starting out his post college career on the operations side of an international logistics company working as an account executive. Graduating with a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he quickly developed a strong interest in the financial world. A lifetime resident of the Chicagoland area, Alec is an avid fan of his hometown sports teams. He is also an enthusiast of outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking whenever possible.
Carol has a wide variety of experiences and has worked mainly with not-for-profit organizations. She spent 20 years in fundraising and 15 years teaching in the Illinois school system while she raised her younger children. Carol lives in Sugar Grove with her husband, Ron, and their Golden Retriever, Charley. She has four children and two grandchildren. When she’s not working, Carol enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, fishing, bible study, and watching her grandchildren play sports.
Wealth Advisor
Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 licenses
Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA)
Kyle heads the team’s investment research, covering everything from portfolio construction to staying informed on market updates. As an advisor, he knows he can have a dramatic impact on someone’s well-being by preparing them for life’s unexpected events. Giving clients that sense of peace and well-being is why he comes to work every day.
“Ever since I was 14 and filing paperwork at a local bank for a Senior Advisor who shared the same last name, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I could also see the trust and joy the Advisor shared with her clients while planning for their future.”
Intrigued by the stock market and proficient with math, making sure that the right numbers were in place to fund futures was a natural fit for Kyle. He has completed his Certified Financial Planner education and will soon be sitting for the test.
Outside of the office, you can find him camping, kayaking, biking, hiking or road tripping with his wife Ashley and their two dogs, Brady and Bella. He most recently spent several months driving across Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming while crossing nine national parks off his bucket list. Kyle is also an avid fisherman, so don’t be surprised if you catch him on the river in front of the office.
Wealth Advisor / Registered Principal
Investment Advisor Representative. Series 7, 24, 63, 65
Licensed in 14 states
Ken enjoys challenging people to grow and encouraging them to pursue things they might not otherwise have done had they not met him. He thinks of what he does as legacy planning – but not in the traditional financial planning sense of the word.
“Over the years I’ve witnessed clients in their later retirement years start to think about how they will be remembered when they’re gone. By starting to think about this sooner rather than later, clients are more likely to feel a sense of fulfillment with regard to how they’ve lived their life and their ability to make the world a better place. It’s not necessarily always about the numbers in the account, but oftentimes it can help these legacy-defining activities happen.”
Growing up without much, Ken’s parents emphasized hard work and savings. He got in the habit of saving a portion of every dollar he earned whether it was from birthdays, holidays or from his paper route he started when he was twelve. Through his own savings, he was able to buy and race BMX bikes as a kid and purchase his first car at 17. Ken found great satisfaction in saving, knowing that by simply deferring the gratification he could accomplish something with far greater impact that really mattered to him. He now enjoys helping others do the same.
Ken and his wife Michelle have two kids in college and two dogs, a Lab-Bernese dog named Cake and a German Shepard rescue, Kiska. Music is a constant in the Koppitz household – both listening to and, for the kids, performing. And, Ken has never outgrown playing cars with his friends – he enjoys driving on tracks throughout the country, providing classroom instruction and in-car high performance driver coaching. Additionally, he’s been involved in Audi Club’s Teen Driving Clinic helping refine the driving skills of hundreds of new teen drivers over the last 12 years.
Wealth Advisor
Series 7, 63 and 65 and Insurance License
For the past 30 years, Nancy has helped clients create well-balanced financial plans that are maintainable throughout their lifetime. She provides ongoing advice and guidance during various stages of their lives – college funding, retirement planning, long-term care funding and asset allocation.
Nancy is known for being a collaborative Advisor who is truthful, objective and clear speaking when providing advice and treats her client’s money as if it were her own.
“I enjoy helping take care of my clients’ financial health and well-being, and discovering their personal situations helps me make sure their finances are able to provide support for them and their families over generations.”
Nancy lives in Naperville with her husband, Phil, and dog Theo, while her two grown children and grandchild live in the Chicago area. She relaxes by reading (she always has two books going at the same time), playing golf, biking, yoga, Pilates, traveling, and enjoying good food and wine. A Trustee of the Naperville Public Library Board, she also volunteers at Loaves & Fishes and Mutual Grounds.
Wealth Advisor / Registered Principal
Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) Series 7, 24, 63, 65
Registered in 23 states
Life Insurance Licensed
Jodi summarizes her work philosophy with three words: Listen. Organize. Guide. She listens to clients and thought leaders, organizes economic data, market trends and client information, and makes it all personal by providing guidance in financial planning and portfolio management.
“Connecting to people and organizations with shared values of integrity, positivity, perseverance, compassion and the spirit of generosity has been the most amazing experience of my life.”
My grandfather was an international business consultant. As a child, I visited his office and he explained how they reviewed all the pieces of a company and developed a strategy to help the company get stronger. I loved the idea of taking those puzzle pieces and putting them together to help individuals and families. As an Advisor, my passion is to guide clients to make good decisions. Ultimately, I saw the resulting sense of well-being created in my clients once they had a plan and someone they trusted to share their goals and concerns. Our clients are phenomenal people who I enjoy and learn from every day. I truly care about them and am humbled and amazed at the many ways in which they express their appreciation.”
Over the years, Jodi’s clients have watched her raise four very active children which included the usual sports, music, and urgent care visits. Whether they are hanging out by the backyard grill, traveling, golfing, hiking, biking or playing Scrabble, their high energy friends and family tends to expand to include just a few more loved ones… or loved-ones-to-be.
Above all, Jodi loves making connections. Just like her father, her brain automatically goes to “What do we have in common that will help me know you better?” She met her very first client walking home from Wall Street on her way to the NJ commuter train. A few words started a conversation and by the time they reached their destination, he said, “I could use an IRA. Maybe we should talk more.”
Wealth Advisor
Series 7, 63, 65 Insurance License
Kim truly enjoys the long-term relationships she’s built with her clients over the years while helping them achieve their financial goals.
“Clients appreciate my honesty, reliability and detail-oriented mindset whether it’s crunching numbers to make sure portfolios are properly aligned or preparing client paperwork.”
In her down time, Kim enjoys reading, going to concerts and theater, travel and hiking with her dog Macey.
Wealth Advisor Assistant
Series 6 and 63
With 20 years in the Investment field and 35 in the Finance industry, Rita provides multifaceted support to the Advisor Team at Riverstone Wealth Partners.
“I strive to provide excellent service to co-workers and clients. I’m blessed with a strong work ethic and enjoy helping others.”
The best part of her day is connecting with people from all walks of life and learning about something new… whether that’s a recipe, a good book or new places to visit. Most weekends are filled with making happy memories with family and friends, working on her lengthy honey-do list and relaxing.
Registered Relationship Assistant
Series 7, 63, 65 insurance licenses
Shelly works closely with Advisors on assisting with the day-to-day operations. Taking care of Riverstone Wealth Partners’ clients and making their lives easier is her number one priority.
“Relationship building is what truly drives me.”
She enjoys not only talking about a client’s financial well-being, but also getting to know them and their unique personality. Shelly’s attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills enables her to deliver the highest quality client experience.
When she’s not working, Shelly enjoys spending time with her husband, Glen, and their two college-aged kids, Camryn and Reece. She likes traveling, spending time with friends and cheering on her favorite sports teams from Wisconsin – the Badgers and the Packers.
