Building a Legacy: The Evolution of Alaska Wealth Advisors
At Alaska Wealth Advisors, we have always been driven by a single mission: to provide exceptional service and financial expertise to our clients while fostering meaningful connections within our community. Today, we’re thrilled to share a milestone that underscores our commitment to this mission and ensures the future of our firm for generations to come.
On January 1, 2025, we expanded our ownership team to include four of our dedicated colleagues and lifelong Alaskans: Meghan (Carson) Muñoz, Connor Michael, Amber Frizzell, and Dave Valdez. These talented individuals, alongside our current owner Laura Bruce, will be stepping into new roles as owners. This is a proud moment in our story, and it ensures that the consistency of service our clients depend on will continue for many years ahead.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Our journey started with the vision, talent, and grit of our founding owners, Laura Bruce and the late Cathie Straub. Recognizing the need for thoughtful investment solutions for individuals, we became a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in 2014. Since then, Alaska has embraced this innovative financial management structure, and our firm has thrived.
We’ve grown from a small team of two to a dynamic group of 20. We’ve developed three advising teams, cultivated over 800 client relationships, and now manage more than 2,000 investment accounts. Along the way, we’ve introduced innovative investment products and rebranded as Alaska Wealth Advisors, all while staying true to our roots and investing in our Alaskan home.
We’ve also taken pride in creating opportunities for Alaskans, opportunities that were previously only available out of state. This includes providing 16 Alaskan college internships, scholarships at the University of Alaska, and empowering girls and women through lectures and symposiums. Many of us serve on nonprofit boards—14 in total—because we understand the heart of this community. Every step of the way, we’ve been dedicated to both our clients and the community we serve. These accomplishments have set the stage for the next exciting chapter in our story.
The Next Chapter
When Laura and Cathie founded this firm, they envisioned a future where our employees would take over ownership. This vision reflects not only their deep trust in the team they built but also their desire to ensure the firm’s longevity and alignment with its core values. In an industry where transitions like this are rare, this milestone speaks to the unique culture we’ve cultivated at Alaska Wealth Advisors and our commitment to growing leadership from within.
Why Succession Planning Matters
Succession planning is about more than just a business strategy; it’s a promise of continuity, resilience, and excellence. In our industry, where trust is everything, planning for the future ensures that clients can always count on consistent and reliable service, no matter what changes may come.
By expanding our ownership to include leaders who know our clients’ needs and understand the unique opportunities in Alaska’s investment landscape, we’re ensuring that the values and standards that define our firm remain strong. At the same time, this transition fosters an environment where innovation and collaboration can thrive, paving the way for continued success.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us. Your confidence drives us to serve, innovate, and lead. While this new chapter brings exciting changes, our mission remains steadfast: to deliver exceptional service and results while maintaining the personal connections that set us apart.
We invite you to join us in congratulating our new owners and looking ahead to a bright future. Together, we will continue building a legacy of excellence for years to come.
