Associates

Ray has been providing advice to high net worth families and individuals since 1992. Ray’s individualistic approach to the client process allows him and his team to run portfolios in a highly customized fashion according to client preference. This process has been sought by individuals and multigenerational families with complex financial needs. Today, he derives his greatest joy from serving both his clients and his community. He knows that when his clients do well, so does the community, his team, and his firm. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Finance in 1977. Prior to joining the team, Ray served as the Regional Director of Commercial Real Estate at Principal Financial Group. Outside of the office, Ray enjoys spending time with his wife Sherri, their children and grandchildren, being outdoors, and supporting his Iowa Hawkeyes. He is also an avid vinyl record and vintage radio collector.

Tamara grew up in Central Iowa, leaving just after high school graduation to attend New York University.  She found herself deeply involved in the fashion business, ultimately serving as Press Attaché for fashion designer Stephen Sprouse, then as Head of the Men's Division at Click Model Management – both in New York City.  This line of work took her around the globe: as Co-Director of Casting Talent agency in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; then as Director of Click Talent LA.

Eventually, Tamara felt the pull of her Midwestern roots, and returned to Des Moines.  She signed as a Pension Consultant at Principal Financial Group while she completed her MBA at Drake University, then moved to Everen Securities as a Financial Advisor.

At Everen (a predecessor of Wells Fargo Advisors), Tamara partnered with Robert Hayes, Managing Director- Investments and Raymond Hays, Vice President-Investment Officer to form an advisory team.  With the early additions of Polly Phillips, Senior Client Associate and Robert Laughlin, Senior Registered Client Associate – then the most recent addition of Brandon Hays, Financial Advisor, the group is officially known as Investment Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.

Tamara is active in her community.  Among other things, she is an officer for the Des Moines Committee on Foreign Relations and provides support for numerous social justice organizations.  She also has a love/hate relationship with organic gardening.

Brandon began his career in the financial industry in 2006.  This gave him the opportunity to understand how financial markets work at an early age.  Further, he learned that having a plan is essential in responding to economic conditions that can dynamically change business or client needs. 

Brandon simplifies and streamlines financial landscapes for those with active lifestyles who value advice beyond the boundaries of traditional wealth management. In addition to investment management and planning, he creates highly specialized working relationships with retirees, emerging executives, and fellow Wells Fargo colleagues.

Brandon and his wife Genevieve live in Des Moines, Iowa with their two children, Teddy and Caroline and their dog, Boomer.  He also enjoys mountain biking, fly-fishing, trail running, reading, and being an extremely amateur golfer.  He is a graduate of the Henry B. Tippie College of Business at The University of Iowa.

Brandon holds the Series 7 and Series 66 registrations and is insurance licensed in the state of Iowa.

Gerene brings almost 30 years of Wells Fargo & Co. and financial industry experience to the group.  Throughout her career, she has been a Banker, Assistance Branch Manager, and Service Manager. Gerene has also worked at Credit Card Services, and in the Office of the President at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Within each position she has accumulated vast knowledge of the financial industry.  Her favorite part? Being able to provide excellent service to clients and being a guide for them during interactions with all units throughout the organization.   

When Gerene and her husband Mike are not spending time with their two daughters and sons-in-law, you might find them on their acreage in Madison County with their two dogs, riding their custom motorcycle, or at the lake on their houseboat.

After completing his Series 7, Rob began his career in the investment industry at Principal Financial Securities in 1997.  Thereafter, he joined forces with his current colleagues at the Investment Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.  After two decades with the team, he's become familiar with specific client needs and preferences on an operational and professional level.  Rob oversees and manages the daily client interaction process.   

Rob grew up and lives in Des Moines, Iowa.  In his free time, he enjoys billiards, trying new cooking techniques, and summer BBQs.  He was a long-suffering Chicago Cubs fan until their World Series victory in 2016, having been a fan since a youngster, when his great uncle would spend his retired days entertaining him and his brother with a player piano and afternoon Cubs games on WGN.  He also enjoys being an uncle to a niece and nephew in Minnesota, and enjoys visiting family up north.