The KTM team has been carefully assembled during 30 years of developing processes that support families, individuals, business owners, and foundations succeed in pursuing their goals. This process has produced a hand-picked team of experienced professionals with the sole focus of striving to meet our clients’ desired outcomes.
Meet Our Team
“It is exciting to be allowed to create strategies that deploy our clients’ financial wealth as a tool to strengthen and deepen their most valuable assets – their family (including future generations), their personal characters, and valued relationships. It is a privilege to be allowed to help make a difference and work with a team of people who share that vision.”
John is a principal, Co-founder, and Senior Partner of Keeler Thomas. He has been educating and working with the public in the financial and estate planning industry for over 40 years. As a highly respected presenter, John has taught financial principles over the years in numerous venues across the United States. He is a published author and spearheaded the formation of the firm’s current emphasis on providing customized financial services, and multi-generational wealth continuity for families.
Besides the family legacy emphasis, John has led the company in providing consulting, financial, and negotiating skills for support of our business and high net worth clients. Business succession, purchase strategies and funding, expansion and growth needs are all in his quiver of talents and tools. John also directs the comprehensive wealth management programs for many of the firm’s clients.
Mr. Unice formerly served as the Chairman of the Endowment Committee of the Utah National Parks Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and then continued to serve as a member of the Executive Committee of the Council. He currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the College of Science and Health at Utah Valley University and a member of the Board of Directors of the I Care Foundation.
Within the company, he serves as Chairman of the Investment Advisory Committee for Keeler Thomas as well as directing Family Office Services for the firm. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Brigham Young University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®), a Certified Heritage Design Professional™ and holds Series 7, 63, and 24 securities registrations and is a Registered Securities Principal.
“Having spent over three decades in this business, I have a good sense of what it takes to manage successful client relationships. One thing is certain: I couldn’t do it by myself. My associates at Keeler Thomas continue to learn and enhance their skills in order to provide the best strategies and most favorable client experiences possible. All are committed to this endeavor and this translates
into more informed and happy clients.”
into more informed and happy clients.”
As a Co-founder and Senior Partner for Keeler Thomas Management LLC, Mr. Jones brings over 40 years of experience in financial, estate, and tax planning. Since 1979, he has been serving Keeler Thomas clients throughout the intermountain west and across the country.
Richard is a noted speaker and workshop presenter, having presented financial topics in front of multiple audiences and thousands of participants in the last decade alone. Besides his experience in advising clients and their families, Richard also specializes in the research and recommendations of select categories of investment choices within the firm. He currently serves as a member of the Investment Advisory Committee for Keeler Thomas.
Richard earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Arizona State University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations. He currently serves on the Utah State University Gift Planning Advisory Board.
“There are few times and vocations where we can make a positive, multi-generational difference in the lives of families. It is gratifying to be engaged in such a cause with the professionals at Keeler Thomas.”
Jerry is Co-founder, Senior Partner and President of Keeler Thomas Management, LLC. He has been active for over 30 years in creating and developing successful domestic and multi-national businesses. Using that experience, he has helped to build Keeler Thomas into a highly successful investment management firm that serves clients in over 30 states throughout the United States.
Besides his strategic planning responsibility, he plays a key role in developing the firm’s ongoing current emphasis on family wealth strategies and multi-generational legacy planning. He is an author and presenter on multiple subjects that directly help families develop the necessary skills to discover and promote their values, principles, and unity, and subsequently pass those forward to future generations alongside the family financial inheritance.
Jerry has served on the Utah Valley University Foundation Board of Directors, is former Chairman of the UVU Gift Planning Advisory Board and is current Chairman of the Utah State University Planned Giving Advisory Board. He is former President and Chair of the Utah Financial Planning Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Accounting from Brigham Young University and has a Master of Business Administration from Utah Valley University. He is a Certified Heritage Design Professional (HDP™) with The Heritage Institute, holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation (AIF®) and the Professional Plan Consultant® designation (PPC®) from fi360.
* Gerald is not registered to offer securities through SagePoint Financial Inc.
“Many Keeler Thomas clients have built wealth by building on an idea and starting, leading, and growing a business. Many of these businesses are tightly held by family members and forms a powerful basis for the business of being a family. Keeler Thomas is the parent of two related entities that focus on the process of acceleration the value of the family enterprise and constructing a stable foundation where family members can transfer or exit the business as part of their financial plan.”
Cary Wasden is a seasoned Wall Street analyst and entrepreneur. Cary is also one of three founding members of the Keeler Thomas Archimedes practice. Cary studied at Brigham Young University for his bachelor's and master’s degree then went to The Ohio State University for additional graduate training. He worked for thirty years as an investment analyst on Wall Street where he was the top-ranked analyst in the world and was credited with being the analyst that uncovered Enron. Cary has started, led, and exited a number of entrepreneurial ventures, he also teaches finance at Utah Valley University.
“At Keeler Thomas we are passionate about being dependable and reliable. It’s important for us to be as reliable in our performance for you as the facts we give you.”
Since joining the Keeler Thomas team in 2008, Adam has become one of the firm’s senior advisors. Adam focuses in working with individuals and corporations by focusing on financial planning, investment management, retirement planning and fiduciary responsibilities. As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), Adam works with Business Owners, Third-Party Administrators, Board Members and Retirement Plan Participants to educate and train them on Fiduciary issues and best practices.
Adam is a noted speaker on financial topics and presents at numerous venues throughout the state of Utah. He is passionate about educating and empowering families as they navigate growing their assets, protecting their wealth and planning their legacy.
Adam graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in Economics in 2007. He also received the Certificate of Financial Planning from Utah State University. Adam holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation as well as Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations. He also holds Life, Health, and Disability licensing with the state of Utah.
“My strength is listening to and understanding all of my client’s needs. It is our duty at Keeler Thomas to exceed clients’ expectations. I do this by paying attention to every client detail because goals and objectives are ever-changing.”
Amy has spent the past 20 years advising clients and families with their financial investments and decisions. She joined Keeler Thomas in 2007 and is a valuable member of our client advisement team. Amy is also skilled and proficient with the various forms of insurance programs as they relate to strategically using insurance as part of overall retirement and investment strategies.
Amy has previously held vice-president positions with both Wells Fargo Investments and Zions Investment Securities Inc. She holds Series 7, 63, and 66 securities registrations. She also holds Life, Health, and Disability licensing with the State of Utah.
“At Keeler Thomas we put our client’s needs first. We help them put a plan in place for whatever financial goals they have and then help them pursue those goals.”
Ben joined the Keeler Thomas team in 2014. Ben fills the role at Keeler Thomas of Operations Manager and Compliance Manager. He manages our client services team, working hard to oversee the systems that clients experience at Keeler Thomas. He facilitates the many facets of the office including training, billing, technical support, compliance, and client service. Ben’s determination and flexibility make him a valued member of the Keeler Thomas team.
Ben joined the Keeler Thomas team in 2014. Ben fills the role at Keeler Thomas of Operations Manager and Compliance Manager. He manages our client services team, working hard to oversee the systems that clients experience at Keeler Thomas. He facilitates the many facets of the office including training, billing, technical support, compliance, and client service. Ben’s determination and flexibility make him a valued member of the Keeler Thomas team.
Prior to coming to Keeler Thomas, Ben worked for Wells Fargo Advisors. In 2013, he graduated with his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix. Ben holds Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 security registrations and the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional designation (FPQP™). He also holds Life, Health and Disability Insurance licensing for the state of Utah and is a Utah Notary Public.
"One of the strengths I value most about Keeler Thomas is the teamwork approach we utilize every day in meeting client needs. As a team, we are able to bring a higher standard of service as well as greater competency and knowledge that benefits everyone."
Nikki has been with Keeler Thomas since 2002. Over the years, Nikki has excelled at working diligently to meet clients’ needs. In addition, as Client Services Administrator, Nikki oversees the scheduling and completion of tasks office wide. She works directly with all back office employees to assure they are properly trained and maintain the necessary skill sets to meet all current and potential scenarios. Nikki has many organizational talents and uses them to help select and maintain the company software platforms as they relate to database support and CRM activities.
Nikki holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional designation (FPQP™) as well as Series 7 securities registration. She also holds Life, Health and Disability licensing with the state of Utah.
“As a client of Keeler Thomas prior to becoming an employee, I have experienced firsthand the care, concern, and professionalism of the Keeler Thomas Team. From the moment you walk in the door you know that you are in good hands. At Keeler Thomas we always strive to put the client first and we value our relationship with each and every client that we partner with.”
Katie joined the Keeler Thomas team in 2017. As a member of the highly trained Client Services team, Katie’s responsibilities include supporting all client financial services as an assistant to the advisors. She also engages client questions and researches specific answers as needed. Her caring and patient attitude make her a natural fit for our client service department.
Katie comes to us with 10 years of excellent experience in client service and support. In 1998, she graduated from BYU-Idaho with an associate degree in Elementary Education. She currently holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional designation (FPQP™) in financial planning and services as well as Life, Health and Disability Insurance licensing for the state of Utah. She is also a Notary Public for the state of Utah.
“I personally believe that for our company, integrity is a fundamental component that is essential to have present in all of our dealings.”
Michele has been with us since early 2003. As the Accounting Manager for Keeler Thomas, she oversees the complexity of our financial record-keeping with the Broker-Dealer and all other financial agencies, maintains our financial databases, and manages the company’s financial records. In her time here at Keeler Thomas, she has worked in several departments where she can always be counted on to bring structure and organization. We value her detail orientated nature that is the hallmark of her character as our Accounting Manager.
Prior to her time at Keeler Thomas, Michele was the General Manager of a popular retail establishment which included functions such as human resources, training, financial controls, and customer service.
“The Keeler Thomas team cares about every single one of their clients. Our team goes to great efforts to make sure every client’s needs are met. The Keeler Thomas team works hard to provide clients with not only financial planning services, but also education and tools to help each client reach their financial goals.”
Shamara joined the Keeler Thomas team in 2020. As the company’s Marketing Coordinator, Shamara is responsible for the company’s independent and co-partnered educational webinars, as well as social media management. Shamara is also responsible for the company’s email campaigns, newsletters, and Financial Quarterly’s. Part of Shamara’s role in the company is client services work, she handles any webinar questions or inquiries. Shamara is currently a student at Utah Valley University, she is working toward a Bachelor’s in Marketing and expected to graduate in 2023.
“At Keeler Thomas, we strive to provide our clients with an exceptional experience. No two clients have the same goals or needs. That’s why we make every effort to know our clients and create a pathway for them to be successful. The company culture is one where values, integrity, trust and respect for each other are paramount.”
Teri has been with Keeler Thomas since 2007. Her responsibilities include helping advisors fulfill client processing issues and following up on client requests. Besides being the assistant to our executive team, she is also a specialist in insurance back office support, guiding us expertly through the myriad of requirements that arise as clients add to or upgrade their insurance needs.
Teri came to us with many years’ experience in both the financial and medical fields, working at times as both office manager and customer support liaison. She has worked at various times managing investment databases, managing medical offices and their billing/collections processes, and compiling detailed information for Title companies.
Mission, Vision, and Values
For over 30 years, KTM has developed its own branded processes that help chart our clients’ meaningful journeys and outcomes for themselves and their families. Using proprietary systems and special designations, KTM is uniquely qualified to partner with our clients in pursuing their financial wellness, retirement, and family legacy goals.
