Jeremy F. Lewis | CMFC®

CEO & Wealth Advisor

Jeremy is the CEO and Founder of Fortitude Financial and a seasoned Wealth Advisor. He leads the firm's direction and champions client success. With over 22 years in the financial services industry, Jeremy's expertise spans investment management, financial planning, and economic research, emphasizing an exceptional client experience.

Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on International Business and Finance, accompanied by a minor in Spanish. Quickly transitioning into financial advising post-graduation, he also earned the Certified Mutual Fund Counselor certification shortly thereafter.

Beyond his professional role, Jeremy is deeply committed to community service, proudly contributing to the Youth For Christ (YFC) Foundation and various local charities. He also spends a portion of his free time nurturing his passion for music and inspiring the younger generations through building his own studio and label. His innovative "Giving Back" program at Fortitude empowers each employee with a charity budget, fostering impactful contributions to meaningful causes. Explore the Giving Back page to discover the organizations supported by Jeremy and his team over the years.

Ben Chase | CFP®, RICP®

Wealth Advisor and Partner

Ben is a Wealth Advisor at Fortitude Financial, where he has been an integral part of the team since January 2013. His journey reached a milestone in November 2022 when he rose to the position of Partner, underscoring his significant contributions and dedication to the firm's success. Specializing in comprehensive financial planning, Ben guides clients towards their goals through client reviews, trades, and investment analysis.

A Summa Cum Laude graduate in Business Administration from Eastern Washington University in 2011, Ben holds a major in Marketing and an emphasis in Finance. His commitment to professional growth is evident through earning the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation in 2016 and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 2017.

Beyond finance, Ben treasures family time with his wife, three kids, and their dog, Grace. Balancing work with a passion for running, golfing, and snowboarding, Ben embodies the commitment to financial success and a well-rounded life. 

Noelle Y. Seipp

Chief Operations Officer

In over 14 years with the firm, Noelle has been the driving force behind its success. Joining as an Administrative Assistant in 2010, she rapidly expanded her role, becoming a skilled LPL Registered Administrative Assistant by 2013. Noelle's journey mirrors the firm's growth, with her expertise now extending to office operations and practice management.

Integral to the organization, Noelle oversees internal operations, ensuring seamless functionality. She guides the front office staff in marketing, event planning, compliance, and enhancing client experiences. Noelle's remarkable growth and dedication make her an indispensable part of the firm's fabric.

Away from the office, Noelle enjoys time at home with her husband and three children, exploring the scenic surroundings of the Pend Oreille River. Their outdoor pursuits, from hiking to discovering local parks and trails, mirror Noelle's vibrant approach to both work and life.

Joni Gall

Chief Compliance Officer

Joni is one of the friendly voices you may hear at the other end of the line, while her main role is overseeing the compliance program at Fortitude Financial. Since joining the firm as the front office administrator in May 2019, Joni has seamlessly expanded her role in the firm, continually helping to ensure the smooth operation of the office and fiduciary success of the firm overall.

Joni brings a wealth of experience in customer service and trust administration, coupled with honors degrees in Economics and Political Science. Her dedication to continual improvement is evident as she further develops her knowledge in the wealth management industry. 

Beyond the office, Joni finds joy in family time with her husband and two children, along with their dog and two cats. Her diverse interests include enjoying music, watching sports, playing games, cooking, baking, gardening, and embarking on road trips. 

 

“I love that I work somewhere with people who are like another close family, including the clients – It makes me look forward to coming into the office every day. I really love what I do.”

Matthew Greve ChFC®

Financial Analyst

Matthew is a dedicated and accomplished financial professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Management from Eastern Washington University, where he graduated in 2020. His passion for continuous growth is evident through his recent attainment of the prestigious ChFC designation from the American College of Financial Services in 2023.

As a Financial Analyst, Matthew's responsibilities are multifaceted. He excels at entering data and meticulously preparing financial plans for presentation. He's the force behind the daily trading for the book of business, ensuring that investments are closely monitored. Beyond finance, Matthew adds a dose of fun to the office by making sure every holiday is celebrated with enthusiasm.

Beyond numbers, Matthew enjoys video games, snowboarding, hitting the open road, and playing with his dogs. He's a well-rounded individual who thrives on both financial analysis and life's adventures. On weekends, Matthew cherishes time with his energetic nieces and nephews, bringing a balance of joy and warmth to his life outside of finance.

Catherine Seylor | EA

Tax Professional

Catherine is an experienced Tax Professional and Enrolled Agent (EA) with 17 years of hands-on experience. Joining our team in 2021, she holds the IRS's highest credential, highlighting her exceptional qualifications. Her expertise spans multiple tax seasons, with a focus on payroll and sales tax, and she's successfully managed a diverse clientele, including farms, retail, manufacturing, business owners, and trusts.

In her role as a Tax Professional, Catherine goes the extra mile to assist clients with their individual tax preparation needs during the off-season. She's also the backbone of Fortitude's day-to-day accounting and bookkeeping operations, ensuring the financial engine runs smoothly.

Her commitment also extends beyond the office; she's actively involved in her community where she was born and raised. She holds the Chairman's position on the local School Board, serves as the Fire District Secretary for the third-largest district in Washington State, and is the unofficial leader of the Community Swimming Pool Foundation.

Outside the office, Catherine finds solace and excitement out on the golf course, where she hones her skills and takes in the joys of the game. When the weekends are warm, you’ll often find her embracing the scenic beauty of Lake Roosevelt. Her dynamic interests reflect her vibrant personality both at work and beyond.

Michael Lind

Office Assistant | Financial Advisor Assistant

Michael, also known as Mike, began his journey with the firm in October 2022 as the friendly face and voice handling client interactions, calls, and meticulously preparing client review packets.  As he works diligently toward transitioning to the back office, he supports advisors with detailed meeting notes and helps craft comprehensive asset-maps to help guide clients through their financial journey.

Mike's journey started at the University of Arizona, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Minor in History. His academic foundation and diverse experiences are the secret behind his vibrant professional aspirations. He envisions himself evolving into an advisor within 3-5 years and ultimately becoming a lead advisor within 7-9 years. Born in Eugene, Oregon, and shaped by the sun-soaked life in Scottsdale, Arizona, Mike's move to Spokane, Washington in 2018 not only ignited his professional trajectory, but also sparked a newfound love for Gonzaga basketball, while still continuing to be a loyal Oregon Ducks fan.

Beyond the world of finance, Mike is anchored by his loving wife and their loyal Black Lab/German Shepherd mix, including his parents and two brothers. Being an avid sports lover, he enjoys football, basketball, baseball, and golf, while also finding joy in the outdoors and overall fitness. He ultimately plans to complete another half-marathon in the near future. His diverse interests, kind demeanor, and dedication make him a valuable asset to the firm.

Julia Broderson

Advisor Assistant

Julia Broderson is an accomplished Advisor Assistant with a strong academic foundation. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management and a Masters in Business Administration from Whitworth University in 2017. This educational background serves as the bedrock of her expertise in the financial advisory field.

Julia's professional journey is marked by dedication and a commitment to growth. She currently works as an Advisor Assistant and is in the process of training with experienced advisors. 

Beyond her financial acumen, Julia finds balance in her life when it comes to both family and fun. She enjoys spending quality time with her two grown daughters, while also being an active adventurer who enjoys activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, and jet skiing. Her zest for life extends beyond finance, encompassing a love for travel, music, and the thrill of playing pool.

Julia's dedication to her professional role, coupled with her adventurous spirit and diverse interests, makes her a multifaceted individual who not only excels in the world of finance but also cherishes the joys of life beyond it.

Ariana Crockett

Office Assistant

Ariana, also known as Ari, started with the firm in December of 2023 and is one of the friendly voices over the phone, while warmly welcoming clients, assisting in back-office tasks, scheduling, assisting in client review preparations and many other integral duties. She helps ensure the smooth operation of daily office functions and has been a great addition to the firm.

Ari has an AAS in Small Business Management and Photography, as well as a Certificate in User Experience Design. She brings a unique blend of creativity and organizational skills. Her educational background fuels her passion for creating seamless user experiences, while expanding her role within the financial industry and bringing better efficiency when it comes to providing the best service to the firm’s clientele.

Beyond the Office, Ari is a creative soul, whether capturing moments through her lens or tinkering with website designs. Having traveled the world, she dreams of doing it again someday. She also uses her free time to engage in a good book or enjoy quality time with family and friends. As a mom of two adults and the go-to pet-sitter for friends, Ari adds her personal touch to every aspect of life, savoring each moment.