Meet Our Team

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 planning, 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 dynamic "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 is a Wealth Advisor and Partner at Fortitude Financial, where he has been a key member of the team since 2013. His leadership and dedication led to his promotion to Partner in November 2022, reflecting his long-standing commitment to the firm’s mission and clients.

Ben specializes in comprehensive financial planning, with a focus on helping individuals and families confidently navigate their financial lives. His work includes client reviews, investment analysis, and disciplined portfolio management, always centered on helping clients pursue their long-term goals with clarity and confidence.

A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Eastern Washington University, Ben earned his Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a major in Marketing and an emphasis in Finance. He continued elevating his expertise through advanced designations—earning the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) in 2016, the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2017, and later the Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®), which deepened his ability to serve families with dependents who require additional lifelong support.

Ben’s path into special needs planning is personal. His daughter, Ruth, was born with additional support needs, inspiring him to help other families navigate the complexities of ABLE accounts, Special Needs Trusts, government benefits, and long-term care planning. This journey has become a central part of his advisory work and mission—ensuring families feel supported, understood, and prepared.

Outside the office, Ben prioritizes time with his wife, their three children, and the family dogs, Grace and Clover. He stays active through running, golfing, and snowboarding, striving for a balance between family, wellness, and professional purpose.

Since first joining the firm in 2010, Noelle has been the driving force behind its success. Starting out Administrative Assistant, 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, as well as becoming a Partner in July 2024.

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.

Since joining the firm as the front office administrator in May 2019, Joni has seamlessly expanded her role in the firm. Promoted to CCO in early 2021 at the founding of Fortitude Financial as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), and a Front Office/Admin supervisor, she helps 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, while graduating Eastern Washington University and graduating with a Bachelor of Science Honors Degree for both Economics and Political Science in 2014. Her dedication to continual advancement is evident as she further develops her knowledge in the wealth management industry. As further validation of her ongoing dedication, Joni formally secured her designation (IACCP®) in March 2025.

Beyond the office, Joni finds joy in family time with her husband and two grown children, along with their lovable goofy pets. Her various interests include enjoying music, watching sports (especially NCAA basketball), playing games, cooking, baking, gardening, decorating/organizing, 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 is a dedicated and accomplished financial professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Management from Eastern Washington University, graduating in 2020. His passion for continuous growth is evident through his most recent attainment of the prestigious ChFC designation from the American College of Financial Services in 2023.

As the Lead Trader and 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. In his free time, Matthew cherishes time with his friends, family and especially his energetic nieces and nephews, bringing a balance of joy and warmth to his life outside of finance.

James is the newest wealth advisor to the Fortitude Team. His career vision and goal are dedicated to helping clients pursue their financial goals through tailored solutions and exceptional service. His entrepreneurial journey began at just 13 years old when he launched a yard care business, which he successfully scaled and eventually sold. While pursuing a business degree at Concord University, James further developed his skills in business management and strategic planning.

After college, James built a thriving book of business in the Medicare insurance industry, gaining valuable experience in client service, along with the extensive knowledge in financial planning gained during his time working for a national broker-dealer. Now with Fortitude Financial, he has found his ideal fit in financial advising. James is committed to growing his expertise and contributing to the firm’s future success.

Outside of work, James balances his professional life with a love for family, friends, adventure and the outdoors. Whether hunting, riding dirt bikes, or traveling to take in breathtaking views, he embraces life with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. Married to his childhood sweetheart in April 2025, he looks forward to a bright future both personally and professionally as a valued member of the Fortitude Financial team.

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.

Kay helps to keeps client experiences seamless and operations moving. She manages front‑of‑house support, organizes documentation and paperwork, coordinates schedules, and handles end‑to‑end office administration—stepping in wherever needed to keep advisors and clients on track. 

Kay has set her sights on advancement in the wealth management industry and is laying the groundwork—studying core planning principles and client service best practices. 

Outside the office, Kay is most at home outdoors—skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, taking road trips, and foraging—or in the kitchen cooking some fun recipes. Married since 2020, she enjoys sharing life with her husband and their two pups.