An experienced and committed team

The investment management industry has changed a lot since I first entered in 1986.  What has not changed though is the desire for individuals and families to work alongside competent partners they can trust.  That is our mission.  The joy I receive from working, growing and helping friends and family strive and succeed is a true gift.  I also had the benefit of working with my father for almost 20 years who shared my passion, I learned a lot from him.  I continue to be excited about the possibilities ahead.

Credentials

• I am fortunate to be one of a small number of UBS Financial Advisors who have earned the designation of Wealth Advisor. As a Wealth Advisor I am qualified to provide highly personalized wealth management services to clients.
• I also maintain the CPWA® designation from the Investments and Wealth Institute (formerly known as IMCA®).
• I have been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor for Missouri from 2019 to 2025.
• I graduated with a Finance degree from Northwest Missouri State University.

Passions

I reside with my wife Therese in Kansas City, MO. We enjoy spending time with our four children and extended family.  I am active in many organizations in Kansas City including Avila University, St. Joseph Educational Ministries, Visitation Church and KC Plaza Rotary Club.  I also enjoy playing golf, hunting, fishing and studying history.

CPWA® is a service mark of the Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. in the United States of America and worldwide.

“One of my proudest moments as a professional was being mentioned by a client during his daughter’s wedding reception toast.  He thanked me for being helpful in getting his children through college.  They are all still clients today” -Gary D. Smith

The dynamic environment of investment markets is what drew me to financial services in 1991.  Helping others achieve their financial aspirations has been my motivation and the driving force keeping me in the industry over the more recent years.

I started my career in financial services in 1991 and have focused on investments since 1996, when I became an institutional bond salesman at UMB in Kansas City, Missouri. More recently, I served as Lead Director in the Wealth Management Division at First National Bank of Omaha, where I held the role of portfolio manager and was responsible for developing strategy and overseeing the wealth management department in the Kansas marketplace.  In 2019 I joined UBS to be a part of the world’s largest wealth management firm, which enables me to leverage unsurpassed scale and access to financial products and services to best serve my individual and institutional clients.

Credentials

• I obtained the CPWA® designation from the Investments and Wealth Institute in 2023. CPWA® is a service mark of the Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. in the United States and internationally.
• Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses.
• In 2003 I received an MBA from the Helzberg School of Management at Rockhurst University.
• I earned a bachelor’s degree and graduated with honors from the University of Central Missouri in 1991.

Passions

I am married to Kim Laughlin and we have two children, Abe Laughlin and Sadie Robl.  I enjoy watching sports (especially college football), playing tennis, reading and spending time at the lake.

Location

I reside in Prairie Village, Kansas.  I previously served as a trustee at Village Presbyterian Church and treasurer of our neighborhood homes association.

“I am fascinated by financial markets and designing plans and strategies helping clients to feel confident and excited about their future.”  ~ Tim Laughlin

I am grateful every day to be able to work in partnership with incredible clients.   My father, a successful entrepreneur, prioritized business growth but overlooked managing its benefits for personal goals. Unexpected events altered his path, which deeply affected me. This experience has given me insight into business owners' challenges and complex financial situations.

I started my financial service career in 1986 with Thomson McKinnon Securities, later joining Merrill Lynch, where I focused on business succession and wealth transfer strategies. I brought my experience to UBS in 2015 to enhance the capabilities and services for my clients.

Credentials

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professional, awarded by the Certified Financial Board of Standards, Inc. The designation is the cornerstone for the Wealth Management Process we incorporate for our clients.
• CPWA is an advanced professional certification for seasoned professionals to address the sophisticated needs of clients with a net worth greater than $5 million.
• As a Portfolio Manager in the UBS Portfolio Management Program (PMP), I tailor investment strategies, implement proprietary model portfolios, as well as provide traditional advice and guidance to my clients to pursue their individual financial needs.
• In past years I have held leadership positions at both Merrill Lynch and UBS, including Regional Sales Manager, Resident Director, and Branch Manager.
• I earned my bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and enjoy my continued involvement with the university.   I currently work on the Personal Advisory Financial Planning Advisory Board and on the KSU Foundation Board of Trustees. 

Passions

When not at work, you might find me taking time to enjoy friends and family, tinkering with hobby cars, playing golf, or hiking.

Location

I am a native to the Kansas City area, I currently live in Ft Worth, TX, and split my time between Ft Worth and the Kansas City area.  My wife Mimi and I are very active in the Kansas City community including working with Don Bosco, Boys Grow, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City. 

“I am passionate about helping clients align their assets with their goals, preserve their wealth, and build a legacy that reflect their wishes.” – Jim Lipari

I began my financial career in 1999 in the operations department of a small local firm in Kansas City. After learning about the behind-the-scenes processes of the financial industry, I wanted to work with individual clients on a daily basis. I aim to build strong client relationships and perform administrative functions to provide personalized service for every client.

Credentials

I joined UBS Financial Services in 2006 after spending six years with Piper Jaffray in Kansas City. I hold Series 7 and 66 licenses, which allow me to provide additional support to our clients. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting from Baker University in Baldwin City, KS.

Passions

When I am not spending time with family and friends I am usually volunteering with the Girl Scouts coordinating events.  I also enjoy watching our local sports teams, reading, sewing and working puzzles.

Location 

I grew up in the Kansas City area and currently live in Blue Springs, MO with my two children, Jonathan and Elizabeth and our rescue dog Tilda.

“My goal every day is to make a positive difference in someone’s life. “ ~ Andrea Uptegrove

Kay is a Wealth Management Associate at the UBS KC Plaza office.  She focuses on administrative functions such as money movement, customer service, account updates and technology support.  Kay enjoys fostering strong client relationships and provides unique personalized service.

Credentials

Kay began her finance career in 2015 and has leveraged her background in accounting and business management to help clients manage their day to day cash needs and account maintenance.  Kay holds the Series 7 and 66 licensing designations  to provide clients with excellent customer service with industry leading technology, products and services.  Kay earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from North Carolina State University. 

Passions

Outside of work at UBS, Kay enjoys spending time with her husband Tim and their adult children, grandchildren and their dog Toby.  She loves cooking, reading, yoga, is an avid Nebraska volleyball fan and loves going for long walks in the community.