Advice and Advocacy for the goals that matter

Private Wealth Management

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Brunker Wealth Management has been helping generations of families pursue their financial goals for over 35 years in Jackson Hole, WY and Minneapolis, MN. Our conversations often address goals beyond the financial—like living a purposeful life, supporting the greater good of the community and leaving a legacy grounded in values. We believe these priorities are equally as meaningful.

 

As members of UBS Private Wealth Management, our training, deep understanding of complex wealth and access to firm-wide expertise and opportunities can help you pursue all that matters. Addressing your priorities in caring and creative ways, we are dedicated to building enduring relationships based on our mutually aligned interests and advice that grows with you, those you care about most and your evolving priorities.

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Building relationships that last

As advocates for our clients and their families, we are committed to helping make their lives better. We strive to be their “go-to” team, to create relationships that are aligned with interests and to deliver prudent, caring advice. We don’t just want to provide a solution, we want to provide the right solution.

  • Brunker head photo

    Lester Brunker

    Managing Director–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

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    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • FL
    • GA
    • IL
    • KS
    • MA
    • MD
    • MN
    • MT
    • NC
    • NJ
    • NY
    • SC
    • SD
    • TN
    • TX
    • UT
    • VA
    • VT
    • WA
    • WI
    • WY

    UBS Private Wealth Advisor Les Brunker of Brunker Wealth Management, there’s nothing more important than helping his clients navigate their complex financial lives to achieve better outcomes. Les provides comprehensive, consultative investment management and multigenerational wealth planning for sophisticated families. Accessing the extensive resources of UBS Private Wealth Management, Asset Management and Investment Bank, and working closely with clients’ trust and estate attorney and CPA for implementation, Les creatively tailors asset allocation solutions with tax efficiency. In a constantly changing world, he hopes clients can feel confident about their decisions and the legacies they’re building.

     “I’m grateful to have the opportunities, tools and resources that help me deliver the solutions my clients need and deserve.”

    — Lester A. Brunker

    Professional experience

    • UBS Private Wealth Management, 2009 – present
    • Citigroup Global Markets, 1989 – 2009
    • US Bank, 1985 – 1989

    Education

    • Wharton Executive Education CIMA® program
    • B.S., economics, minor in statistics, University of Minnesota

    Personal life

    • Les serves on the Advisory Board of Becoming Jackson Whole.
    • Les served the Courage Kenny Foundation from 2013 – 2019 as treasurer and as finance committee chair.
    • He served the Courage Foundation from 2005 – 2013 as treasurer, investment committee chair and Foundation Board Chair.
    • He was active in the United States Ski Association (USSA) Region 1 Board 2015 – 2017.
    • Les was a member of the Team Gilboa Board from 2015 – 2017.
    • Former Edina ECFE Board.
    • Les enjoys spending time with his family and friends at their mountain home in Wyoming.
    • He loves anything outdoors, including yoga, hiking, cycling, alpine and nordic skiing.
    • He is a passionate supporter of his wife, Theresa, who teaches English to immigrants in Jackson, WY via Central Wyoming College. 
    • Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2023, 2024
      The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3. 
    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
    • UBS Wealth Management President’s Council, 2024UBS Financial Services Inc. Councils are a distinction held by UBS Financial Advisors based on criteria including evaluation of compliance with firm rules, standards & policies and revenue. Council membership is not representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of the advisor’s future performance.

      • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
      • Certified Investment Management Analyst
      Philanthropy
      Estate planning strategies
      Exit planning
      Business owners
      Entrepreneurs
      Corporate executives
      80 South 8th Street
      Suite 2900
      Minneapolis, MN 55402
      lester.brunker@ubs.com
      Lester Brunker
      80 South 8th Street,Minneapolis,MN,55402
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      Ellen Brunker

      Financial Advisor

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      • AZ
      • CA
      • CO
      • FL
      • GA
      • IL
      • KS
      • MA
      • MD
      • MN
      • MT
      • NC
      • NJ
      • NY
      • SC
      • SD
      • TN
      • TX
      • UT
      • VA
      • WA
      • WI
      • WY

      Ellen began her career in M&A consulting, where she spent eight years advising business owners during pivotal moments of growth and transition. While she valued the rigor and impact of transactional work, she was drawn to building deeper, long-term relationships. Ellen sought to work with individuals and families not only at moments of transition, but through all chapters of their lives—helping them plan with intention, preserve what they have built, and create lasting legacies.  

      That perspective led Ellen to wealth management and UBS. Today, she works with high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners across generations, bringing a strategic M&A mindset to long-term financial planning. She is committed to financial empowerment, ensuring each family member feels informed and confident in their financial decisions, and supporting families as they prepare the next generation to steward wealth with purpose and clarity.

       

      Education and Experience

      Director, EY-Parthenon, M&A Advisory (2018–2025)
      B.A., Economics, Cum Laude, Colgate University

       

      Life

      Ellen is an avid backcountry skier, cyclist, and traveler. She gives back to her community by coaching the local youth mountain bike team Jackson Hole Composite, and volunteering with Coombs Outdoors.

        • Colgate University, B.A., Economics, Cum Laude
        • Series 7 & 66 Securities Licenses
        80 South 8th Street
        Suite 2900
        Minneapolis, MN 55402
        ellen.brunker@ubs.com
        Ellen Brunker
        80 South 8th Street,Minneapolis,MN,55402
      • Ann Bjerke

        Managing Director

        Head of Advanced Planning

      • Matthew Morris, CFA

        Managing Director

        Head, Portfolio Advisory Group Midwest, New York and Northeast Division

      • Sarah J. Salomon , CAP®

        Managing Director

        Head – Family Advisory and Philanthropy

      • James Jack

        Managing Director

        Business Owners Segment Lead

      • Titus Song

        Executive Director

        Alternative Investments Consultant

      Wealth advice for a lifetime

      Wealth advice for a lifetime

      Connecting families across generations

      Connecting families across generations

      Delivering access. Tailoring opportunities.

      Delivering access. Tailoring opportunities.

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      Clarity in a rapidly changing world

      We’re here to help guide you through uncertain times

      Recent global events have created volatility in the markets and uncertainty for many investors like you. With our experienced perspective we can deliver steady guidance to help you make sense of the changing markets.

      Let’s create a path together so you can move forward with confidence, no matter what comes next.

      A leader in wealth management

      Backed by the strength of our parent company, UBS AG

      $7 trn

      UBS Group invested assets
      As of 12/31/2025

      51 countries

      Our global footprint

      Global leader

      UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager

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