Experience

Keith has over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry, with an extensive background in corporate finance with entrepreneurs and business owners. As the founding partner, he heads the team's Private Wealth practice, where he works to determine client needs and match them with the proper resources of UBS, a leading global bank. His process entails a disciplined approach to help business owners with sell-side advisory solutions and post-sale financial planning to include holistic wealth management, including tax and estate planning strategies. Keith is a nationally recognized leader on ESOPs and Internal Revenue Code §1042 rollovers.

As an active member in the ESOP community, Keith has helped individuals and families create over $4.5 billion* of liquidity through successful transactions across various sectors and industries. Additionally, Keith frequently speaks at national conferences on topics including ESOPs, §1042 rollovers and business succession planning.

Keith is a member of the National Center for Employee Ownership and a member of the advisory committee on finance issues for the ESOP Association. He coauthored the book Selling Your Business to an ESOP, now in its ninth edition. After becoming a Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®) in 2018, he was asked to be an instructor for the Exit Planning Institute.

Keith previously sat on the board of Patriot Farmers of America, a nonprofit teaching entrepreneurship and sustainability to veterans seeking a future in farming. Outside the office he enjoys traveling, fly-fishing, skiing, reading, and spending time at his family farm in Virginia. Mostly, he loves being a dad to his daughters Lyla and Sutton, who he lives with in Washington, DC.

CA License #0H82204

*Created over $4.5 billion of liquidity through successful transactions as of February 21,2024

Nick joined UBS in 2011. Prior to his tenure at UBS, he worked with high net worth individuals at a hedge fund in Greenwich, CT.

As a partner of The Capital ESOP Group, Nick focuses on educating business owners on tax-efficient exit strategies. He is committed to helping clients recognize their options, understand the pros and cons of each strategy and choose the best succession plan for themselves and their families. Nick also creates tailored cash flow analyses comparing the taxable sale of privately held businesses and a tax-deferred sale to an ESOP under § 1042 of the Internal Revenue Code.

With a consultative approach, Nick seeks to earn his clients' trust through open, transparent communication and by working with clients' tax and legal advisors to construct an overarching strategy.

In 2021, Nick was promoted to Managing Director-Wealth Management. He is frequently asked to speak on a national level regarding employee stock ownership plans and § 1042 rollovers. He is a member of the advisory committee on finance issues for the ESOP Association and a member of the National Center for Employee Ownership. Nick was also appointed vice president of Business Networking International in DC.

In January 2024, Nick, his wife Mary Elizabeth, and their sons Sebastian (“Baz”), Ramsey Jay (“RJ”), and Trip Clayton, welcomed their fourth boy, Julian ("Jules"). Outside of the office, Nick enjoys spending time with his family, reading, fly-fishing and traveling with his wife.

CA License #0I84884

Joanne serves as the team’s primary investment consultant, leveraging her knowledge across asset classes and investment vehicles to provide clients with customized portfolio solutions to meet their cash-flow needs, planning goals and risk tolerance in a tax-efficient manner. She examines top-down economic research and performs in-depth investment manager due diligence to help shape the team’s view on portfolio construction and implementation. Apart from her role on the wealth management side, Joanne is also intricately involved with the ESOP arm of the business. On that front, she assists with qualified replacement property implementation and cash flow analysis.

Prior to joining The Capital ESOP Group, Joanne worked with an independent investment advisory firm. She had previously worked as a financial analyst in the private wealth management division at Goldman Sachs. Her experience in the financial services industry has been focused exclusively on helping high net worth individuals and families navigate their financial lives.

Joanne graduated summa cum laude from the George Washington University with a B.B.A. in finance and international business. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, spending time on the water, and taking weekend trips to the nearby Shenandoah Valley.

Sarah joined UBS in 2017 as part of an Institutional Consulting team. She quickly discovered her passion for working with business owners and entrepreneurs, and soon after joined The Capital ESOP Group in Washington, DC. Since then, she has led the team’s tailored cash flow analyses function to help business owners understand the economic impact of ESOPs and IRC §1042 elections.

Sarah sits on the Public Policy Council of the ESOP Association. She is also a member of the ESOP Association’s Legislative & Regulatory Committee. In January 2021, she earned her Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation. In September 2022, she completed the Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) course.

Sarah graduated from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, where she double majored in finance and operations & information management. She is originally from Rochester, NY. Outside of the office, she enjoys reading, playing golf and alpine skiing.

Marguerite is the team’s primary Wealth Planning Specialist. She provides our clients with personalized financial planning to create a holistic view of their wealth. This planning is critical to providing advice to our clients that is in harmony with their needs and aspirations.

Marguerite has nine years of experience with UBS. She holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation. This designation comes with extensive training in financial planning, estate planning, insurance, investments, taxes, employee benefits and retirement planning.

Marguerite lives in Annapolis, MD with her husband, Leland, and their son Kemper. She loves being outdoors, food and travel.

As a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate, Breton skillfully blends strategic financial analysis with effective client relationship management. With a passion honed over a decade in sales and a transition to financial services, he excels in guiding clients towards their financial goals through a consultative approach. Breton's deep market knowledge, adept problem-solving skills, and commitment to client success define his role, combining financial acumen with personalized client engagement.

Breton completed the Investment Management Theory & Practice program from the Yale School of Management, and holds a B.S. in communication studies from Towson University. He and his wife, Samantha, live in Millersville, MD with their two sons, Maxwell and Banks. In his free time, Breton enjoys golfing, waterskiing, snow skiing, reading and photography.

As a member of The Capital ESOP Group, Kaveh is responsible for creating financial analyses comparing the taxable sale of privately held businesses with §1042 tax-deferred sales to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Kaveh is committed to client service and doing whatever it takes to help clients make an educated decision on what is best for them and their families. He also assists the team in managing the 1042 QRP allocation process taking into consideration and analyzing different ESOP bond terms.

Prior to joining UBS, Kaveh worked at a private wealth management firm as a research analyst. He is a resident of Washington, DC, and a graduate of GMU with a B.S in Finance, where he was recognized for his leadership position in the GMU Student Managed Investment Fund. Kaveh is an avid tennis player and active member of the United States Tennis Association. He also has a passion for skiing and photography.

Jake works in tandem with David to support and inform wealth management decisions and processes. He performs research, analysis and due diligence to ensure that the team is pursuing the best opportunities with up-to-date knowledge. He also generates investment allocation proposals, builds out reports to review existing client portfolios and communicates with third-party asset managers.

Originally from Philadelphia, Jake graduated with a B.S.B.A. from the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business at Duquesne University, where he majored in finance and accounting. Prior to joining The Capital ESOP Group, he had completed internships in consumer banking and tax accounting before working in small business lending for a time. Outside of the office, he enjoys soccer, spends a lot of time reading and is always looking for somewhere new to go hiking.

David works in tandem with Jake to support and inform wealth management decisions and processes. He performs research, analysis, and due diligence to ensure that the team is pursuing the best opportunities with up-to-date knowledge. He also generates investment allocation proposals, builds out reports to review existing client portfolios and communicates with third-party asset managers. David’s dedication to staying abreast of the ever-evolving market conditions ensures that the team’s wealth management solutions remain both innovative and effective.

Originally from Bethesda, MD, David graduated with a B.S. from the Smith School of Business at The University of Maryland, where he majored in finance. Prior to joining The Capital ESOP Group, he worked as a rotational analyst for Morgan Stanley’s wealth management division. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing golf, reading a good book, and traveling.

In successfully managing all service needs for clients of The Capital ESOP Group, Steve Brinckhaus leverages the vast experience he’s gained over his nearly 15-year financial services career. He also helps to keep the team operating in an organized and efficient manner.

Steve holds a B.A from the University of Mary Washington. He resides in Severna Park, MD and enjoys traveling with his wife and kids, playing sports and rooting for the Washington Redskins.

As a Registered Client Service Associate, Ally focuses on providing exceptional service to our clients through all stages of the relationship. She works diligently with the team to manage account opening, perform account maintenance and resolve client inquiries. Her experience within UBS allows her to access the firm’s resources to provide the type of service experience discerning clients expect. Prior to joining UBS in 2019, Ally spent two years at Franklin Templeton Investments as a territory coordinator.

Ally earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Colorado in 2013. She holds her Series 7 and Series 63 securities licenses. Outside of the office, Ally enjoys running, practicing yoga, traveling and most importantly, spending time with her loved ones.

As a Registered Client Service Associate, Caroline ensures that clients receive the highest level of service. She leverages the firm’s capabilities with a commitment to delivering personalized solutions tailored to each client’s service needs.

Prior to joining UBS, Caroline honed her craft by spending time at both Merril Lynch as well as Morgan Stanley. Caroline earned her B.B.A. in Finance from Southern Methodist University. She holds her Series 7 and Series 66. Outside of the office, Caroline enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and cooking.

As a member of The Capital ESOP Group, Pittsburgh native Robert leverages over a decade of experience in white-glove financial services, relationship management, and Private Banking to deliver exceptional client service. He prioritizes understanding the passions, complexities, and financial goals of the families he serves. With an attentive ear and a relentless drive for excellence, Robert consistently provides world-class service with efficiency and effectiveness.

Before joining UBS, Robert held the role of Senior Private Banker at Merrill Lynch and PNC Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Pennsylvania State University and maintains Series 7, Series 66, and Series 99 licenses. Additionally, he has earned a Certificate in Commercial Lending and Financial Statement Analysis from the American Bankers Association, along with an NMLS mortgage loan originator license. Robert is also a member of The Economic Club of Pittsburgh, the American Bankers Association, and the American Finance Association.

Outside of the office, Robert is dedicated to volunteering for causes close to his heart, including Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Pittsburgh Cares, Helping Up Mission, and New Futures.

 Above all, Robert enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and reading.

As a member of The Capital ESOP Group, Yafet supports the team in creating financial analyses comparing the taxable sale of privately held businesses with §1042 tax-deferred sales to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).

Yafet holds a B.S. from Virginia Tech. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing soccer and spending time with family and friends.