Insight-based advice

team 4

Pursuing your goals together

Our mission is to provide quality strategies customized to your needs. Our goal is to be your primary source of financial advice. To this end, we concentrate our efforts on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service.

  • Deb New Photo 11.11.24

    Deborah Johnston

    Managing Director–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

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    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • DC
    • FL
    • IA
    • IL
    • MA
    • MD
    • MN
    • MO
    • MT
    • NE
    • NJ
    • NM
    • NY
    • OH
    • OR
    • PA
    • RI
    • SD
    • TN
    • TX
    • WA
    • WI

    Debbie has been working in the financial services industry for over 25 years. As a Managing Director at UBS, Debbie oversees the team’s Wealth Management Practice. She specializes in working with high-net-worth families and women in financial transition providing client education, investment expertise and customized wealth management planning. This approach instills confidence as she combines the attentiveness and flexibility of a boutique firm with the global strength and rigor of the world's leading wealth manager. Debbie joined UBS in 2017.

    Debbie has been named a Forbes – Best-in-State Wealth Advisor in Minnesota 2021-2024 and Top Women Wealth Advisor 2020 – 2024.

    Debbie grew up in Newport, Rhode Island where she received a bachelor's degree in home economics from the University of Rhode Island and later earned a master’s degree in economic education. She began her career as a teacher of mathematics and economics, then later owned her own consulting business. She also attended the SIA Wharton School.  Debbie uses these experiences and skills to work with her clients at all experience levels. Her primary focus is on comprehensive Wealth Management including estate, insurance, and retirement planning.

    Debbie lives in St. Paul with her husband Bill and enjoys spending time with her family and rug hooking. If you are interested in knowing more about the services Debbie and our team can provide to you, or have questions about wealth management, don’t hesitate to reach out to Debbie.

    California Insurance Producer License Number: OE84930

    • Forbes America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors, 2020, 2021The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in February based on information from a 12 month period ending September of the prior year.
    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024The 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.
    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
    • Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in February based on information from a 12 month period ending September of the prior year.
    • UBS Wealth Management Chairman’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.

    • University of Rhode Island, Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics
    • University of Rhode Island, Master’s Degree in Economic Education
    • SIA Wharton School
      80 South 8th Street
      Suite 2900
      Minneapolis, MN 55402
      deborah.johnston@ubs.com
      Deborah Johnston
      80 South 8th Street,Minneapolis,MN,55402
    • zach new photo 11.11.24

      Zachary Johnston, CPWA, CFP, AWMA

      Vice President–Wealth Management

      Financial Advisor

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      • AZ
      • CA
      • CO
      • DC
      • FL
      • IA
      • IL
      • MA
      • MD
      • MN
      • MO
      • NE
      • NJ
      • NM
      • NY
      • OH
      • OR
      • PA
      • SD
      • TN
      • TX
      • WA
      • WI

      Zach is a Financial Advisor and Vice President with the Johnston Group. He joined the team in 2019 with 6 years of experience in the financial services industry. His UBS career started in 2017 when he accepted a position as a Wealth Planning Associate. As an advisor, Zach specializes in offering planning strategies for high and ultra-high net worth families. He is passionate about educating people about their finances and making sure their balance sheet is aligned with their goals and values. The best part of Zach’s job is working with the next generation and young entrepreneurs. By helping them focus on their long-term goals and learning about family legacy, he can help young investors and families realize their dreams and preserve legacies.

      Zach graduated from Eckerd College in Florida with a degree in Music, which still plays a role in his life to this day. He has conducted orchestras, bands, and choirs of all levels, and still sings to his daughter every night. During his time with UBS Financial Services, Zach has earned the CFP®,  AWMA® and CPWA® designations and studied at the Yale School of Management Executive Program.

      Zach enjoys speaking with others and learning about their ambitions. If you are interested in knowing more about how our team can help you utilize your wealth to achieve those ambitions or want to talk pipe organs or American roots music, don’t hesitate to reach out to Zach.

      • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

      • Eckerd College in Florida, Music
      • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
      • Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠
      • Certified Private Wealth Advisor®
      80 South 8th Street
      Suite 2900
      Minneapolis, MN 55402
      zachary.johnston@ubs.com
      Zachary Johnston, CPWA, CFP, AWMA
      80 South 8th Street,Minneapolis,MN,55402
    • Chris new photo

      Chris Soininen

      Client Associate

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        Chris is a Team Administrator, Registered Client Associate at UBS Financial Services.  Chris has spent her entire professional career in the financial services industry.  Beginning at Shearson Lehman Brothers in 1992, she has held several roles over the years in operations management, client support and compliance surveillance.  Prior to joining the Johnston Group, Chris was a Market Supervision Manager at Merrill Lynch, supporting the Greater Minnesota Market.  Chris uses her vast industry knowledge and skills to provide clients with effective solutions to their financial needs.  Chris holds security licenses Series 7, 9, 10 and 63.  Christine resides in Rosemount, Minnesota with her 2 children.  Chris enjoys being outdoors, exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

              80 South 8th Street
              Suite 2900
              Minneapolis, MN 55402
              christine.soininen@ubs.com
              Chris Soininen
              80 South 8th Street,Minneapolis,MN,55402
            • Jen new photo  11.11.24

              Jen Nelson

              Client Associate

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              • CO
              • FL
              • MN
              • NY
              • PA
              • TX
              • WI

              Jen has been working in the financial services industry for 28 years and started her career at Prudential Securities. In 2001, Jen moved to Piper Jaffray's Private Client Group, which was acquired by UBS Financial Services in 2006. Jen holds securities licenses Series 7 and 63.  Her vast knowledge in the operational and the administrative processes of securities and insurance products help in focusing on creating a positive client service experience.  Jen is effective in applying her industry knowledge towards client solutions and services.  Jen currently lives in Minneapolis with her husband Tony, they have 2 daughters, and 2 granddaughters. Jen enjoys traveling, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.

                    8500 Normandale Lake Boulevard
                    Suite 210
                    Bloomington, MN 55437
                    jennifer.e.nelson@ubs.com
                    Jen Nelson
                    8500 Normandale Lake Boulevard,Bloomington,MN,55437

                  Where are you today and where do you want to be tomorrow? We recognize that a lasting relationship starts by listening and understanding your priorities and concerns. We'll work together to look at the big picture, discuss your vision for the future and help you confidently pursue your life goals.

                  Women-multigen family

                  A focus on personalized access and service

                  Working with diverse clients with specific needs, our team sees it as our top responsibility to understand each aspect of your unique and often complicated financial life.

                  Helping women take charge

                  Helping women take charge

                  Building multicultural wealth, together

                  Building multicultural wealth, together

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                  Are you ready for anything?

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                  Workplace Wealth Solutions

                  Creating a truly rewarding workplace

                  Your company’s success depends on attracting and retaining key talent. Everyone can flourish in a workplace where employees feel rewarded and want to stay. Together, we can help you create a truly rewarding workplace across a range of solutions.

                  A leader in wealth management

                  Backed by the strength of our parent company, UBS AG

                  $5.9+ trn

                  UBS Group invested assets
                  As of 06/30/2024

                  Financial strength

                  Driving confidence.
                  A-  Standard & Poor’s
                  A  Fitch
                  A3
                    Moody’s


                  UBS AG, long-term senior secured debt rating. As of 03/31/2024

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