Shaping your financial future

At The Quantum Group, we understand that wealth is more than numbers on a balance sheet; it's a reflection of your life's work, your dreams for the future, and the values you hold dear. That's why we take a personalized, holistic approach to financial planning that goes beyond mere portfolio management. Our mission is simple: to align your financial resources with your deepest values and aspirations, empowering you to build a legacy that transcends generations.

It's easier to make the right decisions when you’re guided by advice you can trust—advice that’s focused on what matters most to you.

- The Quantum Group

Welcome to The Quantum Group

Where your values shape your financial future

  • Gary Barss

    Gary Barss

    Managing Director–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

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    • DC
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    • MA
    • MD
    • MI
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    • NC
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    Focus: QG Team Management and Financial Planning

    Gary started in the financial services industry with Smith Barney in 1992, and later joined UBS in 2009. Gary focuses on developing the practice to providing clients with customized comprehensive financial planning that includes cash flow, wealth management, risk management, estate and philanthropic strategies. A natural leader and motivator, Gary believes his team's high-touch, consultative approach, combined with having a group of seasoned professionals, sets it apart from most planning groups.

    Gary earned a B.S. in Speech Communication from Pepperdine University. Active with several causes and organizations, he supports World Vision, University Presbyterian Church and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Gary enjoys swimming and raising funds for Fred Hutch and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance each year in local swim competitions. He and his wife Amy have two teenage sons, Ethan and Adam. They enjoy traveling together and spending time in the outdoors with their dog Daisy.

     

    • 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.

        1145 Broadway Plaza
        14th Floor
        Tacoma, WA 98402
        gary.barss@ubs.com
        Gary Barss
        1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
      • Stephen Fairfax

        Stephen Fairfax

        Managing Director–Wealth Management

        Financial Advisor

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        Focus: Oversees QG Panel Review and Financial Planning

        Steve joined the financial services industry in 1987 and UBS in 2009. He focuses on the continued development of the Quantum Group wealth management services platform. His role also includes heading out the Quantum Group Panel Review to collaborate and consult on client financial plan design.

        Steve is passionate about understanding a client’s goals and aspirations, and recommending unique solutions that can help to maximize their resources. In particular he enjoys helping to coordinate other professionals including CPAs, estate and other specialty consultants to ensure seamless end-to-end planning and execution for high net-worth families with complex needs.

        Steve graduated with a B.S. in business from the University of Washington with a finance concentration. Steve lives in Seattle with his wife Kristi and their Portuguese Water Dogs, Oscar and Olive. He enjoys skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, mountain biking and entertaining in his home.

        • 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.

            1145 Broadway Plaza
            14th Floor
            Tacoma, WA 98402
            steve.fairfax@ubs.com
            Stephen Fairfax
            1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
          • Mickey

            Mickey Portnoy

            Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

            Financial Advisor

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            • LA
            • MA
            • MD
            • ME
            • MI
            • MN
            • MO
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            • NC
            • NJ
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            • NV
            • NY
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            • OR
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            • UT
            • VA
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                  1145 Broadway Plaza
                  14th Floor
                  Tacoma, WA 98402
                  mickey.portnoy@ubs.com
                  Mickey Portnoy
                  1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
                • Jason Erik Tvedt

                  Jason Tvedt

                  Vice President–Wealth Management

                  Financial Advisor

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                  Focus: Financial Planning

                  Jason started in the financial services industry in 2005 and transitioned to UBS as part of the Quantum Group in 2009. Jason leads the Quantum Group Financial Planning team as well as coordinating overall client service with our Wealth Strategy Associates. A key component in continuing to develop and enhance the level of planning we provide comes from Jason’s extensive experience in drafting and designing financial plans.

                  Jason graduated from Central Washington University in 2005. Jason and his wife Aimee enjoy their family time and keep busy with their 3 young children twins Cole, Blake and Drew. In his free time Jason enjoys working out at the gym and staying active. Jason & Aimee are also active in their community where they are affiliated with the March of Dimes, Wounded Warriors and several missionary and relief organizations.

                   

                  • 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.

                      1145 Broadway Plaza
                      14th Floor
                      Tacoma, WA 98402
                      kyra.milstid@ubs.com
                      Jason Tvedt
                      1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
                    • Robert Noel Chenier

                      Robert Chenier, CFP®

                      Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

                      CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

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                      Focus: Financial Plan Analysis and Portfolio Management

                      With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Rob is a skilled and trusted advisor to his clients. He began his career at Wells Fargo in 2006, and in 2016 joined the Quantum Group team at UBS as a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate. Rob is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and a member of the Financial Planning Association®. He holds a B.A. in Integrated Social Sciences from the University of Washington and is also an alumnus of Pierce College and College for Financial Planning. As a specialist in client interaction, Rob is dedicated to educating his clients and helping them achieve their financial goals. He has a passion for creating personalized financial plans and heads the Quantum Group’s planning and portfolio management. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Rob is an active member of his community, volunteering with organizations such as Bloodworks Northwest and Asian Counseling and Referral Services.

                      When he's not working, Rob enjoys staying active and exploring the outdoors, whether it be through activities like traveling, hiking, weight training, or running. He is also a fan of attending sporting events and cheering on his favorite teams. A native of the Puget Sound region, Rob is proud to call this area home.

                          • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
                          • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
                          1145 Broadway Plaza
                          14th Floor
                          Tacoma, WA 98402
                          robert.chenier@ubs.com
                          Robert Chenier, CFP®
                          1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
                        • Emily Grandon

                          Emily Grandon, CFP

                          Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

                          CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

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                          • AK
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                          Focus: Financial Planning

                          Emily started in the financial services industry upon graduation in 2017. Emily studied at Eastern Washington University, where she double majored in Economics and Finance. She joined the Quantum Group at UBS as a Wealth Strategy Associate in 2019. Within the Quantum Group, she assists both in planning and portfolio management. Emily also serves clients by assisting in the preparation of holistic financial plans - from goal setting, to implementation and subsequent oversight.

                          She grew up in Western Washington, and currently lives in Sumner with her husband, Siberian husky, and Siamese cat. Emily enjoys cooking and baking in her free time. Emily volunteers and invests in her local church, non-profit organizations that combat human trafficking, and local retirement communities.

                              • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
                              1145 Broadway Plaza
                              14th Floor
                              Tacoma, WA 98402
                              emily.grandon@ubs.com
                              Emily Grandon, CFP
                              1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
                            • Quang Bui

                              Quang Bui

                              Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

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                              Quang started as a Financial Advisor in 1997 with Morgan Stanley and then joined UBS Financial Services in 2006. With over 25 years of experience and a Mathematics degree from the University of Washington Seattle, he is able to help clients pursue their financial planning goals. Quang and his wife Trinity live in Lakewood with their daughters, Bella and Abby.

                                    1145 Broadway Plaza
                                    14th Floor
                                    Tacoma, WA 98402
                                    quang.bui@ubs.com
                                    Quang Bui
                                    1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
                                  • Mike Silvernagel

                                    Michael Silvernagel

                                    First Vice President–Wealth Management

                                    Financial Advisor

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                                    Mike began his career in 1986 with Shearson, Lehman, and Hutton. He joined UBS in 2007, after it acquired McDonald Investments, where he had worked for the previous 14 years. In total, Mike has more than 30 years of experience in Wealth Management. He is a FINRA-Registered General Securities Representative, holds life insurance and variable annuity licenses. Mike has achieved the Wealth Advisor designation offered only to elite advisors. He received a B.S. degree in business administration from the University of North Dakota.

                                          1145 Broadway Plaza
                                          14th Floor
                                          Tacoma, WA 98402
                                          michael.silvernagel@ubs.com
                                          Michael Silvernagel
                                          1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
                                        • Bill Peabody

                                          Bill Peabody, CFP

                                          Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

                                          Financial Advisor

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                                          Focus: Plan Strategy and Financial Planning

                                          Bill started in the financial services industry with EF Hutton in 1985. He achieved the level of Certified Financial Planner Professional in 2008 and later joined UBS in 2009. Bill utilizes his CFP® knowledge and training to help clients understand the interdependent nature of their entire financial and personal situation.

                                          Bill is an honors graduate from the University of Puget Sound with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Philosophy. He lives in Olympia with his wife Carol.  They have two children and three grandchildren.  He enjoys mountain climbing and has summited Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier.  When at sea level, he enjoys golf and competes nationally on the Golf Channel Amateur Tour. He and Carol are members of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club and both enjoy traveling.

                                              • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
                                              1145 Broadway Plaza
                                              14th Floor
                                              Tacoma, WA 98402
                                              bill.peabody@ubs.com
                                              Bill Peabody, CFP
                                              1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
                                            • Janis Shipman

                                              Janis Shipman

                                              Authorized Officer

                                              Team Administrator

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                                              Janis started in the financial services industry in 1999 while working for Smith Barney. She moved with the Quantum Group to UBS in 2009. Currently, she assists the team’s clients with their operational and administrative needs, particularly with requests involving insurance products. Janis and her husband, Robert, have two sons.

                                                    1145 Broadway Plaza
                                                    14th Floor
                                                    Tacoma, WA 98402
                                                    janis.shipman@ubs.com
                                                    Janis Shipman
                                                    1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
                                                  • Kaitlin Viney

                                                    Kaitlin Melstrand

                                                    Client Associate

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                                                      Katie graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville in May of 2015 and was also a member of the UW-Platteville Women's soccer team. She started her career in the financial services industry in 2017 with an internship at Bronfman Rothschild. She joined the Quantum Group in 2017 and currently assists the team's clients with operational and administrative needs. Katie moved to Washington in the summer of 2017 with her Husband, Gunnar. They have two young boys and enjoy spending their time with family and their dogs. You can find them exploring the mountains or doing anything involving the outdoors.

                                                            1145 Broadway Plaza
                                                            14th Floor
                                                            Tacoma, WA 98402
                                                            kaitlin.viney@ubs.com
                                                            Kaitlin Melstrand
                                                            1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
                                                          • Kyra Milstid

                                                            Kyra Milstid

                                                            Client Relationship Specialist

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                                                              Kyra joined the Quantum Group in 2022. Her background is in customer service and management. Currently, she assists the team with scheduling and client needs. She grew up in Western Washington, and currently lives in Auburn with her boyfriend and their two cats. In their free time they enjoy camping and exploring in her jeep.

                                                                  • Client Relationship Specialist
                                                                  1145 Broadway Plaza
                                                                  14th Floor
                                                                  Tacoma, WA 98402
                                                                  kyra.milstid@ubs.com
                                                                  Kyra Milstid
                                                                  1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
                                                                • Kelsea

                                                                  Kelsea Babbitt

                                                                  Client Associate

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                                                                          1145 Broadway Plaza
                                                                          14th Floor
                                                                          Tacoma, WA 98402
                                                                          kelsea.babbitt@ubs.com
                                                                          Kelsea Babbitt
                                                                          1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
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                                                                          Evelyn Jones

                                                                          Authorized Officer

                                                                          Executive / Team Assistant

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                                                                                Home Worker OR
                                                                                Home Worker OR, OR 000
                                                                                evelyn.jones@ubs.com
                                                                                Evelyn Jones
                                                                                Home Worker OR,Home Worker OR,OR,000
                                                                              • Kristi

                                                                                Kristina Scott

                                                                                Client Associate

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                                                                                        1145 Broadway Plaza
                                                                                        14th Floor
                                                                                        Tacoma, WA 98402
                                                                                        kristina.scott@ubs.com
                                                                                        Kristina Scott
                                                                                        1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402

                                                                                      The proof is in our numbers

                                                                                      $1.7 Billion

                                                                                      Assets under management

                                                                                      15

                                                                                      Investment professionals on the team

                                                                                      130

                                                                                      Collective years of experience


                                                                                      About our team

                                                                                      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.

                                                                                      Who we work with

                                                                                      Advice for business owners

                                                                                      Senior executives

                                                                                      Woman with architectural plans

                                                                                      A plan to simplify your financial life

                                                                                      Family offices

                                                                                      Defining your priorities. Pursuing what matters.

                                                                                      Our experience and structured planning process drives a comprehensive financial plan and customized investment strategies. Depending on where you are in your life and the priorities that matter most, our planning conversations may focus on liquidity management, your cash flow needs, asset replacement solutions such as insurance, estate planning strategies, or tax and legal structures such as trusts and philanthropic vehicles.

                                                                                      UBS Philanthropy

                                                                                      Multigenerational planning

                                                                                      Your life, wealth and future. UBS Wealth Way

                                                                                      Woman with architectural plans

                                                                                      A plan to simplify your financial life

                                                                                      Resources

                                                                                      A leader in wealth management

                                                                                      Backed by the strength of our parent company, UBS AG

                                                                                      $5.8+ trn

                                                                                      UBS Group invested assets
                                                                                      As of 03/31/2024

                                                                                      51 countries

                                                                                      Our global footprint

                                                                                      Global leader

                                                                                      UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager

                                                                                      Insights