Shaping your financial future

What are the things that matter most to you?

Your answer to that question is the basis for all we do on your behalf, and the ever-present theme behind every conversation. 

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 portfolio management. 

We partner with clients to connect their financial life with their deepest values and aspirations, delivering peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what matters most. 

As a team, we provide comprehensive financial planning services that encompass retirement planning, wealth management, tax strategies, risk management, philanthropy, estate planning and more, ensuring every aspect of your financial life is carefully considered and optimized. Whether you're planning for your children's education, your retirement, or passing wealth to future generations, we provide guidance and support to help you realize your financial goals, at every life stage. 

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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    • AK
    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • CT
    • DC
    • FL
    • GA
    • HI
    • ID
    • IL
    • KY
    • MA
    • MI
    • MS
    • MT
    • NE
    • NH
    • NJ
    • NM
    • NV
    • NY
    • OH
    • OR
    • PA
    • SC
    • SD
    • TN
    • TX
    • VA
    • WA
    • WI
    • WV
    • WY

    Growing a Team Committed to an Exceptional Client Experience

    A natural leader and motivator, Gary believes the Quantum Group’s high-touch, consultative approach carried out by a group of skilled professionals sets it apart in delivering comprehensive planning and trusted service to clients. Over his 30+ years in the industry, he is grateful for the long-standing relationships and trust built with clients, many of whom are multigenerational families.

    A graduate of Pepperdine University, Gary started in the financial services industry in 1992 and joined UBS in 2009. In addition to advising clients, he is also the managing partner for the team, and is passionate about developing the highest quality experience for both clients and team members.

    Gary and his wife enjoy spending time with family and friends, and especially appreciate the travel traditions they’ve built over the years. These days they are frequently traveling across the country to visit their two sons in college. Having retired from many years of coaching youth sports, Gary is now focused on staying athletic himself, improving his skills at surfing, water-skiing, golf and swimming. He is proud to participate in Swim Across America each year in support of cancer research.

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024, 2025The 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.
    • 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.

    • Pepperdine University, B.A., speech communications
    • Securities Licenses: SIE, S3, S7, S63, S65
    1145 Broadway Plaza
    14th Floor
    Tacoma, WA 98402
    gary.barss@ubs.com
    Gary Barss
    1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
  • Steve Fairfax Updated

    Stephen Fairfax

    Financial Advisor

    Private Wealth Advisor

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    • AK
    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • CT
    • DC
    • FL
    • GA
    • HI
    • ID
    • IL
    • KY
    • LA
    • MA
    • MI
    • MS
    • MT
    • NE
    • NH
    • NJ
    • NM
    • NV
    • NY
    • OH
    • OR
    • PA
    • SC
    • SD
    • TN
    • TX
    • VA
    • WA
    • WI
    • WV
    • WY

    Orchestrating Solutions for Complex Multigenerational Plans

    As a senior planner and founding partner of the Quantum Group, Steve has never met a puzzle he couldn’t solve. His passion is in helping multigenerational families with complex estate and tax planning considerations. He spends significant time interfacing with CPAs, estate attorneys and other specialists to ensure seamless end-to-end planning and execution for Quantum Group clients. Steve takes his time to understand a client’s goals and aspirations, and finds unique solutions to help them meet those goals.

    Steve is a graduate of the University of Washington, where he majored in business with a finance concentration. He began his career in the financial services industry in 1987 and has been at UBS since 2009. Steve brings decades of experience not only to his client relationships, but in mentoring Quantum Group advice team members as they develop their skills and expertise, and in leading the team’s panel review process.

    Steve and his wife, Kristi, love spending time outdoors. If they aren’t skiing, golfing or mountain biking, they’re probably hiking with their two Portuguese water dogs. And when they’re unsuccessful in coaxing their two adult children to visit, they often fill the void by hosting dinner parties for neighbors, or occasionally travelling to favorite spots like Chamonix, France and Tuscany, Italy.

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024, 2025The 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.

    • University of Washington, B.S., business administration
    • Private Wealth Advisor
    • Securities Licenses: SIE, S3, S7, S63, S65
    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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    • AK
    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • CT
    • FL
    • HI
    • ID
    • IL
    • MA
    • MI
    • MO
    • MT
    • NJ
    • NM
    • NV
    • OH
    • OR
    • PA
    • SD
    • TN
    • TX
    • VA
    • WA
    • WI

    Wealth Management Expertise for Business and Individual Clients

    Mickey’s long-standing relationship with clients is a testament to the comprehensive expertise he provides, covering all aspects of wealth and cash management, as well as business, retirement and legacy planning. He is a trusted advisor who has spent his career in the industry, and he enjoys helping clients reach their goals through every life stage.

    A graduate of Washington State University, Mickey started his career with EF Hutton in 1987. He has been with UBS since 2010. He is a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS), a credential focused on creating, implementing and maintaining retirement plans for businesses.

    Mickey is active in his community serving on several boards. In his free time he enjoys all watersports, including boating, paddleboarding and swimming. When he isn’t at home working on projects or gardening, he loves to travel, frequently to Southern California and Hawaii.

      • Washington State University, B.A., business administration
      • Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist℠
      • Securities Licenses: SIE, S7, S9, S10, S63, S65
      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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      • AK
      • AZ
      • CA
      • CO
      • DC
      • FL
      • HI
      • ID
      • IL
      • MA
      • MT
      • NM
      • OH
      • OR
      • TX
      • VA
      • WA

      Meticulous Planning, Long-standing Client Partnerships

      Jason leads the Financial Planning team for the Quantum Group and coordinates 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.

      A graduate of Central Washington University, Jason started in the financial services industry in 2005, and transitioned to UBS with the Quantum Group in 2009. He enjoys the long-standing relationships and careful planning that comes from working with clients through every life stage.

      Jason and his wife, Aimee, enjoy family time and keep busy with their three young children. In his free time Jason enjoys working out at the gym and staying active. Jason and 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, 2024, 2025The 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.

      • Central Washington University, B.A. in political science and B.A. in history
      • Securities Licenses: SIE, S7, S65, S63, S66
      1145 Broadway Plaza
      14th Floor
      Tacoma, WA 98402
      jason.tvedt@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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      • AK
      • AZ
      • CA
      • CO
      • FL
      • GA
      • HI
      • ID
      • KS
      • MA
      • MN
      • MT
      • NH
      • NM
      • NV
      • NY
      • OH
      • OR
      • TX
      • WA
      • WI

      Applying Expertise to Every Financial Plan

      With nearly two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Rob is a skilled and trusted advisor to clients. He is passionate about creating personalized financial plans, and is constantly learning and applying his knowledge wherever he can to educate clients and help them have long-term success.

      Rob began his career at Wells Fargo in 2006, and joined the Quantum Group at UBS in 2016. A University of Washington graduate, Rob is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Certified Exit Planning Advisor® and a member of the Financial Planning Association®. He applies his CEPA® credential in working with business owners, helping them consider how their biggest asset (their business) folds in to their wealth planning.

      When he’s not working, Rob loves spending time with his wife and French bulldog. He is a big fan of getting outdoors and stays active with workout groups, running, hiking and weight training. He recently completed his second full marathon and dreams of qualifying for the Boston Marathon one day. Rob also dedicates time and resources to organizations such as Bloodworks Northwest and Asian Counseling and Referral Service.

        • University of Washington, B.A. integrated social sciences
        • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
        • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
        • Series 7 and 66 securities licenses
        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
        • AZ
        • CA
        • CO
        • CT
        • FL
        • GA
        • HI
        • ID
        • KY
        • LA
        • MI
        • MT
        • NM
        • OH
        • OR
        • PA
        • TN
        • TX
        • VA
        • WA
        • WI
        • WV

        Bringing Peace of Mind with Holistic Planning

        As a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate, Emily has seen firsthand how the strength and collaboration of the team brings a unique depth of service to our multigenerational client relationships. She enjoys helping clients craft and carry out plans that give them peace of mind. Her role with the Quantum Group also includes oversight of portfolio strategies preferred by the team; managing platform implementation, due diligence and investment execution.

        Emily started in the financial services industry in 2017, and joined the Quantum Group at UBS in 2019. She is a graduate of Eastern Washington University, where she double majored in finance and economics. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, bringing a holistic planning emphasis to her advising role.

        Emily and her husband live in the Lake Tapps area with their Siberian husky and two cats. In her free time she likes to run with her dog, cook, travel and play pickle ball. She volunteers with her local church and Step By Step, an organization helping single moms in crisis secure housing and gainful work.

          • Eastern Washington University, B.A. in finance and economics
          • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
          • Series 7 and 66 securities licenses
          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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          • AK
          • AZ
          • CA
          • CO
          • CT
          • DC
          • FL
          • GA
          • HI
          • ID
          • IL
          • MA
          • MI
          • MT
          • NJ
          • NM
          • NV
          • NY
          • OH
          • OR
          • PA
          • SD
          • TN
          • TX
          • VA
          • WA
          • WI

          Studied Analysis to Help Clients Reach their Goals

          Adept at applying an analytical view to all he does, Quang has spent 24 years of his nearly three decades in wealth management serving in leadership roles. As a trusted advisor to his clients, he helps them pursue their financial goals with a careful eye toward the complexities planning can entail. He enjoys the process of helping clients analyze choices and execute a plan that gives them peace of mind.

          A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in mathematics, Quang started at UBS in 2006 after nine years with Morgan Stanley. Now an advisor with the Quantum Group, he brings his management experience and insight to help the team leverage the wealth of resources UBS has to offer, and provides guidance in the process of laying out goals and objectives.

          Quang and his wife and two daughters love being in the outdoors of the Northwest, particularly out on the lakes and in the mountains either wakeboarding or snowboarding.

            • University of Washington, B.S., mathematics
            • Securities Licenses: SIE, S3, S6, S7, S9, S10, S26, S31, S63, S65
            1145 Broadway Plaza
            14th Floor
            Tacoma, WA 98402
            quang.bui@ubs.com
            Quang Bui
            1145 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma,WA,98402
          • Bill Peabody

            Bill Peabody, CFP

            Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

            Financial Advisor

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            • AK
            • AZ
            • CA
            • CO
            • CT
            • DC
            • FL
            • GA
            • HI
            • ID
            • IL
            • MA
            • MT
            • NJ
            • NM
            • NY
            • OH
            • OR
            • PA
            • SD
            • TX
            • VA
            • WA
            • WI

            Customized Planning for Interdependent Goals

            Bill started in the financial services industry with EF Hutton in 1985. He joined UBS in 2009, where he developed his practice focused on helping clients understand the interdependent nature of their financial and personal goals.

            Bill graduated from the University of Puget Sound, majoring in economics with a minor in philosophy. In 2008 he achieved the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

            Bill and his wife, Carol, 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.

              • University of Puget Sound, B.A., Economics
              • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
              • Securities Licenses: SIE, S7, S65, S63, S66
              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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              • WA

              Service is in the Details

              Working with the Quantum Group for over 20 years, Janis exemplifies the service experience the team strives to bring to clients. Her extensive knowledge of processes and the ease with which she walks clients through the steps of account-opening, cash management, reporting and online services make her an invaluable partner and great “go-to” when questions arise. “We have great clients,” Janis says, and making their day easier by supporting the operational details of their financial lives is a rewarding part of the job.

              Janis began in the financial services industry in 1999 at Smith Barney, and moved with the Quantum Group to UBS in 2009. In her current role as Team Administrator, she provides coordination and oversight of processes for the client service team, in addition to servicing clients. She is also an Authorized Officer, holding Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses.

              In her free time, Janis is an avid gardener. She and her husband also play pool, competing in regional tournaments, and enjoy spending time with friends and family including their granddaughter.

                    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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                      A Positive, Team-Player Mindset

                      Katie came to the Quantum Group as the team was expanding, and quickly showed her strengths as a team player, willing to take on newly defined tasks and pivot when needed as the advisory and service team grew. Her positive, problem-solving mindset is what makes her a trusted support to clients and a valuable asset to the team.

                      Katie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Her interest in the financial services industry began with an internship at Bronfman Rothschild, and after moving across the country to the Northwest, she joined the Quantum Group at UBS in 2017. In her role as Client Associate, she assists clients with operational and administrative needs.

                      Katie and her husband, Gunnar, have two young boys and enjoy spending their time with family and their dogs. You will most often find them outdoors, exploring the mountains and adventuring.

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

                            Kelsea Kesti

                            Client Associate

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                              Communication that Exceeds Expectations

                              Kelsea provides a critical role to the team serving as Client Relationship Specialist. She is the first point of contact receiving calls and handles the majority of scheduling for client meetings with the advising team, as well as heading the client service department. Her goal is to ensure that clients have the best experience possible in their communication with the Quantum Group.

                              Kelsea brings extensive customer service and office administration experience to her role, having previously worked as an assistant field director for a nonprofit organization and in customer service for the Costco corporation. She started her career at UBS in 2023.

                              Kelsea enjoys spending time outdoors and can be found on any given weekend hiking in the mountains with her husband and close friends. Here interests also include creative endeavors such as baking, art and playing music.

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

                                    Evelyn Jones

                                    Authorized Officer

                                    Registered Client Associate

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                                    • CA
                                    • CO
                                    • OR
                                    • WA

                                    Innovating to Deliver Exceptional Client Experience

                                    With 15 years of executive assistance experience and six years in corporate recruiting, Evelyn knows the importance of forward motion in helping a team reach its goals. She is committed to collaboration and innovation by helping to develop and steer team initiatives that create exceptional client experience. Evelyn is energized by seeing the synergy created when ideas are put into action, and knowing that clients are better served as a result.

                                    Evelyn began her career at UBS in 2013 as Sr. Executive Assistant to the Oregon Complex Director. In 2022 she and her husband took a sabbatical to focus on family. In 2024, she returned to UBS, joining the Quantum Group as an Authorized Officer and Executive/Team Assistant, supporting team leadership and providing client service. She holds the Series 7 and 63 securities licenses and is registered in Washington and Oregon.

                                    Evelyn, her husband and their mini-doodle, Frankie, enjoy traveling and trekking in the great outdoors—hiking, biking and rafting. A self-taught ukulele player, she hosts a Tuesday night uke jam event in her community, and takes time to play and sing for residents at the local senior assisted living center. Evelyn’s hobbies include painting, reading for book club and caring for her large collection of houseplants.

                                          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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                                            A Passion for Helping

                                            With over 20 years of experience in the financial service industry, Kristi has a tremendous base of knowledge in both retail and institutional client service. Her extensive experience paired with a passion for helping others has led her to serve as a Client Service Associate (CSA) coach. Attuned to listening to clients’ needs, she is intent on making their experience with the team a positive one, and gets a tremendous amount of satisfaction from assisting others in achieving their financial goals.

                                            Kristi began her career at Morgan Stanley in 2001, where she shared and further developed her skills as both a CSA coach and CSA council member. She joined UBS in 2008 and is now a Senior Client Service Associate.

                                            In her free time, Kristi enjoys cooking, reading, gardening and spending time with friends, family and her chocolate lab Finley.

                                                  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

                                                $1.9 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.

                                                Family on back porch

                                                Wealth transfer across generations

                                                Business Owner in entryway

                                                Advice for business owners & entrepreneurs

                                                UBS Keys side of building

                                                Workplace Wealth Solutions

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                                                A plan to simplify your financial life

                                                Father and daughter hiking in fields

                                                Navigating opportunities across your enterprise

                                                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.

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                                                A leading global wealth manager

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                                                Turn possibilities into a plan

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                                                Maximize your potential wealth

                                                Resources

                                                A leader in wealth management

                                                Backed by the strength of our parent company, UBS AG

                                                $6 trn

                                                UBS Group invested assets
                                                As of 12/31/2024

                                                51 countries

                                                Our global footprint

                                                Global leader

                                                UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager

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