Unlocking the value of your business

Private Wealth Management 

Helping business owners understand their options

At The Capital ESOP Group, we have learned that to our clients business is personal. Your business is your passion and likely one of the greatest accomplishments of your life. So when you consider stepping back, there is a lot at stake—your family’s financial future, your employees’ livelihood and of course, the legacy you have worked so hard to create.

Selling a business can be a time of uncertainty; however, it should really be all about optimism and new possibilities—with sights clearly set on the best possible terms, transition and strategy for whatever comes next.  For us, there is no greater priority than helping business owners plan a thoughtful and holistic exit strategy, so they can take life’s next big step with the same passion that helped them build their business in the first place.

 

Making the ESOP decision

Monetizing your privately held business

A strategy for succession

Five owners make an effective exit

Leverage an ESOP

Managing wealth is our craft

We’re committed to understanding what wealth means for you.

At UBS, excellence comes from nurturing the best of our heritage, mastering the details and delivering the expertise you need to turn your financial vision into a reality. The result? Financial advice that is finely crafted for what matters most to you.

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.

  • Keith Apton Profile Photo

    Keith Apton, CEPA

    Managing Director–Wealth Management

    Private Wealth Advisor

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    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. Keith focuses on solutions encompassing asset allocation, as well as wealth and liability management to create tailored financial plans for his clients. 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 through strategic partnerships. Keith is a nationally recognized leader on ESOPs and Internal Revenue Code §1042 rollovers.

    As an active member in the ESOP community, Keith's total participation in ESOP transactions has exceeded $3.5 billion in transaction value 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 the finance committee 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, 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

    • Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors, 2012, 2013The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3. 
    • Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
      The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3. 
    • Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams, 2022, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
    • Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors, 2021, 2022, 2023The 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 Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023The 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.
    • On Wall Street – Top 40 Advisors Under 40, 2016, 2017The Financial Planning rating is awarded annually in Q1 based on information from a 12 month period ending in September of the prior year.

    • National Center for Employee Ownership, Member
    • Finance Committee ESOP Association
    • Private Wealth Advisor
    • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
    1501 K Street North West
    Suite 1100
    Washington, D.C., DC 20005
  • Nick Francia Profile Photo

    Nick Francia, CEPA

    Managing Director–Wealth Management

    Private Wealth Advisor

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    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 models 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 an associate member of the finance committee 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 August 2022, Nick, his wife Mary Elizabeth, and their sons Sebastian (“Baz”) and Ramsey Jay (“RJ”) welcomed the newest member of their family: Trip Clayton Francia. Outside of the office, Nick enjoys spending time with his family, reading, fly-fishing and traveling with his wife.

     

    CA License #0I84884

    • Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
      The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3. 
    • Financial Planning Top 40 Financial Advisors Under 40, 2024The Financial Planning rating is awarded annually in Q1 based on information from a 12 month period ending in September of the prior year.
    • Financial Planning Top 40 Financial Advisors Under 40, 2021, 2022The Financial Planning rating is awarded annually in Q1 based on information from a 12 month period ending in September of the prior year.
    • Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen (Generation) Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually between June and September based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
    • Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen (Generation) Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually between June and September based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
    • Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams, 2022, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023The 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.

      • Private Wealth Advisor
      • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
      1501 K Street North West
      Suite 1100
      Washington, D.C., DC 20005
    • Joanne Pronk Profile Photo

      Joanne Ferland, CFA

      Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

      Chartered Financial Analyst®

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      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.

        • The George Washington University, B.B.A. Finance and International Business, summa cum laude
        • Chartered Financial Analyst®
        1501 K Street North West
        Suite 1100
        Washington, D.C., DC 20005
      • Sarah Bothner Profile Photo

        Sarah Bothner, CEPA

        Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

        Certified Exit Planning Advisor

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        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 modeling 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.

          • McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, B.S.B.A.
          • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
          • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor
          1501 K Street North West
          Suite 1100
          Washington, D.C., DC 20005
        • Marguerite Pic

          Marguerite Hodgkins, CFP

          Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

          CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

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          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.

              • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
              1501 K Street North West
              Suite 1100
              Washington, D.C., DC 20005
            • Breton Laubscher Profile Photo

              Breton Laubscher, CIMA, CRPS, AWMA

              Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

              Certified Investment Management Analyst®

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              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.

                • Yale School of Management, Investment Management Theory & Practice
                • Certified Investment Management Analyst®
                • Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist℠
                • Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠
                1501 K Street North West
                Suite 1100
                Washington, D.C., DC 20005
              • Jake William Pantalone

                Wealth Strategy Associate

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                Jake works 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.

                      1501 K Street North West
                      Suite 1100
                      Washington, D.C., DC 20005
                    • Kaveh Gilanshah

                      Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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                      As a member of The Capital ESOP Group, Kaveh is responsible for creating financial models 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 Great Falls, Virginia, 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.

                            1501 K Street North West
                            Suite 1100
                            Washington, D.C., DC 20005
                          • Steve Brinckhaus Profile Photo

                            Steve Brinckhaus

                            Senior Client Associate

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                            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.

                              • University of Mary Washington, B.A.
                                1501 K Street North West
                                Suite 1100
                                Washington, D.C., DC 20005
                              • Ally Mulligan

                                Alexandra Mulligan

                                Client Associate

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                                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.

                                      1501 K Street North West
                                      Suite 1100
                                      Washington, D.C., DC 20005

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                                    A global leader in wealth management

                                    $5+ trillion

                                    In invested assets globally 
                                    As of 11/07/2023

                                    #1

                                    Serving Business Owners

                                    Euromoney Private Banking and Wealth Management Survey, 2020

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