Focus and experience

Allen is fully committed to the clients and families he represents. He draws on more than 20 years of experience to provide expertise and guidance in all areas of personal wealth. From asset and compensation management strategies to working alongside each family’s attorney, CPA, and insurance specialist, Allen is dedicated to ensuring all facets of the family’s wealth are postured to benefit current and future generations.

Background and credentials

Since opening his first IRA at the age of 18, Allen has been passionate about personal finance and economics. While studying business at Indiana University-Purdue University of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Allen started Loechner Marketing, a small sales company that supported him throughout his college years. This experience ultimately led to being recruited by A.G. Edwards & Sons, a predecessor firm to Wells Fargo Advisors.

Beyond managing some of the more sophisticated client relationships within the practice, Allen oversees the team’s investment management responsibilities and maintains an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation through the College for Financial Planning.

Within the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors recognized in Indiana for 2024, Allen was ranked second highest among all fellow Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network advisors. *

Away from the office

Allen spends his free time with his wife, Rachel, an interior designer, and their three children and daughter-in-law. The couple loves to entertain and Rachel enjoys cooking, so their home is often the chosen gathering place for family and friends. Their family enjoys nearly any outdoor activity and makes it a point to explore one of the great U.S. national parks each year.

Allen volunteers his time by supporting the Real Men Read program through Big Brothers Big Sisters, which allows him to read to second grade students in underprivileged school districts. He also volunteers his time as a Concordia Theological Seminary Endowment Investment Committee member.


*2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

Focus and experience

Shawn concentrates his efforts on helping clients focus on what is truly important. To better understand the needs of his clients, he analyzes and develops retirement, risk management, and cash flow strategies. In addition to working with the team’s individual clients, Shawn serves as the team’s 401(k) and retirement planning professional. Shawn is a founder and partner of Optare Financial Partners, part of the Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network.

Background and credentials

Shawn graduated from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management with a degree in Economics and also a certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In pursuit of providing the highest level of guidance to his clients, Shawn is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and has also earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation from the College of Financial Planning.

Service

Shawn is passionate about service to his country and his community. Most recently he served as emergency manager for the Indiana Air National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing. Shawn was awarded in every step of his military career, including top graduate, distinguished graduate, and graduate with honors. In 2021, Shawn was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for outstanding achievement in his service to the Air Force.

Additionally, Shawn regularly volunteers in the community, most recently as a second grade classroom instructor for Junior Achievement and as a board director for Amani Family Services, Inc.

Away from the office

Shawn works hard to squeeze the most out of every day. That’s why you are equally likely to find him spending time in the great outdoors with his wife, Erica, and kids, Palmer and Wynn; expanding his passion for cooking; or training for an upcoming race or athletic endeavor. Shawn is a repeated U.S. Triathlon Association National Championships qualifier, ultra-marathoner, and CrossFit Regional competitor. He is always looking forward to his next great challenge. 

Focus and experience

Dave brings more than 35 years of experience in the securities industry to the practice. He places a strong emphasis on getting to know the person or people behind the net worth statement to fully understand where they’ve been, where they’re at, and where they want to be for the rest of their life. He believes that personal relationships matter, that everyone is different, and that everyone has emotional triggers that directly impact how they react to investment planning. That’s why he takes the time to really understand the client before discussing strategies.

In addition to helping individuals, Dave assists companies with their employer-sponsored retirement plans. His areas of focus include personal wealth management, pre- and post-retirement planning, traditional and Roth IRA strategies, employer plans, legacy planning strategies, estate distributions, and education planning.

Background and credentials 

Dave entered college intending to teach high school business and coach baseball, so he enrolled in the College of Education at Ball State University. But during his sophomore year, Dave realized he didn’t want to be in the classroom all day. At the same time, a few classes and one particular professor piqued his interest in helping people with investment planning, so he transitioned to a degree in Finance. After graduation, Dave started working with A.G. Edwards. A merger with Wachovia Securities (2007) and a subsequent takeover by Wells Fargo Advisors (2008) brought him to Optare Financial Partners, part of the Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network.

Away from the office:

Dave and his wife, Rosanne, frequently travel to Chicago and New York City to visit their son. After spending numerous years as an unsatisfied golfer, Dave discovered pickleball (don’t laugh until you try it, and you can call him anytime!). He’s also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and the devoted owner of a mini Goodledoodle named Mia.  

Focus and experience

Kara focuses on building personal relationships with her clients while maintaining strong professional support. She knows listening is essential to understanding goals and financial concerns. Each client is unique, and Kara builds a foundation for their investment plan based on a clear understanding and prioritization of each of their major life goals. Her dedication and client review meetings help ensure the plan remains on track. Customization becomes a part of those reviews, as change is inevitable. Kara adheres to a multi-step process to tailor each client’s plan so they are better prepared to adjust for any potential challenges along the way.

Background and credentials

Kara began her career in the financial industry with Wells Fargo Bank in 2004. Her focus on Organizational Leadership & Supervision studies at Indiana University-Purdue University of Fort Wayne, while managing staff at the bank, helped her realize her passion. Kara completed the Licensed Banker program at Wells Fargo in 2012 and went on to become a financial advisor in 2015. Her diverse background in banking services, along with investment planning, make her a natural fit as an advisor as she assists clients in pursuing their goals. Kara provides the planning needed to help her clients build, manage, protect, and transition their assets.

Away from the office

Kara is an active community volunteer who serves local nonprofit organizations. She currently volunteers as chair of the Finance Council at St. Joseph Catholic Church and teaches religious education to the eighth graders at the school. You will probably notice Kara’s love for plants when you visit her office. She has been building quite the collection over the past few years. Kara enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, and their three wonderful kids: Emanuel, Ava, and Ella. They live an active family lifestyle and spend many evenings at sporting events.

Focus and experience

Tim has more than 30 years of experience in the securities industry and is dedicated to providing quality investment planning and investment guidance to his clients. He places great importance on building strong personal relationships and is knowledgeable about working with individual clients as well as creating and supporting company 401(k) plans. His areas of focus include retirement planning, IRA and IRA strategies, 401(k) plans, estate planning strategies, education planning, and insurance.

Background and credentials

Tim developed a passion for personal finance at a young age, which led him to Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business where he graduated with a degree in Finance. Before joining Optare Financial Partners, Tim gained experience with several investment firms, including most recently his 20-year tenure with Wells Fargo Advisors. He actively pursues professional development opportunities relevant to investment strategies. And to further demonstrate his commitment and proficiency in asset management, he also maintains an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation through the College for Financial Planning.

Away from the office

Tim enjoys spending free time with his wife, Tonya, who works as an IT professional; their three adult daughters, Madison, Claudia, and Molly; and their son-in-law, Spencer. In general, they enjoy talking about, watching, or playing sports. In addition to being an avid golfer, Tim has a newfound interest in biking. 

Focus and experience

Jake is a seasoned professional with a diverse background rooted in engineering and project management. As a financial advisor on the Optare Financial Partners team, he focuses on supporting clients to create financial and investment strategies that align with their needs and goals. Equipped with personal integrity and a commitment to delivering the highest level of personal service, Jake aims to provide every client with clear financial advice and a vision for their long-term plan. His diverse management experience, strategic thinking, and analytical mindset all contribute to his ability to help guide clients toward their financial goals.

Background and credentials

Jake graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. While working in the oil and gas industry, Jake’s international work provided invaluable experience as he led teams through demanding situations. During that time, he honed his ability to manage complexity and realized how fulfilling it was to serve others. As a project manager, he was directly responsible for financial forecasting, cash flow management, budgeting, and risk mitigation. He was quick to obtain his Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification, realizing the value of being able to make financial decisions based on verifiable data and statistical methods. Jake brings a unique blend of leadership and technical skills to his current role. 

Away from the office

Jake is a weekend DIY warrior, so you’re likely to find him and his son, Conrad, in the aisles of the local home improvement store. Along with his vivacious wife, Kathryn, they spend family time working on projects and practicing sports with their son. His family loves to travel and spend time in the outdoors, including everything from hiking to golf, and especially family bike rides. Jake is also an avid reader of history and personal development.

Focus and experience

Robert brings a well-rounded career in personal finance to his role at Optare Financial Partners.  Calling upon time and experience as a personal banker and investment portfolio manager he understands the value of disciplined investing alongside thoughtful financial advice. As a financial advisor on the Optare Financial Partners team, he strives to understand each client’s full picture to develop an enduring strategy developed around unique circumstances, priorities, and values.
 

Background and credentials

Robert graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management from Indiana University-Purdue University of Fort Wayne. During college, he studied abroad on a 112-ft two-masted schooner covering over 5,500 nautical miles of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. This invaluable experience of visiting over a dozen different countries and unique cultures both scratched his itch for adventure and broadened his world perspectives. 

His career began in retail banking with JP Morgan Chase Bank as a licensed banker. From there, started his career as a financial advisor, specializing in client portfolio construction and investment research. Robert currently maintains the APMA (Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor) and CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) accreditations through the College for Financial Planning.

Away from the office

Robert tries to balance his time away from work between his growing family, volunteer work, and training for various triathlons and road races. Having grown up as a competitive swimmer Rob took a break from the water only to dive headfirst back into endurance sports completing two full Ironman triathlons, and countless other local races across the Midwest.  Robert continues to dedicate time and energy into his relationship with his ‘little brother’, through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana. To recharge you will find Robert, his wife Rachael, and their son Luke hiking local county parks and trails with their golden retriever, Moose, always in-tow.

Someday he plans to sit down and rest – but just not today.

Focus and experience

Amber has accrued nearly two decades of experience in the securities industry. She serves as the primary administrator for advisors David Fortmeyer and Timothy Ream. In addition to being detail- and client-focused, Amber’s professional knowledge and effervescent personality make her an extraordinary client associate.

Background and credentials

Amber earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University-Purdue University in 2006. While the majority of her professional career has been in the securities industry, she previously worked as a logistics intern at General Electric and as a pharmacy technician for several years.

Away from the office

Amber loves spending time with her husband, Dave, who she’s been married to since 2012. They have a daughter, Jillian, and a dog. Amber likes to bake with her daughter and create new and interesting confections. She and her husband also like to relax while watching movies, tasting new wines, and exploring new restaurants together.

Focus and experience

Amber serves as the go-to team member for all administrative and operational advice and support for Optare Financial Partners. She is passionate about resolving and attending to various client needs and prides herself on providing accurate and timely responses to client requests.

It’s evident that Amber truly values the relationships she establishes with each client. She consistently looks for opportunities to impact our clients’ lives on a personal level and is honored to have been invited to many of their life events over the years. She continually strives to build client relationships that go beyond financial interactions alone.

Background and credentials

Amber found her passion for the financial industry while working in retirement plan administration at a top performing insurance general agency in Fort Wayne, IN. As a case manager for over 200 financial advisors, Amber quickly refined her ability to manage multiple client objectives simultaneously and realized she enjoys building lasting relationships as much as providing solutions. This has made her a perfect fit for her current role.

Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Saint Francis.

Away from the office

Amber enjoys spending free time with her husband, Andy; daughters, Olivia and Emma; and dogs, Ryder and Jovie. Amber and her family love the outdoors, which makes Indiana summers her favorite time of the year. When she isn't relaxing at the lake, you can probably find her playing softball or volleyball with her husband and their friends.

Focus and experience

Equipped with more than 10 years of financial services industry experience, Rachel handles operational and administrative support for the team. She prioritizes and upholds the highest standard of service for the families we serve. Rachel most enjoys working directly with clients to create meaningful, genuine connections with the ultimate goal of ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Background and credentials

Rachel’s passion for relationships and supporting others has been foundational throughout her life. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Saint Francis. At Saint Francis, Rachel balanced academics and career development while playing as a varsity midfielder on the women’s soccer team.

After graduation, Rachel spent three years working in the mental health field where she focused primarily on adults living with addiction. However, the trajectory of her career pivoted in 2014 when she pursued an opportunity to work for Ash Brokerage, one of the largest insurance brokerage firms in the country. During that time, she worked her way up to senior case manager and was named Retirement Income Case Manager of the Year. In her first year at Optare Financial Partners, Rachel passed both her Series 7 and Series 66 exams.

Away from the office

One of Rachel’s top priorities outside of the office is spending time with her family. She takes her self-proclaimed title of “Favorite Aunt” to her three nephews very seriously, spoiling them with trips to the zoo, days at the pool, and board game marathons. Rachel enjoys exploring food scenes from local dives to unique dining experiences with friends. When she isn’t spending quality time with family or enjoying her latest food find, she is showing love to her two dogs, Mongo and Max, and her two cats, Maggie and Chief Jim Hopper.

Focus and experience

Moriah brings more than a decade of well-rounded financial industry experience to the practice and currently leads the branch’s operational and administrative processes. Often the welcoming presence of the office, Moriah strives to create a positive experience for the individuals she supports on a daily basis.

Background and credentials

In 2012, Moriah started in the financial services industry working in Credit Customer Service for Wells Fargo Bank in Oregon. U.S. Bank then recruited Moriah to work as a collections specialist.

Feeling called to serve her community, Moriah shifted her attention to the mental health field where she focused on community outreach and social services. Two years later, however, opportunity redirected her back to the financial services industry, and in 2019 she started her tenure with Wells Fargo Advisors at an office in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Today, Moriah is one of our most important assets at Optare Financial Partners, thanks to her varied experience, positive attitude, and passion.

Away from the office

Moriah’s top priority is spending quality time with her family, especially her two daughters, Rylan and Zaylah. Because she is a relative newcomer to Fort Wayne, she loves to explore the city. That’s why you’ll likely find her at a Saturday morning famers market or enjoying the live music scene and new local food spots. When she isn’t spending time with her family or finding culinary inspiration, she is probably with her Blue Heeler, Zero.