Our Team
Get acquainted
Click on each of the photos below to get acquainted with the members of Capstone’s team.
Joette Larson
Client Relationship Manager
As Capstone's Client Relationship Manager since 2011, I am involved in all phases of the financial planning process from gathering data to presenting financial plans.
After earning a bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Mary and graduating summa cum laude, I spent the next two decades fine-tuning my organizational and problem-solving skills within the banking and utility industries.
What motivates me:- Helping clients achieve their financial goals
- Delivering superior customer service to clients
- Building caring, genuine relationships that strengthen families' financial lives
- I'm a recent empty nester who would love to travel more
- I enjoy playing Fantasy Football and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys
- Assist in developing and presenting financial plans
- Assemble and process data for asset allocation, cash flow, and performance reports
- Manage client connections
- Support and collaborate with other members of Capstone's team
Kerrie Kern
Client Relationship Specialist
When you walk through Capstone's front door, I am usually the first person you'll see.
As Capstone's Client Relationship Specialist since 2002, I process account paperwork, coordinate distributions and cash needs, schedule and prepare for client appointments, and address client concerns and questions.
What motivates me:- Making a difference in a client's life
- Being an important part of Capstone's team
- Treating clients like family
- I was raised on a cotton farm in California
- I enjoy camping with my granddaughter Paisley and family
- I stay fit by going to the gym with my husband George
- Schedule and prepare for client appointments
- Calculate and process distributions (RMDs)
- Bake cookies and have coffee and tea ready
Mark Thomas
Founder and Principal Senior Advisor
As Capstone’s founder and principal, Mark is passionate about providing financially established men and women with independent counsel and objective advice. Mark embraces holistic planning that is grounded in genuine relationships and recognizes that clients’ lives are much bigger than their investment portfolios.
What motivates me:- Ensuring that our clients’ hard work, disciplined saving, and conservative spending culminate in a relaxing retirement and an enduring legacy
- Listening and learning from each client in order to understand what is most important to them so I can ensure that their values are reflected in their financial planning
- When I was in the eighth grade, I became fascinated with the stock market and started an investment club with nine friends
- Before starting Capstone Wealth Management, I spent 12 months visiting 28 advisory firms across the country
- My bucket list includes catching a fish in all fifty states
- I am an Eagle Scout
- Serve as architect of Capstone’s client experience, which focuses on providing leadership for sound financial decisions for the families we serve. By making good decisions, our clients are able to generate sustainable income and ensure a smooth transition of assets from one generation to the next
- Help clients understand their current financial circumstances as they work to accomplish their goals
Tom Webber, CFP®
Partner, CFP, Senior Advisor
As an Advisor at Capstone, Tom works with individuals and families to create and implement plans to maximize their wealth. Whether meeting with clients or joining them at the Social Security office, Tom wears many hats, all in the service of his clients.
Tom also serves in the lead role with our clients in addressing their insurance needs. He works closely with our 401k groups to make sure every employee has a vision of their own retirement.
What motivates me:- Helping clients see their own wealth puzzle with greater clarity
- Strengthening relationships with those who put their trust in us
- I am not a native Montanan. I originally came to Montana to attend college, but then I put down roots that keep growing deeper
- I started buying stocks at age 12. I became interested in stocks after reading the annual reports at my grandmother’s house and then walked into a brokerage office and started asking questions
- I am an Eagle Scout
- Lead clients in the discovery and construction of their personal wealth plan
- Help clients stay on the course they set for themselves through multiple meetings per year
- Work with clients to negotiate and place insurance policies that reinforce their plans
- Assist clients in managing their insurance portfolios
Austin Thomas
Partner, Business Exit Strategist, Registered Investment Advisor
As the youngest member of Capstone’s team, Austin brings boundless energy to his work. He enjoys connecting with local business owners to better understand their priorities and help them plan for the eventual sale of their business.
An affinity for numbers comes naturally to Austin, who holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics with an emphasis in statistics. After graduating from the University of Montana, he worked in the home automation industry and traveled to Minnesota, Arkansas, and Texas before eventually finding his way to Arizona, where he spent five years working as a consultant for business owners while enjoying the opportunity to fine tune his golf game.
What motivates me:- Helping clients to clarify their financial objectives and values
- Working with each client’s professional team to develop a comprehensive financial plan
- Assisting clients in thoroughly preparing for a business sale to increase the chances of a successful transition
- Reaching a par 5 in two
- I won a karaoke competition at Cheyenne Frontier Days and was privileged to meet Brooks & Dunn
- I enjoy golfing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and everything that Montana has to offer
- I’m an Eagle Scout
- Building relationships with business owners who are preparing for a business succession
- Helping clients develop a succession plan that ensures a successful transition out of their business
- Applying Capstone’s planning expertise and creativity to solve problems and achieve the unique goals of each client
- Deliver customized planning solutions that help clients get from where they are today to where they want to be tomorrow
Nicole Chakos
Partner, Business Exit Strategist, Registered Investment Advisor
After owning a business for more than 20 years, Nicole has first-hand experience with the excitement of pursuing a dream as well as the tensions that keep business owners awake at night. She embraces planning for business exit success from all necessary angles.
When you work with Nicole, you’ll find that she has a knack for challenging your thought processes gently, yet with conviction and a smile. Her recognition of your discipline, your steadfast focus, and the grit that has created your success are at the forefront of Nicole’s consulting.
What motivates me:- Overcoming challenges and creating positive outcomes for clients
- Understanding the history, family values, dreams, and legacy that drive our clients
- Creating connections with clients, their families, and the Capstone team
- I’m a fourth-generation Montanan and a Griz Fan, but I’m willing to cheer for the Cats… except in November
- As a grade-schooler, I set up a bank in my bedroom closet and made loans to the neighborhood kids (as I recall, their payback rate was 50% at best!)
- One of my goals is to continue skiing through the age of 80, when I will be able to ski for free at Bridger Bowl
- I majored in economics at the University of California at Davis and later named my son Davis
- I work with business owners to solidify an exit strategy that will maximize the rewards from their hard work while minimizing taxes and honoring their legacy
- I create educational events in fun local venues, featuring best-in-industry experts who share their financial knowledge with our clients