About Us
About WestPeak Private Wealth
Nestled in the heart of Missoula, Montana, WestPeak Private Wealth draws its name and inspiration from the rugged mountains that define our landscape. These peaks symbolize the strength, resilience, and steadfastness that guide our approach to wealth management. While our roots are firmly planted in the west, our reach extends across Montana and into 22 other states across the U.S.
Our Montana Heritage
Missoula, a vibrant community where five valleys and three rivers converge, is more than just our location—it's an integral part of who we are. As a native Montanan with over two decades in Missoula, I am deeply connected to its beauty, culture, and dynamic spirit. Home to The University of Montana, one of the state's largest universities, Missoula offers a unique blend of cultural events, diverse dining experiences, thriving breweries, and unparalleled outdoor activities, all set against a backdrop of a moderate climate.
Our Commitment to Honesty and Trust
We believe that trust is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. Our commitment to honesty and transparency is unwavering, and we strive to earn our clients' trust every day. By being truthful and clear in all our interactions, we ensure that our clients feel confident and informed in their financial decisions.
Building Meaningful Relationships
Our client-centered service model is built on proactive communication, responsiveness, and accountability. We go beyond traditional financial advising by fostering meaningful relationships with our clients and their families. By collaborating with external advisors, such as CPAs and attorneys, we develop coordinated strategies that simplify our clients' financial affairs.
The connections we form with our clients extend far beyond the confines of our offices. We take a genuine interest in their lives, and they, in turn, become a part of ours. Much like the best advice often comes from friends, our approach is honest, straightforward, and always in our clients' best interests. This is what sets us apart and makes us a trusted partner on your financial journey.
Gary Kiemele
Managing Partner & Financial Advisor
Gary deeply values the relationships he builds with each client and the trust that they place in him and his firm. Those relationships are the driving force behind what he does each day and serve as the foundation of WestPeak Private Wealth.
Gary is the founding member and lead financial advisor of WestPeak Private Wealth. He brings over 35 years of business experience to the firm, including 25 years in the agri-business and business management fields, giving him unique knowledge and perspective on global economics and long-term investing. Gary began his financial planning career in 2009 at Edward Jones, and later with RBC Wealth Management before starting WestPeak Private Wealth.
A Montana native, Gary takes full advantage of all that Western Montana has to offer, enjoying golfing, boating, fishing, and downhill skiing. Gary lives in Missoula with his wife, Penny, and they have two adult children—Caroline and Christian.
Gary received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from MSU-Northern and an M.B.A. from the University of Montana. Gary has Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Merritt Hicks
Service Advisor
Merritt performs the dual roles of senior investment associate and office manager at WestPeak Private
Wealth. She began her career in the financial industry in 1982. She resided in San Francisco and worked
for various firms such as Shearson Lehman, Volpe & Covington and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.
In 1993, she relocated to Missoula, Montana, where her career deviated from course; she became the
owner and operator of a highway construction company fulfilling contracts for various state
departments of transportation, Federal Highways and the FAA. After many years she yearned to return
to finance and sold the company. She re-emerged in the financial arena in 2015 by joining RBC Wealth
Management. There she met and worked with Gary Kiemele. She jumped at the chance when Gary
invited her to join WestPeak in 2021. Her favorite aspects of the business are that it allows her
meaningful relationships with clients and that the learning is never ending.
Merritt has three adult children – Taylor, Seth and Charlotte, and two spoiled dogs and one very old cat.
She’s a passionate DIYer and spends her weekends with DIY projects on her fixer-upper house.
Merritt studied economics at Skyline College in San Bruno, CA. She is Series 7 and 66 licensed.