The Why Behind the Work: Real People, Real Relationships, Real Results - Trust Point
Why Behind The Work Cover Image

At Trust Point, it’s the people behind the numbers who truly make the difference. Each team member brings passion and purpose to every conversation — building trust, sparking connection, and guiding clients through life’s most meaningful financial moments. These reflections from eight of our valued team members offer a window into what drives our work every day.

Paige Altmann, Client Development Coordinator, Emerj360

For Paige, helping others feel more confident about their finances is what makes her work truly rewarding. As Client Development Coordinator on the Emerj360 team, she handles essential administrative work, participates in client meetings, and guides clients through their retirement plans. “Finance can feel really overwhelming,” she says. “But once someone realizes they’re not expected to figure it all out alone — that’s when you see the relief set in.”Paige Image 3 Aruba

Paige knows that feeling firsthand. When she joined Trust Point after college, she was just beginning her journey into finance. That experience helps her meet clients where they are, offering support that’s both practical and personal. She also chairs Trust Point’s Young Professionals Leadership Group and volunteers with the Boys & Girls Club, where she recently helped kids explore the stock market through a hands-on simulation. “It was so fun seeing the light bulbs go off,” she says.

Fun Fact: Paige once rode ATV around the entire island of Aruba — and swears she had the best lobster taco of her life while watching the sunset with her feet in the ocean.

Brian Boyer, Managing Director, Minneapolis Office

As Managing Director of Trust Point’s Minneapolis office, Brian brings a strong sense of purpose to everything he does — from leading his team and serving clients to giving back to the city he calls home. A Minneapolis native, Brian is deeply rooted in the community. He and his family volunteer regularly, he serves on the board of a local arts organization, and he supports boots-on-the-ground non-profits that directly impact lives in the Twin Cities.

Brian BoyerAt work, Brian is especially passionate about helping clients feel heard, empowered, and secure. He finds meaning in building long-term relationships and guiding individuals through decisions that extend far beyond dollars and cents. “I grew up in an environment where money wasn’t really talked about,” he says. “Now I get to be the person people can turn to with questions they might not know how to ask.” His work with special needs trusts has been especially rewarding — offering peace of mind to families navigating incredibly complex situations.

Fun Fact: Brian was the very first licensed pedicab driver in the city of Minneapolis.

Brenda Flanagan, Relationship Manager

For Brenda, being a Relationship Manager means much more than managing accounts — it’s about genuine connection and showing up for clients. “I’m often the first person clients call when faced with difficult situations,” she says. “Sometimes they just need someone who listens and is there for them.”

Brenda’s work often centers on compassion. She’s helped clients handle difficult moments, including organizing a loved one’s finances after their passing and supporting a beneficiary working through addiction recovery. She believes trust is built through honesty, accessibility, and consistent support. After years working in banking and corporate finance, Brenda was drawn to Trust Point’s warm, people-first culture where relationships come first.

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Outside the office, Brenda enjoys boating and fishing at the cabin, refreshing her space and mindset by decorating and rearranging furniture, and cranking up Pearl Jam whenever she can.

Fun Fact: Brenda is a Pearl Jam super fan and an original member of the “Ten Club” started by the band in 1990.

Jennifer Gander, Relationship Manager

Jennifer partners with individuals and non-profit clients to oversee accounts, provide guidance, and help ensure their financial goals stay on track. “What’s most rewarding is knowing my clients feel genuinely taken care of,” she says. Jennifer approaches each relationship thoughtfully, ensuring clients feel heard and confident.

Jennifer Gander_bikingShe extends that care to the broader community as well, serving as treasurer on the board of the Pump House Regional Arts Center in La Crosse. That role not only reflects her passion for the arts but often sparks meaningful client connections and conversations outside the office.

Beyond work, Jennifer enjoys cooking, crocheting, and spending time outdoors, soaking in fresh air and nature’s calm. Recently, Jennifer took up golf, inspired by Trust Point’s support of non profit tournaments, and now enjoys hitting the course both for fun and fundraising efforts.

Fun Fact: Jennifer loves making wood-fired pizzas — her secret is always starting with homemade dough.

Travis Ida, Regional Account Executive

After more than a decade in non-profit leadership, Travis sought a new opportunity that aligned with his values — and he found it at Trust Point. “I wanted to be somewhere that wasn’t just saying the right things, but actually living them,” he says. “Here, doing what’s best for the client truly drives everything.”

Travis Ida_coaching

For Travis, the most meaningful moments go beyond the numbers — sitting with a recently widowed spouse to walk through next steps or visiting elderly clients with no nearby family. “Sometimes it’s five minutes of financial talk and 55 minutes of just being there,” he says.

At home on Lake Wissota, he and his fiancée raise two young sons and savor unplugged weekends floating on the pontoon, tossing a football, or enjoying the calm between life’s many commitments.

Fun Fact: Travis once coached football, basketball, and baseball all in the same year — and still made it home in time for bedtime stories.

Brenda Stuhr, VP, Wealth Management/Learning & Development

After 30 years at Trust Point, Brenda has built more than a career — she’s built lasting relationships. “You see people through different life stages, and eventually
you’re helping the next generation — sometimes even the third,” she says.

Brenda S Nebraska Family Farm And Ranch

Brenda blends deep technical expertise with a warm, people- first approach. Whether problem-solving on the analytical side or helping an 85-year-old client move on a hot Sunday afternoon, she shows up with compassion and commitment.

In addition to mentoring new team members and guiding families through complex financial decisions, Brenda stays active in her community by volunteering with local non-profits and supporting American Legion Baseball in Onalaska.

Fun Fact: Brenda is known for her legendary chocolate chip cookies, which she shares generously with coworkers. The secret? “Just love. And maybe a little extra vanilla.

Ty Tlustosch, Relationship Manager

Ty transitioned from accounting to wealth management because he was seeking a more personal and impactful role. “I get to work closely with clients and help them understand how everything fits together — their estate plans, goals, business, family,” he says. Known for his calm, thoughtful, and caring approach, Ty is always ready to listen, whether it’s a major life decision or a regular weekly check-in.

La Crosse Wisconsin Bridges

Outside the office, Ty and his wife enjoy planning hiking trips with their three kids, tackling trails from Mount Rainier in Washington to the Appalachian Mountains on the East Coast. Back home, Ty is active in the community — volunteering at local events, serving on finance-related non-profit boards, and cheering enthusiastically on the sidelines at youth soccer games.

Fun Fact: Ty grew up in a county with just one stoplight and a graduating class of 50. “La Crosse feels like a big city compared to where I’m from!”

Berek Weingart, Relationship Manager – Team Lead

Berek didn’t plan to work in finance — he originally hoped to be a school guidance counselor. But after a detour into banking, he found a way to support people through major life decisions. “Especially with older clients, it’s not just about the money,” he says. “It’s about being someone they can call and trust.”

Berek Fishing Photo

As a core member of the Trust Point team, Berek helps lead the firm’s Wealth Management internship program, mentoring the next generation of financial professionals. He spends time volunteering with the La Crosse Lions Club as well as the Boys & Girls Club through Trust Point’s financial literacy initiative, where he enjoys connecting with local students and sharing practical money tips.

Fun Fact: A dedicated fisherman, Berek keeps his boat in the water from February through December — and hopes to have his baby daughter casting a line before she can walk.

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