Elevation Team
Our team is excited to work with you! We will work hard to earn your trust and look forward to building meaningful relationships with each and every client.
Darby Heidemann CLU®, ChFC®, CRPS®, QPFC, MBA
Co-Founder and Wealth Management Advisor
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Darby specializes in serving small business owners and offers thoughtful and strategic choices to help them reach their financial objectives. He grew up in a family that ran a small business, he studied general business in school, he worked with businesses during his investment banking days, and he now works with small business owners to help them achieve their financial goals. These experiences give him unique insight to the concerns and challenges business owners face. Darby currently focuses on wealth management and business planning. He is committed to bringing his clients the highest level of dedicated service.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
After earning his B.B.A. in finance and economics from Boise State University, Darby earned his M.B.A. with an emphasis in finance from the University of Southern California. He spent 12 years in institutional equity sales at Credit Suisse in New York and at Prudential in Los Angeles and San Francisco. He then moved back to Idaho where he has spent the last 15 years with Northwestern Mutual as a wealth management advisor. Darby has also earned the Chartered Life Underwriter®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist® and Qualified Plan Financial Consultant professional designations to better serve his clients.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Darby and his beautiful wife, Amy live in Eagle, Idaho and have four amazing children: Kendall, Nicholas, Natalie, and Gavin. They are proud grandparents to two wonderful grandchildren: Easton and Jackson. Darby and Amy are active in their church and love spending time with their family. They love to travel and enjoy exploring locations from the mountains to the oceans. Darby is an avid college football and basketball fan and spends his time following both BSU and USC.
John R. Kopp CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, MBA
Co-Founder and Wealth Management Advisor
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
John specializes in working with families in the medical field, small business owners and families that are nearing retirement. His focus is on personal financial planning. He loves building long-term relationships with his clients and helping to guide clients through life’s uncertainties. John comes from a family of physicians which provides him with unique insight into the concerns and needs of healthcare professionals.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
He earned his B.B.A. from Whitworth University in 1999 and his M.B.A. from Northwest University in 2006. John met his beautiful wife, Dawn during her residency at the University of Washington in 2012. They moved to Malawi, Africa for two years doing medical and mission work. Upon their return to the United States in 2016, they settled in Spokane where John started his financial practice with Northwestern Mutual. He has since earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, Chartered Financial Consultant® and Retirement Income Certified Professional® professional designations to keep up with the most current investment strategies in order to serve his clients more deeply.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
John and Dawn welcomed their daughter, Juniper into the world in 2016 and their son, Jasper in 2018. Outside of the office, John is active in his church and loves spending time with his wife and children. He is committed to numerous local and international ministries and sits on the board for Side-by-Side, a local ministry that bring people with and without disabilities together in the community. His passions include skiing, backpacking, mountain climbing, scuba diving, as well as road biking and travel.
Sawyere Cade Monson
Co-Founder and Wealth Management Advisor
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Sawyere’s athletic background shines through his communicative coaching style with clients. He specializes in tax-efficient wealth strategies & especially enjoys working with bootstrap business owners, movers & shakers in tech, and highly educated families.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
Sawyere was introduced to the business 10 years ago while he was finishing his college football career at the University of Northern Colorado. Over the last decade, Sawyere has been a dual-threat. Building a national financial planning practice while also growing a thriving district where he recruits and develops other financial advisors. He seeks leadership, whether to his clients or other advisors, as the best way to show gratitude and to pay it forward. Sawyere is currently enrolled in an accelerated CFP program which will be completed in March 2025.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Sawyere is married to his 2nd grade sweetheart, Sierra. Together they have three children with one more on the way – Remmee, Roey, and Rush! When he’s not in the office or buried by toddlers, you can find him on a ski hill, mountain biking, or at the gym.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Kyle specializes in working with small business owners to build and grow their financial plan. Starting his first business at 11 years old, Kyle was born an entrepreneur and brings that experience and knowledge to his clients.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
Kyle is in his 7th year in the business. Before, he grew his own business for a decade before being introduced to the NWM Internship in 2017. He would go on to become at the time, the most successful intern in the 50+ year history of the NWM internship program. Kyle followed this success by winning the #1 Mike Gish Award and reaching the top 1% by accomplishing FORUM in his first 5 years. Kyle received his B.S. in Business Administration from Weber State University.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Kyle was born, raised, and is now raising his family in Layton, Utah. He is married to his sweetheart, Sara and together they have three children: Greyson, Lennon, & Asher. You can find Kyle spending his time outside of the office with his family at Disney, on the ski slopes, in front of a BBQ grill, or behind the steering wheel of an exotic car.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Jessica specializes in team organization, communication and client care. She is responsible for setting up systems for the Elevation Wealth Management Advisors team so that each client feels cared for and our team runs smoothly. She ensures the team is compliant in the industry, both insurance and investments, and that the team is providing the best care for each client.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
After earning her associate of arts degree at Walla Walla Community College, Jessica attended Western Washington University to pursue a degree in special education. She left college to pursue a career in multi-store management in the retail industry. After establishing successful careers at American Eagle Outfitters and Starbucks where she specialized in moving troubled districts into profitable districts, she took a break from the workforce and focused on raising her four kids. Her career trajectory has given her a passion for leading a team that is efficient, profitable, and laser-focused on client happiness and satisfaction. She joined Northwestern Mutual in January of 2019 and holds the Washington State Life and Disability License.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Jessica was born in Boise, Idaho but grew up in Spokane, Washington. She is an avid fan of the Pacific Northwest and is happiest when outdoors. Her greatest joy is adventuring with her four kids and their furry pal Jackson. She was an active athlete in high school and college so she and the kids have recently taken on the adventure of downhill skiing and traveling. However, she is equally happy to curl up with a great book or movie. She enjoys meaningful relationships with friends and family and she and the kids are active in their local church.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Starting his investment management journey at 16 years old, he brings a breadth of investment & financial planning knowledge to help our clients navigate any financial situation. He loves making “sophisticated” planning concepts “simple” for clients. Skylar specializes in working with “mom & pop” business owners, leaders in tech, and real estate investors have peace of mind and confidence in their vision.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
Skylar started his investing journey at 16 years old when he read a Stock Market 101 book and started “day trading”. From there, he continued to invest and grow his knowledge until he joined the NWM internship at 20 years old. He then saw an opportunity where 2+1=4 by joining and helping build a team of financial professionals. He graduated Top 10 from Weber State University at 20 years old with a B.S. in Business Administration & Marketing. Skylar is currently enrolled in an accelerated CFP program which will be completed in March 2025.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Skylar is a knowledge seeker and spends a lot of his time outside of the office reading. He also loves traveling, drinking good whiskey, and investing in the stock market (shocker we know). Skylar is also nearing the launch of his own start-up company & mobile app called HELM. A DIY property management app.
Daniel Edmonds CRPS®, QPFC
Associate Wealth Management Advisor and Director of Retirement Plans
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Dan focuses on 401(k), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA and other retirement plans, helping to maintain current client relationships as well as building new ones. He helps coordinate the transition and onboarding of multiple 401(k) plans across several recordkeeping platforms. Dan implements enrollment and education programs, as well as manages the day-to-day operations of more than 60 retirement plans. He is skilled at taking complex topics and making them easy for busy individuals to digest and implement.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
Since joining Northwestern Mutual in 2016, Dan has earned the Charted Retirement Plan Specialist® and Qualified Plan Financial Consultant professional designations to better serve his clients. He holds the Series 7, 6 and 63 licenses as well as Life, Disability and Long-Term Care for the states of Idaho, Utah, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Dan is member of the National Association of Plan Advisors. He graduated with a B.A. from Brigham Young University.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Dan, his beautiful wife, MaCall, and their two adorable children live in Nampa. Macall is a native Idahoan and Dan is a transplant from Salt Lake City, Utah. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors golfing, skiing, backpacking, fly fishing, and hiking. He loves spending time with his family and watching his kids grow and participate in sports and other activities. He is also active in his local church.
Jack H Barnes
Director of Wealth Management
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
As Director of Investment Research and Portfolio Manager for Elevation Wealth Management Advisors, Jack specializes in wealth management and meeting with clients to understand their investment expectations for the risk in their portfolio.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
Jack began his financial services career in 1997 at Franklin Templeton with a Series 6 license during the Asian market meltdown, working in their fund information department. In 2001, he joined E-Trade Financial and obtained his Series 7 & 63 licenses. In 2004, he founded DYDD Capital LLC, a Series 65 RIA. In 2008, the two hedge fund portfolios that he managed returned 16% and 10% after fees. (Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Hedge funds use leverage, a high-risk practice that magnifies both gains and losses. These hedge funds were unrelated to Northwestern Mutual)
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Jack is blessed with four beautiful daughters and two grandchildren. He enjoys gardening, snowmobiling on frozen lakes, fishing, and spending time engineering music projects at the Snake River Studio on the farm. Jack is also active in his community and has been on the board of directors of Mountain Gem Credit Union in Nampa, Idaho. He has also been on the Molalla redevelopment agency in Oregon, he was a Curry County Health Commissioner and later on the finance committee for the construction of a new hospital in Gold Beach, Oregon and on the city parks and recreation commission.
Jeffrey Hunter Kruger
Associate Wealth Management Advisor and Investment Operations Manager
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Jeff specializes in client research and investment servicing in the Spokane, Washington office. He ensures investments go from commitment to execution without a hitch.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
After beginning his financial services career as an intern at Northwestern Mutual, Jeff became an assistant to a financial advisor where he spent a year learning the ins and outs of the business. He joined Elevation Wealth Management Advisors in 2022 and looks forward to growing with the team. Jeff is Series 7 licensed and holds his Securities Industry Essentials® license. Jeff attended Community College in Moorpark, California where he earned three associates degrees, two in business and one in social and behavioral sciences. He transferred to Gonzaga University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in marketing and international business.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Jeff has a beautiful girlfriend named Siena and a rambunctious puppy Golden Retriever named Nike waiting for him at home after work. He enjoys feeding and watching the different types of birds around his apartment, going to the gym, riding his bike along the Centennial, and watching a good show or movie with his family.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Blake specializes in helping our clients analyze their goals, engineer solutions, and design their financial futures.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
Starting at the firm in 2020, Blake has mastered our propriety planning software. He is a quick study and an excellent problem solver. He graduated Valedictorian in 2022 from Webster State University with a degree in Finance. He also served as President of the Investor’s Club during his time at Weber State.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
When he’s not solving the world’s financial problems, you’ll find him on the golf course, playing his guitar, or watching movies. Blake is a movie fanatic and watched over 200 movies last year. If you haven’t figured it out by now …. he does drive a Tesla.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Nate owns the on-boarding and operations experience for our firm. He prides himself in giving new and existing clients a white glove experience.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
Nate spent the last 18 years working at Fidelity Investments. While there, he was in a senior leadership position specializing across a multitude of fields, including stock plans, workplace planning, client services, and on-boarding. Nate went to the University of Utah and graduated with a degree in Finance.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
After hours, Nate spends time with his wife, Tara and their four kids. You’ll find them in the mountains camping or building go-carts in the garage. Yes, you heard that correctly.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Amy manages the insurance business for the Elevation Wealth Management Advisors team in the Boise, Idaho office. She specializes in insurance operations, customer service, client relations, and special projects. Amy’s goal is to build strong, lasting relationships with both new and existing clients. She is dedicated to ensuring that our clients feel supported by working with them one on one. By helping them through the insurance process from application to approval, Amy assists in all aspects along the way.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
With an extensive work history of over 20 years in both sales and customer service, she has been able to hone her skills. Amy’s value is evident through her communication techniques providing customer satisfaction and loyalty. She spent many years planning, coordinating, and adjusting travel for elite athletes and fellow colleagues throughout the country and overseas.
Amy also has several years of experience working with high-end clients selling premium programs and products. She works to develop and deepen relationships with clients through cultivating lasting business relationships. She holds her Life, Health, and Disability Insurance licenses, and is busy pursuing her master’s degree as well as her CLF designation. Amy obtained a B.A. degree in Psychology from California State University, Sonoma.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Amy moved to the Treasure Valley in 2021 with her beautiful daughter and their fluffy St. Bernard dog. When not working, she enjoys running, hiking, yoga, reading, cooking, traveling and mother-daughter playtime. Amy is an active and passionate volunteer with OUR Rescue Anti-Human Trafficking. She volunteers at the Boise Veteran affairs and is a proud daughter of a Vietnam Veteran. She spent time gaining an education in and working as a certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. This certification supports a holistic approach to diet and wellness. Amy knows how to assess the entire body to evaluate environmental exposures, stress level, digestive problems, and activity level. Her mission in life is to bring awareness to healthy living, end human trafficking, and to increase support for Veterans of war.
Elizabeth Struckmeyer
Executive Assistant and Client Relationship Lead
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
Elizabeth manages the insurance business for the Elevation Wealth Management Advisors team and serves as an executive assistant running the day-to-day business operations in the Boise, Idaho office. She specializes in insurance operations, customer service, special projects, marketing, and client meeting preparation. She strives to do everything in her power to take care of the questions, needs and issues that clients have.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
With more than two decades of client services and account management experience, Elizabeth has served as an executive assistant, office manager, account executive, and account manager with various professional institutions. She has earned numerous awards and accolades throughout her professional career. She holds her Life, Health, and Disability Insurance licenses, as well as her Notary license. She obtained a B.S. degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from California State University, Sacramento.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Elizabeth moved to the Treasure Valley in 2006 and has two beautiful daughters. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family. She is also active in her local church.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU
As an operations assistant, Katelynn keeps the Elevation Wealth Management Advisors team well-organized and works on special projects. Behind the scenes, Katelynn makes sure clients’ information is up to date. She takes care of the extra details that are needed to provide every client with great service.
WHAT MAKES ME KNOWLEDGEABLE
She has worked in the customer service field for the past two years and is attending Boise State University to earn her bachelor’s degree. Katelynn is a member of the National Honor Society.
GETTING TO KNOW ME
Katelynn has lived in the Treasure Valley most of her life and loves adventure, travel, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys volunteering for Feed My Starving Children and Samaritan’s Purse.