Michael is a Senior Wealth Advisor in the firm’s Helena, Montana, office.

Michael combines a dedication to his clients with a dedication to his family, as well as the Helena community. “You can’t enjoy a good relationship without a high level of trust,” says Michael. “Trust is developed over time when you provide someone a high level of confidence and comfort that their financial affairs are being handled in a manner which meets their needs and expectations. That’s true for clients, your family, anyone really. Consistent, disciplined delivery of service translates into a positive long-term experience for those you serve.”

Michael is a native of Helena, Montana, where his family was in the restaurant and hospitality business. He graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman in 1989 with Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Prior to joining Ashton Thomas in 2021, Michael enjoyed over 30 years of financial industry experience, most recently as a Senior Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors. With his previous firm, Michael had served in various roles including Trust Tax Accountant, Trust Officer, Investment Strategist, and Portfolio Manager. Michael also provided equity research and investment analyst support for Wells Fargo Advantage Funds prior the entity’s merger in 2010.

Michael passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant exam in 1992 and obtained his CPA designation. He then successfully completed all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst® exam and became a CFA® charterholder in 1999. Michael obtained his Personal Financial Specialist (PFS™) designation in 2011 through the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).

Michael is currently a member of the CFA Institute, the CFA Society of Spokane, the American Institute of CPAs, and the Montana Society of CPAs. He has been involved with numerous youth athletic and community organizations over the years, and he currently serves on the board of directors for Green Meadow Country Club.

Michael and his wife, Tina, have three daughters, whom he describes as his “pride and joy,” with one studying pre-med at Montana State University, one working toward her esthetician certifications, and the eldest currently in graduate veterinary school. Michael enjoys skiing, golf, fishing, and hunting, as well as lake activities with the family. He is also a part-time farmer who keeps horses and is an “aspiring woodworker.”

Securities brokerage services provided by M.S. Howells & Co., Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA and SIPC. M.S. Howells & Co., Inc. is not affiliated with Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, LLC.