About
With deep personal and professional experience in family-owned and closely-held businesses, our clients can leverage the depth and breadth of our team’s expertise as they navigate both the financial and relational dynamics of family business.
At the core of who we are, we believe in service, care and intentional relationships. We highly value our earned reputation as reasonable, fair and open-handed.
Stephen E. Lowe Jr
Partner and Wealth Management Advisor
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics at
St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada - Life/Health/Long Term Care Insurance Licenses
- FINRA SIE, Series 7, Series 63
Background and Expertise
With 19 years of experience in the financial service industry, Steve takes a detailed and proactive approach to handling complex corporate and personal planning needs. He has a strong commitment to ongoing servicing, evidenced by the longevity of the relationships with clients, which sets him apart from other top financial service professionals nationwide.
In the corporate market, Steve’s practice focuses on incentive and retention strategies for corporations nationwide, as well as strategies for shareholder succession planning. Through personal wealth management planning, Steve provides solutions for our clients’ wealth accumulation and estate preservation goals, while strategizing risk management along the way.
Personal Note
Steve is a devoted husband and father, as he and his wife Christy have two daughters, Lahana and Lily, as well as two dogs. Steve is also a supporter for The Miracle League, which is an organization designed to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play baseball. In Steve’s free time, he enjoys watching hockey and spending time with his family.
Ross A. Hoezee CLU®, ChFC®
Partner and Wealth Management Advisor
Background and Expertise
Ross Hoezee’s relationship with Northwestern Mutual began as a college student when he was introduced to the Northwestern Mutual internship program in 1976 while he was completing his degree in Marketing from Ferris State University. Ross started his career in financial services with Northwestern Mutual in 1977. During his career in the financial services and wealth management industry, he has earned the professional designations of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®).
He is a founding member of Ascent Wealth Partners along with Steve Lowe, Tim Hoezee and Justin Haan. Ascent Wealth Partners specializes in working with family business owners, executives and retirees.
Personal Note
Ross and his wife Thea reside in West Olive, Michigan. They have three married children and nine grandchildren.
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration, Northwood University
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional
- Life/Health/Long Term Care Insurance Licenses
- FINRA SIE, Series 6, Series 7, Series 66
Background and Expertise
Tim has been a part of the team as an Associate Wealth Management Advisor since 2010. He began his career in the qualified retirement plan industry in 2004.
Personal Note
Tim and his wife Hope have three children Ellery, Ember, Hudson and a puppy, Etta. Family activities are always top of mind for them. The short list includes sports, beach time, fishing, and just being outdoors. Tim also enjoys serving on the foundation board for Hudsonville Christian School.
Justin M. Haan CIMA®
Partner and Wealth Management Advisor
- Master Degree in Security Studies, Georgetown University
- Bachelor of Science in Political Science, US Naval Academy
- FINRA SIE, Series 7, Series 63
- Executive Finance Program, University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education
Background and Expertise
Justin joined Ascent Wealth Partners in February 2021 after a career as a US Marine infantry officer.
Personal Note
Justin and his wife, Leah, are natives of West Michigan, and have three children, Jovienne, William, and Benjamin.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Statistics, Western Michigan University
- Life/Accident/Health Licenses
- FINRA SIE, Series 7 and Series 63
Background and Expertise
We welcomed Garret to our team in December of 2022. Garret brings forth his background in areas of data analysis, probability, and mathematics as he supports our planning team. Garret has experience monitoring financial data, managing accounts, and assisting with insurance-related business.
Personal Note
Garret resides in Kalamazoo, MI. His personal interests include weightlifting, golf, and football. He also enjoys spending time with his friends, family and loved ones.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance, Trinity Christian College
- Life/Accident/Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA SIE, Series 7 and Series 63
Background and Expertise
Brevin joined Ascent Wealth Partners in October 2022 with previous work experience in the wealth management industry. He brings his skillset for client communication and account service to his current role. Brevin is serving primarily with investment services.
Personal Note
Brevin resides in Grand Rapids with his wife Katie, and his son Hayes. In his free time, Brevin takes interest in a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as golfing, boating, as well as walking and running at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids, MI.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance
Grand Valley State University - Life/Health/Long Term Care Insurance Licenses
- FINRA SIE, Series 7, Series 9, Series 10, Series 66
Background and Expertise
Alisha has been a part of the team since 2018 and has worked in the Financial Services Industry since 2007.
Personal Note
Alisha is a northern Michigan native and shares two step-children with her husband Omar.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Personal Financial Planning
Central Michigan University - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional
- Life/Health/Long Term Care Insurance Licenses
- FINRA SIE, Series 7, Series 63
Background and Expertise
Trevor has joined the team in 2018 and specializes in insurance coordination and management. He has obtained his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University with a focus in personal financial planning.
Personal Note
Trevor and his wife Paige enjoy spending time with family and friends, whether that means hanging out around a bon fire, or snowboarding up in northern Michigan. He likes to stay active and is very family-oriented.
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Communications with a minor in Public Relations, Michigan State University
Background and Expertise
Ariana joined our team in October 2023 bringing her wealth of customer service experience in the financial industry. She works closely with team members and clients to assist with questions regarding new and existing products.
Personal Note
Ariana enjoys reading, listening to live music, and spending time outdoors - especially the Traverse Bay area, her personal favorite Michigan destination!
A team member since 2007, Linda works as administrative lead support for the team.
Personal Note
Married with two grown daughters and the proud grandparent of three grandsons, Linda is a very talented musician and enjoys playing music in her spare time.
- Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Economics, Alma College
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional since August 2021, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) since 2022
- Life/Accident/Health/Long Term Care Insurance Licenses
- Variable Annuities License
- FINRA SIE, Series 7, Series 63
Background and Expertise
Taylor joined Ascent Wealth Partners in March of 2024 as a private wealth advisor. Taylor started his career in the financial services industry in 2016 as a Northwestern Mutual intern and began his full-time career in 2018.
Personal Notes
Taylor and his wife Morgan reside in Norton Shores with their two dogs, Chester and Willie. They enjoy hiking, camping, and being outdoors. Coming from a collegiate wrestling background, Taylor enjoys giving back to the sport by coaching and officiating wrestling. Taylor’s interests also include reading and listening to podcasts, ultra-marathon running, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Bachelor of Science in Sociology (Pre-Law Emphasis) and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Valparaiso University
- Life/Health/Long Term Care Insurance Licenses
- FINRA SIE, Series 6, Series 7, Series 63
Background and Expertise
Nate began working with Northwestern Mutual in March of 2018 out of the Denver and Colorado Springs, CO networks specializing in investment operations and financial planning. As of January of 2022, he joined Ascent Wealth Partners in Grand Rapids, MI as a Financial Planning Analyst.
Personal Note
Nate and his wife Ashley reside in Hudsonville, MI with their newborn son and their dog, Echo. They spend their free time outdoors, partaking in a variety of activities ranging from hiking and skiing in the winter, to fishing, kayaking, and wakeboarding in the summer.
Mark E. Pearson CFP®, RICP®
Private Wealth Advisor
- SIE - Securities Industry Essentials Examination, October 2018
- Retirement Income Certified Professional – RICP® since 2015
- Registered Investment Advisor since 2013
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional
- Certificate in Financial Planning, Florida State University, May 2001
- Accident and Health Insurance License since 2000
- Life Insurance License since 2000
- Variable Annuities License (previously Variable Contracts) since 2000
- Series 65 - Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, December 1997
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Examination, September 1995
- Series 63 - Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, September 1995
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Davenport College, June 1994
Background and Expertise
- 25+ Years Total Experience in Financial Services
- Associated with Ross Hoezee since 2005
- Northwestern Mutual since 2002
Personal Note
Mark was born and raised in West Michigan, with a brief stint in Chicago. He is married with 8 children, a son-in-law and 6 grandchildren. Mark is a member and Eagle Leader of Team Red, White and Blue, and also a member of the USA Triathlon.
About Me
- Bachelor of Science in Health Administration, Central Michigan University
- Life/Accident/Heath Insurance Licenses
Career Background
In February 2024, we welcomed Rachel to the team. She comes to us with experience in Medicare product design and in nursing home management. On our team, Rachel is assisting with scheduling for the advisors and with various insurance, marketing, and administrative efforts.
Personal Notes
Rachel was born and raised in Metro Detroit, and has recently moved to Wyoming, MI with her cat, Chino (short for “cappuccino”). She enjoys spending time with friends, family, and is active in her church. In her free time, Rachel invests in an array of hobbies including singing, reading, baking, going to the gym, hiking, and traveling.
- Master of Arts in Organizational Communication and Leadership, Western Michigan University
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Management, Western Michigan University
- Life/Accident/Health Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Brooke has 10+ years of experience in the Property Management industry where she has served in roles including sales, property management and corporate accounting. She has provided support for housing complexes throughout the United States, handling finances for up to 10 properties. She also has a background in the food, sales, and retail industries where she has gained applicable skills aiding her career. With Ascent Wealth Partners, Brooke is helping with implementation of nonqualified benefit plans and assisting with employer-owned life insurance.
Personal Note
Growing up in small Michigan towns, Brooke enjoys activities from mushroom hunting in the spring, visiting beaches in the summer, and enjoying Michigan color tours and annual fairs in the fall. Brooke and her spouse enjoy cooking worldly cuisines, attending concerts and comedy shows. When they are not traveling, they also enjoy house projects, watching their favorite television shows and spending time with their dog, Oliver.
- Bachelor of Science in Integrative Public Relations, Central Michigan University
- Life/Accident/Health Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Brianna joined the team in June 2021 with communications and retail management experience. She manages scheduling for the advisors, and also handles insurance servicing, marketing efforts and administrative tasks.”
Personal Note
Brianna resides in Jenison, MI. She values spending time with friends and family in West Michigan, especially on the lake or exploring local restaurants and shops. Brianna also enjoys being outdoors with her husband, David, and their lab, Maya.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Financial Planning – Central Michigan University
- Life/Health/Long Term Care Insurance Licenses
- FINRA SIE, Series 7, Series 63
Background and Expertise
Jennifer has been a part of the team since 2008 and has worked in the Financial Services Industry since 1999.
Personal Note
Jennifer is from Grand Rapids Michigan and enjoys spending time golfing with her husband Tim.