When his friends were buying baseball cards with their allowance, Russ mowed lawns and caddied at a country club. With his savings, the budding 10-year-old entrepreneur purchased a bike, so he could get a paper route. These experiences taught him about money and people. He learned that saving money over a long period of time could add up to a large sum, large enough to pay for his four years of college at Michigan State University where he earned a BA in business administration. Always drawn to people and service, Russ translated those impulses into the creation of White Pine. He values the excitement and energy of his talented colleagues and their mutually trusting and caring interactions with clients. Outside of the office, he participates with his wife, Sharon, in small groups at Northridge Church and volunteers for several Christian causes in his beloved hometown of Detroit. His visits to his children, grandchildren, and Spartan basketball games are as plentiful as possible.

Tony joined White Pine as its chief investment officer in 2012 after nearly 25 years in the investment industry. It felt like coming home. To prepare for his field, Tony earned a BBA and an MBA with high distinction from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He fulfilled his childhood dream when he spent four years playing the saxophone in the Michigan Marching Band; he soared past all of his wildest dreams by marching twice in the Rose Bowl. Thanks, Bo! Tony completed his CFA charter in 1995 and is a member of the CFA Society of Detroit. He lives in Ann Arbor where he serves as a trustee for the city’s pension fund. Tony and his wife, Laura, share their home with a rotating assortment of their six young adult children. He enjoys golf, poker, ice hockey, and following Detroit professional sports teams (even and especially the Lions) and, of course, his alma mater, the Michigan Wolverines.

Over 15 years as an advisor at large brokerage firms taught Will how a firm’s corporate direction could impact clients’ retirement plans. So when a friend introduced Will to White Pine’s completely independent wealth management experience void of ”pushing” products and instead built upon deep relationships with multiple generations of clients, he was interested. He was surprised though that a triple bogey ultimately led to his position at White Pine. When Will found himself patiently hacking through waist-high weeds on hole #16, he looked over and saw Tony and Russ smiling at him. Folks able to keep a level head, maintain a sense of humor, and have a bit of humility in the weeds often exhibit those same characteristics at work. Will’s reaction to his bad hole confirmed his place at White Pine where he utilizes his BBA in Finance from Eastern Michigan University and his Certified Financial Planner designation. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their two very active daughters at dance, soccer, basketball, and the lake.

Amy and White Pine crossed paths far before she became an essential employee in 2017. While earning a BA in Finance at Alma College, she befriended Melissa, Russ’s daughter, in 1992. The friendship they built on common family values quickly led Amy and her husband, Mark, to refer their parents to Russ. Amy and Mark soon became clients themselves after realizing they no longer had the time nor the confidence to manage their own investments. Amy now strives to provide clients the same outstanding level of service that she and her own family have received for the past 20 years. When not at home in Livonia, Amy and Mark enjoy skiing, and traveling with their two college-bound kids. Her impressive ability to do crossword puzzles makes her highly valued during White Pine’s daily lunchtime activity.

In a world full of challenges and uncertainties, Irene is thrilled to be a part of a team whose mission is to help others not only have comfort in their financial life but to thrive as well. She started her part-time work at White Pine in 2019, helping behind the scenes designing communication material. For over twenty years, Irene has worked on digital platforms helping companies and non-profit organizations build brands and websites to promote business goals. She earned her BBA from Northwood University with an Associates Degree in Fashion Merchandising. She has a soft spot for Italian art, natural textures, and bold patterns. Irene and her husband, Dave, have four children and live in Livonia where they enjoy spending time together relaxing poolside and playing tennis.

Michael, the most recent addition to the White Pine family, joined right after graduating from Michigan State University with a BA in Finance and Economics, and his education continues with the CFA program. Michael feels he has found the ideal place to realize his childhood dream of becoming a financial analyst. He focuses on the investment management side of the business, ensuring that portfolio holdings match well with clients’ long-term financial plans. Michael continues to live in Grosse Pointe where he loves watching and playing sports such as football, basketball and hockey, going up north to enjoy the outdoors and ski, traveling to visit friends, and playing with his new puppy.