About Us
ABOUT OUr TEAM
Who We Are
as of Oct. 1, 2025
1.3 Billion
in Assets Managed
Our Team
BRIAN HUNSAKER
Chairman, Chief Investment Officer
Brian Hunsaker
Mr. Hunsaker started Iron Gate Global Advisors in 1999 and is currently a Managing Member and Portfolio Manager. He has broad experience in successfully managing client portfolios for over 25 years. Brian employs a seasoned investment approach to value investing. Mr. Hunsaker concentrates much of his time identifying great businesses with long term competitive advantages.
Prior to starting Iron Gate Global Advisors, Mr. Hunsaker has worked as a investment advisor for First Security Investor Services, US Bancorp Piper Jaffray, and Boettcher & Company. He earned Bachelor degree in Finance and Economics from Utah State University Jon M. Huntsman School of Business and is a designated Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS). He also served as vice-chair of the Better Business Bureau of Utah.
Mr. Hunsaker has been recognized for his professional achievements, having been a member of Piper Jaffray’s VIP Council and Pacesetter Club. He has been asked to present numerous workshops on investment management, as well as estate and financial planning.
Mr. Hunsaker enjoys skiing, fly fishing, and tennis in Utah’s great outdoors. He has taken his passion for skiing to the European Alps and has skied 11 different resorts in five different countries. For two years he was selected as team captain and was an all-conference defensive tackle at Utah State University. He signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1989.
BRETT PATTISON
CEO, Chief Portfolio Manager
Brett Pattison
Mr. Pattison partnered with Brian Hunsaker and Iron Gate Global Advisors in October 2014, bringing with him a deep expertise in market mechanics and a passion for investor success. Prior to joining the firm, he held key roles at Investools, thinkorswim, and TD Ameritrade. A veteran educator, he spent years traveling the country teaching retail investors and fellow wealth managers the nuances of money management and capital preservation.
With a career in options trading spanning nearly 25 years, Mr. Pattison currently serves as the CEO and Director of Portfolio Management. While he finds great fulfillment in his leadership role, his true professional passion lies in the tactical execution of options strategies. His primary goal for his clients is consistent, year-to-year income through sophisticated options strategies.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Utah’s Eccles School of Business. Beyond the markets, he is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys boating, hiking, working out and skiing with his family, taking every opportunity to recharge in the sun.
SPENCER NELSON
Chief Financial Officer, Director of Financial Planning
Spencer Nelson
Spencer joined Iron Gate Global Advisors in 2018 as an investment advisor and portfolio manager. He has a breadth of experience in private equity, portfolio management, professional and collegiate basketball, and coaching. Spencer enjoys working with clients to put together their financial plans, wipe away debt, and work toward goals like home ownership, college planning, and building wealth. Spencer is passionate about the services Iron Gate offers: portfolio management with a successful track record of value investing and options trading, financial planning, and private client services.
Prior to joining Iron Gate, Spencer was an assistant coach for the Utah State University (USU) men’s basketball team in charge of recruiting, defensive strategy, and development of the power forwards and centers. He also worked as an Associate Director at Cicero Partners, where he leveraged the firm’s successful consulting services to build their private equity group from the ground up. He created the structure, procedures, and analytical tools for the firm to evaluate and execute deals.
Spencer earned an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in finance from USU, where he also played for the legendary Aggie basketball team. After finishing his education in 2005, Spencer signed a free-agent contract with the Utah Jazz. He played professional basketball in Germany, Italy, Greece, and Spain until 2015 when he joined Cicero Group.
Spencer and his wife have four children. They love to travel and spend time outdoors together as a family. Spencer enjoys golfing and coaching his children’s sports teams.
KATIE SANO
Director of Client Operations
Katie Sano
Katie Sano received a degree in Elementary Education from BYU and after teaching for 12 years, moved into business management. She managed a medical clinic for 3 years and received her Masters of Business Administration from Western Governors University. Her passion is in operations management and is excited to assist with client services and daily operations. Katie enjoys traveling, playing and watching sports, going to the lake, running, and being outside.
Daniel Bell
Director of 401k Services
Daniel Bell, AIF®, CPFA®
Mr. Bell joined Iron Gate Global Advisors in May 2021 as an investment advisor and 401(k) specialist, bringing over 25 years of experience in working with 401(k) plan sponsors and participants. He provides consultation, plan design, and educational support to help clients optimize their retirement plans and benefits.
Before joining Iron Gate Global Advisors, Mr. Bell earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Utah State University and began his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a focus on tax.
In 1996, he founded a 401(k) third-party administration company. Recognizing the value of combining technical plan consulting with investment advisory services, he became an investment advisor representative in 2002. Throughout his career, he has helped individuals and plan sponsors enhance wealth and build successful retirement plans.
In addition to being a licensed financial advisor and CPA, Mr. Bell holds designations as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®).
Outside of work, Mr. Bell enjoys spending time with family, mountain biking, fly fishing, and golfing.
Michael Follett
Portfolio Manager
Michael Follett
With more than 27 years of experience navigating the financial markets, Michael Follett brings deep expertise and a disciplined, research-driven approach to portfolio management. His career is defined by developing sophisticated investment strategies and customized solutions designed to help clients and advisors achieve their unique goals.
Michael believes that successful investing requires a balance of calculated risk, discipline, and skillful execution. Guided by this philosophy, he emphasizes investor education as a cornerstone of long-term success. Throughout his career, he has created and delivered comprehensive educational programs on risk management, stocks, options, and futures, empowering investors to make informed decisions.
A former contributor to a weekly financial publication, Michael values clarity and transparency in all client communications.
Outside the office, he is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with a passion for history and a love for exploring the outdoors with his family.
MCKENNA STRONG
Client Services Account Manager
McKenna Strong
McKenna Strong has been with Iron Gate since 2019. She is our client services senior associate and works closely with clients daily to accomplish a wide variety of requests.
She graduated from Utah State University with degrees in Finance and Economics.
McKenna and her husband, James, have a little girl named Amelia and are expecting baby number two in the fall of 2023.
In her free time, you can find her spending time with her family, trying new recipes, and doing house projects on their new fixer upper.
MATTHEW NEWMAN
Senior Financial Planner, CFP
Matthew Newman
Matthew joined Iron Gate Global Advisors in 2020 as their senior financial planner. His expertise in financial planning helps our clients get an understanding of where they are financially, and what they need to do to accomplish their goals. Matthew’s #1 priority is to create an atmosphere of transparency, trust, and communication so our clients feel comfortable and are enabled to make educated decisions with their money. He enjoys working with our clients to help them feel more secure financially, specifically through creating plans that help prepare for retirement, save for home ownership, eliminate debt, plan for college, and build lasting wealth. Matthew fully believes in the services offered here at Iron Gate and is honored to be part of the team.
While studying Finance at the University of Utah, Matthew began his financial planning career at Northwestern Mutual. After earning his bachelor’s degree in finance, Matthew continued building his own financial planning practice and in doing so, gained a thorough understanding of wealth management, insurance planning, and retirement income strategies.
Matthew and his wife just welcomed their first child in March of 2020. He enjoys playing basketball, boxing, golfing, and traveling with his family.
Eryn Beck
Client Services Associate
Eryn Beck
Eryn joined Iron Gate in the summer of 2024. With a strong background in customer service, Eryn excels in creating positive relationships with clients. She is passionate about business operations and enjoys being a part of the Iron Gate client services team.
Eryn is currently pursuing a Business Management degree online at Utah Valley University.
Eryn recently moved to Logan, Utah and loves living in Cache Valley. Outside of work, she’s passionate about playing and coaching volleyball, enjoys running, watching movies, and is an avid concert-goer.
Katelyn Bowler
Client Services Associate
Katelyn Bowler
Katelyn Bowler has been with Iron Gate since Spring of 2023. She is a Business Management major at Southern Utah University, where she has excelled academically, earning multiple scholarships for college.
Recently married in May 2024, she has enjoyed starting her life with her husband TJ and loves living in Cache Valley.
Katelyn enjoys hiking, snow-skiing, and boating with her family, and she loves watching her husband compete in rodeos.
JED DEVRIES
Marketing and Sales Consultant
Jed DeVries
Jed DeVries joined Iron Gate in summer 2019 as a Marketing & Sales Consultant. Having been a long-time client of the firm, he appreciated the value we offer to our clients and was thrilled at the opportunity to join the Iron Gate Global team.
Jed has been in sales for the last two decades and currently works full-time at Boston Scientific as an Executive Consultant.
Jed earned a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences at Utah State University where he also played football from 1989-1993.
After graduation, he was an NFL offensive lineman for four-years playing for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.
After leaving the NFL, he joined Park City Medical where he began his career in Medical device sales and consulting.
In addition to working for Iron Gate Global Advisors, Jed is an Executive Consultant for Boston Scientific in medical device sales where he has won multiple President Club awards.
Jed is married and has two children. His hobbies include ultra-marathons, marathons, hunting, mountain biking and fishing.
Nick Roberts
401(k) Manager and Sr. Financial Planner”
Nick Roberts
Nick Roberts is a Senior Financial Planner and 401(k) Manager at Iron Gate Global Advisors. With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including two decades at Fidelity Investments, Nick brings extensive knowledge and a client-first approach to helping individuals and families make confident financial decisions.
Nick works closely with clients to develop personalized financial strategies designed to help them pursue their long-term goals with clarity and confidence. He is committed to building lasting relationships and providing thoughtful guidance through every stage of life.
In addition to his work with individual clients, Nick specializes in employer-sponsored retirement plans, partnering with businesses to support their 401(k) plans and helping participants make informed decisions as they prepare for retirement.
Nick attended the University of Utah. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. In his free time, you’ll often find him golfing, mountain biking, or attending concerts.
Emily Watkins
Client Service Specialist
Emily Watkins
Emily Watkins earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Utah and went on to receive her Master of Business Administration. She is still an avid Utes fan today.
Emily has spent years working in banking and the nonprofit sector. In her free time, Emily enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Russell Murphy
Sr. Financial Planner
Russell Murphy
Russell Murphy joined Iron Gate Global Advisors in June 2026 as a Financial Advisor. He enjoys working closely with individuals and families to develop personalized strategies designed to help them achieve their financial goals, whether that means preparing for retirement, saving for major life events, or building long-term wealth. Russell takes pride in building lasting relationships and providing thoughtful guidance tailored to each client's unique circumstances, goals, and priorities.
Prior to joining Iron Gate, Russell spent five years as a Financial Advisor with Fidelity Investments in Lehi, Utah. During his time there, he helped clients develop comprehensive financial plans and gained extensive experience in retirement planning, investment management, and wealth-building strategies. While Russell is grateful for the knowledge and experience he gained at Fidelity, he is excited to return to Cache Valley, where he was born and raised, and serve individuals and families in the community that helped shape him.
Russell earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Utah State University, where he also completed a minor in Personal Financial Planning. He obtained his Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation in 2024, further demonstrating his commitment to providing clients with high-quality financial guidance and advice.
Outside of work, Russell enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He also enjoys smoking meats and perfecting his barbecue skills, hosting game nights with family and friends, playing and watching sports. He has recently gotten into running and reached a personal milestone by completing his first marathon in 2025.
