Bishop Smith Wealth Management Group
of Wells Fargo Advisors

Darren L. Bishop, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA®
Managing Director - Investments

My Background 
As a seasoned financial advisor, I believe your success should be measured not just by your financial well-being, but by how confident you feel about your future. My mission is to help you reach your financial goals through the development of a wealth management plan based on personalized, knowledgeable advice.  

Our team starts with a consultative approach to gain an understanding of your priorities, risk tolerance and goals. The development of your customized plan includes the use of the eMoney® planning process, an important tool that helps me strategically allocate your portfolio and helps you understand your plan and track your progress.  The Bishop Smith Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors is built on a foundation of honesty and diligence. Our team approach helps us to provide a high level of service and multiple viewpoints to help build, manage, preserve and transition wealth for future generations. 

I hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional, Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor^SM, and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM accreditations along with the Series 4, Series 63, Series 65, Series 7, Series 8 and Series 24 registrations. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona. 

I moved to Colorado from Tucson, AZ in 1993.  My wife and I recently bought a home in Castle Rock and are loving the outdoor living it provides.  Both my kids graduated from Cherry Creek and my son is now pursuing his graduate degree in classical guitar at the San Francisco Conservatory of music.  In my free time I have been traveling with my wife and also enjoy biking, hiking, pickleball, and playing cards. 

My Experience

2025 - Present: Managing Director – Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors
2024 - 2025: Senior Vice President – Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors
2018 - 2024: Vice President – Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors
1993 - 2018: Vice President, Ameriprise Financial Services 

My Education & Credentials
BSBA – University of Arizona

Designations  
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional
Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor®
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®

My Areas of Focus
Planning for Retirement
Estate Planning Strategies
Retirement Planning for Business and Executives                                                     
Portfolio Analysis Services
Education funding and 529 plans
Comprehensive Investment Planning

CA Insurance License Number: 0E62137. Residence State CO

I began my career as a Financial Advisor with A.G. Edwards in 2001.  Our team focuses on goal based planning and investment management.  Core themes to our planning often include preparation for retirement and transitioning from accumulation to distribution of assets.  Working closely with clients to plan for their retirement and helping them achieve their financial goals has been extremely gratifying.  My designation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional provides an important foundation for both investment planning and management. 

My team, Bishop Smith Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors collaborates to deliver comprehensive investment and wealth planning strategies.  Our extensive experience allows us to help provide sound advice through ever changing markets and financial needs. 

I graduated from St. Olaf College with a BA in Biology.  Originally from the Midwest, my wife Jennifer and I have lived in Colorado since 1998.  Our three daughters are Colorado natives with college experiences at University of Denver, Joyce University of Nursing,  University of New Mexico, CU Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy, and University of South Florida.  In our free time we like to stay active outdoors hiking, running, snowboarding and enjoying nature. 

Designations  
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional
Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor^®

CA Insurance License Number: 4146478. Resident State CO.

With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, all with Wells Fargo Advisors and its predecessor firms, I bring a broad background in Operations, Supervision, Management, and client service. While I’ve enjoyed each stage of my career, I find the greatest satisfaction in building relationships with clients and helping them navigate their financial goals.

I currently hold the Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 registrations.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family in southeast Aurora. My daughter is a recent Vanderbilt University graduate, my son graduated from Cherokee Trail High School, and I’m also blessed to have a stepson, a stepdaughter and two grandchildren.

My 14 years as a Client Associate at Wells Fargo Advisors, combined with a background in engineering and project management within the military and defense industries, allow me to provide exceptional service and personalized support to our valued clients.

“Rock Chalk!” has been part of my vocabulary since graduating from the University of Kansas with  bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration.

Our family has called Monument, Colorado, home for nearly 30 years. Our oldest son graduated from the University of Colorado, served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, and now works as a Project Engineer in Texas. Our younger son graduated from Augustana College in Illinois and works in Giving Strategies/Accounting for a nonprofit organization in Colorado Springs. As part of a retired airline family, we love exploring the world and traveling whenever we have the opportunity.