Our Associates

With over 40 years of experience in financial services, Ed has been dedicated to helping individuals meet their financial needs by developing investment plans around their long-term goals and risk tolerance. Ed has cultivated a distinct investment approach through long-time, multi-generational relationships with clients. As a financial advisor, Ed is prepared to assist with investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning strategies, and 401(k) options. Through his extensive experience - throughout major shifts in the markets - enables him to help clients maintain structured and balanced portfolios to address their specific financial goals.

 

Ed started his financial career in 1980 with Paine Webber and opened the A.G. Edwards South Bend Branch in 1988, a predecessor company of Wells Fargo Advisors. In 2013, Ed separated The Patzer Group from Wells Fargo Advisors and moved to the Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network to help shift his entire effort to serving the individual needs of clients. He looks forward to helping clients meet their financial goals for many years to come. With the Patzer Group, Ed has been recognized on the Platinum Council from 2009-2023, a distinction held by a select group of Financial Advisors within the Wells Fargo Advisor Financial Network. He has also been recognized as a 2022 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors** for the state of Indiana and as one of Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors*** in 2009.

 

Ed earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Grand Valley State University. In addition to applicable securities registrations, Ed holds an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) certification.

 

To help ensure local youth have adequate access to sports, Ed started and runs a not-for-profit project, the Edwardsburg Sports Complex, that ensures youth sports leagues have state of the art facilities to play at now and well into the future. He also acts as the president of the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church Foundation. When Ed is not in the office, you can find him out at the Sports Complex, on the golf course or with wife Patty, his son Mitchell, his daughter Bridget or his granddaughter Brinley.

 

Insurance licensed in the following states: FL, IN, ME, MI, MN, MS, NM, PA and California License (#0L51014; Resident State MI)

 

*The Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor) distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on the past year and professionalism, Additional criteria, best practices and team structure, may also be used to determine recipients.

 

**2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research, LLC based on the time period from 6/30/2020-6/30/2021 (Source:Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating.  This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

 

*** 2009 Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: Awarded February 2009; Data Compiled by Barron’s based on the time period from Oct. 2007-Sept. 2008 (Source: Barrons.com). The Barron’s Top 1,000 Advisors ratings are based on the previous year’s assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices.  Investment performance isn’t and explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances.  Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating.  This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

Mitch Patzer is a Financial Consultant at the Patzer Group Wealth Management. Mitch began his financial career as a summer intern with The Patzer Group while attending Grand Valley State University.  Mitch holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and recently earned the CFP® certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board).  Prior to joining The Patzer Group full time Mitch worked as Internal Sales Director with Victory Capital Management for four years where he marketed a wide range of investment products to top wealth management teams across the country.  Mitch also worked as a Regional Advisor Consultant with Oppenheimer Funds where he partnered with Financial Advisors on growing and optimizing their practice using industry knowledge and best ideas.  Outside of work, Mitch likes to travel and go skiing. In the summer you can find him hiking, camping or on the lake.

Matthew Cotton is a Financial Consultant at the Patzer Group who focuses on comprehensive investment advice and planning. Prior to joining the Patzer Group, Matthew worked for 8 years at Charles Schwab and 6 years at Notre Dame Federal Credit Union. Matthew holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice and History from Indiana University. With an emphasis on continuing education, Matthew also earned the CFP® certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). This certification requires individuals to complete approved educational programs, pass rigorous examinations and meet stringent experience requirements. Matthew is committed to serving clients’ needs today in order to prepare them for successful futures.

 

Matthew is active in the local community and volunteers with Pet Refuge and Habitat for Humanity. Outside of work and volunteering, Matthew enjoys horseback riding, archery, martial arts, and playing guitar.

Brian Sullivan is the Portfolio Analyst at the Patzer Group Wealth Management. Brian is responsible for the Patzer Group’s portfolios, overseeing trading activity, and reviewing advisory accounts. Brian also conducts investment research to build and improve the Patzer Group’s multiple custom investment strategies. Brian has been with the Patzer Group since 2015 and previously worked at JPMorgan and Fidelity Investments.

 

Brian earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from the University of Cincinnati, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago. Brian also holds a Certified Fund Specialist designation. With his CFS certification, Brian has demonstrated his experience in mutual funds and other products allowing him to provide a more holistic investment approach for clients.

 

Brian is married to his wife, Jenifer, and has two sons: Jacob and Jason. Brian enjoys getting involved in the local community and coaches a number of his sons’ sports teams including baseball, basketball, and soccer. Brian is also the Committee Chair of the local Cub Scout Pack. In his free time, Brian enjoys hiking and camping and also loves to watch college football.

Natalie Pittman-Nipper is an Administrative Assistant at the Patzer Group Wealth Management. Natalie joined the Patzer Group Wealth Management in 2019, where she handles client administrative inquiries, scheduling and planning appointments, and maintaining client relationships.

Natalie’s resourcefulness and focus around client services helps the Patzer Group provide a detailed and personable experience for every client. Natalie graduated from Harrison College. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeff, and kids Branden, Bradey, and Brodie.

Ashley Passopulo is an Administrative Assistant at the Patzer Group Wealth Management. Ashley joined the team in 2022 with three years of previous experience in the industry.  Ashley provides executive support, client services, and audit/compliance readiness for the practice.

Before joining the industry, Ashley served for four years as a United States Marine providing direct support to the commanding officer, scheduling coordination of over 500 Marines, and operational efficiencies. Ashley’s specialized background, ingenuity, and dedication to client services complement our service model and provides clients with an unprecedented experience. Ashley earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Indiana University. Ashley is married to her husband Nick, and has two boys: Jace and Caleb. When Ashley is not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys sewing and reading.

Denice Barrett is an Administrative Assistant at the Patzer Group Wealth Management. Denice joined the Patzer Group Wealth Management in 1991, where she provides executive support, and works directly with clients to address their needs and resolve any issues or concerns. Denice provides three decades worth of administrative experience to the Patzer Group, allowing for seamless client interactions and account integration.

Outside of work, Denice enjoys spending time with her husband Jim as well as her daughter and son-in law, Kelly and Hari, and their son, Beau. Denice also enjoys gardening and traveling to Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.