Patrick Twiest, CFP

Patrick believes in helping people reach their full potential.

Patrick Twiest realized early in his life that hard work and a commitment to excellence were prerequisites for accomplishing great things. Patrick also understood that having accurate, relevant information and a sound decision making process were also important parts of the equation.

Patrick's career experiences include serving in the military, being a successful restaurateur, a tax professional in both public and private accounting, as well as a college teacher. Patrick came to understand that he could utilize each of the skills from his work experiences to fulfill his desire to have a direct positive impact in people's lives.

In 1992, Patrick found his unique ability and lifelong vocation when he entered the financial services industry and became a personal financial advisor. Patrick's accounting and tax background, as well as his ability to communicate and teach fundamental concepts, made him an immediate resource with his clients. For Patrick, the most rewarding and fulfilling part of being a financial advisor is getting to really know his clients through regular interaction and positively impacting their financial decisions.

Patrick is very clear on how and why he became a financial advisor; “My role is to serve clients by helping them build on the things they are doing well and guide them in the areas they can improve. I want clients to feel confident about their financial decisions and feel positive about their future.” Another thing Patrick is clear about is the importance of doing what's right for the client.

“I believe in being an advisor in the truest sense. People are putting their trust in me. Clients essentially are asking me; what would you do if you were me?”

As Patrick's career progressed he began to notice that the company he worked for started to focus on policies Patrick felt were more about the company's interests and less aligned with the client's. Rather than focusing on serving current clients, the company began to emphasize bringing in new clients and selling certain products that were more profitable for the company." It was during this time; Patrick began laying the groundwork for what would ultimately lead to starting his own firm.

The opportunity to make a change presented itself when Patrick's daughter Gillian was born. Patrick and his wife Holly decided to move from Minneapolis to Charlotte so they could be closer to family. Once in Charlotte, Patrick began interviewing advisory firms to look for the right fit. After meeting with over 50 firms, Patrick met Tim Alessi through the Rotary Club. Alessi happened to be speaking on his vision for starting a firm focused on advice over selling products. "I immediately realized that we shared the same values and vision for how clients should be served." In 2005, the two started the independent Financial Planning firm, Derse Morgen.

Today Derse Morgen is focuses on its commitment to comprehensive planning and advice as well as its innovation and thought leadership to their clients. With more than a half century of combined experience the advisory team at Derse Morgen continues to do what they do best; which is to understand their client's needs and to provide advice that is in their best interest.

Patrick grew up in a small town on the north shore of Lake Superior. His father was a carpenter whose favorite saying was "measure twice and cut once." His mother was a master gardener whose skill fed much of the family of ten with fresh fruits and vegetables. These experiences have shaped his philosophy for what he does today.

Patrick has three grown daughters, three grandchildren and currently lives in South Charlotte with his wife Holly, their daughter Gillian and their family dogs. When he is not serving clients he enjoys reading, golfing and having great conversations with family and friends, especially if it involves food and wine. He is also active in supporting several military veteran causes.

For more information about Patrick Twiest or Derse Morgen, visit our website at www.dersemorgen.com   

Education and Credentials:

• University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Business BA Accounting
• Certified Financial Planning Practitioner, CFP®
• Chartered Financial Consultant; ChFC®
• General Securities Representative Examination; Series 7
• Uniform Combined State Law Examination; Series 66
• Investment Advisor affiliated Registered Investment Advisor
• Life and Health License.