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Your local team.

Boutique Wealth Management Firm & Private Bank in Northern Colorado

Northern Colorado is one of America’s fastest-growing regions and has regularly been selected as one of the Nation’s top places to live. Our Fort Collins team is made up of experts in private banking and wealth management who have a strong heritage and commitment to Northern Colorado. As a company with a local presence, First Western Trust is committed to making a difference by giving back to the community, region, and nonprofits through both sponsorships and service.

At First Western Trust, we believe clients receive long-term benefits from a truly integrated approach to wealth management. By focusing on what matters most to each client, we are able to assist our clients in meeting their goals and dreams through investment management, private banking, trust and fiduciary services, insurance, and wealth management.

Led by Chairman Jim Sprout and President Kristi Benningsdorf, our team has excellent professional qualifications and over 40 years of experience working in the local community. Given our long team’s long history in the region, our clients understand the deep commitment of our bank in Northern Colorado and our surrounding communities. Our dedication, combined with our expertise and cohesive team environment, results in a high level of personal service, reliability, trust, and expertise.

We welcome you to First Western Trust, one of the premier private banks in Northern Colorado and the Colorado region. If you’d like to learn more about the Northern Colorado wealth management and banking team and our commitment to be the best private bank for the Western wealth management client, please click on any name below or contact us directly.

First Western Trust Bank
3003 East Harmony Road
Suite 200
Fort Collins, CO 80528

Send us a secure email

Phone: 970-484-9222
Fax: 970-416-9321
Hours: 8a-5p

Equal Housing Lender
NMLS ID 477166
Member FDIC

Our Northern Colorado Wealth Management & Private Banking Team

Tom Behr, CFP®

Tom Behr, CFP®

As managing director, Tom specializes in developing and strengthening relationships with existing and new clients.

Cindy Bragdon, CTFA, CFP®

Cindy Bragdon, CTFA, CFP®

As vice president, wealth advisor and trust officer, Cindy partners with the Northern Colorado wealth management team to develop and manage client relationships and build successful trust and estate plans to help them reach their goals.

Banner Combs, CTFA

Banner Combs, CTFA

As vice president, trust officer for Northern Colorado, Banner is responsible for the trust management and administration activities for all Northern Colorado wealth management and trust clients.

Scott Ebert

Scott Ebert

As senior portfolio manager in our Northern Colorado office, Scott is responsible for building and managing new and existing investment management client relationships. 

 Jessica Maxwell

Jessica Maxwell

As private banker in our Northern Colorado office, Jessica is responsible for helping our clients with their daily banking needs.

Stephanie O’Hearn

Stephanie O’Hearn

As relationship management associate, investment management, Stephanie is responsible for fostering relationships, client services, and administering investment accounts.

Marissa Riopelle

Marissa Riopelle

As Private Banking Specialist, Marissa works with new and existing clients to understand their banking needs and create tailored solutions to help them achieve their financial goals.

Denai Thornton, CFP®

Denai Thornton, CFP®

As vice president, relationship manager, Denai is an integral part of our Northern Colorado wealth management team and is responsible for the management of client relationships.

James Thompson

James Thompson

As a lending relationship manager, James is responsible for building and strengthening new and existing client relationships.

Jennifer Fry

Jennifer Fry

As relationship management associate – Trust, Jennie is responsible for assisting in the administration of trusts and the management of estates and investment relationships.