We have extensive experience in investment management and financial markets coupled with a special affinity for clients who are in need of an increased hands on approach. The three Mountain Capital founders include a former Morgan Stanley FA, a former Senior Manager of United Airlines and a former Senior VP of GA Telesis. Our team has over 110 years of financial experience across a broad spectrum of the financial markets including money management, institutional research, portfolio strategy and equity sales and trading.
Brandt Burns
Founder, CEO
Brandt is responsible for maintaining and facilitating MCIA clients’ success by leading MCIA’s Investment Committee, Advisory Committee, and group of Financial Advisors. Brandt coupled his experience in aviation with his experience as a Financial Advisor to form what Mountain Capital Investment Advisors is today. He has 5 years of experience as a commercial pilot at Atlantic Coast Airlines/Independence Air, and 20 years of experience as a Financial Advisor (10 years at Morgan Stanley prior to MCIA). After spending 5 years in the Marine Corps, Brandt received his BS in Aviation Science from Oklahoma State University and his MBA from Roosevelt University. He now resides in Erie, CO with his wife, Michelle, and his two children, Syrena and Brandt Jr. When not in the office, Brandt enjoys the outdoors, is an avid skier, and enjoys competing in triathlons with Michelle.
Michelle Burns
Co-Founder, Vice-President
Michelle’s responsibilities lie in her knowledge of the aviation business and the careers of our clients, attained by working for 14 years as a Senior Manager at United Airlines. While at United, she was responsible for flight attendant scheduling, served as a PBS internal consultant, as a Part 142 Chief Pilot, and was an Operational Leader. She also led Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Projects to improve customer experience and operational efficiency, resulting in over $50M in savings. Michelle received her BS in Aviation Science from Oklahoma State and her MBA from Roosevelt University. Michelle now resides in Erie, CO with her husband, Brandt, and their two children, Syrena and Brandt Jr. When she’s not helping MCIA in every facet of the business, she enjoys competing in triathlons, skiing, and cooking!
Isaia Casas, CFP®
President
Isaia Casas is the President of Mountain Capital Investment Advisors. Isaia is responsible for facilitating MCIA clients’ success by overseeing the day-to-day business and leading the Financial Advisor team. His journey with MCIA began as an intern, where he spent two years honing his skills and gaining invaluable experience before joining the firm full-time.
Isaia earned his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He and his wife, Hennebry, welcomed their first child, Madeline, in December 2023. Outside of work, Isaia enjoys traveling, hiking, and watching sports, and he cherishes spending quality time with his growing family.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Isaia is committed to providing comprehensive financial strategies and exceptional service to clients, leveraging his expertise and passion for the field to contribute to MCIA’s continued success.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Robert (Bob) Loesch
Founder Emeritus
Bob is responsible for financial planning, client interactions, and leading the internal processes for promoting and ensuring MCIA’s compliance with laws, regulations, and company policies. Prior to co-founding MCIA, Bob was a Senior Vice President at GA Telesis, where he was responsible for corporate treasury functions, financing asset acquisition, and leasing transactions. He also developed capital sources for the company, raising $500M in funding for the GA Telesis Aviation Investments fund. Prior to this, he was a principal of Mountain Capital Partners, with responsibility for transaction financing and general management of the boutique aviation investment management firm. Bob majored in business and finance at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and now lives in Larkspur, CO with his wife, Melanie, and three sons. Besides buying food for their 100lb German Shephard, Bob enjoys spending time with his family, is an avid golfer, and enjoys having one of his sons fly him around in their Mooney.
Brian Quint, CFP®
Chief Compliance Officer & Financial Advisor
Brian, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® is responsible for financial planning and compliance. He grew up in the suburbs of Denver and attended Colorado State University. After graduating, he traveled the country working in film and television production, which eventually brought him to Los Angeles where he developed a passion for food and wine. He spent over ten years working in the hospitality industry, managed a successful beverage program, and received a Zagat 30 Under 30 award. Brian now caters to his Mountain Capital clients, focusing on retirement planning and wealth creation. He spends his free time with his wife and daughter in LA, and enjoys playing pick-up basketball with random celebrities in Hollywood.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Shannon started at MCIA in April 2023. She assists with daily operations and has a passion for providing excellence in customer service. Shannon attended Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Psychology. Shannon has a diverse career background with experience as a staffing recruiter, human resources administrator, corporate trainer, and a dance teacher. One of her favorite career achievements was winning Training Coordinator of the Year. Shannon is a Colorado native who loves supporting the local sports teams and spending time with her family.
Conner Murray
Financial Advisor
Conner is responsible for operations and client experience, including financial planning, client interactions, and assists with all aspects of the financial advisory practice at Mountain Capital Investment Advisors. Prior to joining, Conner was a part of JPMorgan’s Asset & Wealth Management division in Chicago, IL where he consulted financial advisory practices with his extensive knowledge of capital markets, investment management, risk management, annuities and insurance. Conner received his BA in Business Administration: Finance and Management Information Systems with a minor in Accounting from Augustana College (IL). He now lives in Denver, CO with his wife, Lia and dog, Bo. Outside of the office Conner is a shark aficionado, loves adrenaline activities and sports, enjoys being outside, as well as anything with family and friends.
Karl Spurzem, CFA®
Chartered Financial Analyst, Financial Advisor & Member of MCIA's Investment Committee
Karl’s responsibilities with the committee include developing and monitoring MCIA’s investment strategy, along with performing financial planning services for clients. Prior to joining MCIA, Karl spent over 20 years in Institutional Equity Research, working closely with macro and policy research teams. His time with the Washington Research Group spanned 15 years, with responsibilities including interacting with the largest investment management firms in the U.S., located in Denver and on the West coast. Karl did his undergraduate work at the University of California, Berkeley and received his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Karl is married and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. His two boys are grown and successfully navigating adulthood. Karl is an avid mountain biker, skier, hiker, and windsurfer.
John (Jack) Strunc, CFP®
Certified Financial Planner®, Financial Advisor
Jack is responsible for financial planning, client services and assists in much of the financial advisory practice at Mountain Capital Investment Advisors. Before joining MCIA, Jack spent some time in the brokerage world with Cetera and Securian. He switched to the RIA world for the simple fee structure and fiduciary standard. Jack attended school at Washington State University and graduated from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance with an emphasis in financial planning. This degree was credited towards the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® education requirement and he has completed his examination for the certification. Jack was also selected in the 2019 MLB draft by the Miami Marlins and played professionally for three years after college. He grew up in Highlands Ranch, CO and enjoys all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer as well as spending quality time with his family.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Mai Phan
Senior Tax Specialist, Enrolled Agent
Mai joined Mountain Capital as a tax intern in February of 2021 and was hired as a permanent part of the tax team in June. As a Tax Specialist, she is responsible for tax planning and tax preparation. She has extensive knowledge of federal and state tax regulations and uses her expertise to help clients comply with tax regulations and take advantage of adjustments, deductions, and credits that let them keep more of their money. Her experience in preparing and evaluating tax returns helps clients receive the maximum benefits allowed by law.
In May 2021, Mai received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and is currently studying for her Master’s degree in Professional Accountancy at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is soon to be certified as an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service; this will allow her to better represent our clients’ interests.
Mai was born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam, and moved to Colorado with her family 6 years ago. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family in her free time.
Kristie Bottsford
Client Relations, Tax Specialist
Kristie skillfully manages administrative duties and client relations for her colleagues at Mountain Capital Financial. As Executive Assistant and Office Manager, she ensures the smooth operation of the firm with her robust knowledge of office management and efficient handling of client inquiries, consultations, and timely access to advisors. Kristie was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and moved to Colorado seven years ago to seek adventure and new horizons. She is also a licensed massage therapist and has grown her budding massage therapy practice into a successful small business in the metro and front-range areas. Kristie brings the same positive energy, care, and desire to help others to her role at Mountain Capital, making her so sought after by clients in her therapy practice. In addition, she continues her professional development and is soon to be a Certified Enrolled Agent with Mountain Capital Accounting.
Kristie is active in the community and volunteers her time at The Dumb Friends League Animal Rehabilitation and Rescue and Special Olympics of Colorado. She has a competitive spirit and enjoys playing league volleyball and racquetball, and spending her free time hiking with her family and two dogs.
Jay Rockeman
Airline Financial Advisor
Jay is responsible for financial planning, client interactions and business development. Jay has been involved in the aviation industry for 20+ years as a commercial pilot while for over 10 of those years simultaneously engaging his passion for the financial industry as a financial planner, mortgage brokerage owner and a business operations consultant for small business startups. Jay received his B.S. from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado and currently lives with his wife Krista in Broomfield. His favorite pastimes include the occasional round of golf with his sons, traveling to new places and family dinners on Sunday.
Michael Pollard
Airline Financial Advisor
Michael is a financial advisor and has been a part of Mountain Capital story for over 15 years as a client and now as an advisor. Mike has over 20 years of professional airline experience as a pilot and Instructor Pilot for a major U.S. carrier. He served in the United States Air Force for seven years until he was honorably discharged as a lieutenant. Michael graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation, Professional Pilot. He now resides in Broomfield, CO with his wife and two children. Michael spends his weekends in the mountains skiing, hiking, and enjoying time with his family and friends.
Adam Allgaier, CFP®
Airline Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner®
Adam joined Mountain Capital in 2020. He is part of the financial planning and client interactions teams. Adam has been in the aviation industry for over 6 years and is currently employed by a major U.S. carrier. Adam graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science with an Airline Specialty. During his free time Adam likes to be outside hiking, mountain biking or snowboarding.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Parker Balstad
Airline Financial Advisor
Parker recently joined Mountain Capital as a Financial Advisor. He received his B.A. from the University of North Dakota. While in school, he completed his flight training and worked as an instructor and examiner. Parker is a pilot for Delta and is looking forward to guiding his fellow aviation professionals through their financial lives and helping them successfully arrive at their retirement. He lives in Minneapolis and enjoys golfing, spending time with friends and family, and is working towards his scuba certification.
Ryan Buffone
Airline Financial Advisor
Ryan recently joined Mountain Capital as a Financial Advisor. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Professional Flight and a minor in Organizational Management. While at Purdue, he worked as a flight instructor and examiner and was an avid rower, later serving as an assistant coach for the Purdue Crew team. Ryan is passionate about helping pilots prepare for their airline interviews and start planning for a secure retirement. He lives in downtown Chicago with his wife, Julia, and their two cats. In his free time, he enjoys lifting, flying, traveling, and video gaming.
