Knowledge Powered by experience

Matthew Lasko, CFP®

Managing Director - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Senior Retirement Plan Consultant
Private Wealth Advisor
214-965-6129

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Matt Lasko is the founding member and leader of Flagship Financial, an elite advisory team with locations in Texas, Connecticut, Maine, Florida and Michigan.  A Certified Financial Planner and nationally recognized specialist on corporate retirement plans, Matt is strategically positioned as the architect of the team's overall strategies for both affluent families and institutional clients.

Serving multiple verticals of business, every member of the team holds themselves to high standards of service and advice, which is why Flagship Financial is one of the fastest growing teams within UBS. Additionally, Matt pioneered a successful partnering business, creating a custom retirement plan solution for hedge funds and private equity firms. This dichotomy of service is rare in the industry and presents clients with unique opportunities for advice.

Matt previously served as Co-Chair of the UBS Senior Retirement Plan Consultant Committee and was a Principal Financial Group Elite Advisor Council member. Committed to providing relevant advice on the retirement plan market, Matt often speaks on panels and lectures on topics related to retirement and the 401(k) plans.

Having graduated from Tufts University, Matt now lives in New Canaan, CT with his wife and two children. In spare time Matt enjoys traveling, marathon running/training, fly fishing, contemporary art & theatre.

At a glance:

  • B.A. Tufts University
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP™)
  • Former Co-Chair of the UBS Senior Retirement Plan Consultant Committee
  • Former Principal Financial Group Elite Advisor Council member
  • Financial Times Top 401k Advisor – 2016, 2018, 2019
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor - 2020
  • Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisors - 2020


Registered States:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Megan L. Smith, CFA

Financial Advisor
Senior Retirement Plan Consultant
Institutional Consultant, UBS Institutional Consulting
Private Wealth Advisor
214-965-6126

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Bringing over a decade of experience as a Senior Retirement Plan Consultant, Megan is an integral part of Flagship Financial Partners. Based in our Dallas, Texas office, she works with retirement plan clients across the country providing keen insight and strategies to a number of companies.  A CFA charterholder, Megan spearheads our team's investment manager and record keeper due diligence, portfolio construction and financial planning practices.

Megan is a graduate of the University of Texas. She lives in Dallas with her husband, Sean, and two young daughters, Charlotte and Claire. She  loves UT sports, is a member of her neighborhoods book club.

At a glance:

  • B.B.A in International Business, University of Texas
  • Chartered Financial Analyst 
  • NAPA Top Women Retirement Advisors-2015, 2018
  • NAPA Top Advisors under 40, 2018
  • Financial Times Top Retirement Advisor, 2018
  • Institutional Consultant
  • Co-chair UBS Retirement Consulting Advisory Council
  • Member, Principal Financial Group Elite Advisor Council
  • Member, Prudential Financial Advisor Council


Registered States:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Brett M. Gasper, CFP®, CPWA®

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Private Wealth Advisor
248-637-0277

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Trusted. Committed. Engaged.

Brett is a consummate wealth manager and financial advisor. His advice not only stems from his extensive knowledge of the financial markets but also from the time he spends in gaining an intimate understanding of his clients’ goals and ambitions. His mission is to help clients realize the full potential of their life’s financial goals and dreams.

Dedicated to educating clients, Brett helps simplify complex financial topics and investments in a way that clients can easily understand them and make well-informed decisions. He spares no effort in ensuring that his clients have access to the best possible investment opportunities.

Brett has been steeped in the financial services industry from a young age. His work ethic and passion for helping clients with financial planning comes from his father, Steve, who also worked in the industry. Through this early exposure, Brett learned what it takes to build client trust and relationships that last generations: a high-touch experience and always going the extra mile. That’s why he is diligent about deploying the full scale of resources available through UBS Private Wealth Management, including investments, estate planning, lending, philanthropy and legacy management.

Experience

  • 23 years in the financial services industry serving the needs of wealthy families and individuals

Accolades

  • Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in Michigan, 2018, 2019
  • UBS Top 35 Under 35 Financial Advisors, 2012

Credentials and Educational

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
  • Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)
  • B.A., Finance, Michigan State University
  • Series 7, 63 and 66 securities licenses

Life 

  • Brett and his wife, Sarah, have two children, Russell and Caitlin.
  • Brett has recently gotten into Peloton biking, which he adds to his love of golf, fitness and meditation.
  • He’s a two-time and current ACP mentor of military veterans trying to reenter the business world.


Registered States:
AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, IN, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI


David Gasper, CFP®, CIMA®

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Private Wealth Advisor
248-822-3348

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A personal commitment to putting clients’ needs above all

As a UBS Private Wealth Advisor, David specializes in serving the complex needs of ultra high net worth, multigenerational families. He synthesizes all the complicated moving parts of a client’s financial life in the context of prevailing economic, political and market realities to develop a plan that suits their unique situation. As a leading proponent of UBS Wealth Way, a framework for short- and long-term planning, he helps clients simplify the complexity of their finances and invest with true purpose.

David derives his greatest satisfaction from playing a pivotal role in a client’s financial journey clarifying their investment and estate planning challenges through straightforward conversations. Clients appreciate his candor and understanding, whether they’re overcoming the occasional adversity, realizing their most cherished goals or seeing their long-held dreams come true.

Many of his clients have become his personal friends due to the close relationships he has developed with them over the years. He’s especially proud that his growth is a result of his clients introducing him to the people they care most about. David is also quick to recognize the contributions of his highly dedicated team in the success of his clients and his own success. He believes that his team makes him better at his job. As a result, he has a personal stake in ensuring that every member of the team is able to pursue his or her own goals to the fullest and strives to provide the best environment to do so.

Past experience

  • David began his financial career in asset management.
  • The difficulties of the 2008 financial crisis inspired David to return home to join the family wealth management practice. 

Accolades

  • Forbes Next-Gen Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in Michigan, 2019
  • Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor, 2017, 2018
  • Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in Michigan, 2018, 2021

Credentials and education

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
  • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA®)
  • Private Wealth Advisor (PWA)
  • Series 7, 65 and 63 securities licenses

Life

  • David is married to Courtney and has three young children, Lucy, Brady and Owen.
  • David is an avid golfer and is passionate about personal fitness and yoga.
  • Highly philanthropic, David is actively involved in many organizations that make an impact on the community. He served for six years on the Founders Junior Council at the DIA, including as its president for a year.
  • David currently sits on the board for the Midnight Golf Program, a youth mentorship program that prepares our kids for college and beyond while teaching them the game of golf.
  • He’s a two-time and current ACP mentor of military veterans trying to reenter the business world.
  • David has the distinction of being awarded the UBS Global Volunteering Award in 2012 for his significant contributions to the community.


Registered States:
AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, IN, MI, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI


Dean Gaugler, CFP®, CDFA®

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Wealth Advisor
Senior Retirement Plan Consultant
Portfolio Manager
203-602-6934

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Dean combines his desire to help people with analytical skills honed by a background of engineering experience and corporate finance, and broadened by professional certifications. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA® ), Portfolio Manager and Senior Retirement Plan Consultant.

The opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives is what has driven Dean during his 27 years as a financial advisor. He focuses on private clients – those families who need financial planning, portfolio management and retirement planning as well as divorced clients and special needs families. A benefit for those families is Dean's ability to draw on his team's institutional resources. The Flagship team includes four Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professionals, two Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charterholders, four Senior Retirement Plan Consultants and Senior Institutional consultant. 

Prior to entering the financial services industry, Dean was the Director of Finance for the Consumer Products Group at Olin Corporation. He has a B.S. degree in engineering from the University of Maryland and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Connecticut. Dean is active with the Eagle Scout program in the Connecticut Yankee Boy Scout Council, a member of the Board of Directors for the Jewish Senior Services Men's Club, and past President of the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Dean lives in Fairfield, Connecticut, with his wife, Laurie, and their three children. They are members of Congregation B'nai Israel in Bridgeport. Dean and his family are also members of the Fairfield Beach Club where he enjoys playing tennis. Dean is also an avid motorsports fan.

At a glance:

    • B.S. in Engineering, University of Maryland / M.B.A. in Finance, University of Connecticut
  • Wealth Advisor
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP™)
  • Certified Divorce Planner (CDFA™)
  • Financial Times Top 400 US Advisors of 2014
  • Barron's Top 30 Institutional Consulting teams in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
  • Forbes Best In State, CT, 2021


Registered States:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI


Maureen Mendoza, CAIA®, CRPS®

Financial Advisor
Corporate Stock Benefit Consultant
214-965-6132

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Based in our Dallas office, Maureen has a dual focus on both institutional and private clients. Her attention to alternative investment allocations and manager due diligence provides reasoned advice and reassurance to our private clients. Maureen's institutional work on Retirement Plans includes working with Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds to maximize their plan design and retirement benefits both for sponsors and participants. Maureen has earned the Chartered Alternative Investment AnalysisSM (CAIA®), and the Chartered Retirement Plans SpecialistSM designations (CRPS®). She is also in the firm's Financial Advisor Associate training program.

Maureen graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science. She lives in Dallas with her husband Patrick, their Boston terrier Molly, and they are expecting their first child in early 2020. In her free time, Maureen enjoys yoga, traveling, and volunteering with Dallas Animal Services.

 At a glance:

  • B.S. in Political Science from Texas Christian University
  • Corporate Stock Benefit Consultant


Registered States:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Nathaniel William Kibbe, CRPS®

Financial Advisor
Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS®)
207-791-5514

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Nat joined UBS as a Financial Advisor in 2016. Having worked in the financial services industry since 2003, he brings a wide range of experience to the Flagship team. His area of expertise is employer-sponsored retirement plans, education and employee engagement. Nat focuses on partnering with other advisors to drive the retirement plan business for the team.

He also leads the institutional client engagement efforts for Flagship, designing and implementing custom engagement strategies for retirement plan clients to drive participation and positive retirement outcomes for all employees. He especially values the opportunity to effect positive change in the lives of plan participants.

Prior to joining UBS, Nat spent 12 years with MFS Investment Management, where he helped advisors and consultants focused on the institutional retirement plan markets.

Nat hold Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses and has a B.A. from Colby-Sawyer College. 

 Outside UBS

Nat lives in Portland, Maine, and loves sailing, skiing, golf, and spending time with family and friends.


Registered States:
AL, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA


Christopher Doherty

First Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Portfolio Management Program Financial Advisor
Portfolio Manager
203-705-4235

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As a Portfolio Manager and Private Wealth Advisor, Chris is uniquely positioned to work with business owners, families and individuals with substantial wealth.  He is a trusted advisor to a select group of clients helping to streamline complexities and capitalize on opportunities.  His capabilities include comprehensive wealth planning, pre-liquidity planning, investment management, risk management and philanthropy management.

Chris began his career in financial services in 1993 working on the capital markets desk at Merrill Lynch and eventually became an Institutional Equity Sales Trader. In 2013 he joined UBS and transitioned into working with private clients.

A native of Long Island, NY, Chris attended Chaminade High School where he is still an active member of the alumni association.  Following High School, Chris attended Fordham University earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance.  A father of two adult children, Chris enjoys golf, fishing and is an avid cycler- competing in the Pan Mass Challenge annually- a 200 mile ride to raise money for the Dana Farber Foundation,  


Registered States:
CT, FL, IL, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TX


Richard W. Ball, CFP®

Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Portfolio Manager
203-977-7246

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As a Certified Financial Planner, trust and long-term personal relationships are the cornerstones that guide each of Richard’s client interactions. Creating a financial plan including customized individual asset selection allows Richard and the team to help families manage their current financial assets and plan for their future well-being.

Becoming a financial planner was a natural extension of Richard’s experience before joining UBS in 1998. Twenty-two years in various corporate management positions with senior financial responsibilities provided him with a good background in understanding the financial underpinnings of investments in stocks and bonds. Immediately prior to joining UBS, he consulted with small and mid-sized businesses, developing financial models and assisting with the construction of business plans and the raising of capital. 

Richard holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Economics/Business Administration from Wagner College. He has completed course work for the UBS Wealth Manager designation. 

Richard is an active aviator, certified flying instructor and aircraft owner. He and his wife Chloe have lived in Ridgefield, Connecticut, for 35 years. They have one son, Mark, and two grandchildren. Richard has served on the board of the Ridgefield Community Center. When not flying, he enjoys golf, travel and reading.

At a glance:

  • B.S. in Economics / Business Administration Wagner College
  • M.B.A. Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Coursework UBS Wealth Manager designation
  • Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)

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Danielle James

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
248-649-7528

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Inspired by their comprehensive approach to wealth management and their commitment to delivering Advice. Beyond investing, Danielle joined the Gasper Group in 2016 as a Wealth Strategy Associate. While she has more than 10 years of wealth management experience, she successfully provided fiduciary and management of a portfolio of real estate assets for high net worth clients prior to joining the Gasper team.

Danielle received a B.S. in business administration with a major in finance from the University of Detroit Mercy. She is currently pursuing M.B.A. with a major in Finance from Wayne State University.


Registered States:
AZ, CA, FL, IL, MI, OH, TN, TX, WI


Austin Charles Klinger

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
Consulting Associate
214-981-0519

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Austin recently joined Flagship Financial Partners in 2021 and serves as an investment analyst for its institutional clients.

His prior work experience includes Commercial Finance work with both General Motors and Capital One. As an investment analyst at Milliman Advisors, he focused on investment manager searches and due diligence as well as plan performance reporting in the firm’s institutional consulting group. He began his career at Milliman in the Employee Benefits Practice focusing on Defined Benefit Plan Administration.

Austin graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.B.A. in Finance and also earned his M.B.A from Texas Christian University with a concentration in Finance. Austin lives in Dallas with his wife Courtney, and when he’s not losing to her in Tennis, he loves running and cycling at White Rock Lake.

 

At a glance:

  • B.B.A. in Finance from the University of North Texas
  • M.B.A with a concentration in Finance from Texas Christian University
  • Level II CFA Candidate


Registered States:
TX


Kristina Lehman

Authorized Officer
Team Administrator
248-822-3353

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Kristina thoroughly enjoys making our client’s lives easier by helping provide the tools and steps necessary to incorporate the entire wealth management process. In 2006, Kristina joined The Gasper Financial Group and finds the connections the team builds with clients very rewarding. Kristina provides customized banking solutions and strives to integrate the team’s wealth management process into everyday operations.

Kristina graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. She holds the Series 7, 66, life, health and disability licenses. She speaks nationally on client communication techniques within UBS. Kristina and her husband, John, have two sons, Miles and Mason.


Registered States:
AZ, CA, FL, MI, OH, TN, TX, WI


Lisa Giordano-Eckert

Senior Registered Client Service Associate
203-602-6938

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Lisa began her career working in finance over 20 years ago.  Lisa prides herself on providing the ultimate client experience. As the lead trader for the team, Lisa assists with both the private client and institutional businesses.   Lisa provides the client with support in everything from opening a new account, raising cash, security movements, investing in the many Alternative Investment options, and prepares performance reports on a monthly and quarterly basis.  Lisa also works with the design team at UBS to create marketing products for the team. Lisa's financial knowledge, organization, communication and interpersonal skills, all add tremendous value to the team.

 Lisa graduated with a BBA in Finance and a minor in Economics from Iona college, she also holds a Master's in Education from Manhattanville College. Prior to joining UBS, Lisa worked at TBP Advisors/Alexandria Capital as the Vice President of Business Development.  She hold the Series 7 and Series 66 security licenses.

 Lisa is a certified yoga teacher, teaching six classes a week and a teacher trainer and mentor.  She volunteers for numerous UBS sponsored events and hosts benefit classes at her yoga studio. She and her daughter, Olivia, enjoy traveling together and spending time in New York City. Lisa is also an excellent cook and loves taking walks on the beach.


Registered States:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI


Clare A. Mangiapane

Senior Registered Client Service Associate
248-649-7577

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Registered States:
AZ, CA, CO, FL, MA, MI, OH, TN, TX, WI


Erin Benedetto

Client Service Associate
704-362-8257

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Erin is a Private Wealth Sr. Client Service Associate who began her career in the financial services industry in 2013 and joined Flagship Financial Partners in 2021. Erin helps lead the team’s service group in providing first-class client experience. Erin maintains her Series 7 and 66 FINRA registrations and is registered in all 50 states.


Registered States:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY