Ashlee’s Story

When I was 5 years old, I started going to work with my dad at one of his 7 diners.  We’d get on the road around 6 AM.  I was allowed a day-old doughnut from the freezer for breakfast – white-iced, raspberry jelly-filled was my go-to.  He usually zapped it too long in the microwave, making the jelly in the middle piping hot.  I was great at peeling hardboiled eggs, restocking the candy case, and tallying up carry-out receipts – I loved every minute of it! 

Dad always said my maiden name, Bassano, meant “hard-worker.”  I firmly believe that tongue-in-cheek joke, along with my mom & dad’s entrepreneurial spirit, shaped who I am today.  Whether it was graduating college as a double major with honors in 3 years, or cycling the US coast-to-coast in 9 weeks, I put my heart and soul into everything I do.  I fully expect the same of myself if given the opportunity to be your financial advisor.

Ashlee’s Resume

Ashlee deSteiger CFA, CFP®, CPA founded Gunder Wealth Management, LLC (GWM), an independent registered investment advisor, in 2019. Ashlee’s drive to consistently challenge herself professionally and desire to be part of the advice-driven, technology-focused movement within the financial planning space led her to start her own firm.

Prior to GWM, Ashlee was the Chief Operations Officer and Head of the Investment Committee at a $350M advisory firm affiliated with Raymond James for three years.

For the six years prior to joining RJ, Ashlee was a Relationship Manager at Northern Trust Hedge Fund Services (NTHFS) in Chicago. Most notably, she was the RM on a $4B high-frequency, Commodity Trading Advisor. She also had three years of experience on a $9B hybrid private equity/hedge fund structure responsible for fund accounting, financial statement creation, and technology development.

Prior to joining NTHFS (formerly Omnium LLC, a subsidiary of Citadel LLC), Ashlee was at KPMG in Chicago for six years where she ended her career there as an Audit Manager, with a primary focus on Global Financial Institutions.

Ashlee majored in Finance and Accounting at Miami University in Oxford, OH, and also earned her Masters in Accountancy from Miami.  She is a CFA® charterholder, CFP® professional, and CPA (inactive). She also holds her Series 65 license. Locally, Ashlee is a board member of the CFA Society of Detroit and a member of the Finance Committee of IMPACT100 of Oakland County. Ashlee and her husband Joe currently have three kids, Bennett, Graham, and Riggs.

Joe’s Story

When I was 10 years old, my grandparents brought all 13 grandchildren to meet their financial advisor for a mini-education session.  While bored initially with the experience, it forever shaped my view of “money.”  Christmas gifts of Disney stock didn’t have the same allure of an oversized wrapped box to most, but I loved it.

I grew up in an electrical distribution business that my grandfather started, and my father runs to this day.  Even though it wasn’t the right fit for me, I’ve never stopped wondering how I could channel that entrepreneurial spirit.  Late nights camping in Utah and Montana in the early years of our marriage frequently resulted in conversations about a ski store that we’d open together.  We’d tirelessly throw out ideas for names as if it was our firstborn child.  Would a hobby really be able to support our family?

Little did I know years later, we’d have the opportunity to create a firm that unifies our passion with a purpose. I’m grateful and humbled that I help families every day articulate their goals and values to create a plan built for success.

Joe’s Resume

Joe deSteiger CFP®, CPA joined Gunder Wealth Management, LLC (GWM), an independent registered investment adviser, in 2020.  Joe’s desire to provide exceptional service for his clients, surround himself with a like-minded advisor community, and pursue the best professional opportunity for himself led him to join GWM.

Before GWM, Joe was a Financial Advisor and Partner at McFawn Financial Services, an advisory firm affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services, for seven years.

Prior to joining McFawn, Joe was the VP of Finance at Red Frog Events (RFE) in Chicago for two years.  RFE was a start-up event production company that produced adventure races and music festivals.  Joe was responsible for the financial operations of the $60M business and team development.

Joe started his career at Ernst & Young in Chicago and left as an Audit Manager after six years.

Joe majored in Accounting at Miami University in Oxford, OH, and also earned his Masters in Accountancy from Miami.  He is a CFP® professional, and CPA (inactive).  He also holds his Series 7, 9, 10, 63, and 66 licenses. Locally, he is a board member of Men Who Care Detroit and affiliated with FB4K Detroit.  Joe and his wife Ashlee currently have three kids, Bennett, Graham, and Riggs.