
Our Vision
From inception, the Diversify vision has remained unwavering, driving our commitment to innovation and excellence. We strive to cultivate a family-like culture, an institutional platform and an immersive experience that enables advisors and wealth management firms to differentiate themselves, retain their entrepreneurial autonomy, and, most importantly, protect and serve investors effectively.
Founded and operated by seasoned advisors, the Diversify leadership team identified notable inefficiencies in the financial services and wealth management industry. Diversify was carefully crafted to address these inefficiencies and facilitate transformative growth for our valued advisor partners.
We firmly believe that the opportunities within the wealth management industry have never been greater, and we intend to pursue those opportunities alongside our advisor partners in improving the outcomes and experience of our valued investors.
Alternative Investments
For nearly two decades, the leadership team at Diversify has been at the forefront of the alternative investment industry. In 2011, the Diversify founders launched DFPG Investments (“DFPG”), a broker dealer with a specialization in alternative investment solutions. These solutions encompass real estate, private equity, private credit, structured notes, and more. DFPG’s CEO, Mike Bendix, served as the President of the Alternative & Direct Investment and Securities Association (“ADISA”), one of the nation’s largest trade associations dedicated to alternative investments. ADISA awarded DFPG, and certain members of its leadership, prestigious accolades such as the ACE Award, President’s Award, and Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of their leadership within the alternative investment industry.
Alternative investments can play a crucial role in building well-rounded investment portfolios. While they may offer strategic advantages, they also come with inherent risks. To effectively participate in the offering of alternative investments, advisors must have access to top-tier education, resources, and expertise. They must understand the intricacies of the products they offer, grasp the potential risks associated with these offerings, and be able to assess how these products may align with an investor’s portfolio. Drawing from their extensive experience, educational initiatives, and industry leadership, Diversify have built a team and a culture that is dedicated to delivering this critical level of support.
Meet the Team
Ryan Smith, CRCP®
Ryan brings extensive experience to the finance and wealth management industry, with a career spanning over 20 years. Prior to launching the Diversify Advisor Network, he co-founded DFPG Investments, LLC (“DFPG”) in 2011. DFPG is a dually registered broker-dealer and registered investment advisor serving financial advisors nationwide, where Ryan currently serves as the President.
In 2004, Ryan co-founded Diversify, Inc., a wealth management firm currently based in Sandy, Utah. He served as President and oversaw the firm’s strategy and business development initiatives. When he started DFPG, Ryan was responsible for building its regulatory and compliance infrastructure, serving as Chief Compliance Officer for seven years. In 2016, he successfully launched the firm’s independent Registered Investment Advisor (“RIA”) division. Additionally, Ryan is a member of the alternative investment committee at DFPG, responsible for analyzing and reviewing investment opportunities in private equity, private credit, real estate, and venture capital.
In 2016, Ryan co-founded Creek Capital Dental Holdings, a dental acquisition group that was later acquired by Specialty Dental Brands, one of the nation’s largest specialty dental businesses.
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Utah. He has also earned the Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP®) designation through The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Ryan maintains the series 6, 7, 63, 66, 99, and 24 securities registrations. He serves on the board of the Especially For Athletes Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring student athletes to utilize their talents and social influence for the betterment of others.
Mike Bendix
Mike has over 30 years of experience in the finance and wealth management industry. Prior to co-founding the Diversify Advisor Network, Mike co-founded DFPG Investments, LLC, a dually registered broker-dealer and registered investment advisor for which he continues to serve as Chief Executive Officer. He is also the President at Bridge Equities, Inc., a branch office of DFPG located in Encinitas, California.
In 2016, Mike was named the President of the Alternative & Direct Investment Securities Association (ADISA), a prominent national trade association with approximately 5,000 members, representing over 220,000 professionals engaged in offering and managing alternative investments. He previously held the chairmanship of both ADISA’s Broker-Dealer Advisory Council and its Due Diligence Forum. Additionally, Mike has actively served on various committees within ADISA, including Membership, Education, Conference Planning, and Legislative & Regulatory Committees. In recognition of those who have reached the pinnacle of their careers through community contributions, and industry advancement, Mike received the prestigious “A Champion of Excellence” (ACE) award in 2014 from ADISA.
Mr. Bendix holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information and Computer Science from the University of California at Irvine. He maintains the series 7, 63, 65, 99, and 24 securities registrations and is a licensed real estate broker.
Dave Laga
Dave brings extensive expertise to the finance and wealth management industry, with a career spanning close to 20 years. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer and co-founder of the Diversify Advisor Network, he has played a pivotal role in the organization’s success. He also serves as CFO for DFPG Investments, LLC (“DFPG”).
Prior to his role as CFO, Dave was responsible for the establishment and development of the firms alternative investment research and due diligence division. He also held the role of Chief Operating Officer at FR Risk Management, LLC, a division of FactRight, LLC. In this role, he oversaw due diligence and risk management services for multiple broker dealers and registered investment advisors. Additionally, as the Director of Due Diligence for Orchard Securities, he played a direct role in coordinating, structuring, and overseeing the due diligence process for their managed alternative investment offerings.
In 2016, he was chosen as the Chairman of the Due Diligence Forum within the Alternative and Direct Investment Association (“ADISA”). ADISA is a national trade association that represents more than 220,000 professionals engaged in offering and managing alternative investments.
Dave earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Utah. He maintains the series 7, 63, 65, 27, 51, 99, and 24 securities registrations.
David Wrigley, CFA®, CAIA®
David has over 20 years of experience in the investment management industry and currently serves as the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for the Diversify Advisor Network. As CIO, he assumes responsibility for leading Diversify’s in-house asset management team, shaping the firm’s investment philosophy and process, and overseeing all facets of the investment management process.
Before joining Diversify, David held the position of CIO at a private wealth management firm, where he also chaired the Investment Committee. Prior to that, he served as a Senior Portfolio Manager at DMBA, a large pension fund, focusing on manager selection, due diligence, portfolio construction, and asset allocation. David also excelled in institutional investment management roles at Ivy Funds / Waddell & Reed, American Century Investments, and J.P. Morgan.
David holds an MBA with distinction from Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business and a BS in Finance from Brigham Young University. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Salt Lake. Furthermore, he holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®) designation.
Janice Powell
Janice brings an extensive background in compliance to the Diversify Advisor Network. She has more than 23 years of experience in the financial services industry, having worked in operations, supervision, compliance, and fiduciary services in the home offices of independent firms, bank holding companies and independent wealth management firms. She has spent time as a financial representative, compliance consultant, and has held many senior leadership roles throughout her career. As the Chief Compliance Officer, Janice brings a unique perspective, expertise, and a strong commitment to furthering the culture of compliance and implementing industry best practices through collaboration with firm associates.
Through her dynamic approach and experience she has become a sought-after resource in the compliance community. Janice is a published thought leader and is actively engaged in the industry holding positions within the National Society of Compliance Professionals (NSCP), participating in local and national compliance round tables and is an educator of the next generation of compliance officers by speaking in various industry conferences, webinars, and forums.
Janice earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, maintains the series 7, 24, 63, and 65 securities registrations and the Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP®) Designation offered through the Investment Adviser Association.
Brad Anderson, CRCP®
Brad is a highly accomplished compliance professional with over a decade of experience in the financial services industry. Currently serving as the Chief Compliance Officer, Brad brings a wealth of expertise and a strong dedication to upholding regulatory compliance and implementing best practices within the organization.
Brad actively participates in professional associations such as the National Society of Compliance Professionals (NSCP) and holds an elected position as a representative to FINRA’s West Region District 3. In these roles, he plays a crucial part in shaping compliance standards and regulations. Furthermore, Brad is a co-founder of the Salt Lake City Compliance Roundtable, a collaborative forum where compliance professionals come together to exchange ideas and insights, ultimately improving legal, regulatory, and compliance practices in the industry.
Having served in the United States Marine Corps, Brad has a solid foundation rooted in his military background. He seamlessly transitioned into the financial sector, holding various compliance and supervision positions at esteemed firms like Fidelity Investments.
Brad received a Master’s of Business Administration from Westminster College. Additionally, he has earned the Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP®) designation through Georgetown University. Brad maintains the series 7, 9, 10, 14, 24, 52, 53, 63, 66, 79 and 99 securities registrations.
Stuart Matheson
Stuart brings over 15 years of experience to the Diversify Advisor Network, having served clients in financial services, estate and business planning, as well as wealth management, first as a lawyer and more recently as a senior wealth advisor. Stuart has worked at large global and small local law firms as well as a boutique multi-family-office Registered Investment Advisor, where he helped ultra-high-net worth families navigate the significant blessings and potential pitfalls that come with wealth.
Along the way, he focused on curating an excellent client experience, paired with an efficient internal process to ensure that clients’ best interests are served seamlessly and profitably. He spent considerable time evaluating and implementing cutting-edge technologies, industry best practices, and novel innovations. In doing so, he learned to consider the regulatory, profitability, practical, and human implications that come with adopting change in client-service companies. He finds great joy in listening to ideas, asking questions, and finding elegant solutions, oftentimes where no one thought improvement was possible.
Stuart holds a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, with a minor in Business Management, from Brigham Young University. He maintains a series 65 securities registration.
Cassie Whitlock
Cassie is a seasoned Human Resources (HR) executive with over two decades of experience in creating exceptional work environments, driving organizational growth, and optimizing employee experiences. She specializes in people-centric strategies across the employee life cycle to attract and retain top-tier talent. Cassie leads the Diversify initiatives in creating a collaborative and resilient culture for the entire Diversify family.
Prior to joining the Diversify team, Cassie focused her expertise in the SaaS industry, building and refining HR functions, honing her subject matter mastery in areas ranging from employer branding and talent acquisition to benefits and total rewards, leadership development, and compliance. Notably, her role leading HR at BambooHR for an impressive 11 years, where she built an exemplary team and brand presence within the HR software domain.
Her academic journey ignited a fervent commitment to the betterment of others through education. As a sought-after speaker, she collaborates with esteemed organizations like UACPA, SHRM, DWS, USU Rural Online Initiative, and more. Her contributions have garnered multiple accolades, including her most recent distinction in HRD’s Global 100 – HR 2022. Additionally, she is honored to be an Adjunct Professor within USU’s Executive Master of Human Resources program, furthering her commitment to elevating individual potential through the power of learning and education.
Cassie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Accounting from Utah Valley University, and a Masters in Human Resources from Utah State University’s nationally ranked program.
Daniel Luke, CFP®
Dan has nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in wealth management, investments, insurance, mortgage, and retail banking and is the co-founder of the Diversify Advisor Network. In 2004, he co-founded Diversify, Inc., where he currently serves as Chief Executive Officer. Diversify is an award-winning wealth management firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2011, Dan also co-founded DFPG Investments, LLC (“DFPG”), a dually registered broker-dealer and registered investment advisor serving advisors nationwide.
Dan is an active member of the Utah Financial Planning Association, having served as Chairman, President, and Vice President. He continues to work closely with investors across the country and frequently presents at industry events. Additionally, Dan is a valued member of DFPG’s Investment Committee, contributing to the review and capital raise of numerous alternative investment offerings in private equity, private credit, real estate, and venture capital.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of Utah, and he is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional (CFP®). He maintains the series 6, 7, 63, 66, 99, and 24 securities registrations and possesses life, property, casualty, accident, health, and variable insurance licenses. Furthermore, he holds a real estate mortgage license (NMLS 300613).

Cole Einerson CFA®, CFP®
Portfolio Manager

Natina Edgar
Managing Director - Integration & Transition

Daniel Teague
Senior Vice President - Advisor Solutions

Jina Horton
Vice President - Business Development

Meg Peterson
Vice President - Operations

Scott Carlson
Vice President - Technology

Jason Anderson
Managing Director - Supervision

Eric Voegeli
Supervision Analyst

Bracken Larsen
Senior Operations Specialist

Brayden Evans
Head of Operations

Becky Winters
Head of Accounting

Bruce Pullen
Senior National Recruiter

Moriah Ranade
Senior Client Account Manager

Preston Fillmore
Operations Specialist

LeAnn Mabey
Operations Specialist

Jaxon Harrop
Senior Investment Analyst

Colten Winchester
Senior Trader

Jackson Larson
Trader

Mike McCabe
Investment Data Analyst

Lupe Fungalei
Compliance Analyst

Mohsen Mortazavi
Senior Information Systems Specialist

Peter Santamaria
Information Systems Associate

James Cannon
Information Systems Specialist

Jon Edmonds
Information Systems Specialist
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