Our mission and mindset for high-value wealth management
Our mission is to provide our clients with financial peace of mind, freedom, and a sense of security. We achieve this by creating a collaborative environment with each client, and we include our entire team of advisors in the process. With three CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, and a Juris Doctor on our team, we have specialized training and expertise for comprehensive and complex wealth management services.
When you connect with us, you don’t need to know exactly what wealth management services you’re looking for either. Our detailed discovery meetings prioritize getting to know who you are, learning what’s important to you, and defining where you want to go. Because to us, your assets aren’t the only things that define you––it’s your background, your values, your family, and your aspirations that make you and your financial situations unique.
View our individual bios below, or learn more about our client process.
Gary Werkman, JD, CFP®
Director | Senior Investment Consultant
Gary has no regrets about transitioning from a law career into wealth management decades ago. Right out of law school, he knew he preferred working with clients on a long-term basis, as a trusted advisor. To this day, clients seek him out regarding financial strategies that can help them enhance their quality of life, as well as weather life changes and market challenges.
He has over 30 years of financial planning experience, and especially enjoys retirement income planning, estate planning, and portfolio design and monitoring, supported by accountability.
He received his BA degree from Trinity Christian College and his JD from DePaul University College of Law. He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner.
Gary’s community involvement spans multiple terms on the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Board of Directors, the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Foundation Board of Governors, the Hudsonville Christian School Foundation Board, and other faith-based boards in West Michigan.
When Gary catches a moment of free time, you’ll find him traveling with his wife and their four children, and/or swimming, reading, or skiing.
Guy Sawyer, CFP®
Director | Senior Investment Consultant
An education in philosophy and complex problem solving and an early career in ministry, fundraising, and counseling set Guy on his unique path of investment management and overall wealth management. This blend of capabilities gives him a holistic perspective on client financial assets––from their marketable investments to their business and real estate investments, as well.
His expertise centers on collaborative leadership, bringing together the best possible team solutions for each client, and coaching clients on how to effectively transfer their wealth for the benefit of their families and/or communities. Additionally, dozens of business owners can speak to Guy’s positive impact on the value of their businesses—ranging from his advice on ownership and management transitions to his management of their financial affairs as they enjoy retirement.
Guy earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Wheaton College and studied Philosophy of Religion at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School––both in Illinois. Throughout his career of 25+ years, he’s earned these additional recognitions: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (heightening his expertise in tax planning, estate planning, and investments), Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and Advising the Family Enterprise (at the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University).
He and his wife Donna are active supporters of Young Life and attend Crossroad Bible Church in Grand Rapids.
In his free time, Guy works on his golf game, staying in shape, and adding more books on neuroscience and World War II history to his personal library. Guy and Donna reside in Holland, Mich., enjoying its natural beauty along with time spent with their adult children, Joseph and Sara.
Thomas R. Ladd
Director
From his early career days in community banking to his recent years as a wealth management director, Thomas has been arming clients with an elevated understanding of their unique financial goals and challenges. He listens first and then guides each client through the financial strategies best suited for their desired outcomes.
Small business owners, retirees, and individuals nearing retirement value Thomas’ ongoing expertise, as well as his combined style of accountability and empowerment.
His current community involvement includes serving as the board chair for Muskegon Catholic Central and being a member of the Muskegon Catholic Education Foundation Investment Committee. Previous service roles include board membership for the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra, St. Mary’s Catholic School, and Grand Haven Rotary.
Thomas and Jennifer, his cherished wife of 30 years, have five daughters and one granddaughter. Together, they enjoy attending family sporting events and golfing.

Brad Hulst, CFP®, CPWA®
Vice President
Brad’s always enjoyed the process of planning, which is what led him into a wealth management career. Since joining Baird in 2006, he’s found deep fulfillment in helping people plan for great financial outcomes that lead to increased stability. The constant changes in people’s lives, financial markets, planning strategies, and technology are many. Brad’s always ready to help clients sort through the information that’s important to their unique situations, and provide peace of mind along the way.
Intent upon providing the best service possible, Brad is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, which focuses specifically on high-net worth planning strategies. Additionally, he successfully completed the Yale School of Management Wealth Management and Theory program, and earned his BBA degree in both accounting and finance from Grand Valley State University. He had the opportunity to study international business abroad at Kingston University, just outside of London.
Brad lives in Holland, Mich. with his wife Kelli and their three kids. In his free time, Brad enjoys running, reading non-fiction books, boating, watching basketball, and attending his children’s various activities.
Kirsten Terpstra
Senior Client Specialist, Assistant Vice President
616-546-6750
Kirsten has over 25 years of financial services experience. She provides advanced administrative, industry and professional support for the team, helping to build and maintain client relationships.
She finds great satisfaction in putting clients at ease as she helps them navigate life transitions and financial challenges.
A graduate of Hope College, she lives in Jenison with her husband and three children. Her interests include walking in nature, attending her children’s sporting events, and spending time with family and friends––especially for family vacations.

Debra Schippers
Senior Client Specialist, Assistant Vice President
616-546-6750
Debra has over 30 years of financial services experience. She enjoys working with clients and fellow team members to create a smooth and efficient client experience every step of the way.
Often on the go, Debra and her husband Bill enjoy traveling to visit their five adult children and seven grandchildren. Additionally, Debra’s active with her church, sewing, knitting, and home improvement.

Mara Williams
Senior Client Specialist, Assistant Vice President
Mara’s been serving Baird clients since 1996. Her expertise in financial client services and human resources give her the organizational skills, efficiency, and heart for guiding clients through difficult life transitions as well as ongoing financial processes.
Mara attended Finlandia University before earning a business degree from Davenport University.
She and her husband Michael have three adult children, who’ve mostly flown the nest. Mara especially enjoys summertime in West Michigan, which often includes time on the beach with their family dogs.

Emily Atwell
Client Specialist
616-546-6750
Emily has been on a fast track since joining Baird in 2023. Her education in business and communication from Hope College set her up as a detail-oriented communicator who’s quick to step in for client support across the board.
Outside of work, she volunteers with the First Tee Program of West Michigan as an assistant coach helping kids learn life lessons through the game of golf. Emily enjoys exploring West Michigan’s vast nature, in addition to reading, crocheting, and spend time with family and friends.
