Our Financial & Insurance Professionals
Our mission is to work closely with our clients to design financial strategies that provide confidence and clarity while also helping to protect their future. Using customized plans that are created through a true partnership, we empower our clients to weather the inevitable challenges that our complex financial world presents.
Chad Nielsen
Founder & Educator
After managing several business ventures in different industries over his life, Chad began working in the federal benefits space over 30 years ago. Since then, he has founded Gateway Financial, Gateway Insurance, and the Federal Benefits Advisory Group to help serve those who served us for so long. Noticing that many federal employees still need to receive the full benefits made available to them, Chad set out to improve the lives of those around him through his financial expertise and solutions made available through Gradient Investments. Since devoting his career to helping others Chad has become a reputable name and trusted advisor for those entering retirement.
Beyond helping others secure their financial futures, Chad has continually served his community just as long. His community and civic work includes a 30+ year relationship with various non-profits and volunteering within community organizations in many different capacities. Chad also enjoys spending time with his wife, Kay, and their 5 children. As a family, they enjoy outdoor hobbies such as fishing, hunting, riding snowmobiles, and boating.
Carson Nielsen
Advisor & Educator
Carson has been with our company for nearly a decade now, learning to work within all aspects of the business giving him a unique perspective into the financial journey our clients will take. After graduating from a top 3 financial planning institution and working his way up through different roles, he now offers a comprehensive solution to many of our clients in their path to retirement. Beyond this, Carson has truly embodied the culture and values of our business by working with clients to meet their needs as if they were part of our family. He truly believes in our mission to help serve those around us by helping them get the most out of their finances and it has continually shown through his efforts with others.
Outside of his financial expertise, Carson enjoys time with his wife and their child they just welcomed into the world. When he’s not being a devout father or contributing to his community he also enjoys outdoor activities with family and friends.
Jaxon Knighton
Advisor & Educator
Jaxon is a financial advisor with a passion for empowering individuals to navigate their financial journeys. As an Alumnus of UVU, a top 3 financial planning institution, and an experienced professional in business advisement; Jaxon brings years of insight to helping clients secure their financial futures. Jaxon continually finds purpose in his role by “demystifying financial planning as an accessible and enjoyable experience.” He continually demonstrates our values through fostering genuine relationships with his clients and caring for their needs on an individual basis.
Outside of finance, Jaxon enjoys time spent with his family and engaging in outdoor activities whenever possible. With a commitment to both personal and professional fulfillment, Jaxon exemplifies the ideal blend of expertise, approachability, and a genuine passion for helping others achieve financial well-being.
Madelyn Dobbe
Advisor & Educator
Madelyn is a financial advisor with a passion for helping individuals and families gain clarity and confidence in their financial future. She takes a holistic approach to planning, integrating both investment management and insurance strategies to build personalized retirement plans aligned with each client’s goals and lifestyle.
As a licensed life insurance agent and registered Investment Advisor Representative, Madelyn works closely with clients to navigate key decisions around retirement, income planning, wealth protection, and long-term financial security. She is committed to building strong client relationships through transparency, trust, and a deep understanding of each client’s unique financial picture.
Madelyn brings a strong background in marketing, client relations, and business development. She holds a B.A. in Public Relations with ax minor in Business from Brigham Young University.
Outside of the office, Madelyn enjoys playing competitive recreational volleyball, watching her favorite rom-coms, and indulging in all things chocolate.
Mikki Beck
Educator & Financial Professional
After graduating from UVU with her Bachelor’s in Marketing and Business Administration, Mikki began her career in the family business working in logistics and administration. Half a decade later, Mikki plays a vital role in the day-to-day responsibilities of running our operations and helping us all perform our roles to the best of our abilities. Being the youngest and only daughter in the family business, Mikki set out to make a strong impression in her field by continually applying her education and values to improve the lives of our clients and team. She is a vital member of our company who should be recognized for her diligence and effort in keeping our goal of serving others moving.
Beyond work, Mikki has just celebrated her Marriage and a new chapter of life within Idaho. She loves to spend time with her family and friends while staying physically active through a lifelong passion for volleyball.
Allie Hunter
Administration & Logistics
Growing up in a home of financial professionals, Allie knows the importance of building trust in her client focused role at Gateway Financial. Using her educational background from Brigham Young University and passion for numbers, she oversees the day-to-day management of account logistics. Allie’s previous experience as a Financial Assistant deepens her care for precision in her own work, and contextual understanding of how important investment goals are to each client she serves. She joined the Gateway Family because of the family-centric and value driven approach to financial planning. Allie hopes to build meaningful relationships through thoughtful client service, proudly reflecting the mission of Gateway Financial Services.
Outside of work, Allie enjoys all styles of partner dance including country swing or salsa. She nerds out over international politics and the Dune franchise. With the Utah mountains as her backyard, she often camps, hikes, and draws local birds.
Aubrey Cowdrey
Administrative Assistant
Aubrey is an Administrative Assistant at Gateway Financial, where she supports daily operations, client communication, and business development initiatives. With experience in past administrative roles and a well-rounded background, she brings organization, reliability, and a proactive attitude to every aspect of her work.
Aubrey has a strong passion for building meaningful client relationships and constantly looks for ways to improve the systems and spaces around her. Her attention to detail and commitment to getting things done right make her a dependable part of the team.
Outside of work, she enjoys staying active—whether it’s playing recreational soccer, mountain biking, or hitting the trails. She’s also passionate about the outdoors and finds fulfillment in contributing to efforts that help improve the lives of others.
Strategic Alliances
Gradient Investments, LLC is a fee-only, SEC registered investment advisor (RIA). We have a fiduciary obligation to act in your best interest. We strive to provide independent investment advisors and their clients a progressive portfolio management suite through an active approach to risk management. We built our team around seasoned investment professionals: our portfolio managers provide decades of institutional investment experience and have a deep working knowledge of the individual client market. Whether your investment goal is preserving principal, maximizing income or accumulating capital, our investment team has a carefully designed strategy to help you achieve your long-term investment goals.
Michael Binger, CFA®
President of Gradient Investments, LLC
Keith Gangl, CFA®
Senior Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Tyler Ellgard, CFA®
Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
* This endorsement of Gradient Investments, LLC is provided by an investment advisor who refers clients to Gradient Investments, LLC. A conflict of interest exists because this investment advisor receives a portion of the annual management fee charged by Gradient Investments, LLC, based on the assets under management of this investment advisor’s clients. This endorsement could assist in the investment advisor increasing the assets placed with Gradient Investments, LLC, and therefore their compensation. These investment advisors are not affiliated with or supervised by Gradient Investments, LLC. Endorsing investment advisor is also a client of Gradient Investments, LLC.