Our Team
Who We Are
Our Team has worked together for years building our practice to deliver truly comprehensive financial guidance to our clients. Today, our strength lies in our diverse backgrounds, experiences and complementary skillsets that give clients unmatched expertise and service. With a history of collaboration and a shared commitment to doing what’s right, we put you first so you can achieve your financial goals.
Meet Our Team
Nicholas August, CFP®, CPWA®
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
Nick is a Financial Advisor with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He works closely with clients to comprehend and prepare for major life events such as retirement, college planning, wealth accumulation strategies and intergenerational wealth transfer. His primary role is to understand every client's unique financial goals and situation to implement the best possible solution while acting as a fiduciary.
Nick earned his bachelor’s degree in business and politics from Marquette University. He worked for a non-profit organization after graduation, then became a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley. He has completed both his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certifications. These certifications are designed for advisors who specialize with financial planning and the unique challenges faced by high net worth and ultra-high net worth investors.
Why Baird?
Nick is proud to be part of Baird – a fully independent, international firm serving the wealth management needs of families, businesses and organizations for more than 100 years. Nationally recognized as a great place to work, Baird attracts the industry’s best and brightest. And employee ownership gives all of us a personal stake in our clients’ success. It’s a formula that works because of the values we share: honesty, integrity and a commitment to keeping clients first – always.
R. Stan Nelson, J.D.
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
Stan joined Baird as a Financial Advisor, bringing more than 25 years of experience navigating markets and economic cycles. Paired with his strong academic and career experience in legal research, Stan is uniquely qualified to assist clients in maintaining portfolios designed with a perfect balance of risk and return.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a law degree from Capital University in Ohio. Stan began his career as an attorney in Wisconsin in the 1980s, then shifted his focus from counseling clients in legal matters to providing best practices financial advice.
Why Baird?
Stan is proud to be part of Baird – a fully independent, international firm serving the wealth management needs of families, businesses and organizations for more than 100 years. Nationally recognized as a great place to work, Baird attracts the industry’s best and brightest. And employee ownership gives all of us a personal stake in our clients’ success. It’s a formula that works because of the values we share: honesty, integrity and a commitment to keeping clients first – always.
Jennifer Scharf, J.D., CFP®, CPWA®
Financial Advisor
Jen joined Baird with Stan, bringing diverse knowledge and experience to the financial industry. She excels in comprehensive investment management, providing invaluable insight and guidance in implementing complex research, advanced financial planning and investment strategies.
Jen double majored in mathematics and physics at DePaul University, earned a master’s degree in biomechanics from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and received a law degree from California Western School of Law. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, she taught statistics at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and practiced law in the San Diego area.
She has completed both her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certifications. These certifications are designed for advisors who specialize with financial planning and the unique challenges faced by high net worth and ultra-high net worth investors.
Why Baird?
Jen is proud to be part of Baird – a fully independent, international firm serving the wealth management needs of families, businesses and organizations for more than 100 years. Nationally recognized as a great place to work, Baird attracts the industry’s best and brightest. And employee ownership gives all of us a personal stake in our clients’ success. It’s a formula that works because of the values we share: honesty, integrity and a commitment to keeping clients first – always.
Samuel Gutierrez
Client Specialist
Sam joined Baird as a Hospitality Intern on Baird’s Conference Center floor. He coordinated client meetings and numerous Baird associate events before transitioning to his current Client Specialist role with the team.
Sam graduated from Marquette University with a double major in theatre and public relations. Since then, he has completed the SIE, Series 7 and Series 66. Outside of work, Sam enjoys attending sporting events, trying new restaurants, and finding new hobbies.
Why Baird?
Sam is proud to be part of Baird – a fully independent, international firm serving the wealth management needs of families, businesses and organizations for more than 100 years. Nationally recognized as a great place to work, Baird attracts the industry’s best and brightest. And employee ownership gives all of us a personal stake in our clients’ success. It’s a formula that works because of the values we share: honesty, integrity and a commitment to keeping clients first – always.
Rachel Albrecht
Client Specialist
Rachel joined Baird as a Client Essentials Associate. She spent time on the Client Resource Team and supported a wealth advisory team in the North Shore Baird branch before transitioning to her current Client Specialist role with the team.
Rachel graduated from Iowa State University with a double major in Marketing and Management Information Systems, and a minor in Psychology. Since then, she has completed the SIE, Series 7 and Series 66. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys running, skiing, and reading.
Why Baird?
Rachel is proud to be part of Baird – a fully independent, international firm serving the wealth management needs of families, businesses and organizations for more than 100 years. Nationally recognized as a great place to work, Baird attracts the industry’s best and brightest. And employee ownership gives all of us a personal stake in our clients’ success. It’s a formula that works because of the values we share: honesty, integrity and a commitment to keeping clients first – always.
Ashley Anderson
Client Specialist
Ashley joined Baird in 2018 as a Client Specialist. She has supported numerous teams at Baird and is happy to be back with the August Nelson Scharf Group! Ashley previously worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and spent a year doing national service through AmeriCorps with a focus on youth literacy.
Ashley is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she majored in French and International Studies. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter.
Why Baird?
Ashley is proud to be part of Baird – a fully independent, international firm serving the wealth management needs of families, businesses and organizations for more than 100 years. Nationally recognized as a great place to work, Baird attracts the industry’s best and brightest. And employee ownership gives all of us a personal stake in our clients’ success. It’s a formula that works because of the values we share: honesty, integrity and a commitment to keeping clients first – always.
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