Brian Fraser, CFA, CAIA
My name is Brian Fraser and I am the Founder of Canyon Creek Investment Advisors, a Marine Corps veteran, and a Colorado native. Growing up on the western slope, I spent many summers outdoors working at my father’s outfitting business, Canyon Creek Outfitters, my firm’s namesake. During this period, I developed a great appreciation for the mountains, work ethic, and a love for fly fishing. How did I get into investment management when starting out helping an outfitter? It is a long story but suffice to say that I owe a debt of gratitude to my late grandfather for taking the time to spark my interest in finance and investments one summer when I was in my early teens.
Education & Professional Investment Qualifications:
Brian’s Background:
After my military service with the 3rd Marine Division (Okinawa, Japan), I commenced my formal education in finance at Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University). I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance. I then attended the University of Denver, where I earned a Master of Science in Finance degree with a concentration in corporate finance and investments. Later, I earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designations, which are two widely recognized professional investment designations.
Upon graduation from college, I commenced my professional career as a commercial credit analyst at a major bank. I then began teaching finance and economics part-time at Colorado Mesa University as an adjunct finance instructor. A few years later, I accepted a full-time position as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Finance. I regularly taught in the areas of Risk Management, Economics, and Finance. During my time at the University, I also served as the Director of the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative at CMU, which provided support for ethics instruction and the development of business ethics materials at the university.
After seven years of teaching at the university, I assumed the position of Director of Investments in the wealth management department of a local banking institution. During my tenure in this role, the department’s assets under management (AUM) grew from $550 million to more than $1.1 billion upon my departure. While not all of this growth can be attributed to investment-related activities, the investment component contributed significantly to the increase. As the Director of Investments, I was responsible for all investment-related activities, including portfolio creation and asset allocation. I also created and chaired two important committees, the Investment Committee and Unique Asset Committee, and contributed to many other aspects of the department’s development, leadership, and client support.
Having gained extensive experience, knowledge, and education over the years, I am now eager to work with clients like you. I am committed to providing top-notch advisory, planning, and consultancy services that will give you the best chance of achieving your investment and financial goals.
Lisa Isaacson, CPA, PFS, CFP®
In the picturesque town of Montrose, Colorado, Lisa Isaacson shines as a dedicated Senior Wealth Advisor at Canyon Creek Investment Advisors. Her unwavering commitment to service extends far beyond her professional role. Driven by a profound passion for making a difference, Lisa prioritizes the needs and aspirations of her clients, placing their well-being above all else. Lisa actively embraces local non-profit organizations, demonstrating her commitment to give back to the community she serves. It was Canyon Creek Investment Advisors’ client-centric focus that drew Lisa in, a firm whose values mirrored her own, aligning perfectly with her personal philosophy.
Throughout client interactions and meetings, Lisa’s dedication and loyalty are evident. She adheres to a grounded, planning-focused approach that ensures each client receives personalized and comprehensive advice. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of financial planning principles, Lisa consistently seeks ways to enhance the services provided by the Canyon Creek Investment Advisors team. Her ultimate goal is to achieve the highest level of client satisfaction, and she leaves no stone unturned in her pursuit of excellence.
Lisa’s Background:
Prior to becoming a part of the Canyon Creek Investment Advisors family in 2024, Lisa held several notable positions in the financial services industry. She served as a Wealth Advisor at WealthSource, where her expertise in wealth management and financial planning left a lasting impact. As a Client Executive and Vice President at Alpine Bank Wealth Management, Lisa demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a dedication to providing exceptional customer experiences. Her career began at ElderAdo Financial, Inc., where she worked as a financial planner and investment advisor, laying the groundwork for her future achievements. Additionally, Lisa spent over 25 years in various accounting positions across different industries, bringing a depth of experience and a strong understanding of business fundamentals to her current role.
Lisa Isaacson’s educational background is equally impressive. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Business from Rochester Community College, which laid the foundation for her career in finance. She furthered her studies and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Minnesota State University, Mankato, gaining a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and practices. Lisa’s thirst for knowledge and commitment to staying at the forefront of her industry led her to obtain the prestigious Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS™) and Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designations. These certifications demonstrate her proficiency in retirement income planning, estate planning, and various aspects of financial management.
Lisa’s remarkable journey as a Financial Advisor is marked by a steadfast commitment to service, excellence, and the pursuit of financial well-being for her clients. Her extensive experience, combined with her unwavering dedication and passion for financial planning, empowers her to navigate the complexities of the financial world and provide expert guidance to individuals and families. Lisa’s expertise in holistic retirement income planning sets her apart, allowing her to help clients make informed decisions about their financial future and achieve their long-term goals with confidence.