Big Water Group
We have developed a reputation within our firm as trusted advocates in our local community, helping manage our clients' wealth with a high degree of integrity and honesty. A leading team within RBC Wealth Management, we hold a number of industry designations, licenses, and degrees, and have recently been named to several industry "top" lists, including Barron's magazine and the Financial Times.
Managing Director - Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager
Aaron has been addressing the wealth management needs of families and individuals for over thirty years. Since joining RBC Wealth Management in 2001, he has become a top-ranking wealth advisor within the firm, with a reputation for knowledgeable client service built on trust and genuine interest in the well-being of his clients.
Having obtained his Accredited Wealth Management (AWM) designation in 2004, Aaron focuses on developing and implementing unique wealth management plans for high net-worth clients and their families. He believes in the power of collaboration, and frequently works with attorneys and tax advisors to provide his clients with suitable wealth management solutions.
Aaron’s extensive knowledge and expertise have time and again garnered recognition, both within RBC Wealth Management and the greater financial services industry. He has been a member of the RBC Wealth Management top Executive Council since 2022, and has received recognition as a Top Advisor by Barron’s Magazine; he was named a Top 1,200 Advisor from 2022-2025. Additionally, and he was named to the Forbes/SHOOK Best-In-State Wealth Advisor list from 2022-2025.
Aaron lives in Independence with his wife, Ali, two sons, Brodie and Ellis, and his Labradoodles Sammy & Arlo. He enjoys an active and healthful lifestyle by regularly participating in weight training. In his free time, Aaron enjoys traveling, cooking on his Big Green Egg, and spending time with friends and family.
Associate Vice President, Senior Financial Associate
Brandon has been working alongside his brother Aaron, serving Big Water Group's families for over 15 years. He earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2013. Brandon works with clients to help them achieve their life goals by creating tailored wealth management plans that include in-depth net worth assessments, retirement income analyses, and insurance reviews. He plays an integral role in the research, analysis, and maintenance of the team's managed investment portfolios.
Brandon is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he was an All-American wrestler for the Wolverines. He lives in Independence with his wife, Holly, daughters Emelia and Gabrielle, and their dachshund, Maisy. In his free time, Brandon volunteers as a softball coach and serves on the board of the Orono Softball Association and the Mound Cemetery of Brooklyn Center. He also enjoys cooking on his Big Green Egg, spending time with his family and following high school and collegiate sports.
Associate Vice President - Senior Financial Associate
Allison began her career with RBC in 2010 and joined Big Water Group in 2011. Over the years, she has served Big Water Group clients in a variety of capacities and now provides financial guidance as a Senior Financial Associate. She earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2016, which entails in-depth courses, training, and comprehensive examinations in all areas of financial planning including investments, taxes, insurance, estate, and retirement planning.
Allison is passionate about helping clients plan for the future while organizing and streamlining their financial lives in the present. Allison firmly believes that every asset in a client’s portfolio should have a specific purpose and is dedicated to educating clients on the “what” and “why” behind their investment strategies. With diligence and attention to detail, she works with clients to design financial plans that are thorough, efficient, and reflective of their goals.
Allison grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a degree in vocal performance. She lives in Plymouth with her husband, Brett and young sons, Everett and Owen. When not in the office, Allison enjoys cooking, gardening, and relaxing in the back yard with her family.
Senior Financial Associate
Henry is devoted to providing clients with customized wealth planning services. His wealth planning and advice help relieve clients of financial stressors and strives to help provide them with long-term financial security. Prior to RBC, Henry worked for SkyView Partners, a boutique investment bank focused on the financial sector. At SkyView, he managed several M&A transactions for the firm and developed a deep understanding of the financial services industry. Henry has also held internships at Pretium Partners, a distressed debt fund in Minneapolis, SetSight, a big-data firm, and RBC Private Client Group. He has passed the Series 7, 66 and SIE examinations. Henry attended Wake Forest University and St. Olaf College. He graduated from St. Olaf College with a bachelor’s degree in English. He currently lives in Minneapolis and enjoys spending time golfing in the summer and playing pond hockey in the winter.
Senior Business Associate
Kristi began working at RBC Wealth Management in 2015. Prior to joining Big Water Group in 2016, she held various positions at the Minnetonka and Minneapolis branches. Kristi still enjoys working with clients, but her role has transitioned slightly to include some business administration functions including focusing on the team’s overall goals and objectives. In this role, she oversees the operational functions of the team with a focus on efficiency, accuracy and client satisfaction. Kristi has passed the Series 7 and Series 66 exams, as well as RBC's Associate Planning Professional (APP) designation.
Kristi graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in international studies and marketing. She loves to travel and spent a semester studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria, however the North Shore of Lake Superior remains one of her favorite vacation destinations. An Orono native, Kristi now lives in St. Louis Park with her husband, Mike, black cats, Smokey and Sabine and rescue dog, Scout. She enjoys the outdoors and is always looking for new places to take the dog, she also loves exploring the local restaurant scene.
Senior Registered Client Associate
Adam began working RBC Wealth Management in January 2023 and joined Big Water Group in October 2023. Adam is responsible for many of the team’s operational and administrative functions including assisting clients, maintaining records, processing client documents, and creating client correspondence. With his previous professional experience in advertising, Adam will take lead on the team’s marketing and client outreach initiatives. Adam has passed the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 exams.
Adam graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Strategic Communications and minor in Digital Media Studies. He is an outspoken proponent for Minnesota recreation, spending much of his time cycling on the state’s trail systems and camping off grid in the BWCA. Adam lives in downtown Minneapolis and loves attending Guthrie performances, cheering on the Vikings, and frequenting music venues.
Registered Client Associate
Payton began working at RBC Wealth Management in 2025 after starting his career in finance at a small wealth management firm. Payton performs many of the team's operational and administrative functions including servicing clients, processing account forms and paperwork, maintaining account records, and preparing client correspondence. Payton has passed the SIE, Series 7 and Series 66 exams.
Payton graduated from Augustana University with his MBA in the spring of 2025, before that he received his finance degree from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks where he played D1 hockey. He lives in Lakeville and enjoys golf, walking his dog, Clyde, and exploring new restaurants with his fiancé, Jordin.
We are proud to take our name from the English translation of the Mdewakanton Lakota name for Minnetonka, the lake which our office overlooks: "Big Water." This distinguished landmark inspires our wealth management practice in many ways. Lake Minnetonka has played an instrumental role in the development of its surrounding communities by providing an abundance of resources, a source of enjoyment, and a sense of security to thousands of families over numerous generations. Similarly, we work to ensure that our guidance enriches our clients' lives by granting them the financial resources to grow and sustain themselves, enjoy a lifestyle of their choosing, and provide them with security and protection in an ever-changing world.
