Laurence Schiffman, CFP®
Founder, Senior Financial Guide
Since the beginning of 2006, Laurence has devoted his career to helping clients achieve their financial goals while minimizing the impact of taxes along the way. He takes pride in his extensive knowledge around taxes and financial planning, attention to detail, and in upholding the fiduciary responsibilities that his clients have placed in him. Laurence is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and earned his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
Laurence enjoys spending his free time with his son Hunter building LEGOs, skiing, camping, and traveling. He grew up in New Jersey and now resides in Highlands Ranch.
Joel Houwer
Director of Operations
Joel has been working in financial services since 2011. After spending over 12 years in the mortgage banking industry, he transitioned to financial planning with Traverse. Joel is passionate about helping eager and committed clients achieve their goals. He believes that consistency and having a well-defined strategy are key to reaching financial independence. Joel has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago.
In his free time, Joel enjoys biking, skiing, golfing, and camping with his wife, Beth, and their two sons in Colorado’s stunning outdoor spaces. He is also an avid music enthusiast and has had the privilege of singing with the Colorado Symphony Chorus at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Kantorei at the Aspen Music Festival. Originally from Pennsylvania, Joel now divides his time between Aurora and Fraser, CO.
Joe Gates
Chief Compliance Officer
Joe has been a financial advisor for over a decade. Joe earned his Bachelor of Science in Production/Operations Management at the University of Idaho and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Heritage University. After teaching abroad he returned to the states and became a financial advisor. In 2014, Joe co-founded Clear Creek Financial Management and combined his expertise in financial planning and operations as the Compliance Officer.
Joe lives in Port Orchard, Washington with his wife Misty, two young daughters, Evelyn and Clara and is a hard-core Spartan Race athlete himself. His family keeps him busy with soccer games and horse riding lessons and every now and then he finds time for a great cup of coffee and a Spartan Race.
Hunter Schiffman
Financial Guide in Training
Since birth Hunter has been surrounded by friends and family members who are financial advisors, investment professionals, teachers, and accountants. He’s shown an interest in counting and organization skills from a very young age, but above all else, Hunter takes advantage of every opportunity to make others smile.
Hunter’s passions are building LEGOs®, playing Nintendo® (especially Mario Kart), airplanes, and spending time with his dad.