Alex Vasichek brings a deeply personal understanding of agriculture to his work, having grown up in Michigan, North Dakota, working in his family’s equipment dealership. Those early experiences shaped his appreciation for the unique financial, operational, and family dynamics that farmers, ranchers, and small business owners navigate every day.

Since 2012, Alex has been committed to serving these clients with a highly personalized and relationship-driven approach. He takes pride in creating an exceptional client experience—one built on trust, clear communication, and a genuine understanding of each family’s goals. Alex works closely with clients to simplify complex financial and estate planning decisions, ensuring they feel confident, informed, and supported at every stage.

His focus centers on helping clients protect what they’ve built while positioning their operations for long-term success. Whether it’s succession planning, wealth transfer, or navigating family considerations, Alex is dedicated to developing thoughtful strategies that reflect both the financial realities and personal values of those he serves.

Earning his Agricultural-Focused Financial Planner certification in 2021 further strengthened his ability to provide specialized guidance to the ag community. Above all, Alex’s goal is to deliver not just effective solutions, but a seamless and meaningful planning experience—helping clients preserve their legacy while creating clarity and peace of mind for the future.

Isaac Paaverud joined the team in May 2026 as a Financial Paraplanner Intern. Originally from Elk River, Minnesota, Isaac grew up playing baseball, soccer, and basketball, and is a graduate of Elk River High School.

He is currently pursuing a degree in Finance at North Dakota State University, where he is actively involved on campus. Isaac is a member of the Bison Fund investment club, participates in the Finance Commission where he helps manage the allocation of student activity funds to campus organizations, and is a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Outside of work and academics, Isaac enjoys golfing, reading, and staying active. He brings a strong work ethic, team-oriented mindset, and a passion for financial planning to his role.

As our Financial Paraplanner, Matthew Tangen plays an integral role in Elevate Financial’s planning process, helping translate strategy into action for each client. He works closely with the advisory team to develop, implement, and monitor financial plans, ensuring recommendations are executed efficiently and aligned with each client’s long-term goals. His attention to detail and proactive approach help drive a seamless experience while strengthening the firm’s client relationships.

With a strong background in customer service, Matt is committed to delivering a high level of responsiveness and care, supporting clients through both the technical and personal aspects of their financial lives.

Originally from Frazee, Minnesota, Matt earned his degree in Finance from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2018. His Midwestern roots and strong work ethic shape his approach to building lasting relationships and serving clients with integrity. Outside of the office, Matt enjoys hunting, fishing, and cheering on Minnesota sports teams.

Sondra Leyes serves as Director of Operations and Insurance Coordinator, where she oversees the firm’s operational processes and ensures a seamless experience for both current and prospective clients. She plays a central role in coordinating client service, managing workflows, and supporting the integration of insurance solutions within the broader financial planning process. Working closely with leadership and advisors, Sondra helps drive efficiency, consistency, and a high standard of service across the organization.

With over a decade of experience in financial services, Sondra is dedicated to building strong client relationships and ensuring every interaction is handled with professionalism and attention to detail. She earned her degree in Communications and Sociology from Concordia College.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and hosting family and friends.