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Our team of expert advisors takes pride in making your wealth feel simple. Whether you’re running a business, organizing an estate, or just managing personal wealth, we will tailor an easy-to-follow plan that brings you closer to your goals.
Portfolio Manager & Investment Advisor
Brendan takes pride in making your wealth feel simple. His role is to understand your greater financial picture, build a wealth strategy that keeps you on track to your business and life goals, and break down all the complex challenges you face into manageable steps.
Brendan founded our team in 2013, after nine years in the industry. His past experience as a financial advisor helped shape his approach to investment management: uncovering your life’s priorities, establishing a plan, then crafting a portfolio to match. Then, Brendan draws on RBC’s industry-leading wealth specialists to offer support in tax minimization, estate planning, insurance solutions, business planning and beyond. “I’m here to help my clients sleep soundly at night,” as Brendan likes to put it. “It’s important they know we’ve got them covered from every angle.”
In addition to a Bachelor of Commerce degree in entrepreneurial management from Royal Roads University, Brendan holds the coveted Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation. Beyond that, he has completed several industry courses throughout his career to remain current in the ever-evolving world of wealth management.
Outside of the office, Brendan loves to spend time in his community. He is passionate about supporting local causes, such as Y.A.N.A., the Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA), the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and Courtenay Little Theatre. Somers Private Wealth is also proud to be the title sponsor for The Mayor’s Charity Classic Golf Tournament.
In his free hours, Brendan enjoys spending time with his wife, Lauren, and his growing family. His motto, “family first,” extends to his clients – he appreciates hearing about each client’s family tree and supporting them through generations.
For over 25 years, Don has worked with families, businesses, and organizations to bring peace of mind and confidence to their financial affairs. Through caring, professional, and consistent work with clients, he has established himself as a “go-to” resource for portfolio management, tax planning, business succession, and estate planning.
Our steadfast and calm approach using language everyone can understand has helped all our clients. With Wealth Management as a central part of all our work and using a collaborative approach to tap into RBC Wealth Management Specialists, we ensure every aspect of a client’s financial life is well cared for.
Aside from his work with RBC, Don has been an active member of the community, supporting the Strathcona Symphony Orchestra (SSO), North Island Choral Society, Y.A.N.A., Comox Valley Flying Dragons and the Mayor’s Charity Classic Golf Tournament, to name a few. He firmly believes that while business is the backbone of a community, the arts, sports, and philanthropic groups are the soul of a community!
Away from the office, Don’s number one priority has always been family. He and his wife, Judy, have been blessed with two children, Brendan and Meghan. As a result, he knows firsthand how important the notion of “family first” is and keeps it top of mind when working with families and businesses at our practice.
Senior Associate Advisor
As a licensed Associate Advisor, Charlene works alongside Brendan and Don to support the investment and wealth needs of our clients. She applies over 30 years of industry experience to assisting with the implementation of financial strategies and monitoring investment portfolios, as well as coordinating the various wealth planning services that Somers Private Wealth provides.
Charlene started with RBC Dominion Securities in 1991, fulfilling her passion for finance and desire to learn, and she has never looked back. Her dedication, in-depth knowledge and attention to detail have made her an invaluable resource for our team and clients alike. Charlene takes great pride in building strong client relationships and constantly strives to proactively deliver the highest standard of service. She has recently obtained her Certificate in Advanced Financial Advice through the Canadian Securities Institute.
Charlene is actively involved in her community through a number of organizations, including her volunteer work with Y.A.N.A, Coldest Night of the Year (CV Transition Society), Habitat for Humanity and Kitty Cat Prevent-A-Litter Society. She has also stewarded various RBC Foundation grants over the years to benefit local causes. Charlene enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the many outdoor trails the Comox Valley has to offer and getting out on the water with her dragon boat team.
As a long-time Valley resident, Karen takes pride in her community and serving her clients.
Karen came to the Valley in 1978 and settled in what is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Both of her children were born and raised here.
A fully licensed Associate Advisor, Karen joined RBC Dominion Securities in 2006. She brings an extensive 26 years of financial services experience to our team, making her an integral part of developing highly sophisticated solutions for our clients. Alongside Don Somers and Brendan Somers, Karen harnesses her unique perspective and considerable knowledge to help us create the most positive client experiences possible. With a keen eye for small details, she takes great satisfaction in helping her clients. Karen also takes great pride in the work she has done over the years to support the performing arts and community health groups in the region.
In her spare time, Karen is an avid reader and loves playing her guitar. In the summer months an evening of guitar music on the beach is her and husband Pete’s favorite close to a day.
