First-Generation Builders Serving First-Generation Builders

We spent decades serving entrepreneurs inside the wirehouse world. We built SnowPine so we could finally serve them without limits.

OUR STORY

We Built This for You

For thirty years, our founding partners served successful entrepreneurs and family business owners inside the wirehouse system—and we saw its limits firsthand. Captive platforms. Restricted access. Incentives that didn't always align with what was best for the client.

Our wealthiest clients deserved better. So did our team.

That's why we created Snow Pine Private Wealth—a practice where we own 100% of the business, control 100% of the client relationship, and have the freedom to serve our clients wherever they need us. Through our unique platform structure—we deliver what no single platform can: institutional-quality investment access, comprehensive family office capabilities, the access to banking and lending solutions through Wells Fargo affiliates, and the sophistication of advanced insurance planning.

All with one steward. One relationship. For life.

Insurance products are offered through nonbank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies

WHAT DRIVES US

Our Purpose

We believe nothing matters more than serving people and lifting them up. We've experienced what it means to have someone invest in us—to believe in our potential and help us expand beyond it. We've dedicated our lives to doing the same for our clients and our team.

This isn't about the biggest house or the private jet. It's about taking care of people the way we wish everyone could be taken care of.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Independence With Institutional Strength

We're Truly Independent We own our business. We choose our partners. We recommend solutions based solely on what's right for you—not what a corporate parent tells us to sell.

We Deliver Institutional Access Through strategic collaboration with leading financial institutions and extensive industry networks, we give you access to exclusive opportunities that were previously available only to major institutions.

We're in This for Decades Our founding partners have spent their careers building multi-generational relationships. We know your family. We attend your events. We're there for the moments that matter—not just the quarterly review.

Our Team

Derek Cherne, CEPA

Managing Partner
CEO

Andrew Knutson, CEPA

Managing Partner
COO
PIM Portfolio Manager

Dean Breitbach

Managing Partner
Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
PIM Portfolio Manager

Keith P. Burke

Managing Partner
Head of Advisory
PIM Portfolio Manager

Peter Knutson, CFA

Managing Partner
Head of Trading and Research
PIM Portfolio Manager

Daniel Miller

Managing Partner
Head of Advisory

Patrick Mulheran

Managing Director

Clayton Knutsen, CFP®

Director
Planning & Reporting
PIM Portfolio Manager

Jake Johnson

Director
Chief of Staff

Renee Gubrud

Director of Operations

Kathleen Freiderich

Director of Client Services

Laurie Knutson

Director of Administration

Why "Snow Pine"

Our practice is headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota—a name derived from the Dakota word wazíyata, meaning "north." In Dakota oral tradition, Wazíya is a guardian figure associated with the northern winds, endurance, and protection through harsh seasons. The English translation, "Blower From the Snow Pines," connects to the evergreen pine—resilient, long-living, and standing strong no matter what comes.

We chose this name because it reflects our commitment to our clients: steady guardianship, quiet strength, and permanence across generations.

Let's Start a Conversation

We work best with clients who value authentic relationships and long-term thinking. If that sounds like you, we'd welcome the opportunity to learn about your situation.