The Vander Leest & Wenzel Group - Baird Private Wealth Management

08/19/2026

We are excited to share that Ben Vander Leest has joined The Vander Leest & Wenzel Group!

Ben graduated Iowa State University in 2024 with his bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics and Management Information Systems.

He will be based primarily in Baird’s West Des Moines office while also spending time in Cedar Rapids. We look forward to the value he will bring to our clients.

08/13/2026

We are excited to share that Kaylee Montanez has officially entered Baird’s Financial Advisor Training Program and has been promoted to Financial Advisor Associate.

Since joining our team in 2021, Kaylee has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to our clients, a passion for learning, and a dedication to personal and professional growth. Her positive attitude, work ethic, and willingness to take on new challenges have made a meaningful impact on our team.

We are proud of everything Kaylee has accomplished and look forward to supporting her as she continues her journey toward becoming a Financial Advisor. Please join us in congratulating her on this exciting milestone!

08/07/2026

We collected school supplies at our office throughout the month of July in support of the Tanager Back-to-School Drive. We thank you for your donations!

It is not too late to participate! To make a monetary donation or purchase items through Tanager’s Amazon Wish List, please visit our webpage:

https://vanderleestwenzelgroup.bairdwealth.com/tanager-back-to-school-drive

07/30/2026

Happy National Intern Day!

We're grateful to have Aiden and Nicole at Baird Cedar Rapids this summer. Their positive attitudes, willingness to learn, and hard work have made a meaningful impact on our office. Thank you both for your contributions, and we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the future!

07/29/2026

The Vander Leest & Wenzel Group was proud to serve as the Championship Sponsor of the Baird Iowa Open, a two-weekend tennis tournament hosted at the Veterans Memorial Tennis Center in Cedar Rapids.

Pictured are Doug Wenzel, Family Wealth Advisor at Baird and President of the Cedar Rapids Tennis Association, and Mark Fiala, Chairman of the Baird Iowa Open, helping make this event a success.

07/21/2026

We are collecting school supplies at our office throughout the month of July in support of the Tanager Back-to-School Drive.

If you’re unable to drop off supplies in person, you can still participate by making a monetary donation or purchasing items through Tanager’s Amazon Wish List.

For additional ways to give, please visit the link below:

https://vanderleestwenzelgroup.bairdwealth.com/tanager-back-to-school-drive

07/10/2026

Trump Accounts introduce a new way to start building retirement savings for children, but how do they compare to more familiar options like 529 plans and custodial accounts? In this video, Tim Steffen, Director of Advanced Planning, breaks down how Trump Accounts work, how they compare to other savings options and where they may fit within a child's broader financial foundation.

Trump Accounts introduce a new way to start building retirement sav...

07/04/2026

As communities come together to celebrate, we wish you a joyful and meaningful Independence Day. Here’s to a day well spent and a summer well underway.

07/01/2026

Dan Clifton, Partner and Head of Policy Research at Baird Strategas, visited Cedar Rapids in June to present to our team and local clients. He shared valuable insights on the intersection of financial markets, the economy, and public policy.

Dan is a tremendous asset to Baird, and his presentation was both engaging and informative. We sincerely appreciate his time and perspective during his visit!

06/24/2026

We are excited to share that Ethan Abordo has joined The Vander Leest & Wenzel Group! Ethan is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in finance. We look forward to the contributions he will bring to our clients and our team!