Who We Are
// What we offer
Asset Management & Tax Services
Obviously we are substantially biased, but we outright believe that Ashworth Wealth, LLC is one of the best Investment Advisor and Small Business tax firms around. Our overarching culture is highly focused on building strong and long-lasting client relationships. But our foundational roots go even deeper than that. We are a disciplined firm with deep expertise on a myriad of investment, financial planning, tax and small business topics. We truly believe that your success becomes our success.
Ashworth Wealth’s structural values also include the following:
Fee-based and fiduciary driven
Client first mind set
Gold Medal Services Protocol
Proactive not Reactive
Team approach in planning and development
// MEET US
Our Team
Whether it is for Investment Advisory services, financial planning, tax or bookkeeping services, Ashworth can be a substantial advocate in helping you achieve your long-term goals. Give us a call and let us see how Ashworth can help you.
Todd McChesney, chfc clu
Senior Wealth Advisor, Owner
Todd is a Principal of Ashworth Wealth, LLC, and independent investment advisor representative serving over 150 high net worth individuals, families and businesses. His focus is helping each of them with all aspects of their wealth management and financial planning.
As a founding member of Ashworth Financial Advisors, LLC in 2002, he helped form the planning philosophy and structure that is applied to all clients. In 2010, Ashworth merged with Empey Financial, Inc. to form Ashworth & Empey Financial, LLC. In 2018, due to the firm growing both organically and via acquisitions, Ashworth & Empey Financial, LLC was rebranded as Ashworth Wealth, LLC. His philosophy is to leave no stone unturned during the planning process, while taking a “think outside the box” attitude. His simplistic approach helps clients understand complex business and financial situations. Todd helps bring clarity and focus in all aspects of the financial process as he helps clients navigate through an ever changing economic environment.
Formerly, he was a senior advisor with Sterling Financial Group, LLC in Salt Lake City, Utah. During his tenure at Sterling, he served on the firm’s management team and helped train over a dozen advisors. He has been active in the financial advisory business since 1995. He also has served extensively with several non-profit organizations during his career including Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah, Boy Scouts of America, and several local youth baseball leagues. Todd regularly speaks to civic groups and other professionals at a variety of conferences and on various financial topics.
He is married to the former Meisha Bird of Shelley, Idaho. Together, they have 5 children, three of which still live at home. In his free time, Todd enjoys attending sporting events, coaching youth baseball, fly fishing, and golf. He resides in Highland, Utah.
Education
BS FInance, University of Utah, 1994
Certifications and Affiliations
ChFC, American College, 1999
CLU, American College, 2000
Member, Financial Planning Association (FPA)
Member, Financial Services Institute (FSI)
R. Scott Thomas
Senior Wealth Advisor
Scott is a Principal of Ashworth Wealth, LLC, an independent registered investment advisory firm in Salt Lake City, Utah. Scott has been helping high net worth families and business owners with their wealth management, strategy and business structuring since 1996.
In 2002, Scott was one of the founding members of Ashworth Financial Advisors, LLC and helped form the planning philosophy and structure that is applied to all clients. In 2010, Ashworth merged with Empey Financial, Inc. to form Ashworth & Empey Financial, LLC. In 2018, due to the firm growing both organically and via acquisitions, Ashworth & Empey Financial, LLC was rebranded as Ashworth Wealth, LLC. Scott has been asked to speak on the subject of asset allocation, investments, modern portfolio theory, taxation, and wealth preservation to universities, civic groups and professional conferences.
Prior to Ashworth Wealth, LLC Scott was an advisor for one of the largest fee-based consulting firms in the Intermountain West. Scott attended both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah.
He is married to Julie Thomas, who is an avid marathoner. They have six children. Away from the office, Scott enjoys fly fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and being in the outdoors. He is active in his church and has been heavily involved in Boy Scouts of America for the last 15 years.
Education
BS Finance, University of Utah, 1996
Certifications and Affiliations
Member, Financial Services Institute (FSI)
Robert M. Woods, MBA
Senior Wealth Advisor
Robert (Robbie) Woods has been in the financial services industry since 2006. Prior to joining Ashworth Wealth, LLC in 2013, he spent seven years working for Paychex selling 401(k) recordkeeping to small and medium sized businesses. As an Advisor at Ashworth, Robbie has focused on building a clientele that includes businesses (working on their retirement plans), entrepreneurs and individuals. Robbie’s focus is on helping the clients he works with to identify and achieve their financial goals, and enjoy the wealth they have built.
Robbie is married to Melinda Woods, and they are parents to 4 children. Away from work he enjoys watching and coaching soccer games, skiing with his kids, golfing and traveling with Melinda and the kids. He resides in Riverton, Utah.
Education
BA English Literature, University of Utah 2006
MBA, University of Phoenix, 2009
Certifications and Affiliations
Member, Financial Services Institute
Barry R. Jenkins
Financial Advisor
Barry joined Ashworth Wealth, LLC in the fall of 2012. After 20 years of being on the road as a Business Development and Practice Management expert, it was time to pull back and spend more time with family and clients. During that time, Barry represented several of the country’s largest asset management companies. He travelled around the entire country, personally coaching and training industry professionals in the art and skill of becoming wealth managers. Barry has experience in delivering prudent business-building services and techniques that were designed to create long-lasting client relationships and successful businesses.
With 30 years of industry experience, Barry has extensive knowledge of the investment advisory business, with a focus on Asset Allocation and Financial Planning. With a degree in Finance and Financial Planning, his primary focus is to help clients in their efforts to achieve their financial goals. Barry has been a regular presenter to civic groups, professional organizations, students and clients on obtaining financial success through following sound, academically based investment principles.
Barry has been a guest Instructor and Lecturer at both Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. He lives in Alpine, Utah with his wife Sara. They are the proud parents of five children, and now are enjoying their six grandchildren. The family is very active in outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, boating and exploring the Wasatch Range. Barry is a senior member of the Utah County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team. He is a former President of the Utah Valley Chapter of the Marriott School’s Management Society. Barry has served on various civic and professional organizations, including the Board of Directors of the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, and The Financial Planning Association.
Education
BS Finance, Brigham Young University 1984
Cannon Financial Institute – Estate Planning and Personal Trusts, 1995
Bryce R. Jenkins, CFP©
Financial Advisor
Bryce joined Ashworth Wealth, LLC in the spring of 2018. Before joining Ashworth, Bryce was with Fidelity Investments. While at Fidelity, Bryce’s was an international stock trader and Relationship Manager. As an international trader, Bryce was responsible for trading securities not only in the United States but also in Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Australia to name a few. Trading in these countries required Bryce to work closely with his clients and their accounts to integrate foreign securities into their allocation strategies. Most recently, Bryce was a Relationship Manager to the Southern California region. In this capacity; he developed allocation strategies, created income streams, and developed tax efficient financial plans for clients. While at Fidelity, he completed the course work for the Certified Financial Planner designation commonly known as the CFP.
Bryce played colligate rugby for the University of Utah. He lives in the Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake City with his wife, Lauren. They are very active in the outdoors in their spare time. They enjoy all the winter and water sports, hiking, camping, travelling, and rock climbing. Bryce is actively involved with the community; regularly volunteering at the day shelter St. Vincent de Paul with Catholic Community Services(C.C.S.), refugee cases with C.C.S, and with the Intermountain Health Care Foundation.
Education
BS Intl Business-University of Utah, 2011
Financial Planning Education-Kaplan University, 2014
Peter M. Ferriello, CFP©
Senior Wealth Advisor
Honesty, integrity, and transparency are fundamental principles that guide every aspect of my business. After a decade of working with Wall Street firms and managing $150 million in client assets, it became apparent that the banking industry’s interests and my clients’ interests were not aligned. This drove me to become an independent financial planner, thus allowing me to act as a fiduciary and provide more thoughtful approaches to each of my client’s specific needs.
A worthwhile planner understands the nuances of each client and their behavior regarding money. This relationship is about more than how much money is in an account. It requires knowing and understanding who my clients are. Therefore, I have acquired a deep knowledge of behavioral finance and I implement these philosophies into all client interactions. My goal is to reduce stress around money and build my clients’ confidence in their financial plan. This increases the odds of success through retirement. Remember, a financial plan is only useful if one has the tools and confidence to maintain course.
As a CFP© (Certified Financial Planner) professional, I am held to the highest industry fiduciary and ethical standards. This sought after designation comes with thorough knowledge assessments, background investigations, and continuing education requirements.
When I am not at the office, I enjoy being with my wife, Katie, and together we love skiing, mountain biking, camping and just about anything outdoors. We are involved in the Italian American Civic League. Additionally, I am proud to be an Eagle Scout.
James B. Rawlings, CFP®, AIF
Client Advocate
James received a bachelors degree from BYU and is a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) practitioner and an AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary). He was also one of the first 50 people in the state of Utah to obtain the CFP® designation. In 1988, he was selected to give input to the International Board of Certified Financial Planners as they were updating their code of ethics. James has also helped develop, train and nurture numerous other investment advisor professionals. He has received various awards from his broker-dealer, Royal Alliance Associates, including serving for 8 years on Royal Alliance’s Regional Advisory Panel with two years serving as chairman.
Education
Brigham Young University
Bachelors Degree with Emphasis in
Financial Planning and Business
Certifications and Affiliations
CFP® Professional
AIF®, Accredited Investment Fiduciary
Academy of Preferred Financial Advisors, Member
Licenses and Registrations
Series 24 – General Securities Principal
Series 53 – Municipal Securities Principal
Series 4 – Registered Options Principal
Series 65 – Uniform Investment Advisor
Series 7 – General Securities Representative
Series 63 – State Uniform Securities
Insurance – Life Health and Disability
FINRA BrokerCheck
Austin McChesney
Financial Advisor
Austin joined Ashworth Wealth, LLC in November 2021. Prior to joining Ashworth, he began his career in the financial services industry working for Fidelity Investments as a High Net Worth Service Associate from June 2020 to November 2021. While at Fidelity, he developed a deep understanding of the unique needs and expectations of high net worth individuals and families. He is known for his exceptional service and attention to detail. He works closely with his clients to develop personalized financial plans that are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. He is skilled at navigating complex financial situations and providing thoughtful guidance on a wide range of financial matters, from investments and tax planning to estate planning and philanthropy. His young and adaptive mind is committed to continuous learning and professional development, and is always looking for ways to improve his skills and knowledge.
Austin grew up in Highland, Utah where he graduated from Lone Peak High School. He enrolled at BYU where he played 3 years of collegiate football and is currently finishing up his last classes to complete his Bachelor of General Studies degree.
He is married to the former Brynna DeSanti and they have 2 kids. He enjoys spending time with his family, finding the best new TV series and is an avid sports fan. He resides in Highland, Utah.
Education
Currently Enrolled at Brigham Young University
Licenses and Registrations
Series 7
Series 63
Series 65
Utah Life/Health
David R. Manookin
OSJ Manager
Dave is the Managing Executive and OSJ (Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction) – Compliance Officer.
Dave has been in the financial services business for 23 years and spent most of his time as a compliance officer, but he is a Registered Investment Advisor and a General Securities Principal.
Prior to financial services, he worked in television at KSL TV for 32 years in camera, staging, lighting director and commercial directing before becoming Technical Operations Supervisor. After five years, he was promoted Program Director and shortly thereafter, Vice President of Programming and Technical Operations for 15 years. He took early retirement on January 1, 2000 and, after a short hiatus, he went into financial services.
He has served as President of the Salt Lake Exchange Club, Chair (two years) of the Utah Children board of directors and served in the US Army Reserves from 1966 to 1972.
He is married to the former Sharon Worthen of Colonial Heights, Virginia. They met in church while he was stationed at Ft. Lee, VA. They have five children and eight grandchildren. He loves being with his wife, reading, traveling and watching movies. He used to love playing racquetball and golf. He loves having his grandchildren around, but they grew up and scattered. Holidays are looked forward to, to reunite everyone.
Education
MA Middle East Studies: Arabic – University of Utah 1977
BA Political Science International Relations – University of Utah 1971
Licenses and Registrations
Member – Financial Services Institute (FSI)
Melanie Newbold
Financial Services Office Manager
Melanie Newbold has been working in the financial industry for over 30 years. She is proficient in account set up, transfers, and IRA distributions. Her strengths include accuracy and attention to detail. She brings a love of working with those preparing for retirement and a desire to always do her best with her to Ashworth Wealth.
Melanie was born and raised in Utah. She loves the spring and fall seasons here. She is married with 4 children and enjoys working in the yard, quilting, reading and playing the piano in her free time.
Education
BA in Business Management, University of Utah – 1994
Mandy Jepsen
Financial Services Office Manager
Mandy has 10+ years of customer service experience and enjoys service-oriented opportunities in her professional and daily life. Her background spans from creating an off-road women’s community non-profit to working in assisted living as the Activity Director. On the weekends, she retreats to the mountains to hike and backpack or drive her Jeep and is happy to learn new hobbies in classes through local university continuing education. Her current dream is becoming debt free so she can own her first home.
Melanie Newbold
Financial Services Office Manger
Becky Swain, CPA
Senior Tax Accountant
None of the Ashworth Tax Services Team Members are currently licensed through RAA and as such are not authorized to give any investment or advisory advice. All such inquiries including administrative services for such are to be directed to the financial services team.
