Robert M. Gruber founded The Rainier Group in 1988 because he realized the traditional approach to financial planning and products cannot solve the key issues facing owners of privately held companies.

Bob has spent more than 30 years guiding owners of private companies and high net worth individuals through a wide range of complex business, family and financial decisions. That wealth of experience makes The Rainier Group what it is today: A cutting-edge advisor that marries proprietary financial modeling with the acumen earned by advising more than 800 clients through business and personal transition planning.

Bob serves on Rainier Group’s executive management team that directs all aspects and strategy for the company’s business operations.

Bob is a former member of Rotary and is the past Board Chair of Wellspring Family Services of King County. He has also served on the Entrepreneurial Board of the School of Business of Seattle University.

“I derive great satisfaction from the impact our work has on our clients; we help make a measurable and significant difference in their lives. The opportunity to make a difference and to do so along with a group of people of the highest quality who are a pleasure to work with is a true gift.

David brings clarity to complex issues. He leads Rainier Group’s business consulting efforts throughout the country, working with Rainier’s clients and managing relationships with its strategic business partners. David forges and maintains links with professionals who serve private companies, their owners, and board members. David has assisted business owners plan and implement ownership and management transitions with The Rainier Group since 1988.

David leads Rainier’s work with national and regional financial institutions. Over the years, David and Rainier have and continue to partner with several Fortune 1000 companies to bring Rainier’s unique business advice to their top private clients

David serves on Rainier Group’s executive management team that directs all aspects and strategy for the company’s business operations.

Honing his skills as a professional engineer, in project management for an international electrical system manufacturer, and training at one of the nation’s top business schools, David’s has specific expertise related to business consulting, specifically ownership and management transition and corporate governance, for privately held companies. He also brings great insight and expertise to the personal financial and estate issues important to private company owners as they contemplate changing their relationship with their businesses.

David’s formal training includes a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University and an M.B.A from the University of Washington.

David serves as a director on numerous boards for both profit and charitable organizations. He is pleased to currently serve on the Moyer Foundation’s board.

As President of Rainier Group Investment Advisory, LLC, Mark Pellegrino brings over 27 years of investment advisory experience to the firm, including directing equity research efforts, equity funds management, private and institutional client portfolio management, and the development of mutual fund complexes and alternative investment platforms.

Mark serves on Rainier Group Inc’s executive management team that directs all aspects and strategy for the company’s business operations.

Prior to joining The Rainier Group, Mark was responsible for spearheading Family Office efforts in the western half of the U.S. for Mellon's Private Wealth Management Group. He also served as one of the original architects of Banc One Investment Advisors, having played numerous strategic, leadership/management, asset management, and client-facing roles.

Mark has managed investments for some of the more prominent families in the U.S. and understands the varied needs of both entrepreneurial clients and multi-generational families.

Mark is a graduate of Texas Christian University with a BBA in Finance. He is also a graduate of the Leading Strategic Exchange Program at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia.

Mark is a member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center President’s Council.

What I find most rewarding about my position at the firm:

“I’m thrilled to have been able to take my very broad experience in the industry and to use it in further developing an investment philosophy and platform that really resonates with the types of clients that are drawn to the firm. Having deployed aggressive defensive measures during the most prolific bear market of our generation, it was gratifying to hear the collective ’sigh of relief’ from our clients.”

Skip Bell has over 37 year experience in working with owners of privately held businesses and affluent individuals. Providing expertise in investment planning and management, Skip understands how changes in the economy affect investors and their portfolio management needs. Skip is recognized in the investment community for his well considered and practical approach to providing investment advice.

Skip serves on Rainier Group Inc’s executive management team that directs all aspects and strategy for the company’s business operations.

”The opportunity to be involved with our client’s lives, in a meaningful way, often, over many decades of time, provides a great deal of personal satisfaction to me. Helping our clients through the various stages of their lifetime—growing children, education, marriages, grandchildren, planning for retirement and then finally, vicariously enjoying that final phase with them is truly a marvelous way to spend a career!“

Glen White has worked with business owners at the Rainier Group since 1989. His expertise includes strategies and tactics critical to business transitions, complex estates and high net worth individuals. He supervises the firm’s technical research staff and is directly involved in developing recommendations for clients throughout the country. Because of this direct involvement, Mr. White has insight on how policies and regulations affect private business and the economy.

Glen serves on Rainier Group’s executive management team that directs all aspects and strategy for the company’s business operations.

Glen works with clients throughout the US and has been quoted in business and trade publications on matters affecting private business owners. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Planning and a Master of Science degree in Taxation.

“I enjoy effective communication, watching people take hold of useful information is its own reward. I like identifying issues others might miss and solving problems. We don’t wow people every time but it continues be fun to step back and notice how regularly we do. I like surprising people with how good we can be.”

Donald Bielen specializes in ownership transitions, business succession and wealth management for successful business owners and affluent individuals.  Since 1992, Don has successfully completed well in excess of 100 business transition and succession plans for clients throughout the United States.  He works closely with Rainier Group clients and technical staff to provide direction and consultation to design and implement advanced planning strategies.  He is recognized by his clients and other advisors as a trusted, knowledgeable, organized and creative leader in his field and community.

Donald received a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Oregon and holds a CFP^® designation as a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner. He received a Bachelors of Science (B.S) degree in Business Finance and a minor in Economics from the University of Montana.  He is also a graduate from the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado. 

Donald serves on the Board of Directors for several privately-held companies, is the Chairman of Budget and Finance for the Forest Heights NOA, and is an active member with the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).  He frequently volunteers his time to various non-profit and charitable organizations throughout Portland.  Prior to joining the Rainier Group, Donald held positions as an Operations Manager for Allstate Insurance Company in the Regional Operations Center, Assistant Manager for Montana Merchandising, and was a Grain Merchandiser for the Columbia Grain Company. 

“I thrive on our ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of business owners and their families.  It is extremely rewarding to develop close business and personal relationships and serve as a trusted advisor and resource to tackle complex financial, business and family issues.   I enjoy interacting and learning from intelligent innovative professionals, both internal and external to the Rainier Group.   I enjoy the fact that each client’s situation is truly unique and each day is a new day with its own set of challenges.“

Patrick Hines works with and advises high net worth individuals and owners of companies throughout California. He studies balance sheets, income statements, and tax and estate documents to design pragmatic strategies that maximize value and avoid unintended consequences. Hines is a registered investment advisor representative, holding a Series 65 license and provides common sense unconflicted investment advice as well as creating custom wealth management portfolios for his clients.

Hines has had over 35 years of experience as the hands-on lead advisor/banker to both large and small entities including: The Bechtel Group, Anschutz Holdings, Crowley Maritime Corporation, The Shorenstein Company as well as numerous private clients.

Prior to joining The Rainier Group, he was Director of Bank of America’s Private Bank, Chief Credit Officer, Industrial Indemnity Financial Corporation - Xerox Financial Services, Manager of Corporate Banking - Wells Fargo Bank and a Commissioned National Bank Examiner (enforcement & compliance) with the United States Treasury’s Comptroller of the Currency. He is a founder and Director of iParadigms, LLC, the leading software company in the field intellectual property protection.

Hines has served on numerous for profit and nonprofit boards. Currently he is Director of the Stanford Institute for Quantitative Study, QueensCare and the Bridge Rail Foundation.

He is a graduate of the University of San Francisco and also a graduate of the United States Treasurys International Banking, Management, and Legal Compliance Schools. Pat is a frequent guest lecturer at the University level in Economics.

He is a native San Franciscan - fourth generation Californian.

“The most rewarding thing about my position with the Rainier Group is the people that I work with who enable me to deliver incredible service and unique solutions to a wide array of great clients.”

Steve offers a depth of experience in serving the financial needs of wealthy individuals and families.  He supports a number of the firm's Wealth Management and Business Advisory relationships, while developing new opportunities to assist business owners and high net worth individuals in achieving their life's goals.  Steve also serves a pivotal role in a number of the firm's strategic endeavors, including marketing, messaging, process and client service culture.

Steve has more than 11 years of experience in the wealth management business, having served as Vice President within Private Wealth Management at J.P. Morgan Chase.  While in this role he led customer segmentation analyses, developed non-profit marketing campaigns, and implemented cross-referral strategies within various lines of business.

Steve also served as Vice President and Financial Consultant for Charles Schwab & Co, where he was a lead consultant during his entire tenure.  He also served in strategic roles in the areas of marketing, training, technology adoption and compensation structure.

Steve is a graduate of the University of Washington and holds an MBA from Thunderbird University.  Steve also holds a Certified Financial Manager designation and has served as a Certified Instructor for the Dale Carnegie Institute.

He has offered a great deal of service to the Seattle charitable community, including the Seattle Opera.

As Director of Portfolio Management at Rainier Group Investment Advisory LLC, Michelle manages relationships for some of the most important clients of the firm. She also serves as a linchpin for the firm’s portfolio management practices, service culture and messaging. Michelle serves as a key member of the firm’s Investment Policy Committee.

Michelle has more than 18 years of experience in the investment advisory business, having recently served as Chief Investment Officer and Equity Strategist at Perkins Coie Trust Company. As one of the original founders of this entity, Michelle was a key architect and leader of Perkins Coie’s investment philosophy, strategies, tactics and disciplines.

Prior to joining Perkins Coie, Michelle served client portfolio management interests at The Harris, Wells Fargo Private Asset Management and First Interstate Bank.

She is a graduate of Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington and the Freiburg Program at the Institute for European Studies in Germany. Michelle holds both a Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Designation. 

John is a Portfolio Manager for Rainier Group Investment Advisory and a member of the Investment Policy Committee. His responsibilities include economic and market analysis/forecasts, client portfolio and relationship management, quarterly review of RGIA’s preferred managers, development and enhancement of financial models that report the results of investment analysis and recommendations, and analysis of potential and existing client portfolios, including recommended changes.

John is a seasoned advisor and has been in the investment industry since 1993. He is a graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. John holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, and is a member of the CFA Society of Seattle.

“The most rewarding aspect of my position at the Rainier Group is having a meaningful impact on the quality of life our clients would like to lead, based on the sound investment decisions we make. “

Tom Ovendale works with Rainier Group clients and relationship managers to develop advanced analytic tools and solutions to address complex business transition, estate reduction and key employee planning issues. In addition to case design and analysis, as a Senior Analyst Tom is responsible for the development of Rainier’s sophisticated analytical and modeling tools. With the Rainier Group since 1992, he has been instrumental in expanding Rainier’s planning capabilities through his innovation and technical skills while serving as resource to Rainier’s technical services group members.

Tom is also a Certified Business Appraiser with the Institute of Business Appraisers, providing business valuation services for a wide variety of closely-held businesses in a variety of industries. Tom graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Washington. Prior to joining Rainier, Tom worked at the William Mercer Company and Seafirst Bank.

“I find my greatest satisfaction here at the Rainier Group when a strategy I helped to develop is implemented and successfully achieves the client’s goals.”

Adam is an analyst and member of the Investment Policy Committee for Rainier Group Investment Advisory. His responsibilities include manager screening and selection, as well as the analysis of mutual funds, individual equities and alternative investment strategies. Adam is also involved in the portfolio construction process as it relates to asset allocation.  Prior to joining RGIA, Adam was a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs & Co.

Adam is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound and was a member of the University’s Business Leadership Program. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business with an emphasis in Finance and Economics. Adam is currently pursuing both the CFA and CMT designations.

“I derive great satisfaction from seeing my research and the conclusions of that research being implemented in client portfolios in a way that improves the risk and return characteristics of the portfolios.  The ability to initiate research, see that project through from start to finish, and quickly act on the findings is a benefit of a nimble boutique firm such as Rainier Group Investment Advisory.  I also enjoy the intellectual stimulation from working with colleagues on a wide range of issues, either on the Investment Policy Committee or in every-day endeavors.”

Adam Price provides technical analysis and case design to business owners and affluent individuals.  He is a member of the technical services planning team focusing on developing client strategies for business transitions, ownership succession and estate transfers.  Since joining Rainier in 2006, Adam has been party to and instrumental in advising well over a 100 of Rainier clients throughout the United States.

Adam graduated from University of Washington’s Milgard School of Business with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Business with an emphasis on Economics and Finance. He is currently enrolled and is a candidate to graduate from University of Washington’s Foster School of Business with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

“The most rewarding aspect of my position is being able to create a strategy tailored to accomplish all of a client’s objectives.  The complex estates of our clients often demand technical proficiency and attention to detail when creating strategies that will satisfy their objectives. The process of creating a strategy that satisfies a client’s objectives is an exceedingly rewarding experience for me.”

Jill is the Director of Operations and Chief Compliance Officer for Rainier Group Investment Advisory.   She is responsible for overseeing all administrative and operations matters related to RGIA, including direct client contact, securities trading, asset movement and client reporting.  In addition, she is responsible for overseeing and administering RGIA’s compliance monitoring and reporting functions. 

Jill has in excess of 12 years of Investment Operations experience and has graduated through the organization since joining the firm as an Investment Assistant in 2001.  Prior to joining Rainier Group, Jill held the position of Operations Manager at Paine Webber.