Our team’s depth of experience and sharp analytical skills enable us to offer an unlimited range of customized wealth management strategies. Our process begins with a thorough understanding and assessment of your financial objectives, for today and the future.
Wealth Advisor
Adrian Dargis is an accomplished Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional who seamlessly blends experience with a forward-thinking approach. Growing up on a farm in Northeast Alberta, he developed a strong work ethic and resilience—values that continue to define his practice today.
After graduating in Business from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in 2014, Adrian quickly established himself as a successful financial advisor. He earned his CFP® certification in 2018 and has since built a practice dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve lasting financial success. With a deep understanding of the agricultural industry, he provides specialized guidance tailored to his clients’ evolving needs.
Adrian is passionate about helping families build and preserve wealth across generations. He works closely with clients to create comprehensive financial plans that support long-term security, from growing assets to passing on a meaningful legacy. His approach prioritizes financial well-being not just for today, but for the future of his clients and their loved ones.
Beyond his professional expertise, Adrian is a proud father of four. Balancing his thriving career with a busy household, he understands firsthand the importance of financial security and planning for the future. Whether coaching his son’s hockey team, participating in charitable tournaments, or supporting local fundraising initiatives, he is committed to making a positive impact—both in his clients’ lives and in his community.
With a client-focused approach and a commitment to excellence, Adrian continues to provide expert financial strategies that help families secure their future for generations to come.
Wealth Advisor
Mike Palynchuk is a seasoned Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional who brings decades of financial expertise and an unwavering commitment to excellence. After earning his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, Mike has been a prominent figure in the financial industry since 1983, providing expert guidance and personalized financial strategies to clients.
Attaining the esteemed CFP® certificate in 1994, Mike shared his extensive knowledge by teaching CFP® courses at Grant MacEwan from 1995 to 2000. His dedication extends to voluntary leadership roles, including two terms as Chairman of the local Canadian Association for Financial Planners chapter. After the merger with Advocis, he also served as the National Chair of Education for CAFP and the National Member Service Chair for Advocis.
Mike partnered with Adrian in 2021, combining his wealth of experience with Adrian’s innovative, forward-thinking approach to better serve clients. Together, they offer a unique blend of financial expertise and visionary strategies.
As a trusted Wealth Advisor, Mike remains dedicated to the financial well-being of clients, offering personalized solutions that make a lasting impact on their financial journey.
Associate
Alynne Ofstedahl brings over a decade of customer service experience and a diploma in Arts and Cultural Management from MacEwan University. With a dynamic blend of organization, strategic thinking, and client-focused service, she plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations and effective communications across the team.
Working under Adrian’s leadership since November 2023, Alynne contributes to the team’s growth and efficiency by managing key initiatives that enhance internal processes and strengthen client relationships. Known for her creativity, and keen attention to detail, she is dedicated to delivering exceptional, personalized service. Her adaptability and problem-solving skills make her an invaluable asset to our continued success.
Associate
Nick Lischka joined the team in 2025, bringing a wealth of leadership experience from managing a large chain of restaurants. Prior to joining, he worked as an insurance specialist at a respected agency, where he honed his expertise in business coverage, critical illness protection, health benefits, and life and wealth investment strategies.
Nick is passionate about helping clients achieve exceptional outcomes through tailored financial solutions and building meaningful, long-lasting relationships. With his diverse background and deep understanding of client needs, he plays a key role in enhancing the team’s ability to deliver exceptional service.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys playing hockey with friends, catching a game, and spending quality time with his family. Inspired by the birth of his daughter, he developed a strong appreciation for the importance of planning for the future—an outlook that continues to shape his dedication to helping others secure their financial well-being.
LL.B., LL.M. TAX, TEP
Vice-President, Advanced Wealth Planning Strategy & Services
Judith is based in Kelowna, BC and works with advisory teams and clients across Canada to bring innovative tax strategies and estate planning solutions to their wealth plans. Judith believes a client’s objectives must drive any plan and loves helping clients find personalized solutions to their planning needs.
Prior to joining Wellington-Altus, Judith spent over 10 years at top-tier law and accounting firms advising clients on complex tax issues. Passionate about tax and making tax planning relevant and accessible to all, she regularly prepares presentations on various tax issues and has contributed to numerous publications on selected tax topics. She has been a speaker at various Canadian Tax Foundation conferences and a facilitator and lecturer for CPA Canada’s “In-Depth Tax Program”.
Judith graduated from the Université de Montréal with a Bachelor of Laws in civil law and a Master of Laws in taxation (jointly with HEC Montréal). Judith is a lawyer with the Barreau du Québec and a Canadian Legal Advisor with the Law Society of British Columbia.
Outside of work, she is an avid runner and cyclist, and loves to explore local trails. She can often be found enjoying the outdoor mountain playgrounds that surround her home.
Independent Consultant
Gene Hochachka is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Frontier Financial Inc., a registered portfolio manager. Originally from Edmonton, Gene began his career in Vancouver, where he spent eight years as a quantitative financial analyst with Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management. He then spent nearly sixteen years with ATB Investment Management, first as a portfolio manager of the Compass portfolio program and then also as the company’s Chief Investment Officer. Under his management, Compass was one of the top-performing programs of its type in Canada and grew to nearly $17 billion of assets.
Gene supports Dargis Private Family Wealth through his role as an independent Portfolio Consultant, which includes the design of model portfolios, ongoing due diligence, client communication, and acting as a sounding board to Adrian & Mike to discuss markets and investing.
Gene’s education includes a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Distinction from the University of Alberta, a Master of Science in Finance degree from the University of British Columbia including one year of doctoral-level courses, and the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Mr. Hochachka is an independent consultant to Adrian Dargis, and is not an employee of Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. (“WAPW”), nor is he registered in any capacity with WAPW. Mr. Hochachka is registered with the Alberta Securities Commission as an advising representative, but does not provide portfolio management advice or registrable services directly to clients of WAPW.
