Helping You Pursue Your Financial Goals
Meet the Team
Our Team
Stephen C. Knudson, CFP
First Vice President/Investments; Branch Manager
Stephen C. Knudson
CFP
CFP
First Vice President/Investments; Branch Manager
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Steve began his investment industry career in 1993 and joined Stifel in 2013. Prior to Stifel, he worked for Morgan Stanley. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Montana. While there, he enrolled in a course centered on the stock market and taught by a guest lecturer who was a successful financial advisor. The class’s subject matter and the instructor’s teaching style convinced him to pursue a career in investments and wealth management. Steve earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, 63, and 65 securities licenses.
Active in his community, Steve currently serves as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Yellowstone County Foundation. He served as The Hub seasonal event supporter of the Mental Health Center from 2009 to 2019 and as board member and campaign leadership team member of Billings Catholic Schools Foundation from 2010 to 2016.
Steve has a passion for almost everything outdoors: archery elk hunting and bird hunting in the fall, ice fishing in the winter, gardening in the spring, and hiking and fishing in the summer. Steve and his wife, Cary, along with their daughter, Emma, enjoy traveling to be with family and friends and also to experience different cultures. When at home, Steve and Cary enjoy spending time in their backyard, cooking together, and hosting friends at their frequent dinner parties.
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Active in his community, Steve currently serves as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Yellowstone County Foundation. He served as The Hub seasonal event supporter of the Mental Health Center from 2009 to 2019 and as board member and campaign leadership team member of Billings Catholic Schools Foundation from 2010 to 2016.
Steve has a passion for almost everything outdoors: archery elk hunting and bird hunting in the fall, ice fishing in the winter, gardening in the spring, and hiking and fishing in the summer. Steve and his wife, Cary, along with their daughter, Emma, enjoy traveling to be with family and friends and also to experience different cultures. When at home, Steve and Cary enjoy spending time in their backyard, cooking together, and hosting friends at their frequent dinner parties.
(406) 384-5933 cell trust
David W. Kuhns
Senior Vice President/Investments
David W. Kuhns
Senior Vice President/Investments
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Dave began his investment industry career in 1984 and joined Stifel in 2015. Prior to joining Stifel, he worked at Shearson Lehman Hutton, Piper, Jaffray & Hopwood Incorporated, and D.A. Davidson & Co. Dave uses his knowledge to educate his clients on the importance of estate planning strategies and building a diversified portfolio. He works with his clients to build wealth management plans based on their risk tolerance, time horizon, financial needs, and goals.
Dave earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Western State Colorado University and holds Series 4, 7, 24, 63, and 65 securities licenses.
Dave and his wife, Carol, have been married since 1981. Outside the office, Dave enjoys driving his tractor, hunting, and spending time at his cabin with his family and friends.
Dave earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Western State Colorado University and holds Series 4, 7, 24, 63, and 65 securities licenses.
Dave and his wife, Carol, have been married since 1981. Outside the office, Dave enjoys driving his tractor, hunting, and spending time at his cabin with his family and friends.
Chris Molvig
Vice President/Investments
Chris Molvig
Vice President/Investments
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Chris began his investment industry career in 1996 and joined Stifel in 2015. Prior to joining Stifel, he worked at D.A. Davidson & Co. Chris helps his clients build customized wealth management plans according to their risk tolerance, time horizon, financial needs, and short- and long-term goals. He knows that clients have needs that can change at any time, which is why he is committed to a high standard of service and communication.
Chris earned a B.A. in Business Administration Management from Carroll College and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses.
Chris has been married to his wife, Tina, since 1996. Outside the office, he enjoys watching and playing sports, spending time with his family, and walking their dogs.
Chris earned a B.A. in Business Administration Management from Carroll College and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses.
Chris has been married to his wife, Tina, since 1996. Outside the office, he enjoys watching and playing sports, spending time with his family, and walking their dogs.
Misty D. Claerbout
Associate Vice President/Investments
Misty D. Claerbout
Associate Vice President/Investments
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Misty began her financial services career in 2004 and joined Stifel in 2017. Prior to Stifel, she worked with Buchanan Capital for 13 years. She earned a B.S. in Marketing at Montana State University. Misty holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses.
During Misty’s 20-year career, she has provided outstanding client service and has an incredible ability to build long-lasting relationships based on trust and transparency. She focuses on developing comprehensive wealth management plans tailored to her clients’ specific needs. She holds herself to the highest ethical standard when it comes to her responsibilities.
Misty’s extensive knowledge about financial markets and strong business relationships throughout the community help her to provide highly customized strategies, including investment planning, risk management, estate planning, retirement planning, college planning, and insurance.
When not in the office, Misty spends her time cultivating her garden and enjoying Montana’s beautiful outdoors through hiking and skiing. In the past, she served as a board member of Billings Studio Theatre and Montana State University Billings alumni association. Over the years, she has volunteered at Billings Public Library, Zoo Montana, Montana Conservation Voters, and the Yellowstone Valley Food Hub.
During Misty’s 20-year career, she has provided outstanding client service and has an incredible ability to build long-lasting relationships based on trust and transparency. She focuses on developing comprehensive wealth management plans tailored to her clients’ specific needs. She holds herself to the highest ethical standard when it comes to her responsibilities.
Misty’s extensive knowledge about financial markets and strong business relationships throughout the community help her to provide highly customized strategies, including investment planning, risk management, estate planning, retirement planning, college planning, and insurance.
When not in the office, Misty spends her time cultivating her garden and enjoying Montana’s beautiful outdoors through hiking and skiing. In the past, she served as a board member of Billings Studio Theatre and Montana State University Billings alumni association. Over the years, she has volunteered at Billings Public Library, Zoo Montana, Montana Conservation Voters, and the Yellowstone Valley Food Hub.
Stan Jones
Vice President/Investments
Stan Jones
Vice President/Investments
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Stan began his investment industry career in 1981 and joined Stifel in 2011. He knows that investing may be overwhelming and confusing, which is why he wants to help his clients take the stress out of investing. Stan works with each of them to create wealth management plans uniquely tailored to each of their needs and goals. He also provides insurance planning, retirement planning, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies.
Stan earned a B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Utah. He holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses.
Stan has been married to his wife, Chris, since 1977. They have six kids and 21 grandkids. In the past, he has served as the President of the Rotary Club of Billings.
Stan earned a B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Utah. He holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses.
Stan has been married to his wife, Chris, since 1977. They have six kids and 21 grandkids. In the past, he has served as the President of the Rotary Club of Billings.
Edward J. Aders, Jr.
Vice President/Investments
Edward J. Aders, Jr.
Vice President/Investments
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Ed began his investment industry career in 2001 and joined Stifel in 2020. Prior to joining Stifel, he worked at UBS Financial Services and D.A. Davidson & Co. Ed understands the importance of getting to know as much as he can about his clients, including their investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. He seeks to truly understand their goals, needs, and wants, as well as what they will need as they are approaching retirement. Ed treats each of his clients equally – no matter the size of their account or their knowledge of investing.
Ed earned a B.S. in Business from Montana State University – Bozeman and holds Series 7, 65, and 66 securities licenses.
Ed and his wife, Kathy, have two adult sons, Jeff and Greg. Jeff joined Ed in the business and enjoys working with him. Outside the office, Ed enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, spending time with their Cocker Spaniel, and watching sports.
Ed earned a B.S. in Business from Montana State University – Bozeman and holds Series 7, 65, and 66 securities licenses.
Ed and his wife, Kathy, have two adult sons, Jeff and Greg. Jeff joined Ed in the business and enjoys working with him. Outside the office, Ed enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, spending time with their Cocker Spaniel, and watching sports.
Jeffrey Aders
Financial Advisor
Jeffrey Aders
Financial Advisor
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Jeff began his investment industry career at Stifel in 2020. He works hard to provide his clients with the proper education about investing, as well as the importance of knowing the “why” to investing and what they own. Jeff’s mission is to build lasting client relationships based on trust. He knows that each client is different, especially their risk tolerance. That is why he is committed to a high standard of communication with his clients to customize and adjust each plan as needed.
Jeff earned a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Mary and an M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University. He holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses.
A Montana native, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids. He enjoys playing golf, watching and attending sporting events, listening and dancing to music, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Jeff earned a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Mary and an M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University. He holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses.
A Montana native, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids. He enjoys playing golf, watching and attending sporting events, listening and dancing to music, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Abby Kanning
Registered Client Service Associate
Abby Kanning
Registered Client Service Associate
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Abby began her investment industry career in 2016 and joined Stifel in 2021. Prior to joining Stifel, she worked at Resource Financial Planning and at D.A. Davidson. Instrumental to assisting the team, Abby is committed to delivering a high standard of care to clients and assisting with the administrative and operational needs of the team.
Abby earned a B.S. in Family and Consumer Science from Montana State University – Bozeman and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Outside the office, Abby can be found reading, playing board games, spending time outdoors with her fiancé, or playing with her cats.
Abby earned a B.S. in Family and Consumer Science from Montana State University – Bozeman and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Outside the office, Abby can be found reading, playing board games, spending time outdoors with her fiancé, or playing with her cats.
Madison Eggleston
Registered Client Service Associate
Madison Eggleston
Registered Client Service Associate
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Madison grew up in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, before attending the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned a B.S.B.A. in Economics. Upon graduating in 2021, Madison and her fiancé moved to Montana for its serene beauty, their enthusiasm about the outdoors, and for a fresh perspective.
Madison began her financial services career at Stifel in 2022. She holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Through past work experiences, Madison has refined her skills of providing outstanding service to clients, having a strong attention to detail, and an eagerness to learn. She is focused on enhancing client relationships and providing operational support to the branch.
When not in the office, Madison enjoys dispersed camping, kayaking, and skiing.
Madison began her financial services career at Stifel in 2022. She holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Through past work experiences, Madison has refined her skills of providing outstanding service to clients, having a strong attention to detail, and an eagerness to learn. She is focused on enhancing client relationships and providing operational support to the branch.
When not in the office, Madison enjoys dispersed camping, kayaking, and skiing.
Lynda Rux
Registered Client Service Associate
Lynda Rux
Registered Client Service Associate
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Lynda joined Stifel in 2022 and has more than seven years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Stifel, she worked in the banking, insurance, investments, and client service industries. Lynda works with clients to build long-lasting relationships. She is detail-oriented and possesses excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Lynda earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Minot State University. She has her life, health, and variable (including annuities) licenses and her Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Born and raised in Montana, family is very important to Lynda. She is the proud mother of her son, Caleb, and daughter, Kylee, both graduates of Montana State University – Bozeman. Caleb is a PhD candidate in the UC Berkeley/ UC San Francisco joint-Bioengineering program. Kylee is a Civil Engineering graduate student at the University of Miami. Outside the office, Lynda and her husband, Mike, are involved with volunteer ministry at Faith Chapel. Lynda enjoys weekend trips to their cabin and spending time with family and her rescue dog.
Lynda earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Minot State University. She has her life, health, and variable (including annuities) licenses and her Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Born and raised in Montana, family is very important to Lynda. She is the proud mother of her son, Caleb, and daughter, Kylee, both graduates of Montana State University – Bozeman. Caleb is a PhD candidate in the UC Berkeley/ UC San Francisco joint-Bioengineering program. Kylee is a Civil Engineering graduate student at the University of Miami. Outside the office, Lynda and her husband, Mike, are involved with volunteer ministry at Faith Chapel. Lynda enjoys weekend trips to their cabin and spending time with family and her rescue dog.