Having grown up in a Nebraska farming community, I left the Midwest
in the early 80s for my first job as assistant to a U.S. House
Representative in Washington, D.C., followed by a position for the U.S.
Senate Finance Committee. Upon entering the financial industry, I
worked for Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), then
spent three years in the corporate accounting world utilizing my
Certified Public Accountant and Personal Financial Specialist
credentials. Positions with Acacia and American Express Financial
Advisors (now Ameriprise) followed, before founding Bernhardt Wealth
Management (BWM) in 1994.
It is important for me to be able to look in the mirror at the end of the
day and feel good about what I did for those I serve. So rather than be
restricted by a large company’s cookie cutter methodology, I
established an independent firm where I removed the conflicts of
interest that were prevalent elsewhere and where I could create
customized plans that are far more appropriate for individual clients.
In 2022, the BWM team joined Modera Wealth Management, also an
independent, fee-only firm with a like-minded investment approach
and wealth management philosophy. I implemented the merger to
enhance resources and capabilities and ensure our clients will receive
optimal financial guidance well into the future.
While fulfilling work is important, the greatest rewards come from
living a well-rounded life. For that reason, I strive to relieve my clients
of their financial anxieties, so that they can pursue their dreams.
“Life” is what gets me out of bed each morning. I have always loved
life and am fortunate that I love what I do in this life—serving my

employees, clients, and a network of professionals in the Washington,
DC area. My gratitude has only increased since I walked 618 miles for
35 days on the Camino de Santiago, one of the most wonderful trails
on earth. As an amateur photographer I’ve had the privilege of
capturing the serene beauty that surrounds me as I hike. But I also
enjoy the excitement of college sports, especially the Nebraska
Huskers football team!
Education
 B.S., University of Virginia, Commerce
 CERTIFED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
Media Resource
 Book Author, Buen Camino: What a Hike through Spain Taught
Me about Investing and Life
 Book Author, Profiles in Success: Inspiration from Executive
Leaders in the Washington D.C. Area
 MSN Money
 CNN Money
 Kiplinger
 The New York Times
 Lifestyle magazine
 Executive Leaders Radio

Note to Nhat: The hyperlink for Gordon’s Blog doesn’t work like the hyperlinks for
the “Learn More” and “Read Gordon’s” link above and below the blog link. Thanks!

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