Meet Our Team
At Multop Financial, we take your financial planning process very seriously. Our firm is comprised of Tax Specialists, CPA's and Financial Advisors working together to craft powerful solutions for each client. We respond to your unique financial concerns, addressing them with very effective financial and tax planning techniques and solutions. We have the knowledge and skills necessary to objectively assess your financial status, identify problem areas and recommend appropriate actions – in short, we provide comprehensive, client-based financial planning. We can recognize when you have needs for the special skills of other professionals--such as insurance providers and attorneys--and we coordinate a team of consultants, all of them ready to work toward your financial goals and objectives.
The Multop Financial Team
Phillip E. Multop - Founder & Senior Planner
Certified Public Accountant - CPA
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner - CFP®
Masters Degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University
Enrolled Agent (licensed to practice before the IRS)
Business Degree in Accounting & Economics from WWU
Phil Multop is the founder and president of Multop Financial, which has a team of investment advisors providing full brokerage and CPA services to its clients, with a specialty in tax planning for business owners and retirees. He started the company in 1976 with only a handful of tax clients, and has grown the firm into one of Whatcom County's premiere investment and tax management firms.
Phil's understanding of high-level tax law allows him to go beyond the basics and use revenue codes and rulings to better serve his clients' financial goals. Goldline Research saluted Phil’s leadership in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 by recognizing him as “One of the Top 10 Most Dependable Wealth Managers of the West.”
Phil was born in Houston, Texas and raised in South Lyon, Michigan. He settled in Whatcom County in 1972 after serving four years of active duty in the Air Force. As he built his business, Phil simultaneously served 20 years in the Air National Guard Combat Communication Squadron, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1991. He has served on numerous boards and councils within the community and is the proud father of five sons and two grandsons. Phil enjoys vacationing in sunny weather with his family and golfing in any weather with friends.
Contact Phil when you have a question about the strategy of your tax or financial plan. Contact Form
Melanie Multop- Administrative & Marketing Director
Melanie has held the position of Administrative & Marketing Director for Multop Financial since 1991, but in recent years has turned day-to-day administration over to the firm's Front Office Coordinator in order to focus on client relations, practice management and brand strategies for the firm. She is also an active member of the Board of Directors of the Whatcom Museum and serves on the Economic Development Council as part of the Communications & Member Relations Team. Melanie also serves on the Board of the Cordata Land Owners Association.
Melanie's experience in business and marketing has spanned 20 years, beginning with an internship at Caterpillar, Inc., in Vancouver, B.C. which evolved into a permanent position as Advertising Coordinator for this large company of over 3,000 employees and 15 branch offices throughout British Columbia.
While attending school, Melanie worked as an event planner and design coordinator for a wedding shop in Vancouver, which spurred her passion for party planning and the finer things in life!
Phil and Melanie enjoy working together to develop the growth and future of Multop Financial, and away from the office, they especially look forward to vacations and activities with their two sons, Matthew and Austin.
To coordinate marketing efforts or to set up an event with Multop Financial, contact Melanie with our Contact Form
Tyler Ryan - Executive Director of Financial Services
After receiving his Bachelors in Finance and Economics from WWU in 2004 and obtaining his securities and insurance licenses, Tyler Ryan has held the position of Executive Director of Financial Services at Multop Financial where he collaborates with the executive team to coordinate new services, enhance current investment strategies and create solutions for clients who face unique situations.
Tyler serves a variety of community organizations, including Coordinator for the Whatcom County Advisory Board to Attorney General Rob McKenna, Finance Committee member at Bellingham Golf & Country Club, current member of the Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce and formerly served as the Volunteering Executive Director for the Michael Koenen Foundation, as well as the Membership Committee Chairman for the Bellingham Angel Group from 2008-2010.
On a personal note, Tyler is a senior licensed football official through the Washington Officials Association and referees high school varsity football games throughout Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties. He also serves on the Hospitality team at Cornwall Church and is an avid golfer. Phone: (360) 671-7891 e-mail: tyler@multop.com
Contact Tyler if you are a new client inquiring about services or if you are an existing client who would like to utilize more of what we offer. Contact Form
Michael Lamoreux, CPA - Tax & Accounting Manager
Michael Lamoreux joins Multop Financial after 25 years of experience working in the capacity of CFO, Controller and Manager for several local companies in the Pacific Northwest, including two specialized CPA firms. Michael is a CPA with a Master’s Degree in Taxation. He received his accounting degree from the College of Business and Economics at WWU in 1987 and his Masters Degree from Golden Gate University in 2002. He has proceeded to enhance his education, credentials and level of experience in the fields of tax and accounting ever since.
Michael will serve our clientele of individual tax and business accounting clients as the manager of the Tax Accounting department here at Multop Financial. With Michael’s management skills, we have the ability to expand the services offered through our accounting department and we look forward to bringing the benefits of yet another level of expertise to our clients, their businesses and their families. Along with Phil Multop, the entire team at Multop Financial looks forward to having Michael on-board as a leader in the firm’s future.
As former Whatcom County residents, Michael and his wife, Ginger, are pleased to be back in Bellingham’s beautiful surroundings, where they can participate in hobbies such as gardening, bird-watching, writing music, boating and enjoying their home on the lake.
If you are a current client who would like some additional tax consulting or if you are a business owner looking to work with our firm, contact Michael with our Contact Form
Ted Newman - Financial Advisor
Ted Newman has been serving the Pacific Northwest as a financial advisor since 1997. After receiving his degree in Finance & Marketing from University of Washington, Ted earned his financial designations; Series 6, 63, 7 and 65 as well as licenses for Life & Disability insurance, making him a fully-qualified advisor with expertise in the areas of retirement money management.
Born and raised in Seattle, Ted has lived here in Bellingham with his wife, Susan since 1989. His love for NASCAR events, specifically the Daytona 500 Speed Week, takes Ted to Florida and other sunny vacation spots whenever time permits. His regular hobbies include skiing, golf and running.
For a complimentary consultation and to handle transfer procedures from your former Frontier Bank accounts, please contact Ted.
Aretha Allen - Financial Services Manager
Aretha graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Finance & Economics. She immediately began her career at Multop Financial while earning her insurance and securities licenses. Once she was fully licensed, it was evident that her natural curiosity for financial planning and inclination for detail-oriented work would make her a perfect client service manager for Multop Financial's investment department.
Aretha handles the day-to-day service for over 400 investment accounts and works closely with Phil Multop to implement high-level portfolio management plans for business owners and retirees. Her biggest satisfaction comes from seeing the clients' peace of mind when their finances are being handled professionally and diligently.
Aretha is a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and the American Business Women's Association. She enjoys entertaining, traveling and attending economic forums for professional advancement.
Contact Aretha when you need service on an existing investment account. Contact Form
Kjirsten Hedine – Planning Assistant
Kjirsten is a 2010 graduate from Western Washington University with a degree in Business Administration, and a concentration in Marketing. Upon graduation she was immediately hired by Multop Financial as a Planning Assistant, providing full-time, professional assistance to Tyler Ryan & Melanie Multop with activities relating to the firm’s marketing and business development.
When she is not at the office, Kjirsten likes to travel and visit her family in her hometown of Walla Walla whenever she gets the chance. She also enjoys skiing, spending time outdoors with her dog, and attending various community events.
For marketing related inquiries or to schedule a meeting with Tyler Ryan, please contact Kjirsten.
Megan Starkenburg - Receptionist
As the newest member of the Multop team, Megan comes to us after 15 years of customer service experience. Her friendly demeanor is infectious, and her favorite part of the job is meeting and getting to know clients. With her can-do attitude and unmistakable determination, Megan has quickly become one of the team at Multop Financial.
When she is not at the office, Megan enjoys relaxing at her new home with her 2 young children and hardworking husband.
For any general office need, or to schedule an appointment with any member of our team, you can contact Megan by using our Contact Form.