Meet Our Team
Left to right - Monica Stenevich, Michael Lamoreux, Gayle Miller, Lydia Gustafson, Melanie Multop, Phil Multop, Tyler Ryan, Aretha Allen, & Andrew Knox.
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 and 2009 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 - Director of Business Development
Tyler earned a BA degree in Economics & Finance from Western Washington University, and he is also fully licensed in insurance and securities. These professional and educational assets prove valuable as he develops and coordinates new services, products and implementation methods for Multop Financial.
With a thorough understanding of personal finance and economics and the ability to think outside the box, Tyler talks with business owners and retirees to determine their unique needs, and collaborates with his co-workers to create solutions. He really enjoys working in an ever-changing industry and being involved with the growth potential of Multop Financial.
Tyler participates in community activities as the chairman of the membership committee for the Bellingham Angel Group and the Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the hospitality team at Cornwall Church. Tyler is also a licensed football official and referees for high school football games throughout Whatcom, Skagit and the Island Counties. Although Tyler says his biggest hobby is his work, he also enjoys fishing, golfing and traveling.
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
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
Diane Tate, EA, CFP
Diane received her designation as a Certified Financial Planner PractitionerTM in 1988 and continued her education in the field of finance and tax by obtaining her Enrolled Agent certification in 1994 and securities licenses Series 6 and 65 in 1995.
Diane has worked as a tax preparer for the past 15 years and also served and belonged to organizations such as the California State Enrolled Agent Association and the Washington Association of Accountants as well as Rotary International.
Diane enjoys community activities here in Whatcom County and looks forward to serving Multop Financial clients during tax season.
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 Diane with our Contact Form
William Zollner – Front Office Coordinator
William Zollner puts his attention to detail and dedication to client service to good use as the Front Office Coordinator at Multop Financial. With a BA in Economics from University of Washington and Series 7 General Securities License, William’s understanding of the industry comes in very useful as he navigates between the clients and the team, acting as the liaison and coordinator for customer service at the front desk. His “can-do” attitude is a vital component of his success as the hub of the office.
With the goal of ultimately working with the firm’s financial planning department on a full time basis, William is utilizing this opportunity of serving as Front Office Coordinator to get to know the clients, vendors and colleagues on a more personal basis, while at the same time learning every aspect of what happens behind the scenes at Multop Financial.
While not at work, William enjoys spending time with his wife and newborn son, Luke, learning the ropes of parenthood. He also enjoys participating in competitive pistol shooting in the local IPSC/USPSA chapter and is a member of the Custer Sportsmen’s Club.
For any general office need, or to schedule an appointment with any member of our team, you can contact William by using our Contact Form.
Monica Stenevich – Bookkeeper
Monica has 22 years of experience as an administrative professional. Her expertise at Multop Financial has expanded into business bookkeeping and payroll management, with a heavy emphasis on the use of accounting & payroll software (Sage, Business Works and CCH).
As a dedicated and detail-oriented person, Monica is successful as a payroll manager for approximately 50 small business clients who require ongoing assistance with employee payroll needs. She also handles our in-house bookkeeping and reconciliation duties.
When not at work, Monica looks forward to camping and boating trips with her husband, Mike, and her two children, Megan and Clayton.
Contact Monica for payroll calculations or accounts payable/receivable questions. Contact Form