About Us
Independently owned and operated to always
serve our clients best interests.
The Guide Star Financial Philosophy
It is our role to understand your financial concerns and objectives to provide clear and actionable financial plans to fit your personal goals, beliefs, and lifestyle. Our mission is to act as a guiding star for our long-standing clients who aim to make informed decisions regarding their investments, income, retirement, taxes, and estate planning.
Jay chose to work with Commonwealth Financial Network® because our firm remains independent and free to act in your best interest, without any pressure to promote proprietary products or strategies. We partner with Commonwealth because their support and ingenuity go hand-in-hand with my objectives. Together, we make a very strong team and we can provide the value you need to experience. It’s a model that differs from that of some other, larger financial firms whose financial representatives are accountable not just to their clients, but also to the parent company that employs them.
Our Partnership with Commonwealth Financial
Scale and Stability
We are proud to partner with Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser–broker/dealer that helps independent planners like us serve their clients.
Through Commonwealth’s teams of specialists, we have access to robust independent market research, financial planning expertise, and a wide universe of investment options.
Meet Our Team
Jay W. Stenzel
Financial Planner, CFP®, ChFC®
Jay was born and raised on a ranch in Geyser, Montana. After attending the University of Montana, he received his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification from the College for Financial Planning. Today, Jay has his Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) from The American College, and his FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations through Commonwealth Financial Network®, as well as numerous life and health insurance licenses.
He started his financial planning career in 1985 with another firm. He became the managing principal of the Northern Montana offices for over 23 years, overseeing recruitment, hiring, training, and product development. Jay grew the office from $40 million to $750 million in assets during his tenure.
In 2016, Jay left the firm to start his own company, Guide Star Financial, Inc. He has more than 35 years of financial and estate planning experience. Jay focuses his time working directly with our Guide Star Financial clients and with his wife Lisa and four children, and 7 grandchildren.
Blake W. Stenzel
Financial Planner, CFP®, CPWA®
As the son of our firm’s founder, Blake has been immersed in the financial planning process for much of his life. Blake too earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification from the College for Financial Planning. He supports the team with a breadth of knowledge and strategy in the areas of individual and entity tax planning.
His knowledge and experience in planning for high net worth individuals and business owners is backed by his Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) certification from Yale School of Management. Blake holds FINRA Series 7 Series 66 and numerous state insurance licenses. He began serving clients in the wealth management capacity in 2018 as an equity trader for Charles Schwab. Prior to finance, Blake initiated his professional career as an engineer in the energy industry. In the Spring of 2020, Blake returned to Great Falls and is poised to serve his hometown community.
Brianna Johnson
Office Manager
Brianna Johnson is a dedicated Office and Client Relations Manager with over five years of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in fostering strong client relationships and delivers personalized services that support building lasting relationships. Brianna plays a key role in ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty specifically with her natural ability to connect with clients and understand their needs. Her character is rooted in empathy, responsiveness, and a passion for helping clients achieve their goals.
Brianna is a commissioned Montana Public Notary, adding an extra layer of trust and convenience for clients navigating important financial documentation. She’s also earned multiple certifications in cybersecurity, equipping her with the knowledge to help safeguard client data and support secure financial operations.
Outside of work, Brianna is a proud mother of two who finds balance and inspiration in the outdoors. Whether hiking Montana’s scenic trails or spending time with her family at home, she brings the same energy and dedication to her personal life as she does to her professional role. Brianna continues to grow within the industry, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.