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Tomorrow's journey is taking shape today.


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Life-Oriented Wealth Solutions

for Kansas City & Throughout the Nation

At Normandy Investment Advisors, we create wealth strategies founded on the values, ambitions and people that are important to your life. Our goal is to deeply understand your story as we work collaboratively with you to establish and maintain your financial health.


Our mission is to instill peace of mind that allows you to truly enjoy your life.

By restoring order within your personal financial picture, we help individuals and families find a renewed sense of balance.


What Can You Expect
From Normandy Investment Advisors?

These are the main tenets we stick to in our work:

Serving in Your Best Interest Is Our Commitment

Even beyond our legal standing as fiduciaries, we have a personal ethical dedication to only recommend solutions we wholeheartedly feel are in line with your financial wellbeing.

We Believe in the Value of Listening

Rather than provide a pre-packaged solution, we commit our time to understanding what it is you need and what you want to accomplish—and custom craft a plan accordingly.

Financial Management is an Ongoing Process

Life brings inevitable change with newfound goals and shifting priorities. After we establish your strategy, we will regularly review and adjust over time.

Can You See Yourself As a Client of Ours?

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We Are Passionate About
Personally Serving You 

Through Every Life Chapter

A Word From Our Founder, Jeff Tudas:


Why the name Normandy? There are really two reasons.

One is very personal in that my father (Pfc. John H. Tudas) served with the 4th Infantry Division, 8th Infantry Regiment and landed in the first wave on Utah Beach with Brigadier General Teddy Roosevelt Jr. on June 6, 1944. He then fought through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany for 10 and a half months and participated in the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge.


My father never made it back to those beaches, but I returned for the 70th anniversary in 2014 and visited all 5 beaches as well as the American Cemetery and many of the landmarks and museums. One can only imagine what it was like on that fateful day.

The name is a tribute to my father and all who fought in that epic battle to provide freedom across the globe. To the boys that gave up their future so we could have ours, and for the ones that returned but were never the same—we should never forget their sacrifices.


The second reason is that history books chronicle all of the detailed planning that went into preparing for this invasion. Prior to having sophisticated technology, it is amazing the level of detail that was undertaken to plan for this successful start to the end of the war in the European Theater. Likewise, we believe that planning for one’s future should also incorporate deep, detailed thinking.

Normandy is an homage to the kind of hard work and forethought that creates freedom, financial or otherwise, and a life of true impact and meaning.


Meet the Team


“Do you understand me?
And can you help me?”

When it comes to choosing an advisor, we always say that if you can answer these questions positively in your mind, you are starting on the right path. Our entire approach is founded on getting to know you and providing guidance based on that understanding.

We are dedicated to listening to your thoughts, your ideas, and your desires for the future. Why? Because money is about much more than dollars and cents. It impacts how you feel every single day and how you can live. Our goal as a team is to align your money in a way that genuinely enhances your state of mind and your life as a whole.

Money can be stressful, but we want our clients to know we’re relentlessly here for them throughout their financial journeys.

You have a partner in us. And you don’t ever have to go at it alone.

 Jeff Tudas, CFP® Photo

Jeff Tudas, CFP®

Founder, Principal
Read Bio

 Jeff Tudas

Jeff Tudas, CFP®

Founder, Principal

There is no shortage of information available in our culture on any given subject. Too often, the focus is on short term results driven by recency bias. I am driven to be a thought leader and to understand the “why” as I believe that the answer to that question leads to more long lasting, desirable outcomes. Unfortunately, the financial services business incentivizes advisors in a manner that benefits them above the client focused on sales and volume. At Normandy that will never be the case.

I believe that people are always seeking individual freedom which leads to peace. It’s up to me to help clients navigate through everything culture throws our way to bring about that peace.

I began my love of understanding how things worked at a very young age as I was always taking things apart. I continued that journey as I earned a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University. After working for a chemical company for many years I stepped away from the corporate world because of my fascination with financial markets. I obtained an MBA from Rockhurst University and then joined an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm. Through self-study alone I obtained the Certified Financial Planner certification in 2003 as I view it as a rigorous program that adds value for clients.

I was fortunate to have met my wonderful wife, Mary Beth over 40 years ago. We were privileged to raise four children (Jessica, Blair, Ryan, and Sean) who have gone on to make their own mark on the world in different ways.

As someone who believes it is a privilege to live in the United States of America, I believe that I must give back to the very people that provide my freedom, the men and women who have served and are currently serving in our military. I have deep respect for those that fight for our freedom. The name of our firm, Normandy Investment Advisors is a tribute to my father who fought on the front lines in Europe during World War II. His humble recollection of that journey is one I will never forget. I am also proud that Ryan chose to join the United States Marine Corps and served as UH-1Y pilot. After almost 9 years of service, he left as a Captain and now works within our firm.

 Brent Caswell, AIF® Photo

Brent Caswell, AIF®

Principal
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 Brent Caswell

Brent Caswell, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, AIF®

Principal


Brent brings a unique background and lifetime of experiences to his responsibilities as a business owner and financial advisor. As a young child, he lived for ten years with his parents and brother in Seoul, Korea. He also worked as a professional fundraiser for sixteen years in the Kansas City area raising funds for numerous non-profit organizations.

Brent took these and other experiences and parlayed them into becoming a full-time financial advisor. He says, “He has never worked harder for something that he wanted more.” As a licensed financial advisor since 2010, he has taken his interest in people, their life stories, and those elements which are important to them, to being a partner in clients’ financial planning. Additionally, Brent realized a dream two years ago when he and his business partner started Normandy Investment Advisors – a Registered Investment Advisory firm. As an RIA, their firm focuses entirely on the fiduciary responsibility for their clients.

 

  • He holds the Certified Financial Fiduciary® (CFF) credential signifying that he upholds the highest moral, ethical and fiduciary standards of service.
  • He is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) – a designation which was conveyed to “…carry out a fiduciary standard of care and serve the best interests of their clients.”
  • Brent has received the Five Star Wealth Manager Award each year since 2018 (2018-2024). 
  • Brent is an Eagle Scout with the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
  • He is a member of Community of Christ Church.
  • Brent is a current Board member of Developing Potential (DPI) and has served on numerous boards of non-profit organizations.

 

Brent and his wife, Michele, have been married for over 30 years and live in Eastern Jackson County. They have a grown son and daughter who live in the area and with whom they get together and travel with frequently. 

Grant Montgomery, CFP® Photo

Grant Montgomery, CFP®

Financial Advisor
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Grant Montgomery

Grant Montgomery, CFP®

Financial Advisor



I’m a solution finder at heart.

My military service taught me the importance of effective problem-solving. As a United States Army Veteran and an officer in field artillery, patriotism and service have always been my passion.

My love for financial management began early. I was 18 when I invested my life savings (the mighty sum of $1,000) in a mutual fund. I was thrilled to feel as if I was at least beginning to take control of my finances while enjoying the benefits of compounding interest. This passion remains with me, and you can bet that this had grown a lot by the time I stepped into financial services.

As a trusted leader in the Army, I was involved with planning, training, and executing combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. It was my responsibility to make sound decisions for individuals and for the entire unit’s mission. I loved the challenge of constantly making things better for all involved.

The best part of my life is being with my family, my wife Christina, two daughters - Cassidy and Allison, and one son - Jackson, attending their practices, games, and being there to watch each of them grow as individuals. Whenever I am not involved in family, parish, or Veteran activities, I get to enjoy my gearhead time and work on my car.

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Tom Laming

Chief Investment Officer
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Tom Laming

Tom Laming

CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER


As a teenager my passion by day was Olympic-style weightlifting, and by night, dragging my telescope outside to gaze at the sky.

Usually when somebody hears you competed in weightlifting, they ask “How much could you bench press?” That’s not Olympic lifting, so I never did that, but I was 16 when I first cleaned and jerked 100 pounds more than my bodyweight, and 17 when I fell just shy of putting double my bodyweight overhead. That was good enough to reach a number one ranking in the nation in my weight class for lifters under age 18, but it did not help my high school GPA.

What I learned from lifting was the value of repetition and hard work. By the time I entered college I realized to succeed I’d have to apply the same discipline to books. This is when my other passion kicked in. I loved astronomy, but quickly realized it was all about physics. So, I decided to study physics at the nearest school, the University of Kansas.

That would lead me to work on Space Shuttle navigation at the Johnson Space Center, and then to graduate school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study Aeronautics and Astronautics. Upon graduation it was off to a career in spacecraft design in Los Angeles and Denver for what are now Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.

While working as an engineer I developed an interest in investments and markets. I ultimately viewed portfolio management like any other engineering problem. I loved the space business, but I thought I could apply my knowledge of technology to investing. What company would have a competitive advantage over another? What portfolio of stocks and bonds yields the best solution? So, I returned to school, this time at Indiana University for an MBA and subsequently took a job as the technology sector analyst for Waddell & Reed in Kansas City.

After a few years I moved on to Buffalo Mutual Funds as a portfolio manager and Chief Equity Strategist. Ten years later I decided to start my own investment management firm, eventually acquired by UMB Financial.

Along the way I met Jeff and we hit it off from the start. Jeff’s commitment to the principles of capitalism, freedom and the Constitution clicked with me. That helped make us friends. His intelligence, the way he treats people, and his aversion to investment products that are unnecessary (and often better for the advisor than the client) has made us business partners.

Now, I’m the Chief Investment Officer at Normandy producing research on investment-related topics, including: strategic and tactical asset allocations, analyzing products and companies for risk and potential return, and searching for long-term trends in industry and the economy that can benefit our clients.

Ryan Tudas, CFP® Photo

Ryan Tudas, CFP®

Financial Advisor
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Ryan Tudas

Ryan Tudas, CFP®

Financial Advisor


From a young age, I was taught the importance of freedom in all aspects of life. My father, Jeffrey Tudas, gained inspiration from his father, John Tudas, to build a company that has a reputation people can count on to bring them to their freedom no matter how they define it. The Normandy Investment Advisor story is one that truly resonates with me and how I carry myself daily.

After graduating from the University of Kansas in May 2011, I, like most recent college graduates, was at a crossroads. The military track was increasingly interesting to me, however I was offered a job at Cerner in February 2012 and decided to accept the offer. After about a year, I felt unfulfilled so I decided to revisit the military recruiters. Before I knew it, I was sending in an application to become a pilot in the United States Marine Corps. Fast forward a few months to September 2013 and I’m saying my goodbyes to my dad at the Reagan National Airport in D.C. My time in the military was an experience that challenged me in ways I never thought possible. Mission accomplishment that is closely intertwined with troop welfare is how I came to define the USMC values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. I spent nearly nine years in the Marine Corps flying the UH-1Y Venom helicopter and traveling across the globe, albeit locations that were remote, dusty, and generally uninhabitable. This type of training gave me a greater appreciation for San Diego – where I called home for nearly six years.

My desire to serve was rooted deep within my family ties to the military and willingness to serve. I have my beloved parents, Jeff and Mary Beth, to thank for providing me with the framework to lead a life of service. As my Active Duty career came to a close, I found myself searching for a new career that would fulfill my quest to continue to be closely aligned with an organization founded on service and meaning. My accounting background in college and interest in finance made it an easy decision to come back home to Kansas City to work with my dad.

I am lucky enough to call Carrie my wife, and we’ve been blessed with two kids – Blakely (2) and Beau (4 months). Carrie braved the storm of being married to a service member, which comes with many uncertainties. Military spouses are undoubtedly as much as “service members” as the person that wears the uniform. Both Carrie and I are from Kansas City so it was an added bonus to come home to work and be close to family.

As an Advisor at Normandy, my father has taken me under his wing and has been helping to guide me through my transition. I am eager to hit the ground running to help individuals and businesses achieve their freedom.

Tracy Ford Photo

Tracy Ford

Financial Advisor
Read Bio

 Jeff Tudas

Tracy Ford

Financial Advisor

I am a dedicated and passionate financial advisor who became licensed in 2021. My journey into the financial advisory profession was inspired by my personal experience of going through a divorce. Experiencing the profound financial impact this life event had on me, I felt a strong calling to assist others in navigating similar challenges. This experience, coupled with my innate desire to help people, led me to specialize in financial planning for women facing divorce. However, my passion extends to helping anyone who is eager to save and grow their money.

As a true fiduciary and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm, Normandy Investment Advisors operates on a fee-only basis, ensuring that our clients' best interests are always our top priority. We are committed to providing unbiased, transparent, and trustworthy financial advice. This commitment is upheld through collaboration with other advisors in the firm, fostering a team-based approach to delivering exceptional service and solutions to our clients.

Outside of my professional life, I am an avid animal lover with three cherished cats. My faith is a central part of my life, and I am an active member of Abundant Life Church in Lee's Summit. At the church, I volunteer with the singles ministry and the welcome committee, finding great fulfillment in serving my community.

In my free time, I enjoy bike rides and gardening, as well as spending quality time with friends and family. One of my favorite hobbies is smoking and grilling on my Big Green Egg, which lets me indulge in my passion for cooking.

I am dedicated to empowering my clients with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve their financial goals. Whether you are navigating a major life transition or looking to optimize your financial health, I am here to guide you every step of the way. My approach is holistic and client-centered, always aiming to deliver personalized solutions that align with your unique needs and aspirations.

Are We Your Team?

We Work Well With Those Who Are…

  • Serious about attaining financial health
  • Interested in planning for the future
  • Looking for a personal CFO

Our Clients Are Dynamic

Whether you’re just building wealth or you have acquired wealth over a lifetime, we are interested in working with you if you share the above goals. Among our many clients, we’ve helped individuals just out of college, established professionals, and those who are retired. We also work particularly well with business owners given our shared situation as entrepreneurs.

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Sound Like You?

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Empowering Your Life Journey

By Applying Foresight to Your Personal Finances

What Does a Meaningful Life Look Like to You?

Our services are centered around defining what truly matters to you, how you wish to spend your time, and the kind of impact you want to make on the people around you. We believe that only by exploring these topics can we provide guidance that makes a difference in your life.


Customized Solutions for Every Part of Your Financial Picture

Retirement Planning

Investment Management

Tax Planning

Social Security Strategizing

Risk Management

Education Funding

Wealth Transfer Planning


Consider Us Your Trusted Guide

We’re passionate about financial advising because it invokes our shared human experience. We all go through dynamic emotions, concerns, setbacks and victories. And having the opportunity to help you find peace of mind amidst these ebbs and flows is the most rewarding part of what we do.

Explore a Partnership →

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Investing with Normandy Investment Advisors


Risk Management

While there is a natural relationship between risk and return, the portfolio return achieved is not a choice, but the amount of risk born is an active decision. We rely on decades of experience across multiple asset classes to understand investment risk and to construct portfolios for clients according to their unique risk tolerance. Among the many components of risk, we believe that liquidity for the client is of paramount importance.

A Focus on the Long-Run

We believe in taking a long-term approach to meeting the needs of clients, especially when it comes to portfolio construction. Long-term success for most companies results from the emergence of secular tailwinds that drive the emergence of new industries and technologies, while leading to the obsolescence of others. In addition, it is our belief that technological change, especially when its pace appears to be accelerating, can’t be ignored. Consider that it took eons for mankind to achieve powered flight, 44 more years to fly at supersonic speeds, and 22 more years to land on the moon. We believe that the study of demographic, technological, and other industry trends that shape economic growth and company success is an important component of long-term portfolio performance.

Valuation Matters

With rapid change, irrational exuberance is seldom far behind. Therefore, we believe valuation matters. For example, at the end of 1999, near the peak of tech-company-fueled bubble, the ten largest stocks within the S&P 500 accounted for nearly 20 percent of the index. All were household names that made daily financial headlines. Twenty years after the bursting of that equity market bubble, the price of six of those ten companies was below the bubble peak, and only one company had managed to keep up with the broader market’s return. Sir John Templeton was correct… "The four most expensive words in the English language are, 'This time it’s different.'"



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Let’s talk about where you stand now and compare it against where you’d like to be. Get in touch with us to address any questions you have and learn more about how we can be of service.

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