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, 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. 

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®

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

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.