Elgethun Capital Management
Our Team
John A. Barker
CFA, President & Owner
President and Owner of ECM since 2012, John is responsible for leading investment strategy, portfolio management, advising, and operations. He also leads client relationships, new business development, and is responsible for long term strategic initiatives. As a general partner of $300M+ multifamily and mixed-used real estate assets, John provides financial and strategic advice for projects and businesses. Prior to ECM, John worked as a research analyst at the Royal Bank of Scotland in New York.
John graduated with a BS in Finance from the University of South Dakota (USD) and received his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation in 2010. He serves as a Trustee of the University of South Dakota Foundation and is a member of the Investment Committee. John’s passions include his faith, his family, serving at Central Church, engaging in community growth and outreach opportunities, reading, mentoring, and exercising. He and his wife Jenna have three children, Bryn, Samuel, and Grace.
Austin J. Wagner
CFA, portfolio manager
Austin joined ECM in 2017 and is responsible for investment research, portfolio management, and client advisory. Austin’s research focuses on marketable securities and private alternative assets. Prior to joining Elgethun, Austin interned for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in Risk Management. He also interned at the South Dakota Bureau of Finance & Management. Austin graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Finance (Economics minor). He also obtained his MBA from the University of South Dakota. Austin received the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation in 2020. He volunteers for Junior Achievement and is an assistant varsity football coach for O’Gorman High School.
Conrad T. Adam
Cfa, portfolio manager
Conrad joined ECM in 2022 and is responsible for investment research, portfolio management, and client advisory. Conrad came to ECM from Hirtle Callaghan, a $20B RIA, serving high-net-worth families, foundations, & endowments in their Minneapolis office. Prior to Hirtle Callaghan, he worked as an Investment Analyst at Abbot Downing, an ultra-high-net-worth wealth management business of Wells Fargo. His role as an Analyst included portfolio construction, asset allocation and trade execution. Before his time in Minneapolis, Conrad interned at the South Dakota Community Foundation and the South Dakota Bureau of Finance & Management. In 2016, he was appointed to the South Dakota Board of Regents by Governor Dennis Daugaard to serve as the Student Regent. Conrad graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. He serves as a Trustee of the University of South Dakota Foundation. Conrad is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and a member of the CFA Society of Minnesota. Conrad and his wife Kaitlyn reside in Sioux Falls.
Dustin M. Pratt
caia, family office advisor & director of private capital
Dustin joined ECM in 2023 and is responsible for overseeing the ECM private capital program and working with our family office clients. Prior to joining Elgethun, Dustin spent 14 years working in a large single-family office. Dustin was involved in managing the private capital program and investments in alternative assets, as well as the fixed income and cash strategies. Dustin graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in entrepreneurship. He also obtained his MBA from the University of South Dakota and holds a CAIA designation. Dustin’s enjoys running, cross fit, scuba diving, and traveling. He and his wife Sivjot reside in Sioux Falls.
Patrick R. Baird
Financial advisor
Patrick joined ECM in 2017 and is responsible for financial planning, investment research, and client advisory. Prior to joining Elgethun, Patrick interned at Avalon Capital Group in North Sioux City, South Dakota. He graduated cum laude from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s in degree Finance. He also obtained his MBA from the University of South Dakota. Patrick volunteers for Destination Imagination. He enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, and all things outdoors.
Jose A. Vizcarrondo
CFA, Family office consultant
Jose has over 30 years of experience in investments and family business management. Prior to ECM, he spent twelve years as CEO of the Arellano Family Group, where he managed all aspects of a private diversified investment group, including several operating companies in media, agriculture, and real estate. In addition to managing the Arellano Group, he founded and operated San Juan Asset Management, an independent advisor focusing on global equities. Jose’s investment career includes managing equity and fixed income portfolios for global financial institutions such as Citigroup, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (BlackRock), and ING. He was Head of Portfolio Management for ING Bank in Geneva, Switzerland, and member of the ING Global Investment Committee for private clients. He served as Senior Portfolio Manager for Merrill Lynch Banque Suisse in Geneva, Switzerland. Jose is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin with concentrations in Finance and Accounting. His international experience, as well as his bi-lingual abilities, make him well suited to accommodate the needs of a wide variety of clients. Jose, his wife Joni, and their six children live in Sioux Falls.
Renae J. Elgersma
CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER
Renae loves providing exceptional service and is passionate about creating and refining the client experience. She serves in a variety of capacities including assisting clients in their day-to-day account needs, office management, scheduling, and ensuring our systems run smoothly. Renae has over 12 years of experience with project & marketing coordination from her work in the real estate industry. She graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Renae is married to Justin and they have 3 daughters.
Abby J. Wratz
CLIENT SERVICES
Abby joined ECM in 2023 and is part of the Client Services team. Prior to joining Elgethun Abby spent 17 years at Wells Fargo. She graduated from Augustana University with a bachelor’s of Arts degree in 2004. She serves as the President of the PTO at her daughters school and also enjoys volunteering throughout the community as well as spending time with family. Abby is married to Mike and they have 2 daughters; Alee and Kinlee.