Member Spotlights
Read this month’s Member Spotlight, as well as previous spotlights, and learn more about the community of success-minder advisors like you; committed to life-long learning, adherence to ethical standards, and the advancement of the financial advice industry.
Meet Your Peers in the Investment & Wealth Institute
Brenden Gebben, MBA, CIMA®, EF
Chief Executive Officer
Absolute Capital Management
What inspired you to join the Investments and Wealth Institute initially?
In 1997, as I was completing my MBA with a focus and interest in financial services, I found myself especially drawn to the retirement and investment management side of the industry. I set out to deepen my understanding and, through my own research, discovered the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification. The coursework challenged me to think more strategically about portfolio construction, risk, and investor behavior.
My membership with the Institute introduced me to a community of professionals equally committed to the standards of our industry. It’s been rewarding to be a part of the Institute as it has grown and evolved over the years. I continue to learn from people who share the same curiosity and commitment to doing this work well.
How has the Institute shaped your career over the years?
Much of my career has been devoted to building my firm, Absolute Capital Management. Throughout this journey, the Institute has served as a consistent source of insight and connection. The thought leadership, specialized resources, and professional community have enriched my work and perspective in meaningful ways.
Can you share one of your favorite memories from an Institute event or program?
There have been many fond memories, but my mind goes back to the very beginning, to the classes held at Wharton. The motivation I drew from being surrounded by sharp, driven professionals and world-class instructors as we immersed ourselves in the material was energizing. Being a part of that environment set the tone for how I’ve approached learning and collaboration ever since.
What are your hopes for the Institute in the future?
Looking ahead, my hope is that the Institute continues to thrive in expanding its influence, deepening its educational impact, and advancing the standards and integrity of our profession. Most of all, I hope it keeps that same sense of community and curiosity, encouraging members to exchange new ideas that thoughtfully support our industry as it continues to evolve.
What is the best vacation you've ever taken?
The first time I traveled to Europe with my now-wife was a stand out. We added a few less-popular destinations like Luxembourg and Liechtenstein to the trip—and we also got engaged on that trip in Zurich. More recently, this past summer we discovered Montréal with my wife and young adult sons. Exploring a new city together, learning its history, and finding favorite cafés was a delight.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my family and catching up over dinner with friends. And fortunately, I find a lot of enjoyment in this industry. After all these years, I still genuinely enjoy the work—and that’s a good thing, because I do plenty of it.
What is something not many people know about you?
I’ve always been drawn to the spirit of adventure and the outdoors. After college, instead of taking a traditional path, I explored more unconventional ideas such as working on a dive boat, deep underwater welding, or even joining an Antarctic drilling crew. Ultimately, I channeled that energy into becoming a professional bungee jumper and started a bungee- jumping company—which ironically ended up being my first course in careful risk management, long before I applied those lessons to investments. My parents were remarkably calm about it—one of my first big bungee events happened the same weekend as my college graduation. I skipped the ceremony for the jump. It was the early ’90s—do it while you’re young!
Past Spotlights
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