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, pARtner
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 and his wife Lindsey have one son, Reece.
Conrad T. Adam
Cfa, partner
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 have one daughter, Clara.
Chad D. Hatch
Strategic Advisor
Chad joined ECM in 2025 and is focused on private capital, family office and ECM growth. Prior to joining ECM, Chad was the Co-Founder and President of Bird Dog Equity Partners where he led the firm for 15 years. Prior to Bird Dog, Chad served in various executive level positions in operating companies, including CFO at US BioEnergy where he helped grow the company from inception to $200 million of private equity to a $165 million IPO listed on the NASDAQ. Earlier in his career, Chad worked as an analyst at Bluestem Capital Company and an auditor for RSM. Chad is proud Army veteran that served 4 years active duty as a tank platoon leader and logistics officer. He graduated with a BA in Business Accounting from the University of South Dakota. Chad is active at Embrace Church and loves to travel, cycle, golf and ski. Chad and his wife Korie have 3 adult children and a grandchild.
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.
Trevor G. Sinclair
Associate Financial Advisor
Trevor joined ECM in June 2024 as an Associate Advisor and is currently learning all things ECM, including advising, portfolio management, service, and operations. He will focus most of his efforts on financial advice and planning. Trevor recently graduated from the University of South Dakota with a B.B.A Business Analytics & Economics. While at the University of South Dakota Trevor was a member of the Men’s Swim Team and held various leadership roles within several student organizations. Trevor is originally from Overland Park, KS. He enjoys exploring and learning Sioux Falls, becoming a better cook, exercising, and traveling.
Dylan J. Hage
Associate Financial Advisor
Dylan joined ECM in 2025 as an Associate Financial Advisor. He is primarily focused on service and advising wealth management clients in achieving their financial objectives. Dylan earned his B.B.A. in Business Administration and Finance from the University of South Dakota in 2023. He is currently advancing his education at the American College of Financial Services, working toward obtaining his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Dylan resides in Harrisburg, SD and enjoys exercising, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
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 as 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.