In 1998, with $500 in my bank account, a small family, and no clients, I started a one-person accounting practice in Kalispell, Montana.  My vision was to create a comprehensive firm that helps individuals and entrepreneurs succeed in a sincere and structured way.  Working out of my rental, I named my business Banna Business Services (BBS).  I had a strong conviction that if I genuinely cared about people and served them in every way required, my practice’s growth would take care of itself.  Making a difference, one person at a time, led to referrals, and over time, my practice grew.

In 1999, I moved my practice to Missoula to assist one of my clients’ businesses during an extended period of rapid growth.  This move also afforded my family the opportunity to be closer to my wife’s family.  

In 2000, I hired my first part-time employee, and we both provided accounting services from my rental.

In 2002, BBS became Banna Business Solutions to emphasize that we offered solutions, not just advice.  

In 2004, I rented my first office space in the 1821 South Avenue Building in Missoula.

In 2005, I had my first full-time associate.  At this time, BBS was rebranded to J. R. Banna + Associates.

In 2010, it became clear that, in addition to helping people with their personal and business financial affairs, they needed a Financial Advisor and Insurance Producer who understood Tax and Accounting to better structure their financial affairs, as I witnessed many disconnects among professionals.  In 2010, I passed all the required tests to become a licensed Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Representative with KMS Financial Services, Inc., and an Insurance Producer in the state of Montana.

In 2015, I expanded the wealth management side of my business by adding the clients of a retiring advisor to my practice.  I was blessed with growth in all divisions of my company.  This growth led me to realize that there was only so much I could focus on and still serve my clients effectively.

In 2017, after much consideration, I sold the Accounting, Tax, and Business Services divisions of my company to Anderson Zurhmuehlen (AZ), the largest accounting firm at the time.  Three of my accounting associates and over 200 accounting clients transitioned to AZ. At this time, J. R. Banna + Associates was rebranded to Banna Financial Advisors.

In 2020, I changed the business name to Glacier Wealth Management because I wanted a strong name that showed action and stood for something larger than myself.

GLACIER reflects strength, stability, and the enduring impact of time — qualities that mirror the way we help clients build lasting financial confidence.  

WEALTH represents more than just accumulating assets; it’s about creating a holistic plan that enhances every aspect of our clients’ lives.  

MANAGEMENT is an action word — we don’t just offer advice; we take care of things.

In 2025, I became a PlanMember Financial Center, creating a collaborative space for other financial advisors and insurance professionals to grow together.  While I remain an independent financial advisor, my partnership with PlanMember allows us to co-brand and leverage their extensive resources to expand and strengthen our services.

PlanMember’s vision is to establish 80 Financial Centers across the United States, and I’m honored to be selected as the 53^rd PlanMember Financial Center.  This partnership reflects the trust they place in my experience, integrity, and long-standing commitment to clients and the community.  Together, we’re building a community focused on helping individuals and families achieve financial well-being through personalized, proactive planning and management.

With the assistance and expertise of my team and strategic partners, we remain committed to providing comprehensive services and making a positive difference in our clients’ lives.  

Providing financial education in the classroom and at businesses is an essential mission for us, as we aim to empower people to make better-informed decisions about their financial affairs.

My steadfast belief in making a difference, one person at a time, and in caring for and serving those in need has led to something special for our team and the clients we serve!  It has been an impactful journey over the last 27 years, and I look forward to many more years ahead.  I want to express my appreciation to our team, strategic partners, and the exceptional clients who have become family to us.

— Jamison R Banna, President & Founder