Michael French

CFP® Wealth Advisor

Michael French is an LPL Investment Advisor Representative, and the owner and Founder of French Wealth Management LLC.

Michael was raised on a small farm outside of Malta, a small town in Northeastern Montana. After a collegiate wrestling career at the University of Great Falls, Michael was introduced into the industry when he was accepted into an internship offered by a regional brokerage firm following his college graduation in 2011. It was there that Michael developed an appreciation for the industry and for the people who work in it. He saw how financial planning and investment knowledge could change people’s lives and he wanted to be able to share that knowledge with others. Soon after, Michael began his career as an advisor. In 2014, Michael and his wife made the decision to move to Kalispell to put down their roots. Later, in 2018, Michael transitioned his practice to LPL Financial, the largest Independent Broker-Dealer in the country. *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2019, based on total revenue. With the independence that LPL provides, Michael was able to establish French Wealth Management LLC.

As an independent wealth adviser Michael is able to focus on personalized strategies for his clients. Committed to furthering his education, in March of 2019 Michael earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.

Michael and his wife Marissa have two young children Axel and Harlee. While the kids keep him plenty busy Michael does get outdoors as much as he can during his time out of the office. Hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and boating are a few of his favorite outdoor activities. He stays physically active during the week by regularly attending classes at a local CrossFit gym.

Taylor French

CFP® Client Service Associate

Taylor French has been working as a paraplanner at French Wealth Management since 2021. Since then, she has acquired her General Securities Representative and Investment Advisor Representative licenses to provide support and value to the French Wealth Management team and our clients. In 2026, Taylor earned her Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification. She appreciates the potential of financial planning to offer direction toward client financial well-being, and is excited to continue building her knowledge and experience in the industry.

Taylor is originally from Calgary, Canada, but moved to Montana to pursue her undergraduate studies and a collegiate soccer career. After an extensive college career, Taylor moved back to a small rural town in north-central Montana in 2013, where she has lived and worked with her husband, Wayne, on his family’s cattle ranch ever since. As their two daughters, Cote and Andie, have started grade school, Taylor appreciates the location-independence that financial planning offers and the ability to impact a diversity of clients while maintaining a strong connection for her family to their agricultural roots.

When she is not studying, ranching, or “mom-ing,” Taylor is also active in local organizations. She is president of the local chapter of CattleWomen, a coach for Malta Parks and Rec athletics, and a “room mom” for Cote and Andie’s school classes.

Helyna Kretske

Client Services Associate

Helyna brings a lifelong commitment to caring for others into her role at French Wealth Management. With a background in healthcare, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive experience for every client from the moment they walk through the door.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and began her career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sunrise Hospital. During her time in Las Vegas, she met her husband and started her family before relocating to Missoula, Montana. There, she continued her work in the NICU and Newborn Nursery at Community Medical Center. In 2000, Helyna and her family settled in Somers, Montana, where they have remained ever since.

After many years serving as both a School Nurse and a Public Health Nurse for Flathead County—where she educated, supported, and led community programs—Helyna embraced a new opportunity to expand her skill set. She joined French Wealth Management, where she continues her passion for helping others while gaining knowledge in the financial services industry.

Outside of the office, Helyna enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends. Whether hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, or enjoying Flathead Lake, she appreciates all that the Montana landscape has to offer.

French Wealth Management is grateful to have Helyna as part of the team