About Us

Phil Dortch is a seasoned Financial Educator, Author, Speaker, and Retirement Income Specialist, serving as the Founder and CEO of Aspire Private Wealth Counsel. With over three decades of experience as a CPA and Wealth Advisor, Phil brings tested, real-world strategies to business owners, professionals, and retirees seeking financial independence. His ability to simplify complex financial concepts makes planning accessible and practical for everyday clients, especially retirees navigating market uncertainty.

Phil’s journey began with a background in accounting and evolved into a passion for helping others achieve lasting financial security. He has guided clients through five bear markets and numerous market corrections, applying disciplined, “all-weather” approaches to retirement income planning. He has attained the following designations: Certified Public Accountant (CPA, currently inactive), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®).

A natural leader and mentor, Phil is committed to community service, having served as past Board Chair for Senior Citizens Housing Assistance Service (SCHAS), past Board Member and Treasurer for Celebrate Recovery at Cokesbury, and currently as an advisory Board member for the DeBusk Family Boys and Girls Club. Outside of work, Phil enjoys running—having completed 12 full and 51 half marathons—and traveling with his wife Cheryl. He also treasures time with his daughter Michelle (married to Erich) and family in Raleigh, Tampa, and Samos, Greece.

Phil’s approachable style, deep expertise, and genuine care for his clients ensure lasting relationships and meaningful outcomes.
 

Erich is a dedicated Wealth Advisor and key member of the Aspire team, blending a scientific and engineering background with financial expertise to deliver disciplined solutions for clients. After earning his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and completing an MBA in Finance from Louisiana State University at Shreveport, Erich’s commitment to learning and excellence drives the firm’s investment research and analytics, portfolio management, and daily operations.

Erich’s journey from engineering in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to financial advisory was motivated by a strong desire to help people achieve their individual goals. While he enjoyed solving technical challenges, a personal family experience with poor advice deepened his resolve to provide transparent and supportive financial guidance for others. At the firm, he guides high-achieving professionals and business owners under 45, providing fresh insights and strategies in helping them reach their goal of early financial independence.  

A natural problem solver and lifelong learner, Erich is always eager to learn about industry trends, streamline processes, and deliver actionable advice. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife Michelle, caring for their two dogs, and competing in cowboy action shooting—where he also serves as a club treasurer and Range Safety Officer in Oak Ridge. 

Whether helping clients manage investments, plan for their future, or overcome financial obstacles, Erich’s approachable style and genuine curiosity ensure lasting relationships.

Rachel is a dedicated member of the Aspire Private Wealth Counsel team, supporting clients across all areas of wealth management, including financial planning, portfolio management, and client communication. With a sharp eye for detail and a focus on efficiency, she helps the firm maintain exceptional standards while ensuring every client experience is seamless and personalized from start to finish.

Her passion for service and operational excellence is reflected in her attainment of the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP®) designation from Kaplan College for Financial Planning, highlighting her commitment to both professional growth and the pursuit of excellence in client care. Known for her collaborative approach, Rachel plays a key role in connecting clients with the guidance and resources they need to move confidently toward their financial goals.

A Tennessee native, Rachel spent meaningful years in Asheville, North Carolina, before returning home to the Volunteer State to complete her education and build her career. Today, she and her husband, Tommy, enjoy life in Rocky Top alongside their two beloved pugs, Banjo and Fiddle. Beyond the office, Rachel finds joy in hosting dinner parties, experimenting with new recipes, and bringing warmth to every gathering she plans. She also enjoys interior decorating—particularly during the holidays—and diving into DIY projects that showcase her creative side.

Whether coordinating financial plans or creating moments of connection in her personal life, Rachel’s attention to detail, upbeat energy, and genuine care make her an invaluable part of both her team and her community.
 

Michelle leads Aspire Private Wealth Counsel’s marketing and communications initiatives, bringing creative energy and strategic insight to the team’s digital presence and client outreach. She oversees website development, content creation, and digital marketing strategies to ensure clients and partners experience clear, informative, and engaging interactions at every touchpoint.​

Michelle’s background is rooted in leadership within the hospitality industry, where she developed a passion for building community and exceptional service. Michelle applies her experience in guiding business development, nurturing relationships, and expanding Aspire’s impact in the financial planning space.​

Alongside her work at Aspire, Michelle runs Von Geis Photography, a professional photography and videography business focused on capturing meaningful stories. When she’s not developing creative campaigns, she enjoys painting, staying active, reading leadership and self-improvement books, and spending quality time with her husband, their dogs, and cats. 

Michelle views every project as an opportunity to blend strategy and storytelling, helping clients feel understood and connected throughout their financial journey.

Cheryl plays an essential role at Aspire Private Wealth Counsel, coordinating every aspect of the client experience to ensure each family receives thoughtful, consistent, and exceptional care. With genuine passion for helping people achieve their goals, she works behind the scenes to bring the firm’s mission to life—delivering organization, warmth, and personal attention to every client relationship.

In addition to managing the client experience, Cheryl oversees Aspire’s events and educational initiatives, including speaking engagements, seminars, and workshops that empower individuals to make informed financial decisions. Her dedication and energy make her a vital part of the team and a key contributor to the firm’s culture of excellence.

A proud Tennessean, Cheryl moved from Nashville to Knoxville in 1994, where she built both her professional career and a rich family life. She is the mother of a daughter and son and a proud grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren. Beyond work, Cheryl embraces her creative side through singing—a lifelong passion that once led her to record a CD with a choir. She enjoys karaoke for fun and even placed second in “The Voice of the Ocean” competition while on a cruise. When not performing, she loves to travel, golf, ski, and spend time on the water boating with family and friends.

Cheryl’s enthusiasm, attention to detail, and heartfelt approach to every interaction make her a cornerstone of both the Aspire team and the client families she supports.