Adam Knaust is the founder of Verant Wealth and has nearly two decades of experience in investment strategy and financial planning. Adam helps individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex financial decisions with confidence and purpose.
Raised in a family that valued financial literacy, Adam was introduced early to the power of understanding markets, planning for the future, and making smart financial choices regardless of one’s starting point.
Adam was born on a family farm, where he learned firsthand the discipline, accountability, and resilience that come from hard work. Those lessons continue to shape his practice today, where he brings a farmer’s work ethic and steady hand to every client relationship.
Adam began his career in investment management and gradually expanded into comprehensive financial planning. Over the years, he has become known for his ability to demystify financial strategy and provide clear context, so clients understand the “why” behind every recommendation. His belief is simple: clients don’t need to be financial experts, but they do deserve the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their own financial future.
Adam is especially passionate about helping young professionals take control of their financial lives early, laying a strong foundation for long-term success. His approach centers on facts, not conjecture, and encourages clients to first secure the essentials, then explore what’s possible from a place of strength.
Deeply community-driven, Adam believes in giving back and building meaningful connections. At Verant Wealth, he leads with integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to helping others grow—financially and personally.
With more than 20 years of experience in customer service, administration, and business operations, Luciana brings a steady hand and a solutions-driven mindset to her role at Verant Wealth. As Director of Operations, she ensures our internal systems run efficiently and that every client experience is smooth, responsive, and well-supported.
Luciana is especially skilled in optimizing workflows through Redtail CRM, helping to maintain the precision and consistency that our clients rely on. Her background includes leadership roles in business development and project management, where she successfully aligned operational goals with growth strategies.
Outside of work, Luciana is an active member of the American Marketing Association and a licensed travel agent—reflecting her love of connection, organization, and thoughtful planning.
Graduating from the University of Michigan, Nick’s educational background is the culmination of academic enrichment, economic theory, valuable connections, and business practice. Nick pairs this solid foundation with his tenure as a Wall Street trader to bring significant insights into market fluctuations, allowing him to understand the timing of investments and develop strategies for strong financial planning.
Since joining Adam’s team two years ago, Nick has played a key role in supporting clients with clarity, care, and foresight. As a Wealth Planner at Verant, he is committed to helping clients navigate complexity and move toward their goals with purpose.
With close to four decades of experience in financial services, David Chin brings depth, perspective, and enduring commitment to his role as Financial Consultant at Verant Wealth. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, David began his career in 1986 and has since earned designations as a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®).
David is known for his thoughtful, client-centered approach, providing steady guidance through all seasons of life. His work reflects a deep respect for long-term planning, personal relationships, and professional integrity.
A longtime resident of East Greenbush, New York, David and his wife Cherie have been married since 1986. Together they’ve raised two children, Brittany and Brendan, and delight in their growing family, including grandchildren Cassian, Elizabeth, and Rory.
Outside the office, David enjoys restoring and collecting classic cars, most notably his 1953 MG TD, 1974 Triumph TR6, and a 2017 Shelby Cobra replica.
Jayson Chichelli brings focus, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose to his role as an intern at Verant Wealth. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance at Siena College’s School of Business, he pairs academic insight with hands-on experience to deepen his understanding of the financial planning industry.
Licensed with both the Series 7 and Series 66 through LPL Financial, Jayson is committed to high standards of professionalism and ethical service. He is passionate about personal and professional growth and values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships along the way.
As he looks ahead, Jayson is eager to pay forward the mentorship and guidance he’s received, supporting others who are just beginning their financial journeys and contributing to a profession grounded in education and open communication.
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