A Fiduciary Firm Built Around Advocacy

Kristian Forster is Chief Executive Officer and Founding Partner of HighWater Wealth, where he delivers comprehensive wealth management solutions tailored to each client’s unique financial goals. With specialties that include Investment Management, Private Banking, Trust and Estate Services, and Wealth Planning, Kristian takes a deeply collaborative approach — partnering with attorneys, accountants, and fellow advisors to build integrated strategies designed for long-term financial success.

Kristian’s career in banking and financial services spans more than two decades, beginning in 2003. Before founding HighWater Wealth, he was a Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor Consultant at U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management for nearly 8 years. Prior tot hat, he served at HSBC Bank, where he specialized in international business and advised high-net-worth expatriate clients. He later joined Wells Fargo Bank as a Private Banker, broadening his expertise across the private wealth landscape. Along the way, he also demonstrated his entrepreneurial instincts by founding and successfully exiting a company in the debt arbitration industry —all within 18 months.

Outside of client work, Kristian is deeply invested in his community. He serves as Chairman of the Board of the San Diego Film Foundation, volunteers at San Rafael Parish leading children’s Liturgy, and is a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

Kristian lives in San Diego with his wife and three children. When he’s not in the office, you’ll find him on the golf courseor enjoying time with his family.

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Mike Rookus is the President and Founding Partner of HighWater Wealth, where he provides comprehensive wealth management strategies that integrate Investment Management, Private Banking, Trust and Estate Services, and holistic Wealth Planning. He has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals with clarity and confidence.

Prior to founding HighWater Wealth, Mike served for 11 years as a Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor at U.S. Bank. With more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Michael understands the complexity of today’s environment, where clients are balancing demanding careers, business responsibilities, and family priorities. His approach is centered on helping clients navigate these competing pressures so they can stay focused on what matters most to them.

Mike partners closely with teams of specialists, as well as clients’ attorneys and accountants, to deliver coordinated, personalized guidance. His background spans consumer and commercial credit, portfolio management, and advising clients across a wide range of industries, giving him a solid foundation of thoughtful, goal-based planning.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with biking, skiing and the occasional round of golf.  

Mike is currently on the YMCA Mission Valley Board, and when time permits, teaches financial literacy classes at local elementary schools for Junior Achievements in San Diego.

Falko Hörnicke serves as Chief Investment Officer at HighWater Wealth, where he leads the firm’s investment strategy, portfolio construction, and research initiatives. He is responsible for shaping the firm’s market outlook and delivering disciplined, risk-aware investment solutions designed to help clients achieve their long-term financial objectives.

With more than two decades of experience in global financial markets, Falko brings a rigorous and integrated approach to investing. He specializes in strategic asset allocation, portfolio design, and alternative investments, aligning each portfolio with clients’ unique goals, time horizons, and riskprofiles.

Falko began his career in financial services in 1999. Prior to joining HighWater Wealth, he held senior investment roles at leading institutions, including U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, Wells Fargo Private Bank, and Invesco Asset Management. He also served as Chief Investment Officer at Bergquist Wang, LLC, and held leadership roles in Germany at Lupus alpha and Bankhaus Lampe, where he built and led investment management capabilities.

He has held the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation since 2006 and became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional in 2015. Falko earned a postgraduate degree from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.

An active leader in the investment community, Falko has served on the board of the CFA Societies of the Western Region and is a past president of the CFA Society Los Angeles. He has also contributed as a board member to the UCSB Economic Forecast Project and remains engaged with the Santa Barbara Estate Planning Council.

Falko lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and son. Outside the office, he enjoys fishing, skiing, scuba diving, traveling, and reading.

Brian is a founding partner and Relationship Manager with HighWater Wealth. He plays a central role in cultivating client relationships and supporting the delivery of comprehensive wealth management strategies. Brian facilitates communication and helps oversee the client experience.

Brian began his career in the banking and financial services industry in 2010. Prior to joining HighWater Wealth, Brian was a Private Wealth Advisor at U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management and also worked as a Commercial Real Estate Broker for Marcus & Millichap. A passionate advocate for his clients, Brian uses his professional background to carefully analyze their financial needs and create holistic solutions to those needs.

Brian resides in Palm Desert. When he is not at work, he enjoys golfing, engaging in various sporting activities with his two sons, and spending quality time with his wife.

Tim is a founding partner and the Director of Investments for HighWater Wealth. He leads a team of investment specialists who are responsible for providing clients with personalized service and sophisticated investment strategies.

Tim uses his experience to establish an integrated investment approach, offering asset allocation strategies and recommendations based on short- and long-term financial objectives, financial status, and risk profiles.

Tim began his career in financial services in 2002. Before his time at HighWater, he was Senior Vice President and Portfolio Management Managing Director at U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management. Tim also served as an Equity Portfolio Manager at HighMark Capital Management. His background includes equity portfolio management, investment strategy, and asset allocation.

Tim is active in the professional community, serving on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters and volunteering with CFA Society Orange County, CFA LA, and various non-profits.

Based in San Diego, Tim values time with family and enjoys activities such as golf, as well as supporting his sons’ baseball and hockey teams.