Our team

I am the founder of Emerald Financial Group and have been affiliated with Thrivent Financial since 2002. I hold the CIMA (Certified Investment Management Analyst) designation, reflecting advanced expertise in investment planning and portfolio management. I specialize in investment planning and management, with a strong emphasis on tax efficiency and retirement distribution strategies. My approach centers on helping clients make informed, confident decisions through education and proactive planning. I believe in an education-first philosophy, leveraging a collaborative team approach to deliver proactive, high-touch financial planning and service tailored to each client's goals.

In 2023, I was inducted into Thrivent Financials Hall of Fame, earning this distinction at the earliest possible opportunity following 20 years of service which is testament to long-standing commitment and excellence.

Beyond my professional work, my wife Karissa and I are deeply committed to giving back to the community. We actively support several nonprofits, particularly organizations that are focused on helping children, including The Reading Center of Rochester. We have two children, Ian and Carter, and we enjoy spending time together as a family. We are also proud dog owners to four dogs - Lily, a foster-fail Shih Tzu, and three Chocolate Labrador Retrievers: Meeka, Rocco, and Charlie. When we have free time, we enjoy our favorite pastime which is fishing.

I joined Thrivent in 2022, and I believe that in today's ever-growing and complex financial landscape, success comes from working with an experienced, collaborative team. At Emerald Financial Group, I'm proud to be part of a team that brings deep expertise and a shared commitment to helping each client pursue their financial goals with confidence.

My wife, Madison, and I were both born and raised in Rochester, and we're excited to raise our family in this great community. We have three children: Evelyn, Isaac, and Charlotte. When I'm not working with clients, you'll usually find me on the lake with my family, or out on the golf course. In the winter, we spend a lot of time at the rink, where I volunteer and help coach Rochester youth hockey programs.

I joined Emerald Financial Group in 2024 after relocating to Rochester from the desert of Phoenix, Arizona. For ten years, I worked closely with the military community, helping service members and their families navigate their financial planning needs. Now, at Emerald Financial Group, I'm excited to support a new community and guide clients toward a confident, worry-free retirement.

What motivates me each day is the opportunity to help people reach their goals, retire fearlessly, and give generously. Knowing that I can play a part in someone's financial peace of mind is what keeps me passionate about the work I do. 

I joined Emerald Financial Group in August of 2025, bringing with me experience from the financial industry since graduating from Minnesota State University, Mankato. As a new member of the team, I am dedicated to supporting clients in achieving their financial goals. My approach centers on providing clear, personalized guidance to help individuals and families navigate their financial journeys with confidence and peace of mind.

Outside of work, I enjoy life in Rochester, where I've lived since 2023 after growing up in the Twin Cities. In September 2025, I married my wife, Carly, marking a special new chapter in my life. I'm an avid sports fan and love spending time outdoors whether I'm fishing, golfing, or hanging with family and friends. I value being part of the local community and strive to bring the same dedication and positivity to my personal life as I do to my professional role.

I’ve been part of Emerald Financial Group since November 2011, and I truly enjoy working here! As a fully licensed professional, I take pride in building strong relationships with our clients and assisting them with all their financial needs.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at the family cabin in Northern Wisconsin with my husband, Marcus, two daughters, and three grandkids with one more expected this February! At our cabin we enjoy snowmobiling and fishing (both open water and ice). I really enjoy adventures in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, which usually results in me bringing home some pretty awesome rocks. I am also becoming a big fan of the Frost and Wild teams.

I have been with Emerald Financial Group since 2023 when I decided to make the transition from the staffing industry into the financial planning industry. In my current role as a client services administrator, I get the privilege to assist clients with their needs, as well as supporting our financial advisors so we can ensure our clients are receiving the best customer service possible. I am currently Life and Health licensed in Minnesota, but plan to further my expertise and become securities licensed in the near future.

Outside of work, all of my attention goes to my two children, my two dogs, and my husband. We enjoy traveling as well as visiting our families in Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as well as spending time on the lake. My husband and I's dream is to purchase a lake property in Minnesota so that we can always have a place to visit with our children and create our own traditions as well as unforgettable memories.

I have been working at Emerald Financial Group since 2024 but have worked in finance since 2020. As the Investment Analyst, I help ensure that your accounts are invested according to your financial goals and continuously monitor your accounts to keep those goals on track. I oversee brokerage operations and investment research as well as trade execution to assist advisors in making strategic recommendations to clients.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, as well as my girlfriend Andrea. Some things Andrea and I enjoy doing are going to sporting events, watching movies, doing puzzles, and taking our dog for a walk. Our dog Nala is an 80-pound Boxer/Yellow lab mix who never seems to run out of energy. We also have three cats named Meena, Toothless, and Kuzco. Can you guess what movie characters they're named after?

I'm Lisa and I am an administrative assistant here at Emerald Financial Group. I have worked in customer service my entire adult life, and I joined Emerald Financial Group in January of 2025. I graduated from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where I received my bachelor's degree in fine Art. I thrive on my strong interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with clients and colleagues alike. I am committed to continuous professional development and am passionate about creating a positive work environment and strive to provide top-notch support to ensure the success of our team.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. I am a movie buff, and enjoy quiet time around the house, as well as gardening and playing the guitar.

I joined the team early 2024 as the Director of Operations. I have over 25 years of operations and financial services experiences with a strong focus on operational excellence, people leadership, and client experience. I hold a Bachelor of Science Management from the University of Phoenix and am committed to building high-performing teams and driving continuous improvement.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and five children. Our favorite family activities include game nights, traveling, and hunting. In my free time, I enjoy fixing cars, renovating our home, and spending time with friends playing Dungeons & Dragons. I also currently serve as the Vice-President of my church, which reflects my commitment to leadership, service, and community.

I am the Director of Business Development here at Emerald Financial Group and a member of the Marketing team. I have the pleasure of keeping our members and community aware of the latest news and events we offer from financial, to social, to giving back! It doesn't seem possible, but I have worked in the financial services industry in multiple capacities over the last 40 years and am looking forward to many more with Emerald Financial Group and you!

When I'm not in the office, I love to entertain friends and family and give back to AUSM (Autism Society of Minnesota). My husband and I enjoy traveling, especially seeing the many beautiful national parks around the country. Many of you know that I love to bake and this year I celebrated the 34th year of baking 1,000 cookies with my dearest friend.

I have been with Emerald Financial Group since November of 2025 where I decided to leave the hospitality industry and focus more on my passion of marketing. I originally went to culinary school to pursue my passion in baking, but after working for the Detroit Red Wings, I decided to go to Oakland University where I earned my Bachelors of Science in Marketing. In my role I get use the passion as well as the opportunity to work with members to plan events that give back to the community, as well as operate our social media. I am so grateful to be a part of a team that encourages my passion and ideas, and I am committed to work with all of you to give back to the Rochester community in the best ways we can!

I am originally from Michigan but relocated to Rochester in January of 2023 with my boyfriend Austin. Outside of work, I enjoy spending as much time as I can with family and friends, baking, doing puzzles, traveling, shopping, as well as watching sports. I am an avid Detroit sports fan, and living in Minnesota will not change that!