summer 2015
Collaborating to help meet the unique needs of your practice
welcome
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT This year’s conference promises to provide you with the tools you need to help grow your business. Our line-up of nationally acclaimed speakers will both inform and entertain you ... but most importantly ... send you home with tips on practice management that you can begin to incorporate into your business immediately. Our keynote and general session speakers will provide you with information you can incorporate into your practice to make immediate and positive improvements. We will also have 15 breakout sessions so you can choose which ones to attend that will provide the most value to you. There will be opportunities for networking with peers and to meet our staff. On Thursday evening, we are hosting a cocktail reception by the racetrack. Welcome to our conference! MICHAEL T. SHERZAN President & CEO
table of contents 04 Agenda
06
Keynote and General Session Speakers
10
Breakout Session Speakers
14 Exhibitors
22
Award Winners
agenda Day 1 - Thursday, July 30
7:30 - 8:20
Breakfast
8:30 – 8:45
Opening – Mike Sherzan, President & CEO
8:45 – 9:45
“The ONE Thing” - Robert J. Papasan (Jay)
9:45 – 10:10
Exhibit visits and break
10:15 – 10:55
Break-out Session 1 1. Alternative Investments - SC Distributors (Room: B-1) 2. Mutual Funds - American Funds (Room: Skinner A) 3. Advisory – Curian Capital (Room: B-2) 4. Insurance – Annexus (Room: C-1) 5. First Clearing Corp. (Room: Grandquist)
11:00 – 11:30
11:35 – 12:40
Lunch with Table Topics
12:45 – 1:45
“The Art of Wow” – John Evans
Company Updates – Mike Sherzan, President & CEO
1:50 – 2:30 Break-out Session 2 1. Alternative Investments - Franklin Square Capital Partners (Room: B-1) 2. Mutual Funds - Hatteras Funds (Room: Skinner A) 3. Advisory – Advisory Alpha (Room: B-2) 4. WMA/Gilico – sponsored by Western Marketing (Room: C-1) 5. First Clearing Corp. (Room: Grandquist)
2:35 – 2:55
3:00 – 4:00
Exhibit visits and break “3 Ways to Grow Your Practice by 27%” – Robert Fross, CEO, Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC
4:05 – 5:15 Break-out Session 3 1. Insurance and Marketing Solutions Personalized Brokerage Services (Room: Grandquist) 2. Mutual Funds - Franklin Templeton Investments (Room: Skinner A) 3. Advisory – SEI Investments (1 hour CE credit for CFP, CFA, CFE or CPA) (Room: B-2) 4. Insurance – MEMBERS Insurance & Investments (CUNA Mutual Group) (1 hour Insurance CE) (Room: C-1) 5. Alternative Investments SmartStop Self Storage, Inc. (Room: B-1)
5:15 – 5:45
6:00 – 7:00
Recognition of President’s Club members and introduction of home office staff Cocktail Reception (Located in the Pavilion next to the race track)
Day 2 - Friday, July 31
7:15 – 8:00
Breakfast buffet
8:00 – 8:15
Welcome – Mike Sherzan, President & CEO
8:15 – 9:15
“A Different Kind of Career: Under Cover in the CIA” - Jim Olson
Exhibit visits and break
9:20 – 9:40
9:45 – 10:45
“Economic and Market Outlook” – James Hodapp, SVP, Markets and Products Strategy, Wells Fargo Advisors
Exhibit visits and break
10:45 – 11:00
11:00 – 12:00
“Compliance Meeting” – Deb Jackson, CCO Broker Dealer Financial Services Corp.
Lunch
12:05 – 12:45
12:45 – 1:30 1:30 – 1:45
“Your Story: The Most Powerful Marketing Tool You Will Ever Have” – Mark Schoenbeck, SVP & CMO, Curian Capital Door prizes
Closing Comments – Mike Sherzan, President/CEO
keynote and general sessions Our keynote and general sessions will help you engage in useful conversations that will provide you with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Our goal of this conference is to equip you with tools that will help you anticipate your clients’ future needs. With an unmatched lineup of speakers that feature top strategists, leaders and personalities from inside and outside the industry; you’ll be inspired to think bolder, be more innovative, and to take action. The sessions are designed to provide innovative approaches, industry insights and updates, motivation, and inspiration. Our speakers are leaders in their field who often convey their ideas by sharing personal stories, demonstrating the everyday connection to the work of financial professionals.
Jay Papasan is a best-selling author and co-owner, alongside his wife Wendy, of Papasan Properties Group with Keller Williams Realty in Austin Texas. His most recent work with Gary Keller on The ONE Thing has garnered more than 175 appearances on the national bestseller lists including #1 on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. Jay serves as Gary Keller’s co-author and executive editor on best-selling titles including: The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times, FLIP: How to Find, Fix, and Sell Houses for Profit, HOLD: How to Find, Buy, and Rent Houses for Wealth, and The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results. He also co-authored SHIFT Commercial. Before joining Keller Williams Realty, Jay served as an editor at HarperCollins Publishers where he worked on such best-selling books as Body-for-Life by Bill Phillips and Go for the Goal by Mia Hamm.
Jay Papasan
keynote speaker
John L. Evans Jr., Executive Director of Janus Labs, is a practice management expert and conducts extensive consulting and training with top financial intermediaries worldwide. John is a keynote speaker and has authored books on client retention and client acquisition including “The Book of WOW,” and “A Genuine Persuasion System.” Prior to Janus, he was Director of Business Development for the state of Florida’s # 1 Registered Investment Advisory firm for 2007, according to Wealth Manager Magazine. John regularly contributes to the Orlando Sentinel on business and politics. Prior to the financial services industry, John was Special Assistant to former U.S. Senator Connie Mack. John is a Certified Facilitator from the Human Performance Institute and holds an MBA from the University of Miami. He is presently a doctoral candidate at Pepperdine University, where his dissertation focuses on the factors that drive deep client loyalty in the financial services industry. John resides in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife and 4 children.
Robert Fross co-founded one of the most successful independent financial planning firms in the nation, Fross & Fross Financial. Together with his twin brother Thomas, they consistently acquire over $40 million in new assets year after year. Robert’s success can be attributed to the development and perfection of Seven Traits™ necessary to attract and maintain the most sought after clients. As an accomplished public speaker, he frequently keynotes broker dealer conferences, and has spoken for companies including AXA Equitable, Transamerica Capital Management, CNL, Grubb & Ellis, American Realty Capital, KBS, Jackson National, and others. Early in 2009, Robert co-founded Platinum Advisor Strategies – a turnkey marketing solution that equips financial advisors to attract and retain high net-worth clients. Through his speaking, and through Platinum, Robert has helped thousands of financial advisors build stronger businesses. Robert was nominated as a 40 under 40 award recipient, has been quoted in numerous industry publications including The Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, The Street, MarketWatch, Investment News, Financial Planning, and many more.
Professor Olson received his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1969. He is a Senior Lecturer at the Bush School, where he teaches courses on intelligence, national security, and international crisis management. He served for over 25 years in the Directorate of Operations of the Central Intelligence Agency, mostly overseas in clandestine operations. In addition to several foreign assignments, he was Chief of Counterintelligence at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Professor Olson has been awarded the Intelligence Medal of Merit, the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, the Donovan Award, and several Distinguished Service Citations. He is the recipient of awards from the Bush School and the Association of Former Students for excellence in teaching. Professor Olson is the author of Fair Play: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying, published by Potomac Books in 2006.
Robert Fross
general session speaker
James E. Hodapp, Senior Vice President, Markets and Product Strategy at Wells Fargo Advisors, joined A.G. Edwards in the Fixed Income Department in 1981. Mr. Hodapp has served as Director of the High Net Worth Portfolio Services Group, Manager of Taxable Trading, and as Manager of the Corporate Debt Syndicate Department. His previous experience includes the management and trading of U.S. Treasury and Agency Securities, Corporate Bonds, Preferred Securities, Mortgage-backed Securities as well as Convertible Securities. Mr. Hodapp has served on the BMA Fixed Rate Capital Securities Committee and is a former member of both the Corporate Credit Markets Executive Committee and the Regional Advisory Committee of SIFMA. He holds a B.S.B.A from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville and holds the following registrations: Series 7, Series 63, Series 55, and Series 24.
James E. Hodapp
general session speaker
As Chief Marketing Officer, Mark Schoenbeck leads Curian Capital’s Marketing, Corporate Development, and Practice Management teams. Under Mark’s direction, Curian’s Marketing team is responsible for creating professional marketing materials designed to help advisors promote the benefits of managed accounts, brand their businesses and differentiate themselves from the competition. Corporate Development initiates and develops Curian’s key strategic relationships with institutions. Additionally, Corporate Development assists Curian’s broker-dealer partners in implementing and using Curian’s investment platform. The Practice Management Group (PMG) specializes in delivering ideas and best practices to help advisors realize the growth potential of their businesses. PMG also provides consulting services. Mark began his career in the financial services industry in 1994 and previously served as Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Practice Management for Genworth Financial Wealth Management. As CMO, he was in charge of developing and executing the firm’s marketing strategies and corporate events. His team was responsible for the creation, design, branding, and fulfillment of all Genworth marketing materials, presentations, and client-facing literature. In addition to his marketing duties, he oversaw all practice management services provided by the firm. Mark holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 licenses and has received a Certified Financial Planner™ designation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on entrepreneurship from California Lutheran University.
breakout sessions Our breakout session speakers understand the fine balance of providing information and encouraging participation. They offer their knowledge, yet gauge the interest and involvement to guide the direction of the session. Such a personalized experience allows you to become more engaged in the topic. You will learn from each other under the guidance of top motivational, inspirational, and business speakers. The small size of our breakout sessions allow the speakers to involve you by seeking participation in the discussion, rather than just observing the lecture. These sessions create an exciting atmosphere that examines the key components of high-performing leaders, teams, and organizations. The sessions include innovative individual and group exercises; including practical applications and interactive learning designed to help you implement strategies into your practice.
You will learn about two distinct alternative investment products that can play a significant role in your business and in your clients’ alternative investment allocations. The session is hosted by SC Distributors, an organization dedicated to developing cutting-edge products with some of the industry’s most exciting alternative investment sponsors. The session will focus on the investment attributes of Carter Validus Mission Critical REIT II and Sierra Income Corporation, and how the two products can be used together to help meet clients investment goals.
Active Retirement Income Jeff Olson
Discuss how American Funds can be applied to a variety of portfolio construction approaches, while showing certain fund data against indices and industry averages.
Defining Your Value Proposition Mike Troyer
How do you as an advisor answer the question “What am I paying you for?”. This presentation will identify a structured process to help you communicate your value to your clients in words and in action. A card for one hour of CFP CE is available.
Taking Your Practice to New Heights Stephanie Bartuff
Reviewing the myths and truths of FIAs; highlighting where your practice is at risk and the benefits of Nationwide New Heights to alleviate that risk with patented daily tracking, 100% market participation with no cost, and an income story that maximizes your client’s income checks.
Overview of SmartStation Grant Koentz
You will learn how to best utilize SmartStation, tips and tricks, and answer any questions you may have.
FS Investment Corporation III (FSIC III), a publicly registered, non-traded business development company, sponsored by Franklin Square Capital Partners, can offer investors an innovative way to earn current income, with the potential for capital appreciation. FSIC III invests primarily in the senior secured loans of private U.S. companies and provides investors with access to GSO / Blackstone Debt Funds Management LLC, one of the world’s leading alternative asset managers.
Mike Malloy
The Plan Helping Financial Advisors Grow their Business through Hatteras Funds.
Marketing Made Simple Steve Osterink
There has been a fundamental shift in marketing strategy due to technology, media, and increased client skepticism. Learn how to implement four easy marketing strategies into your practice and how to best position your message in light of these recent trends.
Solving America’s LTC Crisis David Royer
Grant Koentz
Reviewing the myths and truths of FIAs; highlighting where your practice is at risk and the benefits of Nationwide New Heights to alleviate that risk with patented daily tracking, 100% market participation with no cost, and an income story that maximizes your client’s income checks.
Overview of Envision You will learn the benefits of utilizing Envision and how it can help you grow your business.
Groundbreaking Tool To Help Stop Losing Sales To Your Competitors Discussion around your desired client experience. Ideal client profiles, attraction, sales engagement, services offered, and client experience events are just some of the topics covered along with powerful marketing pieces to support the journey.
Jim De Kruif
Around the World with A brief look at economic indicators from around the world, including US and European equity, US and global fixed income, plus an alternative investment.
Steve Miller
Marcia Larson
A Fresh Direction in Retirement Income Strategies As Boomers begin rolling trillions in assets out of retirement plans, are you up-todate with the latest and greatest strategies to guide them? A Fresh Direction in Retirement Income Strategies discusses new strategies that can help you succeed in the retirement market including a revealing overview of the current retirement market; the latest in retirement income solutions, and how SEI can help equip you to grow your retirement business. One hour of CFP CE credit is available.
Structured Annuities and Retirement Planning Reviewing the myths and truths of FIAs; highlighting where your practice is at risk and the benefits of Nationwide New Heights to alleviate that risk with patented daily tracking, 100% market participation with no cost, and an income story that maximizes your client’s income checks.
Brian Rudis
Self Storage Real Estate
exhibit hall The exhibit hall is your one-stop for information, networking, and business solutions for the latest in financial services. Visit More Than 40 Exhibitors •
See new products
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Build and maintain professional contacts
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Meet with vendors
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Get solutions to your current business challenges
401K GPS
Aflac
Advisory Alpha
American Equity Investment Life Ins. Co.
American Funds
Realty Capital Securities
401K GPS is a collaborative, online tool that helps take the guesswork out of retirement investing by allowing you to co-manage your client’s 401(k).
American owned and operated that specializes in Fixed Index Annuities.
Aflac is dedicated to helping provide individuals and families peace of mind and financial security when needed most.
Mutual Funds
Simplify and grow your business t h r o ug h o ur tot a l a d v i sor y solution.
Realty Capital Securities, LLC is a wholesale broker-dealer focused on the distribution of alternative investments, including open end mutual funds, closed end funds, publicly registered non-traded real estate investment trusts, and business development companies.
Annexus Group
Builders of Patented Annuities focused on responsible performance.
BlueRock Capital Markets
Bluerock is a leading private equity asset manager offering 1031 DSTs, a closed-end internal fund and private placements.
Assetmark, Inc.
The investments they offer aim to take advantage of market upswings, minimize downside risk and build investor confidence in achieving long-term goals.
Brokers Clearing House, Ltd.
Brokers Clearing House is a local insurance firm representing the nation’s top insurance carriers and serving the public with essential products such as life insurance, annuities, long term care insurance and disability income.
Atel Securities Corporation
ATEL owns and manages assets of equipment leased to investment grade corporations.
Charles Schwab Advisor Services
Schwab Advisor Services provides trading, custody, technology, practice management and other support services to nearly 7,000 independent investment advisors.
College for Financial Planning
The College for Financial Planning offers online instructor-led and self-study programs for financial services professionals.
First Clearing Corp.
First Clearing empowers quality, independently owned brokerdealers, their leaders, and their advisors to compete successfully and to help their clients succeed financially.
Members Insurance & Investments (CUNA Mutual Group)
Curian Capital
Franklin Square Capital Partners
Franklin Templeton Investments
MEMBERS is a program of CUNA Mutual Group which has supported financial institutions with services and products for over 35 years.
Franklin Square is a leading manager of alternative investment funds, managing over 13 billion in assets.
Curian is a registered investment advisor providing innovative feebased managed accounts to investors through state-of-art technology platform. We will provide CE cards in our breakout session.
Franklin Templeton is a global leader in asset management serving clients in over 150 countries. We run our business with the same prudence we apply to asset management, staying focused on delivering relevant investment solutions, strong long-term results and reliable, personal service.
Highland Capital Management
Highland Capital Management is one of the largest and most experienced global alternative credit managers. Founded in 1993, Highland has been instrumental in providing alternative investment solutions for over 20 years has approximately $21 billion of assets under management.
Nationwide Financial
Nationwide is committed to breaking down and simplifying the toughest retirement topics, like Social Security, health care, long-term care, and income planning. You are supported with strategies, planning tools, and a wide variety of products and services to help meet specific needs.
Hines Securities Inc.
Hines Securities, Inc. is the broker/dealer affiliate of Hines, a privately owned global real estate firm.
Newman Long Term Care
The Midwest’s premier resource for long term care insurance solutions.
Inland Real Estate Investment Corporation
Commercial real estate investment sponsor for retail/accredited/ institutional investors.
NorthStar Securities
Northstar provides investors access to alternative investment opportunities and market-leading portfolio managers.
Personalized Brokerage Services
Platinum Advisor Strategies
Principal Financial Group
Putnam Investments
Sammons Retirement Solutions
SC Distributors, LLC
Personalized Brokerage Services is a full-service marketing and business development agency providing annuities, life insurance, and long-term care insurance solutions.
Investment management firm that offers actively managed mutual funds.
TurnKey marketing solution for advisors by advisors.
Sammons Retirement Solutions provides simple, innovative, and straightforward solutions that can help individual investors live well in retirement - these solutions include mutual fund IRA accounts and annuities.
Principal - your partner for retirement and income solutions.
S C D i s t r i bu t o r s i s a p r e m i e r distribution platform for alternative investment products.
SEI Investments
SEI provides a total outsourced, end-to-end solution that helps advisors save time, increase rev en u es and d if ferenti ate themselves in the market.
TD Ameritrade Institutional
Our goal is to be the better custodial option!
Smartstop Self Storage
Steadfast Capital Markets Group
Voya Financial
Western Marketing
SmartStop Self Storage is the sponsor of Strategic Storage Trust II.
We combine the strength of premier retirement, investment, and insurance solutions to help take your business to the next level.
Steadfast Apartment REIT is a publicly registered, non-listed REIT focusing primarily on acquiring and managing income-producing multifamily properties.
An independent marketing organization with focus on the agent!
W.P. Carey Inc.
W. P. Carey is an investment management company who owns and manages an investment portfolio of more than $20 billion. We specialize in offering alternative investments throughout various market cycles.
Special thanks to all of our sponsors.
award winners The 2014 Broker Dealer Financial Services Corp. and Investment Advisors Corp President’s Council recognizes the top individual performers who achieved excellence during 2014 by meeting a minimum production qualification of $250,000 Gross Dealer Concession. President’s Council members are recognized at the 2015 Annual Conference and honored at an invitation-only dinner with the executive management team. In addition, members receive a cash award of $1,000 and a complimentary round golf.
Adam Obrecht is the owner and founder of AO Wealth Advisory in Urbandale, Iowa. Adam has been in the industry since 1999 and has been a member of the President’s Club since 2012. He holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, 65, 51, as well as Life and Health insurance licenses. Adam graduated from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa in 1998 with a degree in Agricultural Business. The Des Moines Business Record named Adam to its Forty under 40 class in 2008. He resides in Urbandale, Iowa and has been married to his wife, Denise, for 15 years. They have two sons, Max and Seth. He enjoys photography, biking, running, and watching Iowa State football and basketball.
Adam Obrecht President’s Club
Bob Blaze is a Financial Advisor with IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union Investment Services in Davenport, Iowa. He is a first year member of the President’s Club. He holds FINRA Series 7, 6, 63, and 65. He also received his CFP designation in 2006. Bob graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing and Management. He resides in Princeton, Iowa and has been married to his wife, Mary, for 24 years. They have two boys, Robby and Chrystian. He enjoys giving back to his community, camping, and fishing.
Brian Gogel is a Financial Advisor with Citizens Investment Center in Monticello, Iowa. He has been in the industry since 2001 and has been a member of the President’s Club since its inception in 2010. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses, as well as Life and Health insurance licenses. Brian graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa in 2002 with a degree in Finance and Accounting. He resides in Monticello, Iowa and has been married to his wife, Steph, for 11 years. They have three boys; Brady 7, Gavin 4, and Drew 1. He enjoys farming, coaching his boys’ teams, and watching his children in their activities.
Brian Gogel
President’s Club
Bryan Rigg, PhD, CFP® is President of Rigg Wealth Management in Dallas, TX. He has been in the industry since 2001 and has been a member of the President’s Club since 2013. He is a CFP® and holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses, as well as Life and Health insurance licenses. Bryan studied at Phillips Exeter Academy, continued on to Yale University, and received his B.A. in 1996. He received a grant from The Henry Fellowship, to continue his studies in Cambridge University Bryan has done humanitarian activities in Romania, Bulgaria, the Bahamas, South Africa, and France. His discoveries and writings have been used both by Holocaust researchers, as well as Holocaust denial and anti-Zionist groups. After serving as an officer in the US Marine Corps, he became a professor at Southern Methodist University and American Military University from 2000 to 2006. He worked in the Private Banking Division of Credit Suisse as a Private Wealth Manager from 2006 to 2008.
Dan Zebrowski is a Financial Advisor and the owner of Family Financial Planners, a Registered Investment Advisor located in Fruitland Park, Florida. He has been in the industry since 1994 and has been a member of the President’s Club since its inception in 2010. He holds FINRA Series 6, 63, and 26 licenses. Dan graduated cum laude from The University of Mississippi, located in University, Mississippi. He resides in Leesburg, Florida with his wife, Yosi, and his two daughters, Bella and Brie. When he is not working, he enjoys traveling and playing golf.
Dan Zebrowski President’s Club
David Jarvill is an Investment Officer with First Security Investment Services in Charles City, Iowa. He has been in the industry since 1991 and has been a member of the President’s Club since its inception in 2010. He holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 65, and 66 licenses, as well as Life and Health insurance licenses. He also holds the CFP® designation — Certified Financial Planner. David graduated from University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa in 1986 with a B.A. in Mass Communications, from The College of Financial Planning in 1997, Canon Financial Institute Trust Investment School, The University of North Carolina – Charlotte in 1999, The Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, 2010, and IMCA Alternate Investment School in 2013. He resides in Charles City, Iowa and has been married to his wife, Katie for 27 years. They have three grown children, Keely, Sam, and Will. He enjoys playing golf, running, and any activities with his family.
Elinor Rutz is a Financial Advisor and Branch Manager with BDF Investments in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She has been in the industry for more than 50 years and has been a member of the President’s Club since its inception in 2010. She holds FINRA Series 7, 4, 5, 63, 15, and 24 licenses, as well as Life and Annuity insurance licenses. Elinor graduated from Gays Mills High School in Gays Mills, Wisconsin. She resides in Fort Dodge, Iowa and has one son who is a chiropractor in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has two grandchildren, Noah and Aiden. She enjoys the stock market and dancing.
Elinor Rutz
President’s Club
Howard Parker is President of Parker Asset Management located in Manalapan, Florida. He has been in the industry since 1983 and has been with Broker Dealer Financial Services Corp. since 1994. He has been a member of the President’s Club four of the past five years. He holds FINRA Series 7, 63, 24, 4, and 39 licenses. Howard graduated from Fordham University in New York in 1983 with a degree in Business Administration. He has been married for 32 years and has three sons. When he’s not running his family office, he enjoys boating, attending concerts, and sporting events, and traveling to Italy.
Jeff Peterson is a Financial Advisor with Farmers Investment Services in Vinton, Iowa. He has been in the industry since 2004 and has been a member of the President’s Club since 2012. He holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. Jeff graduated from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa in 1981 with a BBA in Accounting. He resides in Vinton, Iowa and is married with three children. He enjoys Iowa Hawkeyes sports, cycling, running, and playing golf.
Jeff Peterson President’s Club
Kevin McLaughlin is a Financial Advisor and Vice President with BDF Investments located in West Des Moines, Iowa. He has been in the industry nearly 40 years and has been a member of the President’s Club since its inception in 2010. He holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. Kevin graduated from Regis University in Denver, Colorado in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Philosophy. He resides in Des Moines, Iowa and is married to his wife, BJ. They have three boys; ages 9, 8, and 4. He enjoys reading, playing golf, and traveling. His passion is politics and has helped Steve Forbes and Governor Pataki of New York.
Letitia Christnagel is a Financial Advisor with BDF Investments in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She has been in the industry since 1999 and has been a member of the President’s Club since 2011. She holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses. Letitia graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from William Penn University. She resides in Fort Dodge, Iowa with her husband Mark. She gets great satisfaction from volunteering. She enjoys giving back to her community through various service projects. In addition to volunteering, she enjoys playing darts and traveling.
Letitia Christnagel President’s Club
Luke Hesprich is a Financial Advisor with Hartford Credit Union in Hartford, Wisconsin. He has been in the industry since 1991 and has been a member of the President’s Club since 2012. He holds FINRA Series 7, and 63 licenses, as well as Life and Health insurance licenses. Luke helps clients reach a wide range of financial goals including but not limited to retirement planning, 401k rollovers, sustainable income plans, and college savings. Luke believes in taking a diversified approach by utilizing fixed, variable, and alternative investments. Luke is a 1989 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, is a lifelong resident of Hartford, and spends much of his free time with his wife and son. He also enjoys golf, chess, travel, and whatever his son decides that their next interest should be.
Mark Carolan trades Futures for BDF Investments in the West Des Moines branch, West Des Moines, Iowa. He has been in the industry for 31 years and has been with BDF Investments since 1995. Mark has been a member of the President’s Club since its inception in 2010. He holds FINRA 3 and 31 licenses. Outside of work, Mark enjoys golf and watching NASCAR races. He is also very interested in learning about Civil War history.
Mark Carolan President’s Club
Pat Moriarity is a Financial Advisor with Main Street Advisory Group in Pella, Iowa. He has been in the industry since 1982 and has been a member of the President’s Club since 2011. He holds FINRA Series 7, 63, 64, and 24 licenses. He also has a CFP® designation. Pat graduated from the University of Iowa, Iowa City in 1978 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He resides in Pella with his wife, Peggy. He has two children and six grandchildren. He is very involved in his community and has been on several committees. In addition to helping people in his community, he enjoys music, theatre, and running.
Ray Hobson is a Financial Advisor with Hobson Financial in Annapolis, Maryland. He has been in the industry since 1994 and has been a member of the President’s Club since 2013. He holds FINRA Series 7, 6, 63, 65, 66, and 26 licenses, as well as Life and Health insurance licenses. Ray graduated from the University of New York at Buffalo in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health and Human Services and a minor in Community Health Services. He resides in Columbia, Maryland with his wife of 22 years, his three children, and two dogs. He enjoys road biking, traveling, the Buffalo Bills, and the Buffalo Bulls.
Ray Hobson
President’s Club
Rich Hedlund is a Financial Advisor with Citizens Investment Center in McHenry, Illinois. He has been in the industry since 1993 and has been a member of the President’s Club four out of five years since its inception in 2010. He holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. Rich attended Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas. He is married and resides in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. In addition to being an avid golfer, he is very involved in his community and when he is not working, he is on his City Counsel, and Alderman 3rd District Chair of Personnel Committee.
Sam Vande Weerd is a Senior Financial Advisor with Main Street Advisory Group in Pella, Iowa. He has been in the industry for ten years and is a member of the President’s Club. He holds FINRA Series 7, 6, 63, and 65 licenses, as well as Life and Health insurance licenses. He also holds the CRPC® designation — Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. Sam graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa in 1986 with a degree in Psychology. He resides in Pella, Iowa and has been married to his wife, Jill, for 25 years. They have three children; Bailey 21, Zachary 18, and Ross 17. He enjoys boating, supporting his children in their sports, leadership study, and church activities.
Sam Vande Weerd President’s Club
140 South 68th Street, Suite 2200 West Des Moines, IA 50266