 Gregory A. Carlson, |
 Jeffrey R. Carlson, |
 Justin D. Stets |
 Anthony D. Bolstorff |
 Cynthia M. Carlson |
 Betty A. Carpenter |
 Ginger L. Church |
|
 Peter J. Conrad, |
 Jeremy P. Green, |
 Michael P. Grossman, |
 Andrew A. Hauskins |
|
 Brent D. Hoppe, |
 Kelly A. Irvine |
 Timothy S. Jackson |
 Judd K. Lohmann, |
|
 Tonya M. Quade |
 Sandra E. Rowan |
 Rachael D. Solberg |
 Adam C. Solyst |
|
 Valerie J. Swentik |
 Kenneth J. Tomes, |
Professional Biography
Gregory A. Carlson is a founding principal of Carlson Capital Management. His primary responsibilities include managing client relationships and developing and setting the vision for the firm. Greg is a 1982 graduate of St. Olaf College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Following college, Greg went on to earn his designation as a Certified Financial Planner®. He worked for four years with IDS/American Express as a financial planner and manager, then established Carlson Capital Management in 1986. Greg has provided investment counsel and advice to clients for 25 years and is a speaker on the topics of financial, estate and philanthropic planning. In the fall of 2005, when Carlson Capital Management reached the milestone of having $500 million in assets under management, Greg was featured in Boomer Market Advisor magazine, where he talked about the importance of being “disciplined, diversified and tax efficient”.
Greg is an active community member and has served in leadership roles on numerous boards and committees of civic, professional and religious organizations including the Northfield Rotary Club, American Center for Philanthropy, Northfield Area Foundation, Bethel Lutheran Church, Mt. Carmel Ministries, St. Olaf College, and TIAA-CREF Institute. Greg is also the co-founder of 5th Bridge, an organization whose mission is to encourage the habits of volunteerism and philanthropy. Greg, his wife Nancy, and their three daughters live in Northfield.
Personal Thoughts
I have learned that wisdom comes from experience and experience is gathered over time. During the last 20 years, I have seen and worked with most of the technical issues people face in developing financial plans. But more importantly, I have been a part of our clients’ lives. I have seen the joys and challenges of wealth. I have experienced births and deaths, nursing homes, divorces, retirements and layoffs. I have witnessed the best and worst of families, the ups and downs of the stock markets, the comings and goings of trends and fads. I have seen goals set and achieved and opportunities created that no one thought existed. I have seen good and bad investments (and even invested in a few bad ones myself in the earlier years). Through all of this, I have learned the importance of being technically strong, disciplined and trustworthy and to be of uncompromising integrity. I am proud to have formed, and to be a part of a firm, which has these principles at its core.
Much of who we are as adults is steeped in our formative years as children and young people. I grew up on the prairies of western Minnesota where I was exposed to hard work, discipline and honesty. As one of five children of a school teacher and mother who stayed at home during the child-rearing years, my life revolved around family, church and sports. I was expected to do well (which meant only my best) in my education, sports and work, but always with a respect and concern for those around me.
When I was 12, and in the sixth grade, one afternoon my teachers gathered the entire class together to review a math test that we had all taken. Before beginning the review, Mrs. Halvorson wanted to draw attention to two students who had done exceptionally well–I was one of them. As she proceeded to go through the correct answer and method to each question, it became clear to me that she had not corrected my paper accurately. As I watched my “A” slip to a “C”, I began erasing the wrong answers for which I had received credit and replaced them with the new correct answers. At the conclusion of the review I stared at my paper now 100% correct. It took me only moments to re-erase the correct answers and replace them with the wrong answers and trudge to the front of the class to inform Mrs. Halvorson that I wasn’t the bright shining student on that exam.
Honesty is a value I hold sacred. Honesty means always telling the truth, even when it hurts. Honesty means being transparent in how I conduct business and in all aspects of my life. Most importantly, honesty means being authentic even when it shows my flaws.
It is the foundation of the first 22 years of my life, with the experiences of the next 25 years, that guide me in working with the clients of Carlson Capital Management and developing our firm into a successful wealth management firm. I have a strong desire to excel at both the client and company level, but only by earning it. It is my philosophy that all I need to do is excel at the client level and the company part will take care of itself.
Professional Biography
Jeffrey R. Carlson is a founding principal of Carlson Capital Management. His primary responsibilities include managing client relationships and marketing the firm’s financial, estate, philanthropic and tax planning services. Jeff also develops and sets the vision for the firm. Jeff is a 1983 graduate of St. Olaf College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, with specific concentrations in finance and accounting. Jeff began his career with IDS/American Express and shortly there-after earned his Certified Financial Planner® designation. Jeff has been providing wealth management advice to clients and their families for more than twenty years and has developed specific areas of expertise in retirement and early retirement planning, stock option management, estate planning, insurance services and developing integrated plans that include philanthropic giving.
Jeff is an active volunteer with numerous organizations including Hastings Area Rotary Club, St. Philips Lutheran Church, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Hastings Area YMCA and Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. Jeff is also an active alumnus of St. Olaf College, and currently serves as the Class of ‘83 Correspondent and Class Fund Agent. In maintaining family tradition, Jeff is an avid tennis player and enjoys serving as a volunteer coach with the Hastings High School Tennis Team. Jeff also enjoys golf and spending time with his spouse and their three children. Jeff and his family reside in Hastings, Minnesota.
Personal Thoughts
Sports have and always will play an important part in my life. It is through these activities that I have learned hard work, discipline, and teamwork. Let me provide a few examples.
As a sophomore on the St. Olaf Basketball team, I was disenchanted with my playing time and the lack of opportunities to prove myself. With my speech to my coach memorized, I walked into his office to make my case for increased playing time. Before I was even able to say my opening line, I was presented with these words: “You are slow, you make poor decisions, and have an inability to score!”
So, I asked myself, “Do I quit or do I try to prove him wrong?”. By the end of the season, I was the first guard off the bench, lettered, and was given the “Mr. Hustle” award by my teammates. I may not have been the most talented, but I understood the value and reward in working hard and doing my best to help the team.
Another example recalls how I always wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps as a strategist and coach. I can picture my dad, days before a tennis match, shuffling and re-shuffling line ups to get the best opportunity for success against the opposing team. To a degree, what I really enjoy doing at Carlson Capital Management, I learned from my father. First, I know that to best serve our clients requires expertise and strategy from many different angles, including tax, estate, and investment perspectives. Understanding data and information is important, but it is the ability to put information together into a cohesive plan and structure that requires true expertise, experience and leadership. Second, to meet the needs of our clients, I am able to act as a coach to incorporate the best game strategies to “prevent unsuccessful outcomes” and create the best opportunity to win—that is, how to best accumulate, manage, and distribute their assets in such a manner as to help them accomplish what is most important to them.
Professional Biography
Justin D. Stets is a principal of Carlson Capital Management. Justin’s primary responsibilities include managing client relationships, and directing the firm’s human and capital resources. Before joining CCM in 1998, Justin spent eleven years with Wells Fargo Corporation. Principal experiences at Wells included lending to high net worth clients and brokering commercial banks. Justin graduated from St. Olaf College cum laude in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin, Greek and Theology. He is a Phi Beta Kappa alumnus. In 1987, he received his Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Harvard University.
Justin is co-founder of 5th Bridge, an organization that’s mission is to encourage the habits of volunteerism and philanthropy. He also serves as a board member of Friends of Africa Education and is actively involved in the Catholic community of St. Dominic in Northfield where he has held various leadership positions. Justin is former President of the Northfield Community Action Center, as well as former President and Board member of the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities. In addition to active civic engagement, Justin serves on the Board for the National Independent Trust Company, a $1.4 billion dollar trust holding company located in Ruston, Louisiana. Justin, his wife, Kristin, and their four children live in Northfield, Minnesota.
Personal Thoughts
I strongly believe that knowing someone’s personal history creates a window of insight for a client. Three pieces of information may help describe who I am. First, I am the last child of ten college educated siblings raised in northeast Ohio during the 1960’s-1970’s. Second, our family of twelve lived in a three bedroom, one bathroom apartment above a store which was owned and run by my mother. Third, I was raised and educated until high school as a Catholic, graduated from a Lutheran college, and attended a non-denominational theological graduate school.
With these three data points, you and I can have a great deal of conversation. We can discuss the value of money, as represented by a household of twelve that rarely ate meat (because it was so expensive), drank powdered milk, and gave recycled birthday cards out as gifts. We can discuss hard work - a mother who simultaneously raised 10 children and ran a successful business. We can converse about the value of an education and the persistence and sticktuitiveness required to accomplish such goals. We can talk about the political stress of the 1960’s, and the economic hardships of the 1970’s in comparison to today’s environment. Our dialogue could cover sibling relationships, how to pay for college, how to care for elderly parents and issues of ethical and moral responsibility. Because no one is immune, in my opinion, from the wanderings of the human spirit, we could enjoy conversation about the role of religion in one’s life, our community and our global environment.
All of these conversations are part of who Carlson Capital Management is, but perhaps not identified in a traditional format. Along with the years of experience and hundreds of stories of my colleagues, all the influences and experiences that we have collectively received dramatically shape our current philosophy and relationship with our clients. Placing the client in the center of all our actions is not just a nice business slogan to have, it is rooted in the fabric of who we are as individuals, and what we believe as a firm. Advocating for a transparent, clear and academically proven investment philosophy is not a marketing gimmick, it is the foundational equivalent of a “Bible” for us as investment advisors. Establishing delivery channels for our trust, tax and philanthropic work so that our clients are truly experiencing an integrative wealth management platform points to our philosophy of broad-based thinking and intelligent, holistic planning and action.
I am hopeful that when you come to Carlson Capital Management and meet our team, you experience not only competency, but quality and care. That is why we are here. This is what makes us tick.
Professional Biography
Anthony D. Bolstorff is an Associate Planner for the Carlson Capital Management team. As part of the planning team, Tony works on all aspects of planning and portfolio management, providing clients with fully integrated wealth management services. Tony worked most recently with the Scottsdale, Arizona based financial firm, Teacher Retirement Services. Tony served as an Associate Retirement Planner, providing advice and expertise to educators in all areas of retirement planning.
Tony graduated from St. Olaf College in 1997, with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. In 2003, he earned his Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Arizona State University. As a student-athlete at St. Olaf, Tony was a four-year starter in football garnering all-conference recognition. Tony began his professional career as a high school mathematics instructor and college football coach before making the transition to financial services. He is currently enrolled as a Certified Financial Planner® candidate with the College of Financial Planning. Tony, his wife Emily, their two young children and yellow lab recently returned to Minnesota and reside in Hastings.
Personal Thoughts
As you read the personal thoughts of my colleagues at Carlson Capital Management you will see several common themes emerge - one being hard work. My upbringing in a small rural Iowa town as a son of a pastor/coach instilled this same value in my life. When it came to practices, games, or academic tests, I was always expected to be on time and overly prepared. This has served me well as I’ve grown professionally and become a husband and father.
Though hard work was always emphasized in my family, so too was the importance of taking the time to stop now and then to appreciate its benefits - such as the satisfaction of standing amidst the beauty of a Northern Minnesota birch wood forest after an arduous hike, crossing the finish line after a sprint triathlon, and taking pride in a job well done.
Our clients have worked hard to attain success. As a team member of Carlson Capital Management, I am committed to helping provide the clarity clients desire when it comes to comprehending and working through the complexities of their individual situation. It is then that they can step back and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that all aspects of their financial lives are in order. This is the most rewarding aspect of what we do, and is precisely why we enjoy it so much.
Professional Biography
Cynthia M. Carlson serves as Insurance Operations Manager at Carlson Capital Management. Cindy’s career has spanned more than 20 years in the insurance industry. Prior to joining the CCM team, Cindy worked for the former Lutheran Brotherhood (now Thrivent Financial for Lutherans) as a senior underwriter and underwriting trainer. During her time there Cindy earned the insurance designations of HIAA, FLMI and AALU, adding to her credentials. Cindy’s depth and breadth of underwriting experience enhance our spectrum of services at CCM, contributing to our on-going commitment to offer fully integrated wealth management for our clients.
Cindy graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Bemidji State University in 1980. After college, she went to work for Lutheran Brotherhood in the Twin Cities. Always active in the community, Cindy’s most recent commitments have involved activities and committee work with her church. Cindy and her husband also have several Habitat for Humanity experiences under their tool belts, including a Blitz Week in Americus, Georgia. While living in the Metro area, she enjoyed volunteering in Plymouth Christian Youth Center’s STEEP program for young mothers and babies. Cindy loves music, and specifically, playing hand bells. She has written several hand bell scores, and was thrilled when her first written piece was selected for publication.
Cindy and her husband Barry reside in Northfield, Minnesota with their three sons and shepherd/malamute/husky dog. Family time is filled attending multiple sporting activities and all family members eagerly anticipate “cabin time” together every year at Sand Lake (Moose Lake, Minnesota).
Personal Thoughts
I love rocks and trees. My friends and family tease me about this statement. But you need to understand the root of it. I grew up in a small town near Lake Superior. To go on a hike was always something to look forward to, usually planned with various friends before or after church. Those hikes represent some of my favorite memories - times spent with family and friends, on a hiking trail or on a rock beach– skipping, hopping or climbing rocks, or sharing a campfire or picnic. Rocks and trees and Lake Superior bring me back to those days and the relationships and connections from that time.
During a recent, traditional Thanksgiving trek up north, I spent time deep in the woods searching for a Christmas tree with my family. We also went to pick princess and ground pine, small pine-like plants that we use to make wreaths. As we knelt down, brushing through the snow, one of my sons said, “Mom, it seems like when we come up north to visit Oma and Opa, we’re always picking things.” I was struck by his comment. He had a point. We pick blueberries and pines, pick agates along Lake Superior, pick wintergreen leaves along hiking trails, pick apples in Bayfield, Wisconsin, and pick strawberries near our cabin. All that picking takes time and effort. Anyone who has picked wild blueberries knows how much sweat equity goes into one small bucket of them. You almost feel guilty eating a handful of fresh, crunchy, mouth-popping blueberries, knowing the hard work and effort put into it. Yet, there’s so much enjoyment - fresh blueberry pie, muffins, pancakes, not to mention the time spent in nature, with those you care about, while harvesting your discoveries. The effort expended truly adds to the experience and the reward. My son’s observation underscored for me the way in which spending time outdoors has been a thread beginning in my childhood, which has worked its way through raising our own boys and continues as they grow and go on to college.
Rocks, trees and Lake Superior, picking things together, each of these evoke images and memories-connections-with family and friends that mean a lot to me. I look forward to making connections with CCM clients. I also look forward to helping in the process of working with clients as they select or “pick” the best possible services for them and their families. In my personal and professional experiences, these selection processes including all of the hard work, effort and thought put into them, makes the resulting joy and satisfaction even more rewarding.
Professional Biography
Betty A. Carpenter performs several functions at Carlson Capital Management, serving clients by responding to general inquiries, while also serving the firm as Office Manager of our Hastings, Minnesota location. In addition, Betty is Tax Administrator for CCM Tax & Trust Administration. Prior to joining the firm, Betty spent more than thirty years working as an Administrative Assistant for Flint Hills Resources, a local Minnesota refinery. Betty is a native of Hastings, Minnesota, where she and her husband, Pete, have raised two sons.
Outside of work, Betty and her husband are actively involved in Scouting. Both sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and are currently giving back to the organization by volunteering as Assistant Scoutmasters. Betty loves the outdoors, camping, biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
Personal Thoughts
Growing up on a farm, I learned at a very early age about teamwork. My parents lived through the depression years. They knew hard work, the value of money and the importance of family and friends. Providing for a family of eight children was not easy. We were all expected to help on the farm and do our share. We were a part of a team. Relatives and neighbors were also very much a part of the team.
One memory that is still fresh in my mind relates to a local farmer, named Louie, who owned a threshing machine. As you may know, a threshing machine removes the grain from the stalks. Large farms usually owned their own threshing machines, but where we lived, everyone relied on Louie’s machine, as well as a huge amount of labor supplied by relatives and neighbors. Men standing on top of the wagon pitched down the grain bundles into the threshing machine’s bundle feeder. Grandmothers, wives and girls prepared the meals to keep the volunteers going. In no time, there were huge piles of straw and overflowing bins of grain. Once we finished with one farm, Louie’s threshing machine then went down the road to the next farm. Community and cooperation were working hand in hand.
Every day at Carlson Capital Management, I continue to witness the hard work and the team efforts of my colleagues. It takes the expertise of all team players to provide the quality of services that our clients have become accustomed to.
Professional Biography
Ginger L. Church serves as Executive Assistant to the Principals at Carlson Capital Management. In this role, she supports the development and management of the firm. Ever focused on the team approach, Ginger continually looks for ways to align details with people for a positive client experience. She is your connection in the Northfield office if you are not able to reach Greg or Justin.
Ginger grew up on a family farm in Kasson, Minnesota and graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies. For 30 years she has supported litigation attorneys as a legal assistant/paralegal, focusing on client contact, jury studies, investigations, and document analysis. Her roles grew to include management of litigation department paralegals and teams of case assistants/paralegals for national, multi-party litigation, as well as Office Manager for a Minneapolis presence of two Chicago law firms. Her keen eye for detail and project management was put to further use in 1992 when she assumed an Administrative Assistant role for the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association’s Symposium on the Future of the Civil Jury System with the Brookings Institution. Most recently, she was a Litigation Paralegal for Greene Espel, P.L.L.P. in Minneapolis.
Apart from her professional life, Ginger and her husband Steve are co-owners of Church Landscape Company in Kenyon, Minnesota, where she focuses her involvement on strategic planning, sales and office management. Ginger and Steve also raise registered Columbia and Suffolk sheep at Morning Meadows Farm in Kenyon. During the winter lambing season you will find her in the barn helping Steve and their two dogs, Maggie and Millie, with the newborn lambs, and, on occasion, mothering an orphan lamb in the warmer comfort of their basement.
Volunteerism is an important part of Ginger’s community involvement. She is a Past President of the Minnesota Paralegal Association, former Board member of the Kenyon Arts Council, current Board member of The Merlin Players in Faribault, and co-pianist for Prairieville United Methodist Church in Faribault. Her passions include theater, music, literature, letter writing, animal care, needlework, design and architecture, and the quiet of an early Sunday morning in the country.
Personal Thoughts
Stories of a life: a tale of the windings through various landscapes that have made us who we are. No one sits and becomes. Rather, we seek, stretch, and stumble to our current plain, only to experience sunrises and sunsets that continually change us. I have had a walking journey, traveling from a farm girl childhood through big city law firms and into Carlson Capital Management. Against the prevailing current, my stories are no longer in line with the expected. Rather, as the Persian mystic and poet Rumi said, “Start walking … then comes the moment of feeling the wings you’ve grown lifting,” and the landscape changes. The constant, however, is the deep and lasting relationships that create the authenticity of my life. As a child, my mother and father encouraged me to complement my daily chicken chores with music, literature and art; in the process they taught me humility and gratitude. My siblings, even today, broaden my understanding of compromise and companionship. Friends, some forever and others new, stretch me to find their passions and meld them with mine. Workmates energize my dedication to purpose and a job well done. My husband, as partner in life and enterprise, demonstrates by example the significance of integrity and excellence. Experiences have become stories: the fundamental values enriched by my journey have strengthened and simplified. My wings now open to a new prevailing wind like the sail catching the late morning gust of mist and sun.
My stories are now open to you. As I serve Carlson Capital Management, working closely with Greg, Jeff and Justin, I will offer my authentic voice in service to you. What is important to you will become important to me. I will handle your stories, those past and those yet to be told, with personal dedication, focus, and respect. Our landscapes will change as our stories unfold, but the authentic care you experience at Carlson Capital Management will remain consistent and genuine.
Professional Biography
Peter J. Conrad is a Senior Advisor at Carlson Capital Management. In this role, Peter manages client relationships and performs and coordinates all aspects of the integrated wealth management platform including investment management, retirement modeling, insurance analysis, educational planning and other general financial planning. Peter also contributes as a member of the firm’s investment committee.
Peter joined CCM bringing 18 years of experience as an investment professional. He most recently worked for Kopp Investment Advisors in Minneapolis where he served as Executive Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager. Prior to his time at Kopp, Peter worked for Charles Schwab & Company and IDS Financial Services in financial planning and client relationship roles. Peter has been a guest lecturer for the University of St. Thomas M.B.A. program and a featured speaker at the PricewaterhouseCoopers CFO Forum. His analytical commentary has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, MSN Money, Investor’s Business Daily, Barron’s On-line and Dow Jones Newswire. Peter is a Chartered Financial Analyst and member of the CFA Society of Minnesota.
Peter holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Moorhead State University in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he finished Magna Cum Laude in 1986. He went on to earn an M.B.A. in Finance from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Peter is active as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and involved in several ministries at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Bloomington, including a current role as President of the church council. Peter, his wife Christy, and their children reside in Edina, Minnesota.
Professional Biography
Jeremy P. Green serves as Director of Case Design at Carlson Capital Management. In this role, Jeremy provides funding and illustration support in the initial design and re-evaluation of insurance, wealth transfer, estate, and business succession plans. Jeremy is a graduate of the University of Minnesota’s School of Journalism, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2000. He went on to complete a Master of Science degree in Financial Services from the American College, and has also earned the designations of Certified Financial Planner®, Certified Employee Benefit Specialist and Chartered Life Underwriter. He is an active member of the society of Financial Service Professionals.
Jeremy’s professional experience includes positions held in a multi-family office, the private bank of Wells Fargo and the institutional distribution arm of Transamerica. Jeremy also served in active federal military service in the United States Army, stationed in the Republic of Korea from 1996 to 1998. Jeremy and his wife Dawnn reside in Southwest Minneapolis.
Personal Thoughts
The older I get the more I believe that there are some things in life that are important and a whole lot of things that aren’t. As complex as we can make our days, our schedules and our relationships, it seems that, ultimately, in our quieter moments it’s very easy and simple.
What’s important to me are the warmth and kindness of my spouse; the comfort of old friends and family; the camaraderie of valued colleagues and being greeted at the door when I come home from work by my poorly trained, but ever faithful and cheerfully clumsy dog, Sadie.
Professional Biography
Michael P. Grossman serves as Portfolio Analyst at Carlson Capital Management. As part of the Investment team, Mike is responsible for helping to execute the firm’s overall investment strategies. Mike conducts research and analysis on client and prospect portfolios—making recommendations as appropriate.
Mike graduated from Carleton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He went on to earn an MBA, with an emphasis in Finance and Marketing from the University of Minnesota. Mike also earned the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst, an advanced graduate level three-year program for investment professionals, awarded by the CFA Institute. Mike joins the CCM team bringing more than thirty years of experience in financial services, investment banking, and venture capital.
Mike began his career with Dain Bosworth (RBC Dain Rauscher) as a corporate bond trader. He went on to work for TriCon Capital Corporation and Piper Jaffray & Hopwood, trading securities and structuring tax-exempt financings. Following 15 years in the financial services industry, Mike transitioned to a leadership role with a business development organization, providing guidance and expertise to start-up companies. In that role, Mike served on the board of directors of client companies, providing on-going advisory services and assistance over the period of several years. Mike most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer with Prourocare Medical, Inc. a start-up medical device company.
Mike is a native of Northfield, Minnesota, where he and his wife, Sally Stolen Grossman, reside with their two children.
Professional Biography
Andrew A. Hauskins is an Associate Planner for the Carlson Capital Management team. In this role, Andy works with the senior planners and clients on all aspects of planning and portfolio management. Andy began his career in financial services at Life Investors Insurance Company of Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1998. While at Life Investors, Andy worked in the marketing department training new agents on life insurance, annuities, and basic financial planning techniques. Andy’s career then led him to a Director of Field Services position with CA Marketing, a medical insurance marketing firm in the Twin Cities. While there he gained extensive knowledge of individual health plans, small employer group health plans, short term medical, and Health Savings Accounts. Andy is currently enrolled as a Certified Financial Planner® candidate.
Andy graduated from Iowa State University in 1997, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. In addition to his studies at Iowa State he was a four-year letter winner in track & field and was recognized as an ISU Scholar Athlete for excellence in academics. Andy is an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and volunteers time with both the Northfield Area Family YMCA and St. Dominic School. Andy, his wife Annie, and their two young daughters live in Northfield, Minnesota.
Personal Thoughts
“Steel started out as simply a lump of iron,” my father used to say to me, and “only through the relentless work of a blacksmith did it become a critical commodity.” When I was younger, I wasn’t sure why he would share such things with me, though I knew that in this case, he was passing along a quote from his own father. Then, one day during high school track practice, his words became quite valuable for me. I envisioned that the work of a blacksmith was very repetitive, difficult, and required focus in addition to physical discipline. I realized that success might mean continuing to “pound away” at something, as my coach was requiring me to do in sprints. I was ultimately rewarded for my hard work with success on the track, but even more, I was rewarded with discipline as a core value that I continue to carry with me. I certainly don’t claim to practice this perfectly, it is something toward which I strive, and that I will try to impart to my own daughters.
The importance of being disciplined can demonstrate itself in multiple aspects of our lives. Clearly, it is central to what we do at Carlson Capital Management as well. When the financial markets are challenging, as they have been in recent quarters, it requires us to practice the discipline we speak of in theory when the markets are working in our favor - that is “staying the course.” We also integrate discipline into the educational, retirement and estate plans we work with clients to create. It is a key element in driving these plans to success.
I thoroughly enjoy working with clients - listening to their stories, hearing about their backgrounds, trying to learn what drives them and what is ultimately important to them. This greatly motivates me in my work in helping them meet and exceed their goals.
Professional Biography
Brent D. Hoppe is a Financial Advisor for the Carlson Capital Management team. Brent worked most recently with TIAA-CREF as a founding member of the organization’s Twin Cities office. During his six-year tenure at TIAA-CREF, Brent served as a Wealth Management Advisor, initiating and leading the local wealth management practice, personally advising high net worth clients in and around the Twin Cities. Brent provided investment counsel to professionals in academic, medical and cultural fields and gained special expertise in helping individuals plan for and realize their investment and retirement goals. Brent has obtained the Accredited Asset Management Specialist® designation through the College for Financial Planning and is currently pursuing a CFP designation. As a Financial Advisor at Carlson Capital Management, Brent works with clients on all aspects of planning.
Brent graduated from Hamline University in 1997 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Social Science, Elementary and Secondary Education. During his time at Hamline he supplemented academic pursuits by volunteering at numerous St. Paul public schools and participating on the track team. As a student-athlete Brent earned distinction as a MIAC champion and as an NCAA All-American qualifier. Brent began his professional career as an educator and coach, then entered the field of financial services with A.G Edwards prior to joining TIAA-CREF. Brent, his wife Emily, and their daughter reside in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. They enjoy spending time outdoors, especially at their cabin in Castle Danger on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Personal Thoughts
Hanging in Albert’s Einstein’s Princeton University office was the following quote, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Even one of the most recognized and accomplished quantitative minds in history articulated a simple truth—we value relationships and experiences more than things. Although counted accomplishments, ranging from professional to athletic, could be used to portray me; I believe that a rather quirky hobby of mine reveals more. It’s chopping wood.
For over ten years my wife and I hand split wood to meet our needs at the cabin. The wood was used primarily for heating and recreation. Perhaps indicative of my nature or modern societal influence, a decision was made to “industrialize” the process. We rented a splitter for greater efficiency and the benefits provided by economies of scale, all the while believing this would create more time for other activities in our busy lives. Ultimately, it was decided this would greatly enhance our time at the cabin. I was dead wrong.
Here’s what we learned: the journey was more valuable than the destination. Certainly we produced more split wood with mechanization, but producing burnable wood was only part of the story. Here is the rest… my wife and I enjoy working as a team to process the wood from beginning to end. We cherish the opportunity to explore the property, identifying which trees are ready for harvest. Every tree species, and tree, requires a custom approach during the felling stage; necessitating careful thought about the surroundings. We process the wood on-site, providing the gift of time and reflection in one of nature’s peaceful sanctuaries. Splitting and hauling fuels our physical health. We stretch, lift, and gasp our way to physical well-being while admiring Lake Superior and welcoming the cool breeze it produces. Happily, we take breaks to ponder the tree’s lifecycle, counting the rings to determine the age. Quite often, we observe the tree’s contributions to other wildlife such as birds, chipmunks, deer and insects. In true circle of life fashion we often harvest trees where another has started to grow. Removal of the dying tree allows the other to prosper. At times we transplant, mitigating shore erosion, providing habitat for wildlife and attempting to ensure future generations have the same opportunities as we do. Over the years, a cast and crew spanning ages 3 to 73 have shared this experience with us. The wood stove’s heat is a little more radiant on wintry days, and outdoor fires and food have added meaning as a result of the experience.
Much of our lives are tracked and counted, both professionally and personally–such as our occupational production, sports endeavors, height, weight and even split wood generation. Integrated wealth management transcends what is counted, focusing on what counts. By taking the time to understand your values, experiences and influential life events we develop a plan, educate and implement in a way that could only be achieved through true objective independence.
Professional Biography
Kelly Anfinson Irvine is Director of Marketing and Communications for Carlson Capital Management. She oversees the firm’s marketing plans and project implementation; client communications and appreciation activities; event management and community involvement, all with an eye on keeping our clients’ experience at the forefront.
Kelly graduated with departmental distinction in Political Science from St. Olaf College in 1992, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude. Her career took her to Montana, Idaho and Wisconsin prior to a return to Minnesota in 2003. Kelly’s professional background spans both the corporate and non-profit sectors. She has held corporate management positions in community relations and human resources, and in the non-profit sector, she most recently worked as a development officer at the University of St. Thomas.
Community involvement is important to Kelly. She was selected as a Policy Fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, where she was a 2004-2005 participant. Currently, Kelly serves on the Education Committee of St. Dominic School. Kelly returned to Northfield in 2005, where she resides with her husband, Colin, their two young children and black Labrador.
Personal Thoughts
Like many Minnesotans, I grew up with the privilege of “going to the Lake” in the summer. (Much to the chagrin of my spouse, who hails from the West, we Midwesterners never really bother to specify which lake. It’s just the Lake.) Not unlike many families in this area, I am fortunate in that early ancestors from Norway had the foresight to purchase lake front land where they wasted no time establishing family traditions—in fact, we recently celebrated our 81st July 4th celebration together. And while land is simply land, it’s our “landscape” that helps describe the essence of who we are. For me that landscape, and more precisely “the Lake,” is really all about family.
I recall my wedding day as guests came out of the chapel to greet us in the receiving line. My new mother-in-law from out of state stood next to me as I introduced her to many unfamiliar faces. She remarked later that every other person was “a cousin from the Lake.” How right she was! In our family, it doesn’t matter if one is a first cousin, a third cousin twice-removed, or the spouse of a second cousin—we are just cousins. Cousins range from several months old to those in their 80’s, and, oddly enough, we consider ourselves part of an “immediate” family, even though the number of us easily exceeds a couple hundred. We all grew up spending summers at the Lake, and we were always accountable to the aunts in the generation (or two) ahead of us. We are there for one another’s weddings, funerals and sometimes birthdays. We look forward to sharing kransekake and rommegrot. We are intent on ensuring that our children know our cousins’ children. So, to know me is to know that I am a wife and a mother, a daughter and a sister, a grand-daughter, and, of course, “a cousin.”
All of us at CCM look forward to learning your story, because that is how we at CCM have defined ourselves as a company, and that is how we will continue to define ourselves in the future. We must know you and your story before we can help you accomplish what is important to you.
Professional Biography
Timothy S. Jackson is Director of Operations at Carlson Capital Management. In this role, Tim is responsible for oversight of all firm operations and technology. In addition, as part of the investment team, Tim provides investment research and analysis. Tim’s hands-on experience and strong technical aptitude help ensure the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the firm’s operations.
Tim graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2000, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics with an emphasis in mathematics. After graduation, he joined a small software company in the Twin Cities, where he worked in research and development. Tim has extensive self-taught computer skills and has experience designing and maintaining websites. Tim has volunteered his technical skills to assist a variety of non-profit organizations, and is currently active on the Board of Directors of 5th Bridge. He also volunteers with the Northfield Area Family YMCA and Northfield Nursery School. Tim, his wife Tanya, and their three daughters live in Northfield, Minnesota.
Personal Thoughts
Family is very important to me. I grew up with three brothers and three sisters, and my parents have since gone on to adopt twenty-three more children, bringing the total number of children in my family to thirty. The closeness of my family has instilled in me a strong sense of family values, which I carry forward to my own family now. I have three daughters, and my wife and I love every second we are with the girls, watching them develop and grow.
Growing up in a large family has also given me a great understanding of teamwork and how to get things done. My brothers and sisters would seldom all agree on things, but somehow we managed to compromise and move on without anyone getting left behind. My family experiences have helped me apply these skills of teamwork and compromise in the business world. Teamwork has always been a part of the CCM culture and I’m proud to provide our clients with an experience that reflects this value.
Professional Biography
Judd K. Lohmann is a Senior Investment Manager for Carlson Capital Management. He helps lead the investment team which is responsible for directing and executing the firm’s overall investment strategies. He is a member of the investment committee, represents the firm with its strategic partnerships in the investment community and serves as the liaison to the Zero Alpha Group.
After graduating from St. Olaf College in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Judd went on to receive his MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota with a concentration in Finance. He began his career at Honeywell in Minneapolis, where for three years he conducted capital planning and investment analysis. For the past 21 years he has been employed by IDS/American Express Financial Advisors/Ameriprise, serving in a financial leadership capacity in several areas: in the Real Estate Department he was the principle financial analyst for the new corporate office center; in the Advisor Technology Department he led the financial analyst team that helped redesign the sales tools and processes, and in the Treasury Department he was responsible for Investor and Rating Agency relationships and preparation/coordination of monthly meetings of the corporate Balance Sheet Management Committee.
Judd has been involved with and supported various organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Over and Back, the Boy Scouts of America, a Circle of Service volunteer group, and Emmaus Church of Northfield, Minnesota. He and his wife Susan and their three children have enjoyed living in Northfield since 1993.
Personal Thoughts
The concept of integration is an important one for me, and has become more so throughout my life. I want my life to be integrated, to have the pieces fit well and make sense together. And the word integration shares a common root with another word that is significant to me. This word is integrity, and for me personally it means being the same person wherever I am and whoever I am with – living as a person of integrity.
I believe these principles can carry over into the financial component of one’s life. A financial plan is optimized when it is well aligned and integrated with one’s goals and intended legacy. It is essential that our clients feel secure knowing that, not only is there a plan in place, but also that this plan is being prudently monitored and managed to ensure that their goals and legacy are consistent with their intentions. It is our job to listen carefully to your goals, help establish a course that provides the best means to set it in motion, and then to work with you to stay on the established course or respond appropriately to life changes.
Professional Biography
Tonya M. Quade, Client Relations Manager, has been part of the Carlson Capital Management team for more than a decade, allowing her to contribute to the firm with a wide breadth of responsibility. In addition to client account servicing, Tonya manages the firm’s accounting activities and human resource functions. She is also responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Carlson Trust Company (the firm’s trust administration entity), handling policy applications and serving as a liaison to firm partner, M Financial, and serving as donor advised fund administrator for the American Center for Philanthropy, a non-profit organization seeded by Carlson Capital Management.
Tonya has called Red Wing, Minnesota home since 1979. She graduated from Red Wing Central High in 1991, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls in 1995. Shortly there-after, Tonya began her career with Carlson Capital Management.
Outside of work, Tonya enjoys spending time with family and friends. Tonya and her husband, Monte, live in Red Wing with their two young sons, and two pug dogs.
Personal Thoughts
Having been with CCM since 1996 when there were only four of us on the staff, I have seen and been part of many changes at the firm. The company has evolved in both small and large ways (everything from a name change to adding additional office locations), but there has been one constant that has remained unchanged. That constant is Carlson Capital Management’s commitment to each client and helping them in all aspects of their financial lives. This commitment is proven in not only the wide array of services the firm provides, but also in the personal attention that is given to making each client feel part of the Carlson “family”. It is part of our core philosophy that puts the client at the center of all that we do, and I think this is what makes our firm so unique.
Professional Biography
Sandy E. Rowan began working at Carlson Capital Management in 1999. Her depth of experience assists her in providing comprehensive service to CCM clients in a variety of capacities. Sandy is Client Relations Manager for the Northfield office, where she is responsible for establishing new client accounts in addition to account documentation, processing and maintenance. She is also the primary contact in the firm for transfer requests, distributions, and general account servicing.
Sandy was born and raised in Northfield. After high school graduation she began working for a local dental office as a dental assistant. Her work continued at the dental office for 28 years, the last 20 of which were spent in office management.
Sandy and her husband, Bill, have two grown children and two grandchildren. Leisure time for Sandy is spent with family and friends. During the summer she and her family enjoy time away from Northfield at their lake home in Deerwood, Minnesota.
Personal Thoughts
Outside of my “day job,” I am the business manager for my husband’s construction business. It is very rewarding to help families build a new home, one step at a time. Each project presents a challenge for us, and we always approach the process as if we were building our own home.
I’ve found some interesting parallels between integrated wealth planning at CCM and the construction business. Creating a financial plan is much like drawing the blue print for a new home. The plan must be perfect before you begin your project in order for the end product to be what you’d hoped to achieve. In addition, when I begin opening accounts and transferring assets for new clients, I’m often reminded of how it’s much like beginning a construction project. Each step is done in the same order, with attention to detail being very important, always mindful of the exceptional experience and results we want for our clients.
Professional Biography
Rachael D. Solberg is Receptionist and Client Servicing Representative for Carlson Capital Management. Rachael has a variety of responsibilities at CCM. She is one of two of the “voices” of the firm, accepting incoming calls and operating the phone system with colleague, Valerie Swentik. Rachael will also be the first face you see when you visit our new Twin Cities location in the Bloomington Southpoint Office Center. In this role, Rachael is responsible for office management, administrative support and hospitality. She also assists in scheduling appointments, preparing materials for client presentations and assisting our planning, marketing and insurance operations teams. In addition, Rachael works closely with the firm’s Client Relations Manager to assist with new account openings, transfers and other client account servicing needs.
Rachael graduated from St. Olaf College in 2006, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History. During her time at St. Olaf, Rachael was president and program director for Project Friendship (a community mentorship program), and also participated in the Philharmonia orchestra and women’s choir. Her studies included travel abroad to both Ireland and Italy. In addition, Rachael was a valued member of the St. Olaf Conference and Events Office where she worked as a conference liaison—honing her interpersonal, organizational and administrative skills.
Prior to joining CCM, Rachael was an Administrative Assistant at Cobb, Strecker, Dunphy & Zimmermann, an organization that provides risk management services to the construction industry. Rachael grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, and now enjoys living in the Uptown area of Minneapolis.
Personal Thoughts
Being a somewhat recent college graduate, I have come to dread the question, “So, what was your major?” I say this because I graduated with an art history degree. After discovering this, the next question people will inevitably ask is, “What do you do with that?” Thanks to Carlson Capital Management, the answer is “Work at a wealth management firm.” While the fields of financial management and art history may not have obvious similarities, I have discovered that I apply skills I learned from my St. Olaf liberal arts education on a daily basis at CCM.
In studying art history, every detail regarding the artist, the work itself, the genre, time period, etc. is analyzed to arrive at a conclusion about the piece as a whole. Likewise, in wealth management, every aspect needs to be scrutinized to get an idea of the ‘big picture’ for each client. Additionally, it is important to understand that every client, just like a work of art, is unique.
While these parallels are important, the most valuable lesson I learned in college that I carry with me into my job is to do something I love. I realize that studying art history isn’t necessarily “real world applicable,” but I loved every minute of it. At CCM, I’m learning new things and am constantly being challenged, while at the same time am fortunate enough to interact with clients on a daily basis. I can honestly say these are things that I love doing. I think that’s what makes our firm unique – every person here sincerely enjoys what they do. I hope that comes across every time you have an experience with us.
Professional Biography
Adam C. Solyst serves as Investment Operations Specialist at Carlson Capital Management. Adam works closely with both the operations and investment teams at CCM, producing reports, conducting research, helping to manage and maintain data integrity and other activities that support overall client portfolio management.
Adam is a recent graduate of St. Olaf College, where he earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Mathematics and in Economics, with a Management emphasis. He finished with honors and departmental distinction. During his time at St. Olaf, Adam participated in track and choir, served in a leadership capacity in the Economics Honors Society and as a residence hall assistant. Adam resides in Northfield, Minnesota and originally hails from La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Professional Biography
Valerie J. Swentik is Receptionist and Client Servicing Representative for Carlson Capital Management. Val has a variety of responsibilities at CCM. She is one of two “voices” of the firm, accepting incoming calls and operating the phone system with colleague, Rachael Solberg. Val is also the first person to greet and assist visitors in the Northfield office. In addition, Val is responsible for office management and administrative support. She schedules and confirms appointments, prepares materials for client presentations and provides general assistance to our planning team. Val also assists with new account openings, transfers and other client account servicing needs.
After spending the majority of her children’s early years with them at home, Val re-entered the work force as a Rural Mail Carrier in Cannon Falls, a position she held for over seven years. Wanting to further her education, Val enrolled as an undergraduate and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Saint Mary’s University in 2003. Among others, her professional roles have included those of administrative assistant, substitute teacher and human resources manager. One thing common throughout her career has been the opportunity to apply her strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Prior to joining the team at Carlson Capital Management, Val worked in customer service as an Inside Sales Representative for Gemini, Inc. of Cannon Falls.
Val is active in her church and community, where she has chaired various fund raising events. An avid bicyclist, she has ridden the MS Tram five times to raise money for multiple sclerosis research.
Val and her husband Pete reside in Sogn Valley on a five acre hobby farm, where they have raised their four children - two daughters and two sons. This past year their family has grown to include a son-in-law, two daughter-in-laws and a granddaughter.
Professional Biography
Kenneth J. Tomes serves as Director of Tax Services at Carlson Capital Management, and as a Tax Advisor with CCM Tax & Trust Administration. In his role Ken has oversight of the firm’s financial accounting and related processes. In addition, as a member of the CCM Tax & Trust Administration team, Ken provides tax expertise and prepares returns. Ken joins the CCM team bringing more than thirty years of experience in tax preparation, audit work, accounting, and financial management. He has most recently worked as an independent consultant, preceded by serving as Chief Financial Officer for Endres Processing, LLC in Rosemount, Minnesota and as a Senior Business Consultant for AgStar Farm Credit Services in Northfield.
Ken grew up on a family farm in Western Minnesota and is a graduate of Southwest State University, where he earned degrees in Math and Accounting. He went on to earn an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, his Certified Financial Planner designation from the College of Financial Planning, and is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Ken has been an active community member for more than fifteen years, serving on the Board of Directors for St. Croix Catholic School and as a Trustee for St. Charles Catholic Church. He and his wife, Mary, reside in Stillwater, Minnesota and have four grown children.
Personal Thoughts
When Lewis Carroll’s Alice of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland came to a crossroads and inquired about directions from the Cheshire Cat, the cat, in its wisdom, responded, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” This statement has long struck a chord with me when it comes to setting personal and professional goals. And, it also strikes me as pertinent to financial planning. We aren’t taught financial planning in school, and even if we have some natural ability or propensity to comprehend the many facets of integrated planning, few of us have the expertise to plan, implement then execute on all matters single-handedly. This is where I think the role of a professional team comes in to the picture. How will you know if you are on the right road? I don’t believe you will, unless you have a plan to determine where you want to go. An attraction for me to Carlson Capital Management was the ability to work with a team of professionals committed and dedicated to helping clients define their goals, and the ability to execute a well thought out plan.
The value of teamwork has been central to my life both personally and professionally. I learned teamwork at an early age, growing up on a farm in Western Minnesota. The concept was reinforced when I spent two years in the military as a Chaplain’s assistant at a base outside of Istanbul, Turkey. And, as parents of four grown children, my wife and I have had first-hand experience in the importance of forming a team to accomplish what is important to us for our family. Further, throughout my accounting career in both large and small organizations, my success has always depended on the sum of many parts coming together to accomplish common goals. The critical combination of setting goals, then forming a team to execute a plan to realize those goals is where I have personally experienced the most rewarding opportunities. I’m pleased to be part of your endeavor to do the same.