Broker Check

Meet the Team

Chris Vernier

President

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
B.A. Finance and Accounting

University of St. Thomas


What does "wealth" mean to you? 
To me, wealth is both a mindset and a measurable outcome. Grounded in an abundance perspective, the growth of wealth requires long-term thinking, disciplined decision-making, and the thoughtful stewardship of resources.  True wealth extends beyond a balance sheet – it’s reflected in the freedom, security, and impact you are able to create over time.

What part of this work feels most meaningful to you?
The most meaningful part of this work is being invited into clients’ lives at pivotal moments and building relationships that endure over time. I value the trust placed in me to help navigate complexity, provide clarity, and support decisions that shape the future. Being part of the journeys of families – often across multiple generations – is both a privilege and a responsibility I treasure.

How do you like to spend time outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children, especially as we approach an exciting new chapter as an almost empty-nester family. Whether it’s cooking meals together at home or exploring new destinations through travel, I value the time spent creating shared experiences and lasting memories.

Valerie Thomas, CTFA®

Managing Director, Client Service



EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
B.S. Business Administration

University of Northwestern
Certified Trust Fiduciary Advisor

What first drew you to this work, and what continues to motivate you today?
What first drew me to this work was the opportunity to help people with something deeply personal – their goals, values, and legacy. Interestingly, I found my way into the profession unexpectedly. While attending college in the evenings with plans to become a music teacher, two principals at a wealth management firm took a chance on me despite my lack of industry experience.

What began as an opportunity quickly became a calling. I discovered how meaningful it is to help families navigate important financial decisions, especially around charitable giving, legacy planning, and creating the life they envision for themselves and future generations. That passion ultimately led me to change paths and pursue a business degree – a decision I remain incredibly grateful for.

What continues to motivate me today is the privilege of building deep, lasting relationships with the families I serve. I love learning what matters most to them and helping align their wealth with the lives they want to live and the impact they hope to make. 

I’m also especially passionate about helping younger generations – often the children and grandchildren of our clients – build strong financial habits and confidence early in life. A quote that has always resonated with me is: “You are perfectly positioned to help the person you once were.” I enjoy encouraging young people with the guidance and perspective I wish I had received myself.

What does “wealth” mean to you?
To me, wealth is about far more than finances. It means living a rich and meaningful life in the areas that matter most – health, family, relationships, purpose, faith, and personal fulfillment.

Financial independence is certainly part of that equation because it creates freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. But without investing in other areas of life, financial success alone can feel incomplete.

True wealth is having the ability to live intentionally, care for the people you love, pursue what matters most to you, and create a lasting impact beyond yourself.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work, and what helps you recharge?
Outside of work, I’m passionate about health, fitness, and longevity. I love listening to podcasts and learning about nutrition, wellness, and ways to improve both health span and quality of life.

I’ve also developed a newfound love for pickleball and play every chance I get!

Most importantly, I cherish time with my family. I married my high school sweetheart, and together we have two adult sons. My husband and I love live music, traveling to warm tropical destinations, and making memories together. One tradition we’ve continued over the years is family trips to theme parks to conquer the biggest thrill rides – the higher and faster the roller coaster, the better!

Mary Olson

Senior Vice President



EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
B.S. Business Administration

Boston University 

What first drew you to this work and what continues to motivate you today?
Growing up, our family lived richly, even though we were paycheck to paycheck. We didn’t rely on credit cards, instead, we saved for our annual family vacation. It was a simple way to live, but it taught me something lasting: there’s real comfort in saving for what you want rather than taking on debt to get it. That sense of peace is something I think most people can relate to – and it’s what drew me to this work. 

It’s an opportunity to help people navigate important decisions, especially ones that affect their security, their families, and their future. I’m inspired by the trust people place in this work and the responsibility that comes with guiding them thoughtfully and with care.

What continues to motivate me is seeing the real impact over time - watching confidence replace uncertainty, plans take shape, and clients feel more at ease knowing they’re supported.

The relationships, the long-term perspective, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives are what continue to motivate and fulfill me in this work.

What does great client service look like in your role and how do you hope clients feel as a result?
When we truly care about our clients and put their needs at the center of what we do, the rest naturally follows. Genuine care builds trust, creates clarity, and makes the entire experience feel seamless and worthwhile.

Great client service, in my role, means being both proactive and attentive – anticipating needs, following through on every detail, and creating a sense of ease so clients never have to wonder what’s happening or what comes next. It’s not just about executing tasks well, but about listening carefully, understanding what matters most, and tailoring our approach to support their goals.

It also requires clear, thoughtful communication, especially during times of uncertainty. Being accessible, responsive, and able to explain things in a way that feels approachable and reassuring is just as important as the technical work.

Ultimately, I want clients to feel confident and supported – like they have someone in their corner who is staying ahead of things and making their lives easier. That sense of trust and clarity in the moment is what great service should provide.

Kristy Thom, IACCP®

Compliance Officer



EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
BS Business Management

National American University
Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional


What does "wealth" mean to you? 
To me, wealth is about security, opportunity, and the ability to live with intention. It extends beyond financial success to include flexibility, balance, and the freedom to focus on what’s most important.

Growing up in a small business family helped shape this perspective. Wealth wasn’t just about income, but about resilience, shared experiences, and working together toward long-term goals. Ultimately, true wealth is having the resources and confidence to enjoy life while supporting the people and causes you care about most.

What part of this work feels most meaningful to you?
I am grateful for the opportunity to help ensure our clients are consistently well supported. By maintaining the firm’s compliance program and supporting smooth, efficient operations, I help create a seamless and positive experience for both our clients and advisors.

While much of my work happens behind the scenes, it directly supports trust, reliability, and confidence in the firm’s processes. Allowing clients to feel supported every step of the way.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work, and what helps you recharge?
I appreciate the energy of city life, but I recharge most by spending time outdoors. Whether that means weekends at a Minnesota lake, time in nature, or occasional trips to the ocean, those experiences help me reset and maintain perspective. I also value quality time with my fiancée, family, and my dog, Harry, all of which helps me return to work feeling restored and focused.

Jordan Elling, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
B.S. Finance & Financial Planning

UofM Duluth
Certified Financial Planner CFP®


What first drew you to this work and what continues to motivate you today?

Like many people, I grew up in a household where finances weren’t discussed in depth, but my parents modeled a strong work ethic and led by example. From an early age, I learned the value of earning, saving, and having an “emergency fund” to fund adventures with friends or save for whatever felt important at the time (which has certainly evolved over the decades!).

Those early experiences sparked my interest in personal finance during high school and college and ultimately led me to a career in financial planning and wealth management. Today, I’m motivated by the opportunity to help clients feel more confident and informed as they navigate their financial lives - whether that means building a savings plan, investing for the future, or navigating major life transitions.

I believe thoughtful financial planning can create clarity and freedom, allowing people to focus their energy on what matters most. Being able to guide clients through decisions that meaningfully impact their lives is what makes this work personally so fulfilling.

What does “wealth” mean to you?

When I think about wealth, I don’t immediately think about the numbers - wealth goes far beyond numbers on a page. It’s rooted in our relationship with ourselves, with the people around us, and in our ability to fully experience life.

Money plays an important role – but as a tool rather than the ultimate goal. At its best, it helps create the freedom and flexibility to pursue what matters most.

Personally, I feel richest after sharing experiences with family and friends and pausing to appreciate the beauty in life’s smaller moments.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work, and what helps you recharge?


When I need a reset, cooking a great meal for me and my partner or settling in with a good book or puzzle usually does the trick. I’ve always loved food – both cooking it and gathering around it – and find so much joy in sharing meals with the people I care about.

Outside of that, you’ll often find me exploring all that Colorado nature has to offer, spending time with family, friends and my miniature dachshund (Pici), practicing yoga, cheering on Minnesota sports teams, or planning my next travel adventure. These moments of connection, creativity, and exploration are what help me recharge and stay grounded.

Laura Dahlgren

Client Service Associate



EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
B.A. Education and Psychology

Augsburg University 

What does “wealth” mean to you?
To me, wealth isn’t just about money or possessions. It’s having good health so I can live fully and enjoy each day with energy and clarity. It’s family – the people who ground me, support me, and make life feel meaningful. It’s friends who bring laughter, honesty, and connection, and who show up in both good times and hard moments.

Wealth is also peace of mind: waking up without constant worry, feeling safe, content, and aligned with who I am. And ultimately, it’s happiness – not the loud, fleeting kind, but the quiet, lasting kind that comes from gratitude, balance, and knowing what truly matters.

What part of this work feels most meaningful to you?
The most meaningful part of my work is helping people in a way that genuinely makes their lives easier. I find real purpose in stepping in, understanding what someone needs, and taking stress or confusion off their plate. When I can simplify a process, solve a problem, or guide someone through a situation with clarity and care, it feels impactful.

I also value connecting with clients on a personal level – listening, building trust, and making sure they feel heard and respected. That human connection turns service into something more than a transaction; it becomes a relationship, and that’s where the work feels most rewarding.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work, and what helps you recharge?
Outside of work, I like to spend my time with family and being outdoors as much as possible. Being in nature really helps me slow down and reset, whether that’s boating on the water, travelling, bike riding, or going for a hike. Those activities give me space to clear my head, move my body, and be present in the moment.

I also enjoy reading, especially when I want some quiet time to recharge. A good book, fresh air, and time with the people I care about are what help me feel balanced and energized.

Jackie Mohr, FPQP™

Client Service Associate

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
Rasmussen Business College - Associate’s Degree

College of Financial Planning - FPQP® 


What first drew you to this work and what continues to motivate you today?
I was initially drawn to this field by the opportunity to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals focused on delivering high-quality client service and strong results. What continues to motivate me is being part of a collaborative environment where we can make a meaningful difference in our clients’ financial lives.

What does great client service look like in your role and how do you hope clients feel as a result?
Great client service in my role means being consistently available, responsive, and reliable while proactively finding solutions to meet client needs. I want our clients to feel confident, supported, and valued, knowing they can depend on us for timely and thoughtful service.

What part of this work feels most meaningful to you?
The most meaningful part of my work is building strong client relationships and being part of a supportive team. I value the camaraderie among colleagues and the shared commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work, and what helps you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time on the lake or being outdoors with my family. These moments help me recharge and maintain a healthy balance.

Wyatt Rudolf

Investment Associate



EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
B.S. Accounting and Finance

Saint John’s University

What does “wealth” mean to you?

To me, wealth is the ability to make important decisions without the burden of financial worry. It means having the clarity and confidence to choose what truly matters, whether in business, family, or personal pursuits, without being constrained by uncertainty about the future.

It’s also about the freedom to experience a full and meaningful life, supported by a strong sense of future security. True wealth is about creating opportunities, making lasting memories, and building a foundation that allows both present fulfillment and long-term peace of mind.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy staying active and making the most of my time outside of work, especially when it comes to sports and spending time with people I care about. I’m an avid baseball fan and love following both the Minnesota Twins and various college baseball teams throughout their seasons. When I’m not watching a game, I like getting out on the golf course, although I’d say I play more for fun than skill.

I value spending time with friends and family, whether that’s relaxing or trying something new together. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places, especially checking out different restaurants and experiences around the Twin Cities and beyond.

What is a fun or surprising fact that people don’t know about you?
A fun fact about me is that I played five years of college baseball between Concordia University, St. Paul and St. John’s University. My freshman year was ultimately cancelled due to COVID, so it was a memorable (and unusual) start. I was lucky enough to earn MIAC All-Conference honors as a pitcher in 2023, though I mostly just value the experience, relationships, and teamwork that came with it.

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