I was born on a farm near Adrian, MN. My early life was spent on the family farm where I learned about hard work, faith, and volunteerism. From an early age, I was very involved with the Adrian United Methodist Church and my parents taught me the value of sharing time and talents.
In 1988 I graduated from Adrian High School and moved to Mankato to attend college at MSU‐ Mankato. While I was attending college full‐time, I worked part‐time in the History Department where I was able to interact with both fellow students as well as professors. After my Sophomore year, I stayed in Mankato for the summer and worked at a couple of part‐time jobs. One of which was as a part‐time teller position at TCF Bank. After two more years of college and working part‐time, I applied for a full‐time position where I began truly began my career path. I earned my insurance license in 1992 and Series 6 securities license in 1994 as I moved through several positions with TCF Bank while attending night classes. While at TCF Bank, I was honored to receive the “Jo Gilbert Customer Service” award which is awarded once per year nationwide. I graduated in 1996 with a BS degree in Accounting & Finance. In 1997 I received a job offer from First Bank, which I accepted. I was able to obtain the Series 7 securities license while I grew my practice at First Bank/US Bank/Piper Jaffray. In 2002 I moved on to Edward Jones. In 2006 I earned my Accredited Asset Management Specialist professional designation and after 15+ years I remain a Financial Advisor and Limited Partner.
I have been married to my wife, Jill, for 20 years and we have two sons, Chandler & Cameron. In their early years, I coached many of their youth sports teams (football, soccer, basketball, baseball) while continuing to build my business as well as supporting my wife’s career as a CPA. I enjoy living in the Mankato area and am very active in the local community. As an active blood donor, I am currently working on gallon number 8 for the Red Cross. Mankato has a “Leave A Legacy” chapter that I have served as a past Board member. I have served as a Board member for our church and my family has hosted twelve Mankato Moondogs summer, collegiate baseball players. Currently, I serve as a Board member for the Mankato Symphony Orchestra. This is in addition to volunteering for numerous organizations.
I joined the Mankato Rotary Club in 2003 and have served in many board positions including accepting the Presidency nine months early when our current President transferred to a job out of state. I am currently serving the Greater Mankato Club as the Foundation Team Lead and District 5960 as an Assistant District Governor. My family has hosted two Rotary Exchange students. Jill and I have been awarded multiple Paul Harris Fellowships and attended Rotary International Conventions in Atlanta and Toronto as well as a Zone Conference in Chicago.
