Baune Financial Team
Experienced Leaders Committed to Serving You
At Baune Financial, our goal is to help you achieve peace of mind by charting your course to financial security. Our capabilities stem from having knowledgeable, credentialed, experienced team members who are committed to providing world-class service to each of our clients. No matter what age or stage of life you’re in, we’re here to serve you and your family now and for generations to come. Click below to learn about the personal and professional backgrounds of the Baune Financial team.

Leading with integrity and innovation.
Background & Expertise
Brad started at Northwestern Mutual in 1983 as an intern. After college, he transitioned into an advisor role and continued to expand his practice and expertise before eventually founding Baune Financial. Under his leadership, the firm has become a trusted resource and an innovator in the industry.
Brad is a well-respected thought leader who has developed multiple financial planning approaches including “Navigating Life by Design®” and “Charting Your Course to Financial Security®.” He continues to serve as a financial advisor for many established clients in addition to coaching and counseling other advisors and team members.
Professional Approach
From the beginning, Brad had the vision to build a new kind of financial management firm. He established the guiding principles of high integrity and great competency at Baune Financial and continues to foster a culture that focuses on building long-term relationships.
One of Brad’s primary goals is for Baune Financial to collaborate with clients throughout the continuum of their lives. Every team member seeks to understand client ambitions, asks questions, listens intently, and outlines a clear path forward. By establishing two-way trust between advisor and client, Baune Financial can continue to analyze and advise throughout the various stages of life.
Personal Fulfillment
Brad and his wife reside in Inver Grove Heights, MN and have four children and a growing number of grandchildren. When he’s not at the office, Brad enjoys spending time at his home in Door County, boating on Lake Michigan, sports, yard work, and travel.
Education & Credentials
- Minnesota State University – Mankato, MN
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- Life / Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, & 66

Providing clarity in all aspects of financial planning.
Background & Expertise
Mike has been in the financial services industry since 1994 and joined Baune Financial in 2005. As an Advisor, he is responsible for the development and management of strategic financial plans for new and existing clients.
Professional Approach
Mike listens intently and is a natural problem solver. His honest and transparent approach helps his clients achieve total clarity — of their goals, their risks, and the solutions. He finds great satisfaction in knowing that a financial plan has provided a client confidence and peace of mind.
Personal Fulfillment
Mike resides in rural Goodhue County with his wife and their five children. In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, working outdoors, following sports, and reading the newspaper.
Education & Credentials
- University of Iowa – Iowa City, IA
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Life / Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 6, 7 & 63

Helping clients build a financial plan that gives them confidence.
Background & Expertise
Kyle has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2009 and joined Baune Financial in 2012. Growing up around the financial services profession, he developed a passion for wealth management at a young age. He is proud to represent the second generation at Baune Financial and be part of a dynamic team. As an Advisor, he is responsible for the development and management of strategic financial plans for new and existing clients.
Professional Approach
Kyle takes the time to understand his clients’ values and aspirations. By uncovering what is most important to them, he is able to create custom financial plans that help them meet their objectives. Using a goals-based approach gives clients the confidence to live life in a fulfilling manner.
Personal Fulfillment
Kyle and his wife live in Hampton, MN with their two sons. He enjoys spending time being active outdoors with his family.
Education & Credentials
- Metropolitan State University – St. Paul, MN
- CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER™(CFP®) professional
- Life / Accident / Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 7 & 63

Thoughtful planning and maintenance.
Background & Expertise
Justin has a broad background in investment and insurance operations and joined Baune Financial in 1999. As an Advisor, he is responsible for the development and management of strategic financial plans for new and existing clients.
Professional Approach
Justin takes great pride in understanding his clients’ financial goals and aspirations. From there, he develops a strategy that is unique to their situation. His goal is to continue to keep his clients on track, guiding them through life events, and realigning their portfolios as needed.
Personal Fulfillment
Justin and his wife have two children. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family in northern Minnesota.
Education & Credentials
- St. John’s University – St. Joseph, MN
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Life / Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 6, 7, & 63

Background & Expertise
Chris started with Northwestern Mutual as in intern in 2014 and began working with the Financial Planning Services team in January of 2017. As Team Lead of Financial Planning Services, Chris’s responsibilities include creating financial plans, administering investment solutions into clients’ plans and consulting with teams to ensure processes are efficient and that we are doing what is best for the client.
Professional Approach
The best part about my job is being able to help a lot of people every day. The best financial advice I ever received is to live within your means and start saving early.
Personal Fulfillment
Chris resides in Shakopee, MN. In his free time Chris enjoys golf, spending quality time with his family, and cooking.
Education & Credentials
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Delivering excellent customer service.
Background & Expertise
Lindsay has been in the financial services industry since 2009 and joined Baune Financial in 2018. In her role as Client Service Associate, she supports all aspects of the financial planning process.
Professional Approach
Lindsay is extremely organized, prompt, and focused. She makes sure that client communications are responded to in a timely manner and supports advisors throughout the financial planning process.
Personal Fulfillment
Lindsay and her family live on a farm with horses, goats, dogs, and a cat. She loves spending time outside with her family and supporting her community through multiple volunteer positions.
Education & Credentials
- University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) Designation
- Life / Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 6, 7 & 63

Combining skill with empathy throughout the financial planning process.
Background & Expertise
Mavis joined Baune Financial in 2013 and has an extensive background in financial services and compliance. As a Client Service Associate, she helps to refine and administer financial plans in addition to providing ongoing client support.
Professional Approach
Because of her experience and credibility, team members at Baune Financial rely on Mavis as a go-to resource for a variety of projects. In addition, Mavis approaches her job with empathy and delivers the same level of care and regard that she would expect for herself.
Personal Fulfillment
Mavis lives in Apple Valley, MN. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, gardening, and working on home improvement projects.
Education & Credentials
- Minneapolis Community & Technical College – Minneapolis, MN
- Life / Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 9, 10, 63, & 66

Background & Expertise
Stephanie has been with Northwestern Mutual since 1987 and joined Baune Financial in 2021. Stephanie currently serves as the Chief of Staff and is responsible for human capital, culture, and firm meetings.
Professional Approach
Stephanie is passionate about helping people grow personally and professionally. She is a servant leader and believes we can be successful together when we maximize our unique talents. She believes client’s achieve better outcomes when diverse thoughts and ideas come to the table.
Personal Fulfillment
Stephanie lives in Cedarburg, Wisconsin with her husband. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and being outdoors.
Education & Credentials
- University of Wisconsin
- Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI)

Implementing and maintaining the systems that help clients succeed.
Background & Expertise
Dan has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2005 and joined Baune Financial in 2011. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for human resources, technology, and team workflow.
Professional Approach
Dan is passionate about understanding systems and procedures and quickly learns new technologies. He has championed the implementation of many technologies at Baune Financial (including CRM) and encourages clients to take advantage of the tools available through their individual Northwestern Mutual websites.
Personal Fulfillment
Dan lives in Lakeville, MN with his wife and two children. In his free time, Dan enjoys playing the guitar, home improvement projects, and coaching youth sports teams.
Education & Credentials
- Iowa State University – Ames, IA
- Life / Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 7 & 63

Combining analysis with great communication.
Background & Expertise
Erik has more than 18 years of experience in financial planning and investment management. He joined Baune Financial in 2017 and currently serves as a Portfolio Advisor focusing on portfolio construction and analysis.
Professional Approach
Erik is detail oriented and enjoys working on in-depth analysis of financial data. Erik encourages his clients to start investing early and have a clear plan in place.
Personal Fulfillment
Erik is a native Minnesotan, growing up in the Chaska area and now residing in Saint Paul with his wife and their dog. In his free time, Erik enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, being active outdoors, and spending time at the family cabin.
Education & Credentials
- Iowa State University – Ames, IA
- Life / Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, & 65

Combining analysis with great communication.
Background
Ben started in the financial services industry in 2017 and joined the Baune Financial team in 2021. Prior to joining Baune Financial he held Advisor and Operational roles at Vantage Financial and the Thrivent Advisor Network. As the Director of Investment Operations, Ben will be focusing on developing an efficient and compliant investment practice while building client relationships.
Professional Approach
Ben enjoys making sure the process for each client is efficient and enjoyable. He believes there is a plan and a process that can help every person achieve their financial goals.
Personal
Ben lives with his wife, Brittany, and their dog, Luna, in Whitefish Bay, WI. They enjoy spending time outdoors biking, walking their dog, or just relaxing in the sun.
Education
- University of South Dakota-Vermillion, SD
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse- La Crosse, WI
- Life/Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65

Building trust by listening, addressing concerns, and following through.
Background & Expertise
Donna has been with Northwestern Mutual since 1981 and joined Baune Financial in 1991. She is responsible for facilitating the insurance underwriting process.
Professional Approach
Donna takes pride in building lasting relationships with her clients, some of whom she has worked with for nearly 30 years. She has helped them navigate the financial implications of various life events and is a trusted resource when questions arise. Donna believes consistency is the cornerstone to strong financial planning and also stresses the importance of life insurance coverage.
Personal Fulfillment
Donna is a resident of Cannon Falls, MN and has three children. During her free time, she enjoys reading and listening to music.
Education & Credentials
- University of Minnesota – Waseca, MN
- Life / Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 6 & 63

Keeping everything on track and up-to-date.
Background & Expertise
Cathy has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2003 and joined Baune Financial in 2007. She is responsible for coordinating case preparation for wealth management clients.
Professional Approach
Cathy takes pride in a job well done. She is organized, timely, and dedicated to customer service.
Personal Fulfillment
Cathy resides in Lakeville, MN and is married with four children. In her free time, Cathy enjoys boating and watching her youngest play hockey.
Education & Credentials
- St. Mary’s University – Winona, MN
- Life / Accident / Health Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Series 6 & 63

Supporting a workplace filled with positivity and integrity.
Background & Expertise
Barb joined Baune Financial in 2011 and she currently serves as Marketing Assistant. Her primary responsibilities include administrative support, database management, event coordination, and customer service.
Professional Approach
Barb loves connecting with clients and co-workers and learning about their diverse backgrounds. She approaches every situation with positivity, integrity, and a willingness to do what it takes to get the job done.
Personal Fulfillment
Barb has two children and two granddaughters and resides in Hastings, MN. Her days are filled with many hobbies including home projects, art shows, biking, boating on the St. Croix river, and anything social. Having grown up on a dairy farm, Barb’s favorite activity remains driving a tractor down scenic country roads!
Education & Credentials
- Rochester Community College – Rochester, MN

Communicating compelling content and events to engage with clients in a meaningful way.
Background & Expertise
Katie joined Baune Financial in 2020 and she currently serves as a Marketing Assistant. Her primary responsibilities include social media promotion and curation, managing marketing interactions and creating proactive communications with clients.
Professional Approach
Katie prides herself in making sure that every single interaction has a purpose.
Personal Fulfillment
Katie enjoys spending time outdoors in all seasons of the year. Her two favorite past times are camping and spending time with friends and family exploring new State Parks around Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Education & Credentials
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls WI