Brian Tollefson

For over 23 years, I’ve been dedicated to helping individuals and families manage and grow their finances. My journey into the financial industry began in seventh grade, when a visit to a relative with a seat on the Chicago Stock Exchange left a profound impression on me. This early exposure ignited a passion for finance that has guided my career ever since.

Family values have always been central to my life, and this was never more apparent than during my father’s open-heart surgery. After a successful operation, we received distressing news about complications in post-op. As we rushed back to the hospital, I was struck by two thoughts:

1) The possibility of never realizing our shared dream of attending a Packers game at Lambeau Field (which we did in 2007).
2) My concern for my mother’s financial security due to inadequate planning by their previous advisor, as my Mom would have only received 20% of a high watermark on an annuity due to lack of guarantees and benefits the other advisor did not think were important.

This experience highlighted the importance of thorough and compassionate financial planning, and it solidified my commitment to becoming the advisor I am today.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients pursue a variety of goals, from funding education and purchasing homes to planning for retirement and creating lasting family legacies. There is immense satisfaction in seeing clients retire with the financial freedom to enjoy their passions and spend time with loved ones.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I am actively involved in community service. I have supported various charities and organizations, including the Elks, Shriners, and Masonic groups. I take particular pride in working with the Shriners and the Order of Quetzalcoatl to raise funds for children’s care at Shriners Children’s Hospitals, holding several leadership roles within these organizations.

My academic journey took me to Phoenix College and Concordia University in Irvine, CA, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Information Systems. While at Concordia, I was an all-conference basketball player and the school’s first male Academic All-American. After college, I worked in sales with the Phoenix Suns and Coyotes before pursuing my true passion in financial planning.

My wife and I, who work together, share a love for Disney destinations, having gotten engaged at Disneyland in 2008 in front of the Castle. Our marriage has created a “house divided”, with me as a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan and her as a fan of the Chicago Bears. Our weekends are lively during football season! We also enjoy spending time with family, friends, and our rescue dog.

I know some people may have a favorite time of year, and mine is Football Season. You can find me most Saturdays watching college football (Go Sun Devils!!) and on Sundays rooting for the Packers. I have only missed one Packers game in the last 28 years. Besides sports, I enjoy cooking, grilling, smoking meats specifically trying new recipes. My favorite is chicken wings, and I consider myself a coinsurer and I will travel almost anywhere for a good chicken wing. My wife and I also enjoy trying new restaurants. If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear them.

I hold the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation, the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) credential, and FINRA Series 7, 65, and 63 securities registrations, along with various insurance licenses, including California insurance license OE0998. My approach to financial advice is both relaxed and practical, combining expertise with a common-sense approach to help clients pursue their financial goals.