James William Kalina

Sam Schuette is a seasoned wealth advisor with over two decades of experience helping individuals and families plan for financial security and life milestones. As Vice President and Wealth Advisor at GreenUp Wealth Management, Sam works with clients to develop financial strategies tailored to their goals — including retirement planning, investment guidance, and overall wealth management.  Before joining GreenUp, Sam spent more than a decade at Scottrade, Inc., where he built strong client relationships and led teams of investment professionals. He also served in financial advisory and wealth planning roles at several other firms, bringing a depth of practical experience across markets, financial planning disciplines, and client service.  Sam holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture & Food Business Management with a focus in Finance from the University of Minnesota. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, outdoor activities, and community engagement.

Mark Austin is a financial advisor at Liniam Capital, LLC with eight years of industry experience. He previously worked at North Sky Capital for eight years before joining Liniam Capital in 2018. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 registrations. Liniam Capital provides investment management and financial consulting services to individuals and institutional clients, including trusts, retirement plans, public funds, and Taft-Hartley accounts. The firm combines portfolio management with tax and estate planning, business sale structures, and insurance analysis, using ETFs, individual securities, and option strategies within written investment policy frameworks.

Thomas Ottman is a financial advisor with Aquinas Capital Advisors LLC in Andover, MN, holding Series 63, 65, and 66 licenses and bringing 45 years of industry experience. He has managed his advisory practice since 1990, including founding Aquinas Capital Advisors in 2016. Aquinas Capital Advisors provides non-discretionary investment management, financial planning, and limited-scope ERISA 3(21) retirement-plan advisory services primarily to individuals and charitable organizations. The firm emphasizes client education through public seminars and workshops, tailoring portfolios to clients' goals, time horizons, and risk tolerance using both fundamental and technical analysis.

Thomas Thompson is the principal of Thompson Financial Transitions Inc. in White Bear Lake, MN, with 29 years of industry experience. He holds the ChFC® designation and securities licenses Series 63 and Series 65. Thompson has a background that includes roles at SagePoint Financial and Kristi Seifert, LLC, and he also works as an independent insurance agent selling life insurance, long-term care, and annuities. Additionally, he assists with tax preparation and serves as power of attorney managing investments and financial affairs for a family member. Thompson Financial Transitions Inc. provides discretionary portfolio management, comprehensive financial planning, and consulting for individual and high-net-worth clients. The firm employs a Modern Portfolio Theory approach, utilizing mutual funds, ETFs, and third-party managers, with discretionary trading authority and direct management of insurance contract assets alongside platform-based solutions.

James Mehrman is the principal advisor at Valor Wealth Management LLC in Fridley, MN, with 15 years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Merrill and Sawtooth Asset Management, and he has also managed Valor IT Deployment Solutions LLC until 2024. Between 2017 and 2021, he was involved with Trailhead Cycling. Valor Wealth Management serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, corporations, charities, and retirement plans by providing financial planning and discretionary portfolio management. The firm uses fundamental analysis supported by computer models to customize portfolios that typically include stocks, bonds, and ETFs, managing accounts on a discretionary basis with regular reviews and client meetings.

I’m Carter Michaelson, CFP®, CSLP®, and the founder of illumiFI Wealth. I started this firm to help people cut through financial complexity and make confident, tax-smart decisions about their money. With a focus on financial planning, investments, and tax strategies, I work alongside clients to create a clear path toward financial freedom. At illumiFI Wealth, I believe financial advice should be independent, transparent, and values-driven. That’s why the firm is fee-only — no commissions, no hidden agendas. Our approach is also rooted in behavioral finance: helping clients overcome the biases and emotions that can get in the way of good decisions. My favorite moments are when a concept clicks — those “lightbulb” moments where clients feel clarity and confidence about their next steps. I launched illumiFI Wealth because I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming money can feel — from student loans to charitable giving to retirement planning. My mission is to provide clarity, confidence, and purpose so clients can focus on what truly matters: living generously and pursuing the life they’re called to live.