Mark Cernicky

Through my experience working with a diverse range of clients, I’ve learned invaluable lessons over the years. I’ve discovered that I provide the most value to those who are preparing for, transitioning into, and embracing their best version of retirement. My retirement planning approach allows me to gain a deep understanding of what matters most to my clients, enabling me to serve as a trusted fiduciary partner throughout their retirement journey. My journey from a SD Mines mechanical engineer to a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional has been quite the adventure. Working in diverse industries, like mining and software consulting, has given me a wide range of skills and perspectives. It’s fascinating how a personal experience, such as assisting my mother with Social Security benefits after my father’s passing, sparked my interest in financial planning. Transitioning from a commissioned financial adviser to establishing my own fee-only Registered Investment Advisor firm was a reflection of my dedication to providing unbiased, client-centered advice. Being a fiduciary 100% of the time underscores my commitment to prioritizing my clients’ best interests. The growth of Iron Mountain Financial Planning, LLC, since its founding in 2017, demonstrates my ability to earn the trust of clients and deliver valuable services. My belief in serving clients beyond financial matters, allowing them to focus on what truly matters in their lives, reflects my holistic approach to retirement planning. In essence, my story highlights the significance of personal experiences, integrity, and client-centric values in the field of retirement and financial planning. It’s a testament to the impact individuals can have when they align their professional pursuits with their passion for assisting others.

Justin Mcneal is a Certified Financial Planner® with 17 years of industry experience. He is the principal advisor at Trew Advisors, LLC in Rapid City, SD, where he has worked since 2018. His prior experience includes roles at Hornor Townsend & Kent, Inc. and operating Trew Business Solutions, LLC. Mcneal is also involved in insurance sales and service through Trew Financial and Benefits Group. Trew Advisors LLC provides fee-based financial planning and investment advisory services to individuals and a variety of institutional clients, including corporations and pension plans. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management, hourly financial planning, and retirement plan advisory services, utilizing third-party platforms and model portfolios to deliver tailored investment solutions.

Joseph Porter is a financial advisor with Rock Creek Advisors LLC in Rapid City, SD, holding a Series 65 designation and 17 years of industry experience. He previously worked at Orion Advisor Services, LLC and concurrently serves as Director of Investment Administration at First Trust Company LLC. Rock Creek Advisors provides discretionary investment management primarily to a state-chartered corporate fiduciary, First Trust Company, LLC, managing trust and agency accounts as well as separately managed accounts for individual clients. The firm employs mixed-asset model portfolios emphasizing capital appreciation, current income, and capital preservation, and maintains a trust-centric operating model through its affiliation with the state-chartered trust company.

Myrna Mitchell is the sole advisor at Consultative Services, Inc., operating under her own name with over 22 years of industry experience. She holds an MBA and the CFP® designation and has managed her independent advisory practice since 1994. Consultative Services, Inc. provides fee-only financial planning and portfolio management to individuals and high-net-worth clients, focusing on life planning areas such as retirement, estate planning, and college funding. The firm manages client assets on a non-discretionary basis using a buy-and-hold strategy centered on no-load mutual funds, ETFs, and fixed income instruments, operating under hourly or flat fee engagements rather than percentage-of-AUM billing.

Joel Black is a financial advisor at Rock Creek Advisors LLC with 8 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations and has worked at Rock Creek Advisors since 2017. Additionally, he serves as Executive Vice President, CFO, and COO of First Trust Company, LLC, a state-chartered corporate fiduciary where he administers trusts and manages regulatory relations. Rock Creek Advisors provides discretionary investment management primarily to trust and agency accounts administered by First Trust Company, LLC, and also offers separately managed accounts to individual clients. The firm focuses on mixed-asset model portfolios emphasizing capital appreciation, income, and capital preservation, utilizing a range of investment strategies within a trust-centric operating structure.

Paul Freidel is a financial advisor at Astute Financial, LLC in Rapid City, SD, holding a Series 65 designation with six years of industry experience. He is also the managing member of Freidel & Associates, LLC and co-owner of KFG, LLC. His firm, Astute Financial, LLC, manages approximately $81.6 million for around 43 clients, providing discretionary portfolio management and comprehensive financial planning to individuals, small businesses, and irrevocable trusts. The firm employs a blend of passive and active investment strategies based on Modern Portfolio Theory and offers ongoing financial planning through a subscription service.