Aaron E. Mechling, CRPS®
WEALTH ADVISOR
Aaron E. Mechling, CRPS®
WEALTH ADVISOR
Aaron began his career with one of the big four public accounting firms, specializing in financial and pension auditing. This varied background helped enable Aaron to develop customized investment strategies and advise high net worth families as well as corporations with a unique perspective to wealth management.
He is firmly committed to long-term relationships and strives to deliver exceptional service, all while helping you achieve your financial objectives.
“I like talking to people and enjoy helping people who want to be helped; it’s extremely fulfilling,” Aaron says. “I’ll work to get to know you, who you are and where you want to be. I always strive to have a good relationship regardless of your financial situation.”
Aaron graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Soon after graduation, Aaron also achieved the designation of Certified Public Accountant. After spending the first part of his career in public accounting, Aaron started his career in the financial services industry when he joined the Kaser Group in 1997.
Aaron, his wife and two children live in Maumee, Ohio. Spending time with family is a priority for Aaron, but he also enjoys golf, fine dining and travel.
*The CRPS® designation is a retirement plan related credential awarded by the College for Financial Planning® to individuals who meet its educational, examination and ethical requirements. Certificants are required to have completed the CRPS® Program, a self-taught educational program designed to educate professional who design, install and maintain retirement plans for the business community. Recipients are further required to have successfully passed a multiple-choice examination addressing a range retirement the applicable Code of Ethics and complete at least 16 hours of continuing education every two years.
Adelaina N. Welch
WEALTH ANALYST
Adelaina N. Welch
WEALTH ANALYST
Addie has over five years experience utilizing her skills to serve both internal teams as well as clients in the Birmingham, Michigan office. Addie graduated from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio with a BS degree in Business and Marketing.
Addie enjoys so much about her job, with duties ranging from managing financial portfolios with advisors to communicating with clients.
“I thoroughly enjoy listening,” she says. “It’s interesting to see what’s going on personally and how that impacts planning. From helping complete your paperwork to personal relationships, I look forward to each day in the office.”
Addie loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys traveling somewhere new every year, watching football, and going to concerts. Addie resides in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Benjamin A. Kusner
WEALTH ADVISOR
Benjamin A. Kusner
WEALTH ADVISOR
As a fully licensed professional for more than 20 years, Ben implements wealth management strategies by concentrating on developing customized financial and retirement plans.
Ben attended the University of Dayton and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He prides himself in his ability to listen, because he knows it’s paramount in order to understand your goals, values, aspirations and concerns. Based on this understanding, Ben works attentively with you to help you achieve your financial objectives.
Ben is firmly committed to long term relationships and strives to deliver exceptional client service.
According to Ben, “We develop relationships that sometimes span multiple generations. I never lose sight of the fact that we’re planning for a lifetime. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing your reaction when a plan comes to fruition.”
Ben is actively involved in local philanthropies near his home in Metro Detroit. In his spare time, Ben is an avid cyclist, enjoys travel, and spending time with friends and family.
Cameron D. Kaser
WEALTH ADVISOR
Cameron D. Kaser
WEALTH ADVISOR
Financial planning has always been in Cameron’s blood. Long before he studied Finance and Communication at the University of Arizona, he already felt inclined to follow in his father’s footsteps. As an undergraduate, Cameron was an intern at one of Chicago’s leading financial services firms and a member of his school’s Investment Club.
“I’ve always been around investing and have wanted to become an Advisor for as long as I can remember. I enjoy my role because I get to solve different problems for different people every day. My focus is to educate clients on the markets and investing while helping them prepare for the short and long term. When I can share an insight or find a way to help clients reach their goals, I get satisfaction from that,” he says.
Cameron has been with KMG since June of 2019. He has passed the Uniform Investment Advisor Law Exam and is currently preparing to become a Certified Financial Planner.
In his free time, Cameron enjoys traveling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, golf, and especially reading.
Courtney L. Denman
BUSINESS MANAGER
Courtney L. Denman
BUSINESS MANAGER
Courtney had almost a decade of experience when she joined KMG in 2017. Her primary roles at KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC are running day--to-day operations as office business manager, onboarding new clients and assisting with asset transfers.
She is passionate about her work because she enjoys being able to help people in so many different areas.
Courtney says she enjoys making sure your experience with KMG is a smooth one. “If you’re moving to KMG or establishing a new account, we will make the experience as effortless as possible,” she says.
Courtney graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Ecology. She and husband Chris have two girls, Madison and Miley. When she is not at work, Courtney loves to play tennis, watch her girls sporting events and go to dinner with her family.
David R. Kaser, CFP®
WEALTH ADVISOR
David R. Kaser, CFP®
WEALTH ADVISOR
As an investment professional for nearly four decades, David began his career in the fixed income division of a major Wall Street firm later becoming a founding member of the firm’s corporate services group. Today, as a Certified Financial Planner ®, he implements wealth management strategies through a consultative process.
He works diligently to understand you, your goals, objectives, and risk tolerances. David is firmly committed to long-term relationships and strives to deliver exceptional service to clients around the world.
“The longer you’re in this business, the more you understand,” David says. “But I’m still learning. I enjoy getting to know everything about who you are.”
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, David received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a degree in Finance from the University of Dayton. He and wife Maggie have been married for over 30 years and have three grown children.
David is heavily involved in community service and has served on many nonprofit boards, being elected Board Chairman of several, and helping coach youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.
*The CFP® certification is a financial planning credential awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (the “CFP Board”) to individuals who meet its education, examination, experience and ethics requirements. Eligible candidates are generally required to have three years of financial planning related experience and possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Certificants are further required to complete a CFP Board-Registered Education Program (or possess a qualifying professional credential), clear a personal and professional background check, and pass the CFP® Certification Examination, a ten-hour multiple choice exam divided into three separate sessions. In order to maintain the certification, CFP® designees must also complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years on an ongoing basis.
Jesse M. Lancaster, CFP®
WEALTH ANALYST
Jesse M. Lancaster, CFP®
WEALTH ANALYST
Jesse started in the financial services industry in 2007 as an intern and became a full member of the team later that year after graduating from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.
Among other duties, Jesse analyzes and monitors investments, and works directly with the financial advisors to see that you are being provided sound investment advice. Being a Certified Financial Planner ® has provided Jesse with the tools and knowledge necessary to help you formulate a financial plan that allows you to achieve your financial goals and objectives.
“I monitor the latest technology and planning platforms in order to ensure we’re making the best, possible decisions on your behalf,” Jesse says. “If there’s something that isn’t working, we’ll find something that will. I enjoy being part of a team that does their very best for clients.”
Jesse has been a resident of the Toledo, Ohio area his entire life and currently lives in Sylvania, Ohio with his wife and two children. Jesse makes his family time a priority, but also enjoys golf and travel.
*The CFP® certification is a financial planning credential awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (the “CFP Board”) to individuals who meet its education, examination, experience and ethics requirements. Eligible candidates are generally required to have three years of financial planning related experience and possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Certificants are further required to complete a CFP Board-Registered Education Program (or possess a qualifying professional credential), clear a personal and professional background check, and pass the CFP® Certification Examination, a ten-hour multiple choice exam divided into three separate sessions. In order to maintain the certification, CFP® designees must also complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years on an ongoing basis.
Kristi Towse
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Kristi Towse
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Kristi has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years. Her many years of experience and dedication have proven to be valuable assets in assisting clients with operational and administrative aspects in the Toledo, Ohio office.
“It’s the clients I work with that make it worthwhile,” Kristi says. “I get to know you. I understand when there’s something new in life that changes your situation. A new child. A career change. A move.”
Kristi resides in Toledo with her husband, Dave, and her son, Tim. She enjoys playing tennis and golf, and loves to cook. She is an avid football and baseball fan.
Richard J. Kaser, CFP®
WEALTH ADVISOR
Richard J. Kaser, CFP®
WEALTH ADVISOR
Rick began his career as an intern while still attending Miami University, from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting.
In the early 1990s, he became a charter member of the employee corporate services group at a major Wall Street firm, working closely with Fortune 500 companies to design and deliver their executive compensation plans as well as to provide financial planning services to salaried employees across the country.
As a Principal and Wealth Advisor at KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC, he provides comprehensive wealth management services and customized solutions to help individuals reach their goals efficiently.
“It is so rewarding to witness my clients’ sense of relief and liberation once they realize they are on a course to achieve their financial goals,” Rick says. “That’s the best part of my job.”
He is a mentor on global economic issues to high school students at Maumee Valley Country Day School. In his free time, Rick enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife Missy and their three children.
*The CFP® certification is a financial planning credential awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (the “CFP Board”) to individuals who meet its education, examination, experience and ethics requirements. Eligible candidates are generally required to have three years of financial planning related experience and possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Certificants are further required to complete a CFP Board-Registered Education Program (or possess a qualifying professional credential), clear a personal and professional background check, and pass the CFP® Certification Examination, a ten-hour multiple choice exam divided into three separate sessions. In order to maintain the certification, CFP® designees must also complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years on an ongoing basis.
Robert D. Thompson, CPA
Wealth Advisor
Rob began his career in the financial industry in 2016 as a public accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. After several years in accounting, he decided to pursue a path with a greater focus on helping individuals achieve their goals. Joining a financial advisory firm in the Cincinnati area, Rob worked closely with clients to develop and implement efficient financial plans. His experience in both tax and financial planning make him a great addition to the KMG Fiduciary Partners team.
"Building relationships is the foundation of my business. I am able to utilize my CPA license to help clients with tax planning while more broadly focusing on their financial plan in order to help them reach their goals."
Rob graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in accounting. He became a licensed CPA in 2019 and plans to earn his CFP certification in the near future. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and spending time with his fiancé and 3 dogs.
*The CPA, Certified Public Accountant and certification marks are public accounting credentials awarded by the Accountancy Board of Ohio to individuals who meet its education, examination, work experience, and ethics requirements. Eligible candidates must have at least a four-year college degree by a regional accredited college or university. The candidate must have an accounting degree or graduate degree equivalent approved by the board of no less than 150 semester hours with a concentration of specific accounting courses in order to sit for the CPA exam. The candidate shall also complete two or more years in regular and continuous public accountancy after receiving his degree, before he will become eligible to sit for the CPA exam. The candidate is required to pass a four part comprehensive exam (each requiring a 75 percent passing grade) within an 18 month period consisting of the follow information: Regulation (3hr exam covering ethics, individual & corporate tax law, as well as business law); Financial (4hr exam covering financial statements presentation & disclosures, accounting transactions, governmental accounting/reporting, and Not-for-Profit accounting/reporting); Audit (4 hr exam covering public & private company financial audit engagements, accounting and review services, and professional ethics/independence responsibilities); Business (3hr exam covering economic management concepts and analysis, financial management, information systems, strategic planning, operations management, and corporate governance). CPA certified candidates are required to maintain 120 hours of continued professional education over a three year period on and ongoing basis in accordance with the Accountancy Board of Ohio standards.
Shane M. Meyer
WEALTH ADVISOR
Shane M. Meyer
WEALTH ADVISOR
Shane is a fully licensed Financial Advisor who has been helping clients achieve their goals for more than two decades. Comprehensive financial planning is the foundation of every client relationship.
Shane is a Northwest Ohio native, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and works out of our Toledo office. He believes no two clients are alike, and that attention to detail, good listening skills and great empathy are symbols of his appreciation to his clients.
“I try never to assume where someone is in life,” Shane says. “ Achieving and managing wealth is no longer a textbook approach, so I listen to you and personalize a tailored solution. My idea of a great day at work is having face-to-face meetings and communicating in a way that makes you feel comfortable about achieving your financial goals.”
Shane participates in frequent community and youth volunteer opportunities. Away from business, he enjoys sports of all kinds and travel. Shane, his wife, Anna, and their two children reside in Sylvania, Ohio.
Steven Berner, CFP®
WEALTH ADVISOR
Steven Berner, CFP®
WEALTH ADVISOR
Steve has been helping clients achieve their financial goals as a fully licensed investment professional since 1993. Steve has developed knowledge and experience in helping clients through all steps in the financial planning process throughout his almost 30-year career.
Steve earned a Bachelor of Science degree in both Business Management and Economics; then studied at Oakland University to attain the Certified Financial Planner ® designation in 2003.
Steve enjoys playing hockey with his sons, and says hockey, like other team sports, teaches the value of working together and executing a plan.
“The opportunity to help you and make a difference in your life is my favorite thing about my role as a wealth advisor,” he says. “Getting to know you personally and understanding who you are and where you want to be…I enjoy that,” he adds.
Steve is a lifelong resident of Michigan and currently resides in the New Hudson area with his wife and three children. In addition to hockey, Steve enjoys golf and spending time with his family.
*The CFP® certification is a financial planning credential awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (the “CFP Board”) to individuals who meet its education, examination, experience and ethics requirements. Eligible candidates are generally required to have three years of financial planning related experience and possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Certificants are further required to complete a CFP Board-Registered Education Program (or possess a qualifying professional credential), clear a personal and professional background check, and pass the CFP® Certification Examination, a ten-hour multiple choice exam divided into three separate sessions. In order to maintain the certification, CFP® designees must also complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years on an ongoing basis.
Thomas W. Kreft
WEALTH ADVISOR
Thomas W. Kreft
WEALTH ADVISOR
Tom began his financial career in 1972 as a financial advisor. His wealth management strategies utilize Modern Portfolio Theory as the guiding discipline for his investment recommendations, which include equities and fixed income as well as alternative investments. He is firmly committed to long term relationships and to serving the multigenerational needs of the team’s clients. Throughout Tom’s career he has served in the capacity of Partner, Registered Investment Advisor, Vice President and Senior Vice President.
The most enjoyable thing about the financial service business, according to Tom, “is interfacing with clients of many diverse backgrounds, personalities and needs. Adapting to constant change in the industry and client objectives is both challenging and fun.” “If you are a client you are family,'' he adds.
Tom is an alumnus of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Business Law, Finance and Marketing. He attended the College of Law, University of Toledo and served in the U.S. Army in the Judge Advocate General Corp.
Tom and his wife Linda married in 1975 and have two adult children. An avid sailor, Tom captained and crewed competitively for many years and was a member of several yacht clubs. He continues to support his alma mater as a member of the President’s Club and has served as a board member and volunteer for various charitable organizations.
Traci K. Osentoski
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Traci K. Osentoski
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Traci is a University of Toledo graduate with over 30 years of experience in the financial industry. She is an integral part of KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC because of the invaluable assistance she provides clients. Traci is the friendly voice you hear on the phone, and she prides herself in applying professional insight and attention to detail in providing exceptional client service, implementing procedures, trading, compliance and internal processing.
A self-starter who enjoys the variety of challenges that come from working in a company that puts its client’s needs and desires first. Traci consistently goes above and beyond to respond to the needs of our clients. KMG clients have come to understand that a knowledgeable, friendly voice is always just a phone call away. In fact, she may just call you first.
“More than anything, I enjoy talking with clients to help them achieve their financial goals. I take pride in building and maintaining great client relationships and delivering quality service,” Traci says.
Traci and her husband Rob live in Temperance, Michigan and have four grown children. Traci enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends and cheering on the Michigan Wolverines.