Broker Check

Our Team

Michael McConachie, MA, CFP®, CRPC®, AIF®

Founder

(952) 258-5092

mmcconachie@financialguide.com

Michael brings 22 years of industry experience and founded the firm in 2018 with a passion to put “people” first. He believes that this mission will require two things: a village and a lifetime.  

Prior to starting the firm, Michael served the financial services industry in multiple other roles. In these previous roles, Michael was consulting within the qualified plan space, providing guidance as an institutional marketer to major wire-houses, money-center banks, broker-dealers, and investment advisor representatives, and working in other consultative roles within the financial services industry.

Michael received his undergraduate degree from the University of Denver in 2003, with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics. In 2024, Michael received a master’s degree in extension studies of Management from Harvard University.

Michael spends his free time complaining about the MN weather, traveling out west with his 16-year-old son to feel the excitement of going down a mountain, occasionally battling the uphill climb of catching a Marlin, cheering on Wayzata Youth Sports, and most importantly, surrounding himself with people that are willing to challenge themselves for the greater good, in pursuit of encouraging all to be the best they can be.   

Licenses: S63, S66, S6, S7, SIE


Faris Nagle, CFP®

Partner

(952) 769-2123

farisnagle@financialguide.com

Faris brings 12 years of industry experience working closely with clients and financial professionals, and was honored with a MassMutual Central US New Advisor of the Year* for 2022 award. He graduated from the University of St. Thomas where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in financial management. Faris continued his education and acquired the CFP® certification while helping manage the business full time. Currently, Faris specializes in financial planning activities, retirement income strategies and leads the team in technology initiatives. Faris was born in Minnesota which means cheering for his local sports teams brings both joyous laughter and tears. He spends his free time enjoying the outdoors, playing with his puppy Custard, and experiencing the vast music scene available in the Twin Cities.

Licenses: S63, S65, S6, S7, SIE

*Recognized by Massachusetts Central US based on prior calendar year sales. Recipients are Investment Advisor Representatives of the agency. 

Shawn Wermerskirchen, CASL®

Partner

(952) 769-2169

SWermerskirchen@financialguide.com

Shawn has been in the financial industry for over 19 years, and has been featured in FORTUNE magazine in February 2022 as a Five-Star Wealth Manager Under 40*, Minnesota Business Journal September 2017 as a Twin Cities Finest for work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Forbes Best in State** for 2023 and 2024. Shawn helps a full range of clientele from young families just getting started, to corporate executives managing their resources, to retirees living on fixed incomes. Shawn also specializes in working with business owners in the manufacturing industry. Shawn grew up in Shakopee MN, and attended college at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He enjoys spending his free time playing golf, fishing, hunting, competitive shooting, boating, cycling, and spending time with his family.

Licenses: S63, SIE, S7, S6


*2021 Five Star Wealth Manager award was issued by Five Star Professional (FSP) in February 2022, for the period covering 1/1/2021 - 12/31/2021 and was published by The Minnesota Business Journal in September 2017. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria-required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser (RIA) or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a RIA or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review; 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria-considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is not an endorsement or indicative of the future performance of the wealth manager. A fee was not paid for consideration however a fee is paid for marketing materials. For more information, visit www.fivestarprofessional.com. 

** Forbes / SHOOK Research
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rjshook/2022/07/28/methodology-americas-top-financial-security-professionals-2022/
https://www.shookresearch.com/a-methodology.html

Lucas Ciabattoni, CFA

Investment Director

(952) 769-2102

lciabattoni@financialguide.com

Luke graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in finance and entrepreneurship. Luke has 9 years of industry experience, focusing on investments, statistics, and analytics. His eagerness for helping others is illustrated through a desire to educate and guide those around him—whether it’s discussing investments, maximizing personal development, or communicating complex financial theories. In his Investment Director role, Luke is involved in providing investment research, analytics, and implementation strategy to Prosper Hill Wealth Management. Luke is from Prior Lake, Minnesota, and he enjoys a variety of activities such as traveling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and cooking.

Licenses: S66, S7, SIE

Emma Snell

Client Relationship Manager

(952) 769-2101

esnell@financialguide.com

Emma graduated from Iowa State University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in event management with a minor in general business. Prior to joining the team, Emma brings experience of working as part of the event staff at the Iowa State University Alumni Center in Ames, Iowa. Emma grew up in a small town in Iowa but knew she always wanted to live in a city. In her free time, Emma enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as exploring the outdoors.

Heather Dixon

Client Relationship Manager

(952) 258-5240

HeatherDixon@financialguide.com

Heather joins us from the world of payroll administration, where she had key roles implementing new ideas, coordinating between groups, and processing payroll accurately. Heather is leveraging her current talents, and ever-growing industry knowledge, to aid Prosper Hill Wealth Management’s operations. Heather takes great pride in helping those around her; whether they be close family, friends or clients. She is passionate about many subjects and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in holistic integrative health. Heather comes to us from Buffalo, MN, where she can be found going on Vespa rides with her family, or enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, camping, kayaking, gardening, and traveling.

Ron Koehler, ChFC®, LUTCF®

Partner

(309) 343-1174

RKoehler@financialguide.com

Ron graduated from Iowa State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business marketing. With 42 years in the financial services industry, he specializes in investment strategies, financial goal planning, risk management and Medicare planning. Ron has a passion in helping to simplify complex problems for clients, so they are easy to solve and understand. He is a Lifetime and Qualifying member of the MDRT since 2001 and is active in his local Kiwanis Club. In his free time, he spends time with his wife, Toni, where they reside in Galesburg, Illinois. They both love watching their daughter, Jordan, coach women’s college golf. Walking in the evening with Ron’s black lab Skye is one of his favorite summertime activities.

Licenses: S65, S63, SIE, S7, S6

Andrew Thomas

Financial Planner

thomasa@financialguide.com

Andrew graduated Cum Laude from Illinois College with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a minor in accounting. Andrew’s main goal is to build strong relationships and grow with clients along their financial journey. As a lifelong Galesburg resident, Andrew is invested in making a difference in his community. He improves himself and his community through the local Kiwanis club, the Galesburg Young Professionals Network, and assistant coaching the Galesburg Post 285 baseball team. Andrew is also honored to be on the board of two organizations: United Way of Knox County and Blessings in a Backpack. Outside of work, Andrew spends free time with his family, his dog Ace, and watching the Fighting Illini.

Licenses: S7, SIE, S66 

Schuyler C. Woodhull III

Financial Planner

(651) 207-6952

SWoodhull@financialguide.com

Sky has over 30 years of experience as a financial services representative with over two decades focused on retirement planning for employees of non-profit organizations. Sky graduated from the University of Minnesota and currently lives in Eagan serving the east metro. In his free time, Sky enjoys spending time with his family, reading and physical fitness.

Licenses: S63, S65, S6, SIE

Charles Wayne, CFP®

Financial Planner

(612) 242-9170

charleswayne@financialguide.com

Chuck has been in the financial advising industry for over 36 years. He utilizes his breadth of expertise, and network of experienced professionals, to help clients with retirement analysis, estate strategies, employee benefit and retention services, business continuation strategies, and more. Chuck has had the opportunity to help clients from all walks of life while being based in the Midwest for most of his career. 

William J. Sloan

Financial Planner

(507) 287-6700 Ex.0960

williamsloan@financialguide.com

Bill has been a financial advisor for 36 years in the Rochester, Minnesota community. He makes it a priority to consider each clients’ unique situation to provide personalized guidance around retirement planning, wealth management and risk mitigation. When Bill is not advising his clients, you will find him on the golf course, relaxing at the cabin with his family, and musky fishing with friends. Bill and his wife Lynne also love traveling to new and interesting places across the world.

Licenses: SIE, S7, S6, S63

Rob James

Financial Professional

(605) 716-8808

RobJames@financialguide.com

Rob is a seasoned financial professional with over 30 years of experience. He prides himself in getting to know each client to better understand their personal situation and what matters most to them. This helps Rob recommend products and strategies designed to meet the clients current, and future, needs. Rob has assisted all types of clients with insurance, retirement strategies, business management, and more. Rob is based in Rapid City, South Dakota, and enjoys flying airplanes in his spare time.

Laura Knowles

Registered Sales Assistant

(605) 716-8808

LKnowles@financialguide.com

Laura is a licensed sales assistant and has helped support clients in the South Dakota office for over eight years. She takes pride assisting the firms advisors in implementing client plans and being able to assist them on their journey. From supporting planners, monitoring client goals, to handling processing for new plans, Laura is crucial in making sure the client experience runs smoothly. Laura enjoys spending time with her two kids, and is based in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Max Cooper

Client Relationship Manager

952-769-2149

maxcooper@financialguide.com

Max graduated from Mayville State University in 2021 with a degree in Marketing and Management before playing professional basketball in the British Isles, an experience that shaped his work ethic and appreciation for teamwork. Max now joins the team as a Customer Relationship Manager, where he supports clients and advisors; helping ensure a smooth, responsive experience across the firm. Max plans to pursue industry licensing to work more directly with clients as his role continues to grow. He currently lives in Deephaven, Minnesota, and still enjoys staying active through golf, basketball, and the occasional trip to Europe.

Luke Thomas

Intern

(309) 343-1174

lukethomas@financialguide.com

Luke has just completed his sophomore year at St. Ambrose University, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Communication, and is a 2024 graduate of Galesburg High School. He is a two-time NAIA national swim qualifier, a CSC Academic All-District award winner, and a recipient of GHS’s Triple G Award recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, and volunteer service. He will bring fresh ideas, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn, making him a great addition to our Galesburg office this summer.

Ann Wettergren

Client Relationship Manager |  | 

Toni Koehler

Personal Assistant to Ron Koehler | 

Grayson Pickar

Intern | GPickar@financialguide.com

Gavin Wherley

Intern 

Aayaan Roy

Intern 

Our Mission

Humanizing finance, one client at a time

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Customized financial strategies that are tailored to your unique situation

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