INNOVATIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Physical Therapist
- Registered Client Service Associate
Alice has 20 years of client service experience and has worked for Thrivent Financial and Countrywide Investments (later acquired by Touchstone Investments). As a graduate of The Ohio State University, Alice is a diehard Buckeyes fan. Residing in Menasha, Alice and her husband Cass are raising their three kids: Miles, Quinn, and Audrey.
Bryan Becht joined the West Bend, WI, office of Innovative Retirement Associates as a Financial Advisor. Bryan offers exceptional client service and problem-solving skills. Bryan is committed to making each client's experience personable and unique to their individual financial goals.
Bryan's financial career began in 2013 as a Client Service Consultant for Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group in Menomonee Falls, WI. Bryan continued his career path with Wells Fargo Advisors by taking a position in Las Vegas, NV, in 2015. As a Senior Registered Client Associate, he worked closely with numerous Financial Advisors, and their clients, across the country.
Bryan earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin - Steven's Point in 2007 with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Economics.
Outside of his professional career, Bryan enjoys spending time with family and friends, backyard barbecues, and various recreational games.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President
- Managing Partner
Carrie wants your wealth to continue to work in support of the goals you have established, which requires detailed planning. Such planning is not a single event - it is a process. As your life circumstances change, so must the investment strategies Carrie employs to stay on course toward meeting your objectives. That is why she works closely with you, one on one, to design investment strategies targeted to your specific needs and goals. Whether you are an individual seeking tax-deferred growth, concerned about income in retirement, looking to leave a legacy, or a business owner wanting to offer employees an attractive benefit, or Carrie can help you navigate the complex choices available to you.
Carrie began her financial services career at Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network* in 2006. Beginning in 2015, Carrie became a partner of CedarDoor Wealth Management joining Chris Crain, Peter Kobin, and Barth Guilette as owners and Financial Advisors in Sturgeon Bay and Cedarburg.
After graduating from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Carrie joined a public accounting firm. She has also worked as an accounting professional for a shipbuilding company and a non-profit organization.
Outside of her professional career, Carrie is an active member of her community serving on various boards in the past and is currently a board member for the Sunshine House Inc. Carrie and her husband, Chris, live in Door County and have one adult son, Jacob. In her spare time, Carrie enjoys hiking, boating, reading, gardening, and everything Packers.
Cathleen Ristau brings over 25 years of outstanding client service to Romagna Wealth Management Group. She is a hard-working individual who truly enjoys speaking with clients and getting to know them personally. Cathleen prides herself on delivering the best service for her clients and always leaves a smile on their faces.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Cathleen started her career in retail management. She trained people in providing the best customer service possible. She was able to carry these skills over to Prudential Securities* in 1997 as a Branch Administrator. Being a client associate for over a decade now, Cathleen knows everything from HR duties, compliance, operations and more!
Outside of the office, Cathleen is a social butterfly. She enjoys everything water and sunshine, such as taking a jet ski or pontoon ride with her family. She also loves to vacation with her husband at their condo in Indian Shores, Florida, or invite friends and family to their seasonal cottage on a lake nearby their home.
In the cold, Wisconsin winters, Cathleen enjoys completing projects around the house, such as refinishing tables and cabinets or doing small home remodeling projects.
A fun fact about Cathleen is that she loves to listen to senior citizens' stories and memories! Their experiences and adventures are always fascinating to hear.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President
- Managing Partner
Chris provides thorough and personalized investment planning. When a working relationship is established, he can help you work toward achieving your desired goals. For over two decades, Chris has helped clients address their financial needs and develop strategies by focusing on individual goals specifically oriented to them. With extensive experience throughout major shifts in the market. Chris has dedicated his career to delivering the personalized investment planning services his clients deserve. He works with individuals, families, business owners, 401k plans and foundations.
In 2000, Chris joined his father-in-law, Richard Davis, at A.G. Edwards* in Mequon, Wisconsin. Chris and his business partner, Pete Kobin, moved from the Mequon office in 2011 and opened an independently owned office for Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network in Cedarburg. They merged with Barth Guilette's office in Sturgeon Bay in 2012 creating CedarDoor Wealth Management, and welcomed new partner, Carrie Schilz, in 2015. Chris has worked as both an advisor and as a branch manager.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in engineering, Chris worked several years for Johnson Controls, and earned an MBA from Northwestern University. He then accepted a job working for Hewlett-Packard in Colorado. While living in Colorado, Chris was part of an investment club that he really enjoyed that led him to his career change in 2000.
Chris lives in Cedarburg with his wife Lisa, a physical therapist. They enjoy spending family time with their two sons, Kyle and Jackson; daughter, Sam; daughter-in-law, Kimmy; and of course, grandchildren, Raelynn and Parker. Chris and Lisa are also members of the Milwaukee Curling Club where Chris is currently a board member.
Corey's mission as a financial advisor is to first listen to what matters most to clients, create a customized investment plan, and celebrate transforming goals into reality. As a life-long optimist, Corey enjoys helping people focus on the happiness and positivity in their lives. He believes investment planning relieves stress and uncertainty and allows people to focus on the things in life that bring them joy.
After graduating from Carroll University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science, Corey worked as an actuary at Assurant Health then Northwestern Mutual for 5 years in total. He changed careers to begin investment advising, also with NM, in 2017. In 2021, Corey joined the CedarDoor Wealth Management team.
Corey lives in Cedarburg with his wife and three children. He enjoys being active, being outside, food, travel, reading, and spending time with his family.
Dave and his wife, Anne-Marie, live in Neenah, WI with their four children and enjoy cheering them on at sports events, music concerts, and other school events. Dave likes to golf, bike, ski, and enjoys writing a folk song on occasion.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Executive Vice President
Gene Becker is an Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Innovative Retirement Associates. Gene entered the financial services industry over 35 years ago. He has been involved in virtually all phases of the business, from operational, customer support, training and management. He has seen the evolution of the IRA and 401K pension plans.
Gene specializes in strategic retirement planning. His ability to listen carefully to his client's needs helps him develop a customized plan. This plan becomes a roadmap which can be used to evaluate progress over time. It allows for changes, when necessary, but does involve scheduled reviews and updates with the client.
He is a history buff in his spare time and also loves healthy political dialogue. He reads various periodicals and closely monitors any potential changes affecting retirement and Medicare.
Prior to Wells Fargo Advisors, Gene worked for Prudential Securities* and a boutique investment firm in downtown Chicago.
Jessica Basta is a Senior Client Associate at Innovative Retirement Associates. Prior to Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, she was a Manager with an emphasis on customer service at a major retail firm. She has a keen eye for detail and will be involved in all aspects of the client operational experience. Her prior work history has helped prepare her for her role at Innovative Retirement Associates. Management has received numerous compliments from clients in regard to her knowledge, expertise and pleasant demeanor.
In her free time Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband Greg and daughter Callie. She leads an active lifestyle and visits her local health club when she can.
With more than 15 years of financial services experience, Kim works hard to make sure our operations run smoothly. Kim works out of the Cedarburg office assisting clients in opening and updating accounts, transferring money, and answering absolutely any question our clients may have. She previously was with The Bog Golf Course as Controller.
Kim lives in West Bend with her husband Cliff. She has three daughters: Nicole, Rebekah, and Hannah, as well as one son, Nathan. She also has three grandchildren: twins, Jackson and Nora, and Jade. Kim and Cliff enjoy camping, boating, and hanging out with the grandchildren.
Kyle works out of the Cedarburg office helping Chris create marketing materials for finding new clients. Kyle also helps Chris create content for his ongoing outreach for teaching financial concepts to upcoming generations about the "Big Picture". Kyle joined the team in 2021, after having gained experience in sales.
Kyle lives in Cedarburg with his wife Kimberly, daughter Raelynn, and son Parker. As a family, they love spending time outside with their dog, Koda. Kyle also plays soccer for the Milwaukee Wave.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President With
Kyle Van Hecke is an Executive Vice President with Innovative Retirement Associates and is based out of Mokena, IL. He brings a detailed and comprehensive approach to each of his client relationships and recognizes that his client's success is accomplished through a cohesive and comprehensive effort by both client and advisor. He is dedicated to helping clients of various backgrounds and cultures meet their financial needs and goals, whether it be for retirement, planning a vacation, saving for children's or grandchildren's education, or simply looking to preserve your wealth.
Kyle has been with Wells Fargo Advisors for over 5 years, before transitioning to the Innovative Retirement Associates team. He has worked with a team of advisors for the past 3 years, which cumulatively have been in the financial service industry for over 75 years.
Kyle's academic career includes a BA degree in Business Management from Robert Morris University Illinois. He also is an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®) through the College for Financial Planning.
Outside of his professional career he is an avid Chicago sports fan, enjoys traveling, and golfing.
Lianne Becht has been a valuable "behind the scenes" resource to Innovative Retirement Associates. Lianne was instrumental in selecting, moving and organizing the West Bend office. She became an official member of our team in the fall of 2019. Lianne continues to be an important member in the growth and continued success of Innovative Retirement Associates.
Lianne was a computer programmer in her prior professional career. She chose to focus on family when her position was moved outside the state. Lianne continues to provide care and assistance to many family, friends, and neighbors as well as volunteering at her local church and American Legion Post 384.
Paul has always depended on Lianne to maintain the family schedule and manage the homestead while he was in the office or meeting with clients. Lianne is happy to work alongside Paul in the office just as they have throughout their lives together.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Executive Vice President
Paul C. Becht is an Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Innovative Retirement Associates. He has over 20 years in the financial industry and is known for his ability to help find the right retirement planning strategy for his clients. Paul enjoys striving to maximize retirement income while minimizing risk. He prides himself on being very honest with his advice and makes certain to educate clients so they understand important details before making a decision.
Prior to joining Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Paul held senior positions for Prudential Life Insurance Company of America, Prudential Securities, Wachovia Securities* and Wells Fargo Advisors. Paul earned a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation in 2006.
Paul and his wife, Lianne have three grown children. They enjoy attending church, theater performances, and traveling, especially to visit family and friends in Vegas. They have participated in bowling and corn hole leagues. While they may not be professionals in either sport, they really like making light of their talent and building lasting memories with friends. They also enjoy the outdoors and look forward to pontoon rides, fishing, walks in the desert and taking in the beautiful scenery wherever they venture.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Executive Vice President
Rino Mancini is an Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Innovative Retirement Associates. He enjoys supporting clients with pre-retiree, retiree and wealth income planning. Rino makes certain every client understands and is involved in our retirement and estate planning strategies. He believes it is important to have a detailed approach to minimize overall risk in all retirement and legacy planning.
Rino has been with Wells Fargo Advisors for more than 20 years and received the honor of Premier Advisor from 2014-2022.*
Rino holds a B.A. in Finance from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation from American College.
Outside of his professional career, Rino, his wife and their twins are the ultimate Chicago sports fans and avid soccer enthusiasts. He enjoys a nice round of golf, travelling and visiting his Italian family whenever he has time.
Steve Romagna, CFP®, is the Executive Vice President of Romagna Wealth Management Group. As a financial advisor for over 25 years, he enjoys serving each of his clients' unique needs and helping them succeed financially. Steve's passion is employing a process that allows his clients clearly to articulate their goals and implement a customized plan to pursue them. He takes pride in helping clients plan their retirement and being a resource for all their retirement questions, concerns or uncertainties.
After graduating from UW-Madison in 1996, Steve started his career with Prudential Securities*. After several years of learning the ins and outs of financial advising, he wanted to provide even more for his clients and their interests, so he launched Romagna Wealth Management Group in 2014.
In 2012, Steve earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, which is awarded only to those who complete a rigorous course of study and abide by a strict code of ethics to maintain their technical competency. He was also named Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor for 2020 and 2021**.
Outside of the office, Steve is very passionate about his family. He can usually be found coaching or volunteering for one of his four children's schools, hockey rink, baseball diamond or football field. The Romagna family also regularly travels to Cocoa Beach, Florida, to visit family.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President
- Executive Vice President With Innovative Retirement Associates and Is Based Out of Mokena
Bill Soltis is an Executive Vice President with Innovative Retirement Associates and is based out of Mokena, IL. He enjoys helping clients with pre-retiree, retiree, and wealth income planning. He makes sure every client understands and participates in our retirement and estate planning strategies, He believes it is important to have a defined and flexible approach to minimize overall risk in a retirement legacy plan.
Bill has a BS in Marketing from the University of Illinois, where he also earned his Certificate of Entrepreneurship. Bill has been in the financial service industry for over 35 years.
Outside of Bill's professional career he enjoys playing music with his band at local venues.