Ron Carson
		Founder of PEAK, Ron Carson is also an actively practicing financial advisor and owner of Carson Wealth Management Group. Ron has been a top advisor for 25 years and has grown his practice to assets under management of over $1 billion. He is also a 19-time #1 producer with the nation’s largest independent broker dealer. Ron’s Tested in the Trenches™ ideas from Carson Wealth are the foundation of the PEAK coaching programs and software system. He is the inspiration and the execution for the company! Because of his boundless energy, Ron does find time for activities and interests outside of running two businesses. He enjoys golf, wine, piloting his plane, and is actively involved in his kids’ activities. Originally from Tekamah, Nebraska, he now resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, with his wife Jeanie, daughters Chelsie and Madison, and son Grant.

		Jonathan Foster
		Jonathan Foster is the President of PEAK and Carson Wealth Management Group. He has a distinguished career in wealth management, mergers and acquisitions, and executive leadership. Early in Jonathan’s 25-year career, he worked for Oppenheimer & Co., Bear Stearns & Co., and the Edelman Group. Later, he founded his own brokerage and research boutique, and then served as CEO of Howard Capital Management. Most recently, Jonathan was Head of Wealth Management and then of advisor mergers and acquisitions for E*Trade Financial Corporation. Jonathan is a member of the Investment Committee of the City of Hope Hospital and is Chairman of the Investment Committee for the Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences. In his spare time, you can find him on the court playing a mean game of squash. Jonathan is a nationally recognized squash player with seven national championships to his credit. Jonathan and his wife Laurie have three children: Michael, Charlie, and Elizabeth.

		Steve Sanduski
		Steve partnered with Ron in May 2001 with the intent of creating a coaching, training, and software company that could help advisors build their businesses and enhance their quality of life. As the Managing Partner of PEAK, Steve helps set direction for the firm, creates intellectual capital, writes books, coaches clients, and speaks to audiences throughout the country. Prior to PEAK, he was the President of a start-up broker dealer and an SEC-registered investment advisory firm, and the Vice President of Business Development for a major broker dealer. In a previous life, he was a corporate finance grunt for Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, and American Express. A big believer in continuous learning, Steve graduated from Illinois State University with a Finance degree and from Indiana University with an MBA. He is also a CFP® professional and a former holder of the Series 7, 24, 63, and 65. An Omaha native, he now lives in Mequon, Wisconsin, and is learning to like brats, cheese, and the Packers. When not working or hanging with his beautiful wife Linda and their three very lovely daughters, Paige, Cori, and Tenley, he can be found riding his bike along the shore of Lake Michigan, hiking, writing, researching the next ten-bagger, or holed up with a good book and a gooey coffee.

		Laura Pierson
		Laura is the Vice President & General Manager of PEAK. She is responsible for the management of the PEAK team and the day-to-day operations of the company. Laura graduated from Drake University with a degree in Psychology. She has prior management experience in the retirement services industry and also holds her Series 6 and 63 licenses.  Laura and her husband, Nick, have been married since 2002.  Although they are Nebraska natives, they moved to Omaha from the Minneapolis area in 2006.  Laura and Nick love to travel—recent destinations include Iceland, Costa Rica, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. When not working, you can find Laura taking long walks and runs, reading a good book, playing with her golden retriever, Kramer, and spending time with family and friends.

		Kimberly Anderson
		Kimberly is a Business Development Consultant for PEAK. Her responsibilities include assessing the needs of advisors and assisting them in choosing the PEAK programs and services that best meet their needs. Kimberly travels with Ron and Steve to coaching events all over the country and enjoys helping advisors learn how to grow their practice. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from South Dakota State University and has prior experience in business development and marketing. Kimberly, a native of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and her husband, Cade, have been married since 1995. They have a daughter, Madelyn, and a son, Peyton. They currently reside in Bellevue, Nebraska. Kimberly's special interests include listening to music, routine workouts, singing in her church jubilation choir, and spending time with her family and friends.

		Tom Baden
		Tom is a Technical Support Analyst with PEAK.  His primary role is supporting the GoldMine® contact management system and our customized Breaking Away™ overlay.  He also assists with internal technology related issues and projects.  Tom has a degree in Mathematics from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has work experience in various IT disciplines. Tom and his wife, Connie, live in Omaha and have a daughter, Julie, in Scottsdale, Arizona, who is attending school and working.  Tom enjoys taking his dog on walks, biking, canoeing, and camping.  He also enjoys watching movies, listening to music, working on computers, and serving on his church council.

		Pam Burwell
		Pam is the Administrative Specialist for the PEAK team. Her role includes managing a variety of activities that keep PEAK running as efficiently and smoothly as possible. She sees to the administration of the PEAK Academy, updates the website, and other general responsibilities. Before joining PEAK in November 2006, Pam’s previous experience includes 13 years of civilian government service in the personnel arena, bookkeeper, receptionist, and various retail experience. Pam, a native of San Antonio, Texas, and her husband Mark, have been married since February 1987 and live in Papillion, Nebraska.  They have two daughters, Diana and Stephanie.  Diana lives in Maryland with her husband David and their daughter Allison, and Stephanie is attending the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Pam treasures her time with her family and their two miniature dachshunds, Bud and Lou. She also loves to sing in her church choir and create greeting cards using rubber stamps. Pam also enjoys making quilts for her family and friends.

		Chris Dahlgren
		Chris is a Business Development Consultant with PEAK. His responsibilities include assessing the needs of advisors and assisting them in choosing the PEAK programs and services that best meet their needs. Chris travels with Ron and Steve to coaching events all over the country and enjoys helping advisors learn how to grow their practice. Before joining PEAK in December of 2006, Chris was an Executive Recruiter for four years, helping financial advisors transition to either an independent B/D or wire-house. Prior to his experience recruiting, he was a Dean Witter/Morgan Stanley financial advisor. Chris earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Barry University in Miami, Florida. Chris and his wife Barbara have been married since 1984. Chris and Barbara love to travel.

		Amy Gamble
		Amy is the Senior Administrative Specialist for the PEAK team. Her role includes managing a variety of activities that keep PEAK running as efficiently and smoothly as possible. She also performs all of the client billing and shipping activities, and answers a variety of questions from coaching members. Amy’s previous experience includes similar responsibilities in the retail industry. Amy and her husband, Matt, live in Omaha with their son, Tanner, and bulldog, Harley.  Amy especially enjoys decorating, gardening, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

		Matthew Halloran
		Matthew is a Practice Management Coach who assists and advises coaching members with the day to day practice management issues that arise in their offices. He has a bachelor's degree in Business Ethics from Western Michigan University and a master's degree with a focus on Life Coaching from Bellevue University. Before joining PEAK, Matthew was the co-founder and President/CEO of a life coaching company. He was also the mental health therapist working with individuals and families to help them achieve their therapeutic goals. With his extensive experience as a personal and business coach, Matthew is especially valuable helping PEAK's coaching members with personal goal-setting and clarifying their mission, vision, and values through the blueprinting process. He believes in building a strong foundation of values, purpose, vision, and goals to build a successful and profitable practice. Matthew and his wife Angela have been married for eight years and they have twin boys, Wesley and Derek. Matthew and Angela remodeled an old country church which is now their home. When not playing with his boys, Matthew enjoys fly fishing and is an amateur photographer.

		Shelly Kerber
		Shelly is a Human Resources Consultant for PEAK. She is responsible for all human resource functions including recruitment and selection, employee relations, training and development, compensation, and benefits. Shelly is also responsible for implementing the HR consulting service for PEAK’s coaching members. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration and has worked in the human resources field for nearly a decade. Prior to joining PEAK, Shelly worked as an HR professional for an architectural firm in Lincoln, Nebraska.  More recently, she worked for Lozier Corporation for over five years as an HR Generalist. Shelly grew up on a farm near Treynor, Iowa, and currently resides in Omaha.  She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, weekend trips with her sorority sisters, Husker sports (especially football), golfing, volleyball, and traveling to Colorado whenever possible.

		Marcus Knecht
		Marcus is PEAK’s Senior Technical Support Analyst. His primary roles are assisting with internal technology related issues and projects, as well as, supporting the GoldMine® contact management system and our customized Breaking Away™ overlay. Marcus originates from northern Iowa obtaining a BA in Computer Science from Wartburg College in 2004. He currently resides in Omaha. Besides computers and all other advanced technologies, he also enjoys learning about other cultures and religions. Marcus has traveled to Costa Rica, Germany, Tanzania, South Africa, and Namibia during his years in school and to Australia for World Youth Day in 2008. He dreams of making it to Egypt, Ireland, India, Japan, and Vatican City some day. Marcus also keeps up with his Christian religious studies through faith-sharing and Bible-study groups.

		Jennifer Knihal
		Jennifer is a Business Development Consultant for PEAK. Her responsibilities include assessing the needs of advisors and assisting them in choosing the PEAK programs and services that best meet their needs. Jennifer has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and her MBA in Marketing from Bellevue University. She has years of prior sales and marketing experience and holds Nebraska life and health insurance licenses. Jennifer currently resides in Omaha and enjoys listening to live music, attending local community events, and spending time with friends and family.

		Amy Carlson Koenig
		Amy has dual roles with PEAK as a Practice Management Coach and Manager of Strategic Projects. As a coach, she works with advisors and their teams to help them implement the Quest for Excellence™ program and other day-to-day practice management issues that arise in their offices. Amy's project work includes the management of PEAK events and other company initiatives such as new program and website development. Amy graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Mathematics. For the 10 years prior to joining PEAK, she worked in the financial services industry in various capacities, including operations, team leader, and associate financial advisor. Amy grew up in Atlantic, Iowa, and moved to Omaha in 1992. She and her husband Jon continue to visit all 50 states before beginning travels internationally.

		Ellen Konsdorf
		Ellen’s primary role at PEAK is Practice Management Coach. She advises coaching members to help them implement the Quest for Excellence™ program and explore other day-to-day practice management issues. Ellen has over 20 years of management experience in corporate finance and investor relations. She graduated from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, with degrees in mathematics and sociology. Ellen grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska, but has lived in Omaha since college. She is actively involved with her two children, Krystal, who is a Speech Language Pathologist at a local hospital, and Ryan, who is attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Ellen also enjoys wine, travel, trying new restaurants, Husker football, dancing, golf, and spending time with family and friends.

		James Mackiewicz
		James’ primary role with PEAK is Practice Management Coach. He works with advisors and their teams to help them implement the Quest for Excellence™ program and other day-to-day practice management issues that arise in their offices. James graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and MBA from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska. Prior to joining PEAK, he spent over 9 years working for TD Ameritrade and Bank of the West in various roles previously holding the Series 7, 24, and 65, and completing the Graduate School of Retail Bank Management. James, and his wife, Kari, have been married since 1995. They have developed a small horse ranch outside of Council Bluffs, Iowa, where they enjoy entertaining family and friends. James teaches business classes for Kaplan University, as well as Junior Achievement for middle school students. They both enjoy travelling and outdoor activities, as well as a good movie or book.

		John Mason
		John is the Tech Team Leader at PEAK. He graduated with a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Physics from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is also a GoldMine® certified professional. John’s primary roles are managing the Tech Team, assisting with technology-related issues and projects, and supporting the GoldMine® contact management system and our customized Breaking Away™ overlay. John was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where he currently resides. He has been married to his wife, Alyssa, since June 2000, and they have two sons, Joshua and Brendon. John’s primary hobby is music. He started playing the drums at age 11 and the guitar at age 13. He has a home studio in his basement where he records his own songs. John aspires to record a Christian rock CD sometime in the near future. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family, watching movies, and Husker football.

		Greg Opitz
		Greg's primary role with PEAK is Practice Management Coach. He works with advisors and assistants to help them implement the Quest for Excellence™ program and other day-to-day practice management issues that arise in their offices. Greg has been working with financial planners for his entire professional career.  Before joining PEAK in May of 2006, Greg served seven years as Director, Certification Services at the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. For the four years prior to his experience at CFP Board, Greg was the Director, Student Service Center at the College for Financial Planning. He has 17 years of managerial experience to draw upon to assist coaching members. Greg earned both his BS in economics and MBA degrees from the University of South Dakota. Greg, and his wife, Marilyn, have been married since 1985 and have three daughters. His family is his first passion and priority, but Greg would enjoy fishing every day if possible.

		Jenny Powell
		Jenny is the Client Event Manager at PEAK and is responsible for planning and executing all member and prospect events and conferences. She brings with her six years experience in the hospitality and event marketing industry and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Advertising. Prior to joining PEAK, Jenny worked as an experiential marketing specialist for an advertising agency in Omaha, Nebraska. More recently, she worked for a non-profit organization promoting ethanol by managing the hospitality program at numerous IndyCar Series races and College Football Tailgate Tour events, among numerous other job responsibilities. Jenny resides in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband Grant, and their cocker spaniel, Murphy. She enjoys spending time with Grant, taking Murphy to the dog run, working out, planning her next travel adventure, and watching Husker football with friends and family.

		Joe Steuter
		Joe is a Business Development Consultant for PEAK. His responsibilities include assessing the needs of advisors and assisting them in choosing the PEAK programs and services that best meet their needs. Joe graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a degree in Journalism/Advertising. Prior to joining PEAK, Joe worked in real estate, advertising, and has been involved with promoting the city of Omaha through its O! campaign. Joe was born and raised on a dairy farm near West Point, Nebraska, and moved to Omaha in 2003. His passions in life include music, basketball, Nebraska football, surfing, and travel. He enjoys playing guitar and will take any opportunity he can to get to the ocean and enjoy the beach. He aspires to someday have a beachfront home of his own in southern California where he can do all the surfing he desires.