Brian Tollefson

As a Financial Planner, I have been helping individuals and families organize and manage their finances for over two decades. I remember back when I was in seventh grade, I had the opportunity to visit a relative that had a seat on the Chicago stock exchange. That left a lasting impression on me and since that visit, I’ve had an interest in the financial planning industry that I just couldn’t shake. 

Family has always been very important to me and never more so than when my father had open heart surgery. Right after his surgery, his doctor told us that it went very well so my Mom and I left to grab a bite to eat. In the middle of dinner we received a call from the hospital that there were complications while he was in post-op, and told us to get back right away. We hurried back to the hospital.  When I saw my father laying there, white as a sheet, I couldn’t help thinking:
 1) of all the things we may never be able to do together, like seeing a Packers game at Lambeau Field (something we had always dreamed of), and
 2) I was worried about my Mother because their previous financial advisor did not put guarantees on my father’s annuity contract.  

If in the case that my father passed, my mom would receive 20% of the amount from the high watermark that was not added to the contract. At that point, I knew my father’s financial Advisor had not planned well in taking care of my parents.

Having experienced that, I knew what kind of a financial advisor I wanted to be. My goal is to work with clients to solve their financial needs and plan for their future. Over the last 17 years, I have helped clients send kids to college, buy a car, purchase a home, plan for retirement, travel the world, prepare for unexpected losses, start businesses, and create and pass on family wealth. One of my greatest satisfactions is seeing a client retire with financial security to enjoy what is important to them and their family.   

I have been very active in communities and charities. I have been involved with the Elks, Shriners, and other Masonic organizations throughout the years. I especially enjoy working with the Shriners and Order of Quezalcoatl to help raise funds for the transportation and care of children in Shriners Children’s Hospitals. I have held many leadership positions throughout the years in the Shriners and the Community.

• 2004-06 Audit Committee for the Order of Quetzalcoatl, Teocali 16 
• 2006 Rotary Membership Committee 
• 2007 President of Director's Staff, El Zaribah Shrine 
• 2009 Camaxtli/President of the Order of Quetzalcoatl, Teocali 16 
• 2009 President of the Zane Grey Shrine Club, El Zaribah Shrine 
• 2009-12 Co-chair of the August Doin's Parade in Payson, Arizona 
• 2009-10 Chairman of the Rim Country Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee 
• 2012-13 Member of the Potentate’s Staff for El Zaribah Shrine Temple 
• 2012-13 Chairman of the Board for the Rim County Chamber of Commerce 
• 2012-13 President of the Board for Friends of Payson Parks and Recreation 
• 2013-15 Camaxtli/President for Western States Q Association 

I attended Phoenix College and Concordia University in Irvine, CA on both academic and athletic scholarships. While at Concordia, I was an all-conference basketball player, twice, and the school's first male Academic All-American. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a minor in Computer Information Systems (although my friends would tell you I’m no expert regarding computers). After a successful college basketball career, I worked in sales for the Phoenix Suns and Coyotes. Even though I enjoyed what I was doing, I still could not forget my visit to the Chicago stock exchange. My interest in the financial planning industry was still very strong and eventually I seized an opportunity to work for myself doing the kind of work that I am most passionate about –  financial planning and helping people. 

My wife works with me as my office manager. One of our favorite places to visit is Disneyland. We even got engaged there in front of the Castle surrounded by a crowd of excited people. We were married a year later. The marriage resulted in a house divided as I am a diehard Green Bay Packers fan and she is a Chicago Bears fan. Sundays can get pretty exciting in our house during football season. We also enjoy spending time with family, friends, and our rescue dogs.

I know some people may have a favorite time of year, and mine is Football Season. You can find me most Saturdays watching college football (Go Sun Devils!!) and on Sundays rooting for the Packers. I have only missed one Packers game in the last 18 years. Besides sports, I enjoy cooking and grilling, specifically trying new recipes.  My favorite is Chicken wings. I consider myself a coinsurer and I will travel almost anywhere for a good chicken wing. My wife and I also enjoy trying new restaurants. If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear them.

In 2017, I obtained my Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF). I hold FINRA Series 7, 65, and 63 securities registrations and applicable insurance licenses, including California insurance license OE0998. I offer a relaxed, common sense approach to successful financial planning.