"Creating the best life for our family is all Steve and I ever wanted to do."

My husband Steve and I, along with our youngest son, Max, moved to Traverse City in 2009. Our oldest son, Drew, was finishing university life. We were all excited to make the move from suburban Detroit. We were sure we were making a good family decision because Max, then a high school senior, was more excited than we were about making this transition! Max was thrilled about the opportunity of playing high school football in Traverse City and spending time on the lakes, links and slopes of Northern Michigan. Both boys are now grown and busy pursuing their own dreams, but they love coming back to Traverse City as often as possible.

In creating our best family life, financial stability and growth was important. With 30 years of banking experience, including roles as President, CFO and VP Strategic Planning, there was another career opportunity I still wished to pursue. I wanted to work directly with others to help them secure financial stability and growth while they create and live their best lives.

That is why when the opportunity arose, I was so excited to join Blueprint Partners. Blueprint Partners’ philosophy, team of key advisors and business partners allows me to offer my clients comprehensive family, estate, business, investment and legacy planning.  While discussing personalized strategies and approaches, and by gaining a clear understanding of my client’s goals and timeframe, we can develop a financial blueprint to help achieve their desired life.

Community service also continues to be an important part of our life. I’m proud to be involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters and to serve on the Pathfinder School and The Leadership Lunch Club boards. Meanwhile, Steve hones his EMT skills on the weekends after completing busy weeks at Munson in the Continuous Improvement Department. We are looking forward to many more wonderful years in Traverse City, having fun with family and friends, boating, bike riding, and playing ping pong.

“What is better than family?”
“Nothing!”

This is our family mantra and we live it! Yes, Lisa and our kids, and also lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. We have so much fun together. Growing up in Cincinnati, surrounded by a large extended family, has made a huge impact on my life. Lisa and I love to host our families throughout the year when they come to visit. We have twin girls and three boys ages 5 to 13 years old, and their favorite thing in the world is spending time with our extended family.

Lisa and I started visiting Traverse City and Lake Leelanau in the mid-1990’s and moved here in 2004. We both grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and met at Ohio University. We diverted from the traditional path for a couple years by joining the Peace Corps and serving in the Dominican Republic. While in the D.R., the life style we led (away from big city life, close to nature) made us realize how much we wanted to establish a life here in Traverse City.

With the help of my father, we started Blueprint Partners (formerly branded Sagemark Consulting) in Traverse City on July 1, 2006. I’m indebted to my dad for many things, one of which was driving up here from Cincinnati every month for 2+ years and staying for days at a time to help me get my business off the ground – he was instrumental.

Our business has led to many friendships. We have a lot of fun, and it is extremely interesting. Our business model is unique too. Clients pay a fee for advice and consulting instead of having to buy financial products or have money managed, which is a predominant practice in the rest of the industry. We pride ourselves on being direct with advice, being transparent and always following through. Since 2006, we have worked closely with 120+ business owner families and their existing advisors.

I am a firm believer that the joys and beauty of life should be enjoyed today and not put off. No matter the season you will find Lisa and me and the kids at the beach, by the fire pit and generally outside whenever possible. I enjoy writing about the successes, failures and funny moments of fatherhood on my blog, 1000 Amazing Things About Kids.

I feel tremendously blessed in my family life and to live and work in this amazing place!

Growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has helped me learn to have a strong sense of appreciation for community and family. Being raised in Marquette instilled in me the values I implement in my practice today. In 2004 after completing my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree at Central Michigan University, I relocated to Traverse City and began a career in the financial industry. The first decade of my career was spent gaining the knowledge and expertise to help my clients in various aspects of their financial, retirement, and business needs.

With a desire to take my practice to a higher level, I joined Erik and Chris in 2016 to focus on advanced level planning methods and client specific financial strategies. Being a Founder and Partner with Blueprint Partners allows me to focus on integrating my clients’ personal and financial goals into a cohesive, straightforward financial plan. I enjoy providing my clients with clarity and solutions to help meet their needs by providing creative, personalized plans and strategies to enhance their financial goals. I am committed to protecting families and businesses by securing their legacies for future generations.

Having always led an active lifestyle, I enjoy spending time outdoors appreciating all that the area has to offer. Spending quality time with my family and friends is of utmost importance and I feel it is necessary for a healthy life and career balance.

I was born and raised in Rochester Hills, MI. I slowly made my way north and ended up in beautiful Traverse City. I’ve been here 12 years and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Prior to joining Blueprint Partners, I worked at the American Red Cross for 11 years in disaster relief services. I have been deployed locally and nationally to manage numerous disasters including Hurricane Katrina. I understand the importance of having a plan in place for you, your family and your business in case of an emergency. My experience managing disasters and dozens of volunteers gives me a deep understanding of the need for a process and to pay attention to the details. This unique set of skills helps me be an efficient Practice Manager for Blueprint.

I have a passion for non-profit volunteer work and was a volunteer manager for the Traverse City Film Festival and the Traverse City Comedy Festival for 9 years. Due to my attention to detail and ability to multi-task I was given the privilege to manage the flagship venue for the Traverse City Film Festival for 2 of the 9 years. I also volunteer with Single MOMM as a lead for event nights in the 3-4 yr. old classroom. I love having the opportunity to serve the single mom’s in our community by spending time with their children while they enjoy a couple hours of food and fellowship.

I enjoy taking advantage of everything northern MI has to offer with my family and friends. I like outdoor activities, especially stand up paddle boarding and anything that involves my dog Henry and the beach.