Financial Advisor

Jared is the President and CEO of Ascent Advisors. He is a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, with a minor in Financial Planning. Jared’s primary focus at Ascent consists of acting as the Director of Consulting. Jared holds his life insurance license, long-term care certification, as well as his FINRA Series 7 and 66 Licenses. Jared enjoys working for his clients to help them transition their farm and business, something most clients have devoted their lifetimes to the building. Jared and his wife Erika are proud parents of their daughters Lydia & McKenna and son Harvey and reside in Buffalo, MN. Jared enjoys many hobbies that involve sports and the great outdoors.

Peter Orth, grew up on a farm with older parents and spent time with other older adults, so a career assisting people at or near retirement age came naturally to him. A desire to help others and a strong work ethic led Peter to build a team of professionals who operate with a high level of integrity, always keeping their clients’ best interests in mind.

Peter has been offering insurance and retirement planning services since 2006. His vision was to create a solution where people could have consultants assist them to meet their particular needs with financial plans, no matter their financial circumstances. Peter lives with his wife, Danelle, and their three girls. In his free time he enjoys camping, hunting, and spending time with his family.

Financial Advisor

Chad began working in the financial services industry helping people with mortgages and home financing in 1999. From there he moved to personal and private banking, including life insurance and final expense planning. Eventually his experience led to the world of investments. During that time he obtained specialty certifications and was able to complete his Chartered Retirement Planning Consultant (CRPC) in 2010 and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) in 2014.

With his experience and expertise, Chad works to provide not only the education needed for clients working towards financial goals, but also the strategies to implement them and get clients on the path to reach their goals and beyond. Chad’s passion comes from educating clients on their options and available solutions for their specific circumstances. Since each clients’ experience, knowledge and understanding is unique, he believes it is essential to take the time to get to know what is important to them before making a recommendation and proposing next steps.

Chad and his wife, Dr. Gail Weinhold, have been married for over 28 years and have three grown children and four grandchildren. When he’s not working, Chad enjoys spending time with his family (and spoiling the grandkids), camping, exploring the outdoors, working in his woodshop and playing the occasional round of golf.

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Financial Advisor

Ben services clients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. He specializes in risk management and estate planning. He is a 2005 graduate of Minnesota State – Mankato, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance with an emphasis on Financial Planning. Along with his FINRA Series 7 and 66 Licenses, Ben also holds his Life Insurance license and Long-Term Care certification. Ben’s responsibilities include researching market and economic trends, as well as finding suitable solutions for estate liquidity. Ben is motivated by working alongside his clients to truly understand the goals, objectives, and values they want to pursue, and the legacy they want to leave behind. Ben loves spending time with his wife Rebecca, and three children Brayden, Berkleigh and Bristol. He keeps busy with the various activities of an active young family. During the summer months, Ben enjoys coaching baseball, camping, and fishing, and during the winter months can be found at the hockey rink or in the gym watching gymnastics.

Financial Advisor

Tom has worked as a licensed and registered agent in the financial industry since 2005. His resume includes experience overseeing all aspects of client interactions as Chief of Staff for an Investment Advisory firm in Minneapolis. His experience as a Senior Manager for the Life Case Design Team and a trainer for Fixed Index Annuities and Life Insurance, at Allianz Life of North America, gives him a unique perspective into the inner workings of annuity and life strategies.

As a former High School teacher and athletic coach, his life-long passion for coaching and helping people to succeed; personally, professionally, and financially. Tom defines his approach in creating strategies to meet client objectives. He works to incorporate a relaxed and educational approach to help clients feel comfortable and confident making decisions that will impact them and their families for years to come. Tom’s clients are at all stages of life and he helps them by ensuring they are making decisions aligned with their goals!

Tom resides in Lindstrom MN, on South Lindstrom Lake with his wife Sara and they have three adult children and two grandsons. One of their favorite activities is spending time in Minnesota State and National Parks for adventures in camping and hiking. As a life-long learner, in his spare time, Tom is also a novice guitar player in the learning stages of his musical journey.

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Jim’s passion is to help clients create the blueprint that will guide them through their retirement years.

On a personal note, when Jim is not helping his clients with retirement planning, he loves spending time and traveling with his family, volunteering at church and fishing with his granddaughter.

Licensed Medicare professional & Investment Advisor Representative with 20+ years experience

Specialties: Medicare, Financial Planning, Retirement Planning. SSA analysis

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Portfolio Manager

Don has worked in various aspects of the financial services industry since graduating from St. Cloud State University in 1994. His experience includes 12 years at multi- strategy hedge fund Whitebox Advisors where he served as a trader and portfolio manager. It was during his tenure at Whitebox that he earned his designation as a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Leaving institutional money management in 2020, Don returned to retail client service which was his original and true passion. Being able to assist like individuals reach their life goals is truly rewarding, and client interactions are a highlight of Corestone experience.

Don currently lives in Big Lake, MN with his 2 dogs. Staying very active at the gym, playing golf and pickleball, and being out on the water. Growing up in Baudette, MN means that any outdoor activities are to be cherished.

Administration Assistant

Rebecca is the Administration Assistant for the Ascent Wealth Management division. She brings 20 years of experience in business support to our team. She has worked extensively in banking and sales management and is dedicated to customer service and the client experience. Rebecca holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business/Management from MSU-Mankato. She and her husband reside in Mankato and she is a dedicated mother to their three children. Rebecca enjoys spending time on all the activities of a young family!

Insurance Broker

As an independent broker affiliated with American Senior Benefits and working in coordination with Ascent Advisors, I help clients evaluate options across the open market rather than being limited to any one company or product.

I stay current through ongoing certification and training to ensure I’m up to date on the latest plans and regulations impacting retirement planning. I work with clients on Life Insurance, Long-Term Care, Medicare, and broader retirement considerations, with a focus on putting their interests first. My goal is to serve as a reliable, single point of contact for these areas, and I’m always available by phone or email.

Insurance Broker

As an independent insurance broker with American Senior Benefits, working alongside Ascent Advisors through a strategic partnership, I am able to continue using the gifts I developed over more than two decades in ministry.

I have the privilege of listening to people’s stories—understanding their goals, concerns, and priorities—and helping them navigate decisions with care and clarity. I am licensed in health insurance (including Medicare), Life Insurance, Final Expense, Long-Term Care, and Annuities, and I work to provide solutions that align with each client’s individual needs.

Insurance Broker

As an independent insurance broker working in coordination with Ascent Advisors through my affiliation with American Senior Benefits, I help clients navigate important decisions around Life, Health, Medicare, and Annuities.

My focus is on listening first—understanding your goals and your story—so we can create solutions that truly fit your life, not just a policy on paper. I value coming alongside clients in a thoughtful, straightforward way and putting my dedication to work on your behalf. Insurance can seem complicated, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be.