Who We Are
Wealth Management Team
Jared Holt
Financial Advisor
Jared is the President and CEO of Ascent Financial. 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.
Ben Bernard
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.
Rebecca Bernard
Administration Assistant
Rebecca joined the Ascent team in the fall of 2018. She is the Administration Assistant for the Ascent Wealth Management division. She brings 15 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!