Who We Are
Kelly Guncheon, CFP©, ChFC©, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional who has run professional organizations, started businesses, and helped individuals and businesses succeed.
In addition to his CFP© certification, Kelly is a Chartered Financial Consultant. A Chicago native, Kelly is a life-long Cubs, Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks fan, but supports all of the Minnesota teams as well (when they're not playing a Chicago team). He enjoys wine, baking, reading, volunteerism, playing acoustic guitar in the church band, and listening to live folk, bluegrass, rock, blues, and classical music.
Prior to becoming a Financial Advisor, Kelly was an executive with professional associations including the American Hospital Association, the California Medical Association, and the California Primary Care Consortium. He and his wife, Holly, helped create the Church of the Epiphany's Giving Garden, which grows hundreds of pounds of produce to give to the local food shelf.
He also participates in the “Loaves and Fishes” meal program at a local church; founded Westside Progressives, a community dinner and discussion group; and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Episcobuilders, Interfaith Power & Light, Feed My Starving Children, and the Golden Valley Girls Softball League. He has served on the Wings for Widows Board of Directors and as a Board member and Finance Committee Co-Chair for the Minnesota League of Women Voters.
Justin Smith is an Investment Adviser Representative in our Dubuque, IA, branch office, The Life Group Financial Services.
Since entering the business in 2012, Justin's passion has been to serve clients by educating them on the topics that are most relevant to their needs. He genuinely cares for people and their families and enjoys personal contact with clients, working hard to understand their goals. Justin can take financial and investment concepts and break them down in a way that empowers individuals and families to make the most educated decisions possible.
Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, serving at his local church, playing sports, and serving on two local educational institutions' Board of Directors.
Paul Thompson works out of our Westby, WI, office as an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR). He, like our other IARs Justin Smith and Ben Strautmann, is affiliated with The Life Group in Dubuque, IA. Paul has an MBA from Aurora University and a B.A. in Business Marketing from Bethel University. Paul comes from 10 years as Operations Manager for a non-profit organization and has been actively involved in many church and faith organizations. He and his wife, Jenny, raise their daughter and 2 sons in Westby.
Ben Strautmann is an Investment Advisor Representative affiliated with Life Group Financial Services. While closely connected with the Dubuque community , Ben and his family work and reside in Fremont, MI.
Soon after high school, Ben moved from his hometown of St. Louis, MO, to Dubuque, IA. There he attended Emmaus Bible College; graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Biblical Studies. After graduation, Ben enlisted in the Army Reserves and served as a Chaplain's Assistant for 6 years.
Ben comes into the industry with more than 10 years of consumer and commercial banking experience. Throughout the years, one thing has remained the same - Ben’s passion for people and helping them to successfully navigate their financial journey. Ben's desire is to meet people where they are and help them to not only establish but also reach their goals - through education, support and advocacy.
The Strautmann family enjoys playing games, spending time outside, and having people over to grill and swim!
