John Tidwell earns first appearance on Forbes’ 2026 Top Financial Security Professionals Best-In-State list
MINNEAPOLIS—July 9, 2026—John Tidwell, CSLP®, financial advisor at North Star Resource Group, has earned a place on the Forbes/SHOOK Research 2026 Top Financial Security Professionals Best-In-State list for the first time. Ranked No. 62 in Minnesota, Tidwell joins an elite group of financial professionals recognized for their commitment to client success, professional excellence and long-term financial guidance.
This annual ranking spotlights leading financial professionals across the country who demonstrate exceptional service and a steadfast commitment to helping clients pursue financial security.
“Being included on this list from Forbes not only is a huge honor but also represents a huge milestone for my practice,” commented Tidwell. “Helping medical and dental professionals organize their financial lives and develop sound financial strategies is central to my purpose, and I appreciate their continued trust and support.”
Tidwell joined North Star in 2020, following a career in the NFL and as a tax accountant. He stood out early in his career as a specialist in serving medical professionals, joining the North Star Medical Division and earning his Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP®) designation. In 2025, ThinkAdvisor recognized him as their winner in the Luminaries Next-Gen Rising Star award.
Throughout his career, he has worked closely with mentors Brett Vander Bloemen and John Williams, CFP®, CFS, both of whom are listed among the Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals list.
The Forbes ranking evaluates financial professionals using a combination of qualitative and quantitative elements in a survey conducted by SHOOK Research. Qualitative elements that SHOOK analyzed included production/premiums, death benefits, assets under management, client-related trends and data. Additionally, they also analyzed quantitative elements such as meetings with professionals, use of their team and team dynamics, level of community involvement, credentials and years of service.
To learn more about Forbes’ Top Financial Security Professionals list or to view the rankings on a national and state level, please visit www.forbes.com/lists/top-financial-security-professionals.
About Forbes and SHOOK Research
Forbes boasts 6 million readers and 116 million unique monthly visitors who rely on their research and content to plan their financial futures. SHOOK does not receive a fee in exchange for rankings.
About North Star Resource Group
North Star Resource Group is a Minneapolis-based financial services firm that provides both individuals and businesses with the resources to help create, preserve and protect their wealth. North Star has more than 200 full-time advisors and over 218 employees. In a network of 43 offices in over 17 states, they have contributed to the financial security and well-being of over 150,000 individuals and small businesses.* To learn more about North Star Resource Group, visit www.northstarfinancial.com.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Ian Rich at 612.617.6076 or email him at ian.rich@northstarfinancial.com.
Author: John Tidwell, CSLP®
My passion to help others enhance their financial situation has been a driving factor in my life. As a tax accountant early in my career, I saw the impact finances can have on your financial freedom. Today, as a wealth advisor, providing financial guidance allows me to help my clients on a larger scale through holistic financial strategies that help them reach their goals and change their lives and the lives of the next generation. I love working with driven young professionals starting out in the medical and dental fields and related industries. These individuals have the discipline to be successful, and simply need a little guidance. After all, finances are emotional. I believe in being quick to listen and slow to speak, focused on building trust and understanding your needs and desires before making recommendations. I believe through good habits and sound financial strategies you can begin the path to financial independence.
*Data as of 12/2025
2026 Forbes Best-In-State Financial Security Professionals, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on last year’s data. The algorithm is designed to fairly compare the business practices of a large group of financial service professionals (FSPs) based on quantitative and qualitative elements. Data is weighted to ensure priorities are given to dynamics such as best practices, business models, recent business activity, among others. Each variable is graded and represents a certain value for each measured component. The algorithm measures thousands of FSPs against one another. The listing is prepared by SHOOKTM Research and is based primarily on commissions and premiums generated from insurance products and other criteria relative to years of experience, credentials, client retention and servicing, business model, community involvement, financial professional and peer interviews, and compliance background. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the financial professional by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.