
Mike Pieper
Financial Advisor
Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.
Mike Pieper
Financial Advisor
About
I’ve found a passion in positively impacting my clients’ lives by helping guide them past the financial hurdles they face throughout life.
The greatest asset I bring is my work ethic. Growing up I played a very active role on our family farm, and although I didn’t know it at the time, it was establishing the work ethic I have today.
Services
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Comprehensive financial planning
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Retirement strategies
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Wealth management
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Financial accountability
Resource team

Chase Brakke, DIA, DIF, CEPA®
Senior Vice President

Chase Brakke, DIA, DIF, CEPA®
Senior Vice PresidentAs Senior Vice President, Chase oversees the operations of Business Owner Solutions, Distribution Planning, and North Star’s insurance brokerage operations, which include Property and Casualty Insurance, Disability Insurance, Medicare/Individual Health, and Employee Benefits.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire with a degree in business administration and finance, Brakke joined North Star in 2008.
As a trained former financial advisor, Chase understands how to integrate complex strategies into overall financial goals. In his current role, much of his time is spent working directly with advisors and their clients and connecting them with North Star’s supporting team of specialists to serve clients holistically.
Chase is heavily involved in his community and has seen firsthand how financial literacy and preparedness can positively impact others. He serves as a board member for BestPrep, an organization that provides educational programs to students in grades 4-12 through professional mentorship opportunities. Each year, Chase volunteers over 100 hours with the organization as an eMentor, classroom speaker, and student essay judge.
For his volunteer work in furthering financial literacy, Chase was the recipient of the BestPrep Bunzel Volunteer of the Year award in 2018, was recognized as a Notable Leader in Finance honoree by Twin Cities Business in 2021, and was named an honorable mention for the Volunteer of the Year award from Invest In Others in 2024.
Chase lives in Stillwater, Minn., with his wife, Jenn, and two children. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, basketball, volleyball, and tennis, along with spending time with family, especially at his lake cabin.
Registered administrative assistant of Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 2701 UNIVERSITY AVENUE SE, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55414 | 612.617.6000
2024 BestPrep Service Award. Issued to the top volunteers in the BestPrep volunteer programs for those that go above and beyond in their commitment to the students and teachers of Minnesota. 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 advisor 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.
2024 Volunteer of the Year Award Honorable Mention Issued by Invest in Others. Nominees must be currently working as registered representatives, registered investment advisors, or financial advisors with a professional designation. Nominees must be active financial advisors, defined by spending at least 75% of their time providing financial consultation with clients. Nominees must have worked in this capacity for at least three years. Volunteer involvement with the nonprofit organization must be current and ongoing for at least three years. Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists are selected in each of the six categories with one winner being chosen for each award. Award finalists and winners receive generous donations from Invest in Others to their designated charities. 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 advisor 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.
2021 Notable Leaders in Finance Award presented by Twin Cities Business Magazine is nomination based and recognizes best-in-class executives across a range of industries in Minnesota. Nominations are submitted by work peers and community members. To qualify for this list, individuals must be serving in a C-suite or senior-level finance role in Minnesota, have at least five years of experience in finance, and have shown the ability to create significant, positive, and measurable results in their field. 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 advisor 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.
Bunzel Volunteer of the Year 2018 issued by BestPrep. BestPrep picks the winner from all the volunteers of the named year. . 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.
Awards are based primarily on commissions, premiums, or fees generated from investment and insurance products and other criteria relative to leadership & achievement. Working with this individual or firm is not a guarantee of future financial results. Investors should conduct their own evaluation.
The charitable entities and/or fundraising opportunities described herein are not endorsed by or affiliated with (BD name) or its affiliates. Our philanthropic interests are personal to us and are not reviewed, sponsored or approved by Cetera.

Carrie Hancock, ChFC®, CLU®, JD
Vice President, Financial Planning Resource Center

Carrie Hancock, ChFC®, CLU®, JD
Vice President, Financial Planning Resource CenterCarrie leads our financial planning team and provides a high-level of planning support and guidance to North Star associates and their clients.
As a team, the Financial Planning Resource Center of North Star offers steady guidance and personalized solutions for individuals and families navigating the many changes life brings.
While Carrie and her team work out of North Star’s headquarters in Minneapolis, they serve clients and financial professionals throughout the country.
Registered representative of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC.

Jeff Landt, CFA, CFP®
Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer

Jeff Landt, CFA, CFP®
Senior Vice President and Chief Investment OfficerWith over 25 years’ experience in financial services, Jeff’s expertise is the investment management process. As vice president and director of investments, he coaches North Star financial professionals on portfolio strategies, construction, and management for a diverse group of clients.
Jeff helps quiet the noise of investment advice, providing a calm, trustworthy voice to help individuals reach their investment goals and prepare for life’s important milestones.
In addition to his leadership roles, Jeff also works one-on-one with clients, specializing in retirement distribution and wealth management.
Jeff holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation, one of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession, and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, noted for its extensive knowledge, experience, and ethical requirements.
Jeff works out of North Star’s headquarters in Minneapolis.
Registered representative of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC.

Max Miller
Disability Insurance Consultant

Max Miller
Disability Insurance ConsultantSince joining North Star in 2016, Max has been using his expansive knowledge and commitment as a disability expert to provide counsel to our associates. Today, he is available to speak with clients about their disability insurance needs and options.
Serving individuals nationwide, Max is committed to ensuring each client has a customized protection strategy for their specific needs.

Chris Sitek, CLTC®, CASL®, CLU®, ChFC®, RHU®, REBC®
Vice President Life and Long-Term Care

Chris Sitek, CLTC®, CASL®, CLU®, ChFC®, RHU®, REBC®
Vice President Life and Long-Term CareChris helps financial advisors at North Star identify the strongest insurance product solutions for their clients. Joining North Star in 1996, Chris’s career path has taken him from financial advisor to manager of external insurance brokerage to long-term care specialist to his current role as vice president of insurance brokerage and long-term care. He is very passionate about both brokerage and long-term care given the consequences families face without proper planning.
In an industry with hundreds of companies and thousands of products, Chris helps narrows down the choices to the few that truly make sense based on each client’s unique situation.
Chris attended St. John’s University in St. Joseph, Minn., and he currently works out of North Star’s headquarters in Minneapolis.
Registered representative of Cetera Wealth Services LLC.
Mike is based out of Minnesota, but he works virtually with clients throughout the United States.
Registered representative of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.