Four North Star Advisors recognized in Forbes’ 2024 Top Financial Security Professionals list for exemplary client service and commitment
MINNEAPOLIS — July 10, 2024 — North Star is proud to announce that four of its top financial advisors have been recognized on Forbes and SHOOK Research’s prestigious 2024 Top Financial Security Professionals list. This annual ranking spotlights the leading financial experts across the nation who demonstrate unwavering dedication to helping clients achieve their financial goals.
Ed Deutschlander, CLU®, CLF®, CEO of North Star, commented on the recognition:
“These rankings perfectly align with North Star’s holistic approach to financial planning, which emphasizes protection-based wealth planning alongside assets under management. It’s about having meaningful conversations that go beyond the numbers, addressing life’s uncertainties like disability, death or job loss.”
Deutschlander continued, “North Star advisors are truly special because they are equipped and passionate about having these courageous conversations with clients. This recognition by Forbes and SHOOK Research reflects the integrity and dedication of our team, who stand out in an industry where authenticity matters more than ever.”
Shaun McDuffee, AEP, CLU®, ChFC®, CEPA, secured the #40 spot nationwide and #4 in Texas. As a member of this list since its inauguration in 2021, McDuffee is the founder of North Star affiliate Twin Oak Advisors in Austin, Texas, specializing in serving the medical community. McDuffee also serves in North Star’s leadership team as senior vice president and is the founder of the nonprofit Stop Alzheimer’s Now (SAN).
“Being recognized by Forbes again this year is as great an honor now for me and my team as it was the first year,” McDuffee stated. “It’s a testament to the incredible group of people I have been blessed to assemble, and the trust our clients have placed in us.”
Marshall Gifford, CLU®, ChFC®, earned the #5 position in Minnesota, after ranking #67 on the national list last year. Forbes also recognized Gifford earlier this year as a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor. Marshall founded Gifford Financial, The MD & DDS Specialists, a division of North Star Resource Group, in 2017, specializing in servicing physicians and dentists with excellence.
“It is such an honor to be included on this list again,” Gifford remarked. “I count myself lucky to have found a career, company, and team that helps me make a positive impact and change lives forever, every day. It is humbling to have clients place their trust in me and what we do, allowing them to protect their families and financial futures, so they can pursue their goals.”
Craig Molldrem, CLTC, RICP®, AIF®, CAP, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, was recognized as #24 in Texas, a rise from his #30 spot in 2023. Molldrem has been with the firm since 2002, consistently delivering top-tier financial advice to his clients, and 2024 marks the fourth consecutive year to be named a Top Financial Security Professional by Forbes.
“We are delighted to receive this recognition for our work in the area of risk management,” Molldrem commented. “Risk management is an integral part of developing a comprehensive financial plan and we pride ourselves on executing this for all of our clients.”
Jon Ylinen also made the list, ranking #25 in Wisconsin, and 2024 is his second year being recognized by Forbes. Since joining North Star in 2008, Ylinen has worked closely with medical professionals out of Madison, Wisconsin, even co-authoring the book Real-Life Financial Planning for Physicians.
“Making this list represents a wonderful achievement for me and my team,” Ylinen noted. “I’m so grateful for the hard work and support they provide as we help clients navigate their finances.”
Deutschlander expressed confidence in North Star’s future, stating, “I’m incredibly proud of Shaun, Craig, Marshall and Jon for representing North Star so well on this list. I’m confident that next year, even more of our talented advisors will be recognized for their client-focused, risk-management planning.”
The Forbes ranking was determined based on a comparison of business practices based on both qualitative and quantitative elements in a survey conducted by SHOOK Research. Qualitative elements including production/premiums death benefits and assets under management, client-related trends and data were analyzed. Additionally, quantitative elements such as meetings with professionals, use of team and team dynamics, level of community involvement, credentials and years of service and other elements were analyzed as well.
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/best-in-state-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 192 full-time advisors and over 178 employees. In a network of 42 offices in over 20 states, they have contributed to the financial security and well-being of over 140,000 individuals and small businesses**. To learn more about North Star Resource Group, visit www.northstarfinancial.com.
**Data as of December 2023
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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.
Ed, Shaun, Marshall, Damon, Jon and Craig are Investment Advisor Representatives offering advisory services through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Registered Branch Phone # 612-617-6000
Forbes America’s Top 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.