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Meet the Carlson Financial Team
We help individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.
Financial Advisor Team
CARL CARLSON
CEO & Founder
Colorado Springs
Carl Carlson
CEO & Founder
Carl has more than 25 years of experience in the financial industry, including 10 years in wealth management and insurance. He graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Houston.
Carl founded Carlson Financial after becoming frustrated with the lack of honesty and transparency he saw in the financial services industry. His goal continues to be to put the client's (and not the company's) interests first. His personal mission is to maximize clients' income while protecting and preserving their nest egg.
Carl is the featured financial resource for four TV stations and is a frequent speaker, covering an array of financial topics, issues and opportunities for people nearing and in retirement.
He and his wife, Kay Lyn, have been married for over 35 years and have three children: Emily, Anna and Ethan.
Jonathan Brobst
Financial Advisor
Overland Park & Topeka
Jonathan Brobst
Financial Advisor
Jonathan has planned to be an advisor since choosing his degree in college. However, he was sidetracked with creating two small businesses which he operated in Topeka.
Honesty and integrity have been front and center for him with his clients when operating his own businesses. He looks forward to applying these values while helping clients with such important decisions and choices entering their retirement years.
Jonathan graduated from Washburn University of Topeka with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance in 2005. He operated as a small business owner from 2005 until 2023 with a residential drywall contracting company and then a real estate investment company. Jonathan and his wife Jen have been married for almost 25 years. They have 4 boys and 1 daughter. They enjoy spending time outdoors on their small plot of land and gazing at the stars at night.
SUSANNAH ORZOLEK
Financial Advisor
Richmond
Susannah Orzolek
Financial Advisor
Susannah has been a member of the Carlson Financial team since August 2018 as a Statistical Analyst. She soon transitioned to an advisor role in order to spend more face-to-face time with Carlson clients. She has spent 9 years working in data analysis and combines this attention to detail and planning with her love of working closely with people to build strong and reliable relationships with our clients.
When she's not working, Susannah enjoys board games, hiking, and spending time with her family and 2 wonderful dogs.
ALEX HAMMERSLEY, CPA
Financial Advisor
Topeka
Alex Hammersley, CPA
Financial Advisor
Alex spent two and a half years in public accounting preparing entity, trust, and individual tax returns. He graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and went on to complete his Master’s in Accounting at the College of William & Mary.
Alex is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) registered in the state of Kansas. He enjoys teaching others about retirement, financial literacy, and tax planning. He loves serving our clients and optimizing their financial futures.
Alex is a follower of Jesus. He is married to his lovely wife, Rachel, and they have two sons. In his spare time, Alex enjoys watching college and professional sports- especially football. Growing up in Virginia, he became a “die-hard” Washington Commanders fan. But, most of all, Alex enjoys time spent with his wonderful family.
ANNA CARLSON
Financial Advisor
Richmond
Anna Carlson
Financial Advisor
Anna joined Carlson Financial in 2013 and meets with clients to develop strategies and recommendations for building and protecting clients' assets.
Anna enjoys establishing great relationships with each client, in true partnership with clients' needs and goals.
In her spare time, Anna spends most of her time with family and friends. While she doesn't enjoy losing to her mother (Kay Lyn) playing cards (especially Nertz), she does enjoy beating her in Yahtzee approximately 28% of the time.
MARISSA WALDRON, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Virginia Beach
Marissa Waldron, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Marissa was born and raised in Washington State. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. Marissa is married to a Marine Corps pilot and together they enjoy hiking, camping, and spending a lot of time on house projects.
Marissa is a Certified Financial Planner™ and enjoys the personal nature of working with clients, helping them plan for life events and achieve their goals. She previously worked at Fisher Investments for 5 years as an Investment Counselor and has been with Carlson Financial since 2017.
Steve Bradley
Financial Professional
Overland Park
Steve Bradley
Financial Advisor
Bio coming soon!
Ian Gallagher
Financial Professional
Richmond
Ian Gallagher
Financial Professional
Ian spent 5 years working in Consulting while living in New York City and Denver before joining the Carlson Financial team.
Growing up in Virginia and attending the University of Richmond, he is excited to be back in his home state. He loves connecting with and learning about people, and looks forward to fostering relationships with clients and helping them maximize their financial future as they enter the well earned retirement phase of their lives.
When he’s not at the office, you can find Ian spending time with his beloved dog Sadie out and about around Richmond, or attending U of R basketball and football games. Ian also enjoys traveling and experiencing new places, having been to all 50 states and over 30 countries (and counting).
Jordan Mistretta
Financial Advisor
Richmond
Jordan Mistretta
Financial Advisor
Jordan was born in Florida and raised in Midlothian, Virginia. He joined Carlson Financial in 2024 after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida State University. Jordan has a passion for investing, is continuously learning and staying informed with the stock market and enjoys the responsibility of helping others build their financial plan.
In his spare time, Jordan enjoys going to the gym, playing basketball, and having fun with his friends and family.
Thomas Doyle
Communications Advisor
Topeka
Thomas Doyle
Communications Advisor
Thomas is a Topeka, KS native and recent graduate of Benedictine College’s Masters of Business Administration (with an emphasis in finance), earning his degree summa cum laude. He also holds bachelor’s degrees in finance and philosophy from Benedictine, graduating magna cum laude.
At Benedictine, Thomas developed a belief that managing wealth starts with understanding people—their goals, values, and the purpose behind financial choices. Inspired by the Benedictine tradition of "ora et labora" (pray and work), he views financial advising as a vocation grounded in service, stewardship, and human dignity.
Outside work, Thomas is active in his parish and coaches' high school mock trial. A former baseball player, he also enjoys discussing the Kansas City Royals!
Client Service Specialist Team
Jacob Williams
Client Service Specialist
Colorado Springs
Jacob Williams
Client Service Specialist
Jacob was born and raised in Greeley, Colorado.
Jacob joined Carlson Financial in 2021 as a Client Service Specialist where he supports Carlson Financial clients by opening new accounts, processing paperwork, and servicing accounts. Jacob graduated from the University of Colorado in 2008. He has nearly 13 years of experience in Finance and carries his FINRA, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses.
Jacob enjoys staying active with family and friends. He believes there is nothing better than watching his children experience their own success.
DALE FOSTER
Client Service Specialist
Richmond
DALE FOSTER
Client Service Specialist
Dale was born and raised in Henrico, Virginia.
Dale joined Carlson Financial in 2018 as a Client Service Specialist where she supports her clients with servicing accounts, processing paperwork, and opening new accounts.
In her free time, Dale enjoys looking for treasures at yard sales and thrift stores. Dale also enjoys spending time outside with her family and friends at the river, mountains, and local parks.
Tina Luckey
Client Service Specialist
Richmond
Tina Luckey
Client Service Specialist
Tina was born in Hampton, Virginia and relocated to the Richmond area for a career move in 2003.
She comes to Carlson Financial with more than 20 years of experience in retail multi-unit management and 12 years in the financial industry as a lead paraplanner. She has a strong background in customer service and takes great pride in problem-solving, creating excellent client experiences, and forming strong relationships with the clients she works with. She became painfully aware of the importance of retirement planning when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and she became her caregiver.
She loves animals and when she isn't working, she has three dogs that she loves spoiling.
LAURIE BOGDON
Client Service Specialist
Virginia Beach
Laurie Bogdon
Client Service Specialist
Laurie was born and raised in northeast Pennsylvania and relocated to Virginia Beach 15 years ago. She joined Carlson Financial with 11 years of experience in the financial services industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Johnson & Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island.
Laurie is passionate about helping clients with their day-to-day administrative and service-related needs. Her primary responsibilities include new accounts, money movement, account updates, client meetings and day-to-day operations in the Virginia Beach location. In her free time, Laurie enjoys the beach, reading and spending time with her two daughters, Rachael and Lindsay.
Chesley Delans
Chief Healthcare Agent
Chesley Delans
Healthcare Agent
Chesley has been a client of Carlson Financial for 10 years and now has the privilege to work with Carlson Financial as a Chief Healthcare Agent in order to help guide clients (as well as friends & family) to choose the best Medicare coverage for them. As we reach the age of 65, this can be confusing and difficult, and he aims to help you navigate and understand all your options.
Chesley is from the Pittsburgh area and loves Pittsburgh Pro sports (even the Pirates); however, he is not a fan of Pitt since he attended WVU, where he received his bachelor's degree in engineering. Upon graduating, he worked for Virginia Power (Dominion Energy) and later that year married his high school sweetheart. He then attended night school at Univ. of Richmond and received his MBA. He also received the Volunteer of the Year award from Dominion in 2013.
Chesley enjoyed his career at Dominion for over 30 years. After Dominion, he began a whole new career and decided to teach math as a means to have a positive influence on students' lives.
Chesley has 3 children and 7 Grandchildren-who have all been handed down a love for the Lord and a desire to serve others. He regularly helps with the Chesterfield Food Bank two Saturdays each month. Chesley looks forward to being of service to you.
christi tenholder
Client Service Specialist
Overland Park & Topeka
Christi Tenholder
Client Service Specialist
Christi Tenholder, born in Russell, Kansas, brings 24 years of expertise in the financial services industry to Carlson & Company Financial Services. Married to Tim, Christi is a proud mom to three adult sons and a devoted dog mom to Sadie and Jango. Christi’s professional background is well-rounded: she has been insurance licensed since 2004, has held Series 6 & 63 securities licenses, and earned both the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation and National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) certification.
Outside of work, Christi and her family cherish time with loved ones, spending it outdoors or on adventures. From yardwork to getaways in Colorado, New Orleans, and Cabo San Lucas, the Tenholders embrace life fully. Known for her positive spirit and a warm smile, Christi is committed to providing exceptional service and spreading positivity to the Carlson family of clients.
Dannan Harr
Client Service Specialist
Colorado Springs & Topeka
Dannan Harr
Client Service Specialist
Dannan is a recent addition to the team starting with Carlson Financial in 2025
He earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology and Rhetoric & Communications from University of California at Davis.
Dannan joined Carlson Financial as a Client Service Specialist where he supports Carlson Financial clients by opening new accounts, processing paperwork, and servicing accounts.
Dannan enjoys sports, hiking, and spending time with his family and friends.
Client Experience Specialist Team
JAN FERGUSON
Client Experience Specialist
Richmond
Jan Ferguson
Client Experience Specialist
Jan is a graduate of Radford University with a degree in Business Administration. She comes to Carlson Financial after working in the financial industry for over 10 years in a similar position. As the CES in Richmond, she schedules appointments, manages events, and because of her outgoing personality, enjoys meeting clients and guests.
Jan loves spending time with her family and friends at Buggs Island Lake (aka Kerr Lake), is the captain of their boat and enjoys water sports. She has two sweet labradoodles and a spoiled cat.
ELIZABETH SMITH
Client Experience Specialist
Virginia Beach
Elizabeth Smith
Client Experience Specialist
Elizabeth was born in Bethesda, Maryland but moved to Virginia Beach as an infant where she was raised. She has worked in the financial field for about 4 years and loves working with clients. She prides herself on excellent customer service. Elizabeth joined the team in March of 2020.
She and her husband enjoy going to country concerts and eating at local restaurants. In between work and going out she spoils her two Japanese Bobtail cats.
MarilyN Mott
Client Experience Administrator
Topeka, KS
Marilyn Mott
Client Experience Administrator
Marilyn was a bank teller for several years at a small community bank but most recently enjoyed being the proverbial “office lady” at a local Topeka high school. She loves making personal connections with our Carlson Financial clients in the Topeka office and is happy to focus on their comfort and confidence.
Marilyn was raised in St. Marys, Kansas but has lived in Topeka for almost 40 years. She has a Bachelor of Music degree from Washburn University, where she met her husband of 35 years, Troy. They have four children and 2 grandchildren and love to host them all to watch the Kansas City Chiefs games during football season. The whole family is engaged in their DJ and photobooth business which has over one hundred 5-star Google reviews!
Marketing Team
EMILY CARLSON
Marketing Director
Richmond
Emily Carlson
Marketing Director
Emily has been with Carlson Financial since 2016, but she has been a Carlson since 1989.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish and Women's Studies from Kansas State University. Emily oversees all marketing and advertising efforts of Carlson Financial. She also assists with the coordination of all Carlson Financial events.
Her creative design and attention to detail make each event a signature Carlson Financial experience for our clients and guests. When she is not working, Emily enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends.
Communications Team
SHERYL CARTER
Culture and Recognition Leader
Richmond
Sheryl Carter
Culture and Recognition Leader
Sheryl was born in Norfolk and resides in Richmond, Virginia. Sheryl began her career, working first in production and then in the corporate banking industry. Being an outgoing personality, Sheryl decided to change her career path. Her previous jobs were followed by working in radio and television media relations assisting the public in customer service and administrative roles before joining Carlson Financial in 2019.
Sheryl's motto is "I am the first face you'll see when you walk in the door and the last when you depart. It is my job to see that your clients and customers are treated with the respect and courtesy they deserve from a business they are invested in."
Sheryl began at Carlson as an Office Coordinator and then Administrative Assistant but now has the role of Culture and Recognition Leader. She handles general administrative office services, schedules appointments, and assists the team daily but in her titled role enjoys the best part of her job which is creating moments of joy for her Team members. In her spare time, Sheryl spends her time reading, gardening, and spending time with her six siblings whenever possible.
WENDY PRICE
Communications Coordinator
Richmond
Wendy Price
Communications Coordinator
Carlson Financial's integrity and core values were important factors when Wendy Price joined Carlson Financial in 2019 and quickly cemented her place on the team as the Communications Coordinator. She is first and foremost a "people person."
Wendy is the proud daughter of a U.S. Navy veteran. Thanks to her dad's service, she has lived all over the world but calls herself a Texan first and Virginian next. With her husband, five children, two dogs, and various knitting or crocheting projects, Wendy is never bored!
Operations Team
Laura Simões
Chief of Staff
Colorado Springs
Laura Simõnes
Chief of Staff
Laura has been a member of the Carlson Financial Team since August 2022. She has extensive experience extending across small, mid-sized, and large companies, both on an international and national scale. This diverse background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics that exist within different organizational structures.
Laura is originally from Brazil where she had careers in various field such as the medical field, the performing arts, education, and as a Translator. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in Communications with an emphasis in Intercultural Communication from San Diego State University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, quality time with her family and friends, spending time outdoors, and enjoying the company of her 4 rescue dogs.
Theresa Muller
Chief Compliance Officer
Richmond
Theresa Muller
Chief Compliance Officer
Theresa has served as Chief Compliance Officer for Carlson Financial since 2018. As Chief Compliance Officer, Theresa oversees Carlson’s compliance program, ensuring effective implementation of its policies and procedures and adherence to our industry’s applicable rules and regulations. Theresa is also responsible for working with Carlson’s Leadership Team to stay abreast of trends in the legal/regulatory environment and assess the impact to the firm.
Theresa has served in the financial industry for over twenty years working in the legal and compliance areas. Most recently, Theresa served as a Director for Oyster Consulting. While at Oyster she developed and implemented compliance programs for clients, assisted with regulatory exams and enforcement cases, and served as Chief Compliance Officer for various registered investment advisers. Prior to Oyster, Theresa was Vice President - Compliance for Wealthcare Capital Management, a Richmond-based investment adviser.
Theresa was born and raised on Long Island, New York and moved to Central Virginia with her family in 2010. A graduate of James Madison University, she also holds a Paralegal Certificate from Hofstra University.
Ready to Get Started?
For more information about any of our products and services, schedule a free retirement review today or register to attend a web event.
Or give us a call at (844) 227-5766.