By Alexander Germanis with McBeath Financial Group
As many cities grow, their skylines of beautiful, glistening towers of glass and steel stretch further upward. The taller these buildings are constructed, however, the deeper and stronger their foundations must be built. What you see above the ground, therefore, merely hints at the planning and effort that had to go into the structure before a single aboveground story was constructed. In other words, it’s what you don’t see that makes everything you do see actually work.
Since Krista McBeath began as a solo financial advisor in 2007, she has been laying a deep foundation for a future she envisioned —one where she could serve her clients in a way that was relationship driven, results oriented, and forward-thinking.
Nearly two decades later, that vision is manifesting in ways that are becoming increasingly visible. Like a structure rising steadily from its foundation, McBeath Financial Group’s growth is now taking shape in more perceptible ways. What started as a solo practice has evolved into a thriving firm, built on a foundation of exceptional talent, carefully designed systems, and advanced technology aligned to support a client-centered mission.
A Firm Designed to Last
In the early years of her career, Krista McBeath found immense satisfaction in personally guiding each client through their financial journey. Every plan, decision, and conversation reflected her commitment to their well-being. But as those relationships deepened, so did a lingering concern: What would happen to her clients if she were no longer there to personally oversee their financial security?
Just as a strong building requires a deep foundation, long-term financial security depends on careful planning, continuity, and resilience. McBeath Financial Group was built with this philosophy in mind — not just for the clients it serves, but for the firm itself. Longevity in financial planning isn’t just about preparing for retirement; it’s about designing a structure that can support evolving needs across generations.
To ensure this stability, McBeath Financial Group created a 50-year plan, a commitment designed to ensure clients will always have access to expert guidance no matter what the future holds. This plan is about more than leadership succession, it is about continuity of service, maintaining the same high level of personalized financial guidance, and preserving the integrity of the firm’s client-first approach.
That vision has led to continuous investment in a highly skilled team, carefully integrated systems, and cutting-edge technology. These investments enhance efficiency while safeguarding the deep, personal relationships that remain at the heart of McBeath Financial Group’s mission. As a result, the firm is structured not just for today, but for decades to come — ensuring clients, their children, and their grandchildren will always have a trusted partner in financial planning. Every decision is made with clients in mind, ensuring growth never comes at the expense of the relationships that define the firm.
Smart Growth
From the smallest restaurant to the largest corporation, success often brings growth. But growth, if not managed with intention, can dilute the very qualities that made success possible in the first place. Many businesses struggle to expand while preserving their founding values. At McBeath Financial Group, growth has never been about numbers — it has been about sustaining excellence without compromise.
“Our expansion has always been a byproduct of delivering exceptional service,” Krista shares. “The firm’s first commitment is always to our existing clients first and foremost, ensuring that they receive the highest level of attention and expertise. It’s not always been easy, but this commitment has meant being selective in accepting new client relationships, focusing only on those for whom they can provide the most value rather than growing for the sake of growth.”
As a result of this core value, the firm has chosen a path of purposeful, strategic growth, where every decision is made with the long-term interests of clients in mind. Growth is not just about scaling up; it is about reinforcing the foundation that makes the firm’s success sustainable.
As part of its commitment to smart growth, the firm has also invested in technology and IT security — enhancing efficiency, protecting client data, and ensuring seamless service as the firm scales. These advancements, paired with the firm’s growth, naturally aligned with its transition in 2024 from a State Registered Investment Advisor firm to an SEC Registered Investment Firm — a milestone that reflects the firm’s growing presence in the financial industry.
The Team That Makes It Possible
The strongest structures are built with the best materials, yes, but without the most skilled hands putting them into action, even the best construction materials can be wasted. The firm has been intentional about hiring only the most qualified advisors — highly skilled professionals who share the company’s values and dedication to client success. To ensure that every decision is guided by what is best for the client rather than commissions, McBeath Financial operates on a unique compensation structure. Advisors are highly compensated on a salaried basis, allowing them to focus solely on delivering exceptional financial guidance.
A comfortable compensation and benefit package alone doesn’t account for the skilled team that shares Krista’s values. The entire team shares a special bond, with a sense that perhaps they’ve come together through divine providence.
Krista’s first support came from her husband, Robert. Working behind the scenes, he is rarely seen within the confines of the office. Nevertheless, without his vision and support, the company would not be where it is today. While his primary contribution lies in marketing, his influence in Operations and Growth Strategies has allowed Krista to focus on daily operations and managing and training the team while still overseeing the quality that every client has come to expect from her.
Lauren Dennewitz has been a linchpin of the firm for more than five years, bringing unmatched dedication to both clients and the internal team. From the moment she joined, she embraced the firm’s mission with an energy and enthusiasm that has made her indispensable. “She treats the clients like family,” Krista says. “She’s intelligent, filled with joy, and a multi-tasking whirlwind. She never stops growing in her role, always looking for ways to contribute.”
Since joining McBeath Financial Group in 2023, Zack Brewer, CFP®, has earned the trust of clients with his steady presence, deep commitment to building meaningful relationships, and thoughtful approach to planning. A seasoned Certified Financial Planner®, Zack brings years of expertise and leadership to the firm. “We love his heart for people,” Krista says, “and the steady calm of his presence makes him a valuable team leader.”
The newest addition to the firm, Clark Purdy, CFP®, brings a fresh perspective and technological expertise that is already making an impact. “His tech skills and innovative thinking are off the charts,” Krista shares. “He is quickly learning all of our processes and assisting with our caseload while discovering ways to refine our systems. We have high expectations for him to develop into a next generation leader at McBeath Financial Group.”
Last but certainly not least is Krista’s protégé, Julie Karstens. From leading the financial planning to now being a shareholder in the firm, Julie has not only helped lead the firm’s growth — she is positioned to carry its vision forward for years to come. Embodying the firm’s core principles and values, Julie has exceeded every expectation and has been a constant driver for growth. “We couldn’t be prouder of her,” Krista elates, “and we can’t say enough good things about who she is as a person, above and beyond her skills as a financial advisor. She’s more than just a co-worker; she is truly a friend and my right-hand. Over the coming years, we see her growth continuing as she assumes more of the leadership”
Gratitude for Their Clients —
The Heart of Their Growth
With a foundation built on supporting clients, it is truly rewarding for the team at McBeath Financial Group to be buoyed up by exceptionally strong client support in return. None of the team’s success would exist without this unceasing support from clients as well as the community.
An important way in which the community has shown that support is by repeatedly voting in the Pantagraph’s Reader’s Choice Awards. As a result, McBeath Financial has won Best Planning Office for the eighth consecutive year. “This category speaks to the core of what we do,” Krista says, “providing comprehensive, thoughtful financial planning that helps individuals and families navigate their financial futures. I’m deeply proud of the incredible work our team does every day to earn this trust.”
Krista has personally won Best Financial Planner for four years in a row. “Those who know me understand how much I care for my clients and the community,” she shares. “This is such a meaningful acknowledgment of their appreciation for the relationship of trust, dedication, and care that goes into every financial plan.”
McBeath Financial Group has also won Best Investment Firm for the seventh consecutive year. “The trust placed in us to navigate crucial decisions is something we deeply value,” Julie Karstens says, “and we are committed to upholding that responsibility.”
Their clients are always there to show how much they care. “Whether it’s showing up for our parking lot County Fair events for ice cream on a hot day or dropping by with gifts for Toys for Tots at Christmas time, our clients consistently show their support in person and make these moments special,” Lauren shares.
Clients also heap praise in public forums, leaving Google reviews, offering ‘Likes’ and offering accolades on their Facebook posts as well as raving about them in private Facebook groups, such as a locally popular State Farm forum. Of course, similar personal, word-of-mouth referrals to friends, co-workers, and family greatly contribute to McBeath Financial Group’s success. “When clients introduce us to those they care for,” Krista acknowledges, “it’s the highest compliment they could give us.”
Most importantly is how intertwined the firm and its clients are. “There are relationships built over a course of time through frequently scheduled meetings, emails, phone calls, and more,” Krista adds. “They know us not just as financial advisors, but on a deeply personal level. They know our families, our hearts, and our dreams as much as we know theirs. It seems like we do life together. It’s true when we say our clients are part of OUR McBeath Financial Group family.”
The Future Is Bright
For McBeath Financial Group, the vision of the future is a clear one. As they continue to add both new advisory and operations staff members, their ability to serve more and more clients will continue to expand.
But always at their foundation will remain a dedication to serve their clients in pursuit of their financial goals. No matter their number, clients will continue to receive the best, personalized attention from advisors who commit to using the most innovative techniques available and seek to constantly improve and expand upon the services they offer.
The clients, after all, are the reason McBeath Financial Group exists. As the team continues to grow and the firm continues to innovate, the relationship they hold with their clients will always remain at the heart of everything they do. Every member of the team wants to thank the extended families they have found in their clients, and they are all excited about continuing to build and grow together in the many years ahead.
| A |
s many cities grow, their skylines of beautiful, glistening towers of glass and steel stretch further upward. The taller these buildings are constructed, however, the deeper and stronger their foundations must be built. What you see above the ground, therefore, merely hints at the planning and effort that had to go into the structure before a single aboveground story was constructed. In other words, it’s what you don’t see that makes everything you do see actually work.
Since Krista McBeath began as a solo financial advisor in 2007, she has been laying a deep foundation for a future she envisioned —one where she could serve her clients in a way that was relationship driven, results oriented, and forward-thinking.
Nearly two decades later, that vision is manifesting in ways that are becoming increasingly visible. Like a structure rising steadily from its foundation, McBeath Financial Group’s growth is now taking shape in more perceptible ways. What started as a solo practice has evolved into a thriving firm, built on a foundation of exceptional talent, carefully designed systems, and advanced technology aligned to support a client-centered mission.
A Firm Designed to Last
In the early years of her career, Krista McBeath found immense satisfaction in personally guiding each client through their financial journey. Every plan, decision, and conversation reflected her commitment to their well-being. But as those relationships deepened, so did a lingering concern: What would happen to her clients if she were no longer there to personally oversee their financial security?
Just as a strong building requires a deep foundation, long-term financial security depends on careful planning, continuity, and resilience. McBeath Financial Group was built with this philosophy in mind — not just for the clients it serves, but for the firm itself. Longevity in financial planning isn’t just about preparing for retirement; it’s about designing a structure that can support evolving needs across generations.
To ensure this stability, McBeath Financial Group created a 50-year plan, a commitment designed to ensure clients will always have access to expert guidance no matter what the future holds. This plan is about more than leadership succession, it is about continuity of service, maintaining the same high level of personalized financial guidance, and preserving the integrity of the firm’s client-first approach.
That vision has led to continuous investment in a highly skilled team, carefully integrated systems, and cutting-edge technology. These investments enhance efficiency while safeguarding the deep, personal relationships that remain at the heart of McBeath Financial Group’s mission. As a result, the firm is structured not just for today, but for decades to come — ensuring clients, their children, and their grandchildren will always have a trusted partner in financial planning. Every decision is made with clients in mind, ensuring growth never comes at the expense of the relationships that define the firm.
Smart Growth
From the smallest restaurant to the largest corporation, success often brings growth. But growth, if not managed with intention, can dilute the very qualities that made success possible in the first place. Many businesses struggle to expand while preserving their founding values. At McBeath Financial Group, growth has never been about numbers — it has been about sustaining excellence without compromise.
“Our expansion has always been a byproduct of delivering exceptional service,” Krista shares. “The firm’s first commitment is always to our existing clients first and foremost, ensuring that they receive the highest level of attention and expertise. It’s not always been easy, but this commitment has meant being selective in accepting new client relationships, focusing only on those for whom they can provide the most value rather than growing for the sake of growth.”
As a result of this core value, the firm has chosen a path of purposeful, strategic growth, where every decision is made with the long-term interests of clients in mind. Growth is not just about scaling up; it is about reinforcing the foundation that makes the firm’s success sustainable.
As part of its commitment to smart growth, the firm has also invested in technology and IT security — enhancing efficiency, protecting client data, and ensuring seamless service as the firm scales. These advancements, paired with the firm’s growth, naturally aligned with its transition in 2024 from a State Registered Investment Advisor firm to an SEC Registered Investment Firm — a milestone that reflects the firm’s growing presence in the financial industry.
The Team That Makes It Possible
The strongest structures are built with the best materials, yes, but without the most skilled hands putting them into action, even the best construction materials can be wasted. The firm has been intentional about hiring only the most qualified advisors — highly skilled professionals who share the company’s values and dedication to client success. To ensure that every decision is guided by what is best for the client rather than commissions, McBeath Financial operates on a unique compensation structure. Advisors are highly compensated on a salaried basis, allowing them to focus solely on delivering exceptional financial guidance.
A comfortable compensation and benefit package alone doesn’t account for the skilled team that shares Krista’s values. The entire team shares a special bond, with a sense that perhaps they’ve come together through divine providence.
Krista’s first support came from her husband, Robert. Working behind the scenes, he is rarely seen within the confines of the office. Nevertheless, without his vision and support, the company would not be where it is today. While his primary contribution lies in marketing, his influence in Operations and Growth Strategies has allowed Krista to focus on daily operations and managing and training the team while still overseeing the quality that every client has come to expect from her.
Lauren Dennewitz has been a linchpin of the firm for more than five years, bringing unmatched dedication to both clients and the internal team. From the moment she joined, she embraced the firm’s mission with an energy and enthusiasm that has made her indispensable. “She treats the clients like family,” Krista says. “She’s intelligent, filled with joy, and a multi-tasking whirlwind. She never stops growing in her role, always looking for ways to contribute.”
Since joining McBeath Financial Group in 2023, Zack Brewer, CFP®, has earned the trust of clients with his steady presence, deep commitment to building meaningful relationships, and thoughtful approach to planning. A seasoned Certified Financial Planner®, Zack brings years of expertise and leadership to the firm. “We love his heart for people,” Krista says, “and the steady calm of his presence makes him a valuable team leader.”
The newest addition to the firm, Clark Purdy, CFP®, brings a fresh perspective and technological expertise that is already making an impact. “His tech skills and innovative thinking are off the charts,” Krista shares. “He is quickly learning all of our processes and assisting with our caseload while discovering ways to refine our systems. We have high expectations for him to develop into a next generation leader at McBeath Financial Group.”
Last but certainly not least is Krista’s protégé, Julie Karstens. From leading the financial planning to now being a shareholder in the firm, Julie has not only helped lead the firm’s growth — she is positioned to carry its vision forward for years to come. Embodying the firm’s core principles and values, Julie has exceeded every expectation and has been a constant driver for growth. “We couldn’t be prouder of her,” Krista elates, “and we can’t say enough good things about who she is as a person, above and beyond her skills as a financial advisor. She’s more than just a co-worker; she is truly a friend and my right-hand. Over the coming years, we see her growth continuing as she assumes more of the leadership”
Gratitude for Their Clients —
The Heart of Their Growth
With a foundation built on supporting clients, it is truly rewarding for the team at McBeath Financial Group to be buoyed up by exceptionally strong client support in return. None of the team’s success would exist without this unceasing support from clients as well as the community.
An important way in which the community has shown that support is by repeatedly voting in the Pantagraph’s Reader’s Choice Awards. As a result, McBeath Financial has won Best Planning Office for the eighth consecutive year. “This category speaks to the core of what we do,” Krista says, “providing comprehensive, thoughtful financial planning that helps individuals and families navigate their financial futures. I’m deeply proud of the incredible work our team does every day to earn this trust.”
Krista has personally won Best Financial Planner for four years in a row. “Those who know me understand how much I care for my clients and the community,” she shares. “This is such a meaningful acknowledgment of their appreciation for the relationship of trust, dedication, and care that goes into every financial plan.”
McBeath Financial Group has also won Best Investment Firm for the seventh consecutive year. “The trust placed in us to navigate crucial decisions is something we deeply value,” Julie Karstens says, “and we are committed to upholding that responsibility.”
Their clients are always there to show how much they care. “Whether it’s showing up for our parking lot County Fair events for ice cream on a hot day or dropping by with gifts for Toys for Tots at Christmas time, our clients consistently show their support in person and make these moments special,” Lauren shares.
Clients also heap praise in public forums, leaving Google reviews, offering ‘Likes’ and offering accolades on their Facebook posts as well as raving about them in private Facebook groups, such as a locally popular State Farm forum. Of course, similar personal, word-of-mouth referrals to friends, co-workers, and family greatly contribute to McBeath Financial Group’s success. “When clients introduce us to those they care for,” Krista acknowledges, “it’s the highest compliment they could give us.”
Most importantly is how intertwined the firm and its clients are. “There are relationships built over a course of time through frequently scheduled meetings, emails, phone calls, and more,” Krista adds. “They know us not just as financial advisors, but on a deeply personal level. They know our families, our hearts, and our dreams as much as we know theirs. It seems like we do life together. It’s true when we say our clients are part of OUR McBeath Financial Group family.”
The Future Is Bright
For McBeath Financial Group, the vision of the future is a clear one. As they continue to add both new advisory and operations staff members, their ability to serve more and more clients will continue to expand.
But always at their foundation will remain a dedication to serve their clients in pursuit of their financial goals. No matter their number, clients will continue to receive the best, personalized attention from advisors who commit to using the most innovative techniques available and seek to constantly improve and expand upon the services they offer.
The clients, after all, are the reason McBeath Financial Group exists. As the team continues to grow and the firm continues to innovate, the relationship they hold with their clients will always remain at the heart of everything they do. Every member of the team wants to thank the extended families they have found in their clients, and they are all excited about continuing to build and grow together in the many years ahead.
Advisory services are offered through Landmark Wealth Management Inc, dba McBeath Financial Group, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor firm. Insurance products and services are offered through McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC. McBeath Financial Group and McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC. are affiliated. Clients of McBeath Financial Group shown have provided written permission for their likeness to be used. They were not compensated, and their experiences may not be representative of all clients. These images are not testimonials or endorsements.
