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Get to Know Our Team
Kurt Hagemann
Wealth Advisor
About Kurt
After graduating from Drake University in 2001, Kurt Hagemann began his career in financial services with a strong desire to serve others in a meaningful way. Early experience as Director of Operations at FinanSure gave him a broad understanding of the financial industry and reinforced his belief that clients deserve more than generic advice.
In 2006, Kurt became a Financial Advisor at A.G. Edwards, where he continued developing his expertise in retirement planning and investment management. Over time, he recognized that a more personalized, independent approach would better serve the families he worked with. In 2008, he founded Hagemann Wealth Management to build a practice centered on long-term relationships and comprehensive financial planning.
In 2023, Kurt partnered with Gateway Financial Partners, expanding the resources and collaborative support available to his clients while maintaining the independence and client-first philosophy that defines his work.
Kurt is passionate about education. He believes clients should understand the reasoning behind financial decisions so they can participate actively in the planning process. His work focuses on helping families organize their finances, prioritize goals, and build a structured plan that evolves with life’s changes.
Kurt and his wife Sharon live in Batavia with their two children. He is actively involved in the local community and has served on boards including Batavia Main Street, Water Street Studios, and the City of Batavia’s Historic Preservation Commission. His commitment to the Batavia community reflects the same long-term dedication he brings to client relationships.
Meet Ann Stewart
I enjoy working behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly for our clients. Whether it’s opening accounts, providing assistance with online account access, or anything in between, my job is to make sure that our clients’ needs are meet in a timely and efficient manner. I began my career with LPL Financial back in 2008.
When I’m not behind my computer, I spend my time working on the five acre farmette that I share with my family in Campton Hills. We raise heritage poultry breeds as well as miniature Hereford cattle, and I’m always looking for opportunities to drive my vintage John Deere tractor. When time allows, I also love camping and hiking.
Ann Stewart
Administrative Operations Specialist
Jennifer Danca
Client Operations Manager
Meet Jennifer Danca
Jennifer oversees the day-to-day administrative tasks as well as managing our client centric office operations and outbound communications. She assists in fostering positive client relationships by supporting client needs with trust and confidence throughout their Bench of Life.
With over 10+ years of professional experience, Jennifer has cultivated an extensive background in building client relationships and rapport during her time serving a variety of roles including Administrative Assistant and Human Resources Coordinator within the financial services industry and Fortune 500 companies.
Jennifer has lived in West Aurora for the last 21 years. She is a proud Michigan State fan, where her son Jacob is a Senior and plays Snare in the MSU Drumline. She loves spending time with family and friends or heading to Michigan to see her son perform on the field and in his Wind Symphony band concerts!
Meet Sarah Mika
As a Registered Client Service Associate — and a proud mom of three — I balance the rewards and challenges of raising a family with a fulfilling career in financial services.
I lead with empathy, taking time to understand each client’s unique story and financial goals. My mission is to help clients feel seen, supported, and empowered in their financial journey. I know that money is more than numbers; it’s tied to values, dreams, and life choices. It’s a privilege to guide clients toward greater financial confidence and well-being.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to a freshman at the University of Illinois (my alma mater), a high school junior, and a seventh grader. They keep me on my toes, but in my free time you’ll find me cooking, enjoying live music, laughing at stand-up comedy, or getting lost in a great science fiction novel.
Sarah Mika
Client Experience & Planning Associate
FAQ's
What is an independent financial advisor and what do they do?
A financial advisor is a professional who helps clients manage their finances, investments, and wealth. They offer personalized advice and guidance based on their clients' financial goals and needs. Financial advisors can provide services such as retirement planning, investment advice, tax planning strategies, estate planning strategies, and more.
Why should I hire a financial advisor?
Hiring a financial advisor can be beneficial for those who need help managing their finances, planning for the future, or making investment decisions. Financial advisors can provide professional advice and guidance to help clients pursue their financial goals and make informed financial decisions.
How can I determine whether my advisor is a qualified professional?
When looking for a financial advisor, using BrokerCheck can provide valuable information about the advisor's background, including their employment history, registration status, and any disciplinary actions or customer complaints. By using BrokerCheck, investors can make informed decisions about which financial advisor to work with and avoid potential fraud or misconduct.
What services do financial advisors typically offer?
Financial advisors can offer a wide range of services, including retirement planning, investment advice, tax planning strategies, estate planning strategies, risk management, and more. The specific services offered may vary depending on the advisor's experience and qualifications.
What is your approach to helping clients navigate market volatility?
As an independent financial advisor, we believe in developing a diversified investment portfolio that aligns with clients' long-term financial goals and risk tolerance. We review and rebalance portfolios regularly and provide education to help clients understand their investment strategy. During times of market volatility, we stay in close communication with our clients to provide guidance and support. By taking a strategic, long-term approach, we help our clients pursue their financial goals despite market fluctuations.
*There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that managing your finances can be a daunting task, and that’s why we’re here to help. As experienced professionals in the financial industry, we are committed to providing our clients with personalized advice and guidance to help them work toward their financial goals. In this section, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand what a financial advisor is, how we can help you, and what to expect when working with us. We hope this resource will provide you with valuable information and help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
