Our History
With the help of his grandfather, Mike Kobs bought his first stock at the age of 10. He’d always been drawn to the financial services industry, but when he landed his first broker job, it wasn’t what he’d envisioned. The culture of sales quotas, company buy/sell directives and 250 cold calls before lunch didn’t fit Mike’s desire to help people and deliver personalized advice. So, Mike became an independent financial advisor and founded MRK Financial Solutions in 1989. His work ethic, perseverance, and commitment to serving clients have been central to the firm’s success.
Over nearly three decades, MRK has remained committed to delivering customized, comprehensive financial plans based on clients’ unique goals for the future. Through its knowledgeable team of financial advisors and best-in-class service model, MRK became an industry leader – ranking among the top advisors affiliated with its broker dealer, Avantax Wealth ManagementSM.
MRK’s rapid growth shaped an exciting new chapter in its evolution. In 2018, Dean Peterson brought his expertise in qualified plan design to the firm, and in 2019, John Lammers, Alex Mayrand, and Justin Prescott joined Mike as partners. With elevated technical capabilities in-house, strategic plans for business development, and a vision for pushing the industry forward through collaboration, MRK now helps other financial professionals deliver holistic advice to clients.The firm partners with accountants to meet clients’ wealth management needs and formed an independent advisor network to mentor and share resources with other financial advisors across the country. In 2020, this led MRK to expand outside of Minnesota with the opening of an office in Amery, Wisconsin – space that is shared with accounting partner Overby Financial Services. And by joining forces with longtime peer and fellow Avantax advisor, Dave Weaver, the firm created an east division of the company in Pennsylvania where Dave leads MRK offices in Carlisle and Palmyra.
Since we were founded in 1989, helping people reach their financial goals has always been our top priority. That remains true today – whether you’re a client, partner, or fellow advisor.