Meet the Team

Management

Ron Carson, CFP^®, ChFC

Ron is Founder and CEO of Carson Wealth Management Group, a comprehensive wealth planning firm, and founder of Peak Advisor Alliance, a coaching and resource program for financial advisors, both based in Omaha, Nebraska. With over 25 years of experience and more than $2.7 billion in assets under management, Ron is one of the country's most successful and respected advisors. Barron’s magazine has ranked Ron one of the nation’s top advisors for the last five years. Registered Rep magazine chose Ron as the number one independent advisor in the country for the fourth year in a row.

In addition to his planning practice, Ron is recognized as one of the country’s top trainers for financial advisors. He has spoken to audiences worldwide and shared the success principles documented in his book, Tested in the Trenches, co-authored with Steve Sanduski. Most recently, Ron co-authored with Steve, the New York Times best-selling book, Avalanche and the Blueprinting exercises that go with it. Together, these tools help advisors learn how to clarify their mission, vision, and values and create a life lived by design, not default.

Ron and his wife Jeanie reside in Omaha and have three wonderful children, two dogs and a cat. He enjoys golfing, flying, and is an avid Husker fan.

Steve Sanduski, CFP^®

Steve is the Managing Partner of Peak Advisor Alliance. With a degree in finance from Illinois State and an MBA from Indiana University, he started his finance career with positions at Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and American Express. He then joined a major broker/dealer and helped develop and launch the firm’s asset management division, which grew from $0 to $2 billion in assets under management in six years.

Following a stint as president of a startup broker/dealer, Steve joined Ron Carson in 2001 and helped develop and launch the company’s Coaching Program and Resource Center. As a writer, Steve co-authored two books, Avalanche and Tested in the Trenches.

An Omaha native, Steve now lives in Mequon, Wisconsin with his wife Linda and their three children. When not spending time with family and friends, you’ll likely find him riding his bike, struggling up a mountain, or reading.

Laura Pierson

Laura is the Vice President and General Manager of Peak Advisor Alliance and has been with the company since 2006. She is responsible for the management of the Peak Advisor Alliance team and the day-to-day operations of the company. She directs the strategic and daily administration of the company’s various departments. Laura graduated Summa Cum Laude from Drake University with a degree in Psychology. She has worked within the financial services industry for the past decade, all in management capacities. Immediately prior to joining Peak Advisor Alliance, Laura led the institutional retirement plans division of a Twin Cities based insurance and financial services company.

Laura and her husband, Nick, have a beautiful little boy, Jack. In their pre-baby life, you could find them globe-trotting to locations such as Iceland, Costa Rica, Italy, and other destinations throughout Europe and the U.S. They hope to resume some of these travels in 20+ years when highchairs, diapers, and paying for college aren’t their top priorities! Spending time with family and friends is Laura’s focus outside of Peak Advisor Alliance, but she also loves to exercise, dance, and get lost in a good book.

John Mueting

As the National Sales Manager of Peak Advisor Alliance, John brings decades of financial services industry experience to the team. Prior to joining Peak Advisor Alliance, John held a variety of leadership positions at Allstate Financial, including responsibility for top bank and broker/dealer relationships, wholesaling, and coaching of the agency sales force. His expertise lies in relationship management and helping financial services professionals reach their goals. At Peak Advisor Alliance, John and his team are focused on growing the organization's memberships and strategic partnerships all while continuing to deliver the highest standards of service.

John lives in north suburban Chicago with his wife Melanie and their four children. John's non-work passions include attending his children's activities, distance running, biking, fine dining, and golf.

Coaches

Amy Carlson Koenig

Amy has dual roles with Peak Advisor Alliance as an Executive Business Coach and Manager of Strategic Projects. As a coach, she works with advisors and their teams to help them implement the Peak Advisor Alliance program and other day-to-day practice management issues. Amy's project work includes the management of Peak Advisor Alliance events and other company initiatives such as new program and web site development. Amy graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Mathematics. For the 10 years prior to joining Peak Advisor Alliance, she worked in the financial services industry in various capacities, including operations, team leader and associate wealth advisor.

Amy grew up in Atlantic, Iowa, and moved to Omaha in 1992. She and her husband, Jon, continue to visit all 50 states before beginning travels internationally.

Ellen Konsdorf

Ellen’s primary role at Peak Advisor Alliance is Executive Business Coach. She advises coaching members to help them implement The Coaching Program and explore other day-to-day practice management issues. Ellen graduated from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, with degrees in Mathematics and Sociology. She has over 20 years of management experience in corporate finance with Enron Corp. and was head of investor relations for ONEOK Partners, L.P.

Ellen grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska, and has lived in Omaha since college. She has two children: Krystal and Ryan. In her spare time, Ellen enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, Husker football, dancing, and golf.

Greg Opitz

Greg's primary role with Peak Advisor Alliance is Executive Business Coach. He works with advisors and their teams to help them implement The Coaching Program and other day-to-day practice management. Greg has been working with financial planners for his entire professional career. Before joining Peak Advisor Alliance in May 2006, Greg served seven years as Director, Certification Services at the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. For the four years prior to his experience at the CFP Board, Greg was the Director, Student Service Center at the College for Financial Planning. He has 17 years of managerial experience to draw upon to assist coaching members. Greg earned both his bachelor's in economics and MBA degrees from the University of South Dakota.

Greg, and his wife, Marilyn, have been married since 1985 and have three daughters. His family is his first passion and priority, but Greg would enjoy fishing every day if possible.

Vickie Seitner

Vickie's primary role at Peak Advisor Alliance is Executive Business Coach. She works with advisors and their teams to help them implement The Coaching Program and other day-to-day practice management issues to help them grow and improve their businesses and add value to existing client relationships. Vickie has over 18 years of experience in management and consulting. Prior to joining Peak, she founded her own coaching company where she provided professional, business/career transition, and personal development coaching to individuals at all levels. Additionally, Vickie spent over 10 years as a Branch Manager at Charles Schwab where she was responsible for daily operations, hiring, training, and managing new employees. In addition, she has executive leadership experience. Vickie worked five years as the Chief Administrative Officer for The Sisters of Mercy where she oversaw Accounting/Finance, Administration, Archives, Communications, Human Resources, Information Technology and Property Management. She became an accredited Coach through the International Coach Federation (ICF) and is an active member of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Inc. (SIOP), the Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the International Coach Federation (ICF). Vickie earned her Master of Science in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Vickie and her husband Stephen have been married since 1981. In her free time, Vickie loves spending time with her daughters, Samantha and Hannah, son-in-law Matt, and beautiful granddaughter Avery. Nearly every summer, Vickie and Stephen head for the mountains where they enjoy hiking in the wilderness and taking in the spectacular views.

Scott Wood

Scott's primary role at Peak Advisor Alliance is Executive Business Coach. He works with advisors and their teams to help them implement The Coaching Program and other day-to-day practice management issues to help them grow and improve their businesses and add value to existing client relationships. Scott has over 20 years of experience in financial services, working closely with Mutual of Omaha's registered representatives and financial advisors to build their businesses with a focus on wealth management and building loyal client relationships. He has extensive experience in coaching and training advisors in areas including asset allocation, presentation skills, sales concepts, fee-based transitioning, distribution strategies, marketing, and value positioning. Scott has earned two designations from the College for Financial Planning and holds Series 6, 63, 65, 26, and 51 securities licenses. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

In his personal time, Scott loves being with his family at his kids' sports events or other activities, watching a movie together, or relaxing on the beautiful beaches of western Michigan on their annual summer trip. He's a big fan of Husker football, enjoys coaching youth baseball, and is also an active member of his church. Scott and his wife, Beth, have three wonderful children – daughter Joree and sons Cameron and Sam.

Sales

Chris Dahlgren

Chris is a Business Development Consultant with Peak Advisor Alliance. His responsibilities include assessing the needs of advisors and assisting them in choosing the Peak Advisor Alliance programs and services that best meet their needs. Chris travels with Ron and Steve to coaching events all over the country and enjoys helping advisors learn how to grow their practice. Before joining Peak Advisor Alliance in December 2006, Chris was an Executive Recruiter for four years, helping financial advisors transition to either an independent broker/dealer or wirehouse. Prior to his experience recruiting, he was a Dean Witter/Morgan Stanley financial advisor. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree from Barry University in Miami, Florida.

Chris and his wife Barbara have been married since 1984. Chris and Barbara love to travel.

Joe Steuter

Joe is a Business Development Consultant for Peak Advisor Alliance. His responsibilities include assessing the needs of advisors and assisting them in choosing the Peak Advisor Alliance programs and services that best meet their needs. Joe graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a degree in Journalism/Advertising. Prior to joining Peak Advisor Alliance, Joe worked in real estate, advertising and has been involved with promoting the city of Omaha through its O! campaign.

Joe grew up in West Point, Nebraska, but now lives with his wife, Emilie, in Omaha. Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time with Emilie and their dogs. His passions include playing guitar, basketball, Husker football, surfing, and travel. He will take any opportunity he can to get to the ocean and enjoy the beach, and aspires to someday have a beachfront home of his own.

Justin Koehler

Justin is a Business Development Consultant for Peak Advisor Alliance. His responsibilities include assessing the needs of advisors and assisting them in choosing the Peak Advisor Alliance programs and services that best meet their needs. Justin graduated from Doane College with a degree in Biology/Business and earned his MBA from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. He holds Nebraska life and annuities insurance licenses.

Justin grew up on a ranch in Western Nebraska and currently resides in Omaha. In his free time he enjoys doing just about anything outdoors, working out and spending time with family and friends. His favorite time of the year is football season and he absolutely loves cheering on his beloved Huskers.

Marketing & Events

Meridith Tusha Wortman

Meridith is the Marketing and Communications Specialist for Peak Advisors Alliance. Her role includes developing marketing strategies and campaigns, monitoring the Peak Advisor Alliance brand, and designing marketing materials. Meridith graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Mass Communication, both from the University of South Dakota. Prior to joining the team at Peak Advisor Alliance, Meridith worked for six years as a senior marketing associate at Securities America, Inc. Before that, she worked for an advertising agency in Sioux Falls, SD and in the marketing department at Wells Fargo Financial Bank, also located in Sioux Falls.

Meridith grew up on a farm near Bridgewater, SD and currently resides in Omaha with her husband, Jeff, and their adorable English Springer Spaniel, Sampson. She volunteers for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Douglas County and currently holds the position of Team Development Chair. In her spare time, Meridith enjoys watching movies, reading a good book, and spending time with her family and friends.

Administrative

Amy Townsend

Amy is the Director of Finance of Peak Advisor Alliance and has been with the company since July 2011 after being part of the Carson Wealth Management Group team since January of 2008. She oversees the Peak Advisor Alliance Finance Department and assists Carson Wealth Management Group with various accounting duties. Amy holds an active CPA license and brings to the team both public and private tax and accounting experience. Her public accounting background includes “Big 4” experience and encompasses the areas of individual tax and small business tax and consulting. Amy received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s of Professional Accountancy from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Amy is a native of Columbus, Nebraska and enjoys spending time outdoors, dancing, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Amy Gamble

Amy is the Senior Administrative Specialist for the Peak Advisor Alliance team. Her role includes managing a variety of activities that keep Peak Advisor Alliance running efficiently and smoothly. She also performs all of the client billing and shipping activities, and answers a variety of questions from coaching members. Amy’s previous experience includes similar responsibilities in the retail industry.

Amy and her husband, Matt, live in Omaha with their son, Tanner, and bulldog, Harley. Amy especially enjoys decorating, gardening, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

Pam Burwell

Pam is the Administrative Specialist for the Peak Advisor Alliance team. Her role includes managing a variety of activities that keep Peak Advisor Alliance running efficiently and smoothly. She sees to the administration and update of the Peak Advisor Alliance web site, as well as the PEAK Academy web site, and other general responsibilities. Before joining Peak Advisor Alliance in November 2006, Pam’s previous experience includes 13 years of civilian government service in the personnel arena, bookkeeper, receptionist, and various retail experience.

Pam, a native of San Antonio, Texas, and her husband Mark have been married since February 1987 and live in Papillion, Nebraska. They have two daughters, Diana and Stephanie. Diana lives in Maryland with her husband David and their children, Allison and Matthew. Stephanie is attending the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Pam treasures her time with her family and their two miniature dachshunds, Bud and Lou. She enjoys creating greeting cards using rubber stamps and making quilts. Pam and Mark also love to travel on their Goldwing motorcycle during the riding season.

Amanda Buker

Amanda is the Administrative Specialist for the Peak Advisor Alliance team. Her role includes managing a variety of activities that keep Peak Advisor Alliance running efficiently and smoothly. She sees to the administration of the Peak Advisor Alliance sales team, client events, and other general responsibilities. Amanda graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business and a minor in Psychology at College of Saint Mary. Prior to joining the team at Peak Advisor Alliance, she spent close to three years at QA3 Financial Corporation as a Due Diligence Administrative Assistant and ending as a Brokerage Transfers Specialist. Amanda's previous experience also includes over seven years experience in customer service.

Amanda and her husband, Andrew, live in Omaha and have been blessed with their son, Boyd. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and regularly goes on fishing and hunting trips with them and volunteers at the AAA Center for Pregnancy Counseling. Amanda also enjoys running, walking her two dogs, and reading.

Information Technology

John Mason

John is the IT Manager at Peak Advisor Alliance. He graduated with a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Physics from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. John’s primary roles are managing the Technology Team and addressing the technological needs of both Carson Wealth Management Group and Peak Advisor Alliance as well as related issues and projects.

John was born and raised in Omaha, where he currently resides. He has been married to his wife, Alyssa, since June 2000, and they have two sons, Joshua and Brendon. John’s primary hobby is music. He plays guitar and drums in his church's Praise Team and has a home studio where he writes and records his own songs. John aspires to record a Christian rock CD. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family, watching movies, and Husker football.

Tom Baden

Tom is a Technical Support Analyst with Peak Advisor Alliance. His primary role is addressing the technological needs of both Carson Wealth Management Group and Peak Advisor Alliance, as well as related issues and projects. He has a degree in Mathematics from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and has work experience in various IT disciplines.

Tom and his wife, Connie, live in Omaha and have a daughter, Julie, in Scottsdale, Arizona, who is attending school and working. Tom enjoys taking his dog on walks, biking, canoeing, and camping. He also enjoys watching movies, listening to music, working on computers, and serving on his church council.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.