Meet our Committed Team of Professionals
Greg Lavin, CRPS
Founder & CEO
Greg Lavin, CRPS
Founder & CEO
Wealth Management Advisor/Retirement Plan Specialist
Licenses: Series 6, 7, 63 and 66: Wisconsin Life, Accident & Health and Long Term Care
I have over 30 years of experience working in the Corporate Qualified plan and Wealth Management Industry. Starting as Lavin Financial and growing into Onward Financial Network as my business has grown. Today the Onward Financial Network name is more representative of the talented team that I have the pleasure to work with today.
From the beginning of my career I have had a desire to help everyone, regardless of financial stature, retire with dignity. I also have a desire to help businesses develop strategies to help them succeed and prosper. I have developed a proprietary employee education and Financial Wellness program, as well as a proprietary wealth management communication that is the hallmark of our work today.
I am graduate of the University of Stevens-Point, with a Bachelors of Science degree. I have interned with Northwestern Mutual and held positions in field management through the 25+ years affiliation. I helped build the Qualified Plan Specialist program in the early 2000’s through my work on the Northwestern Mutual Investment Services Advisory Board. I have sat on several National Industry Boards pertaining to Qualified Plans. In 2017 I co-authored a white paper on Financial Wellness and the affect of financial stress on the work place with several other known specialist through the industry. I am considered a thought leader in the interrogate workings of qualified plans and employee education as well as a national speaker in this subject matter.
My wife Kirstin and I live in Green Lake Wisconsin on a small farm that we love and tend when we are not working. I am a social person and look forward to talking with you!
Interesting Facts:
- Humble beginning (had to walk to my first appoint…a long time ago)!
- Biking enthusiast and Spin Class instructor.
- I love to cook.
- Golfing and outdoor activities
- Lyme literacy advocate
Kristen Massie
Associate Wealth Management Advisor
Kristen Massie
Associate Wealth Management Advisor
Licenses: Series 7, 63 and 65: Wisconsin Life, Accident & Health
Starting my career in a financial crisis was not the way I planned it. However, after surviving the adversity and seeing the positive impact we had with our clients, it made me realize I chose the right career. Over the past 17 years in this industry, I have worn many hats which include Advisor’s Assistant, Compliance, and Associate Wealth Management Advisor.
As an Associate Wealth Management Advisor, I enjoy helping our clients achieve their financial goals by developing deep relationships, and truly understanding their changing situations. Beyond meeting with and advising clients, I’m also responsible for mutual fund research, portfolio design, and sit on our investment committee. With our commitment to objectivity, competency, and attention to detail, I feel I have found my home by joining our team in 2016.
Before moving to Fond du Lac in 2001, I lived in Upper Michigan. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Marc and our two sons, Trevor and Sean. I enjoy gardening, sports and traveling.
Rodney Smith
Associate Wealth Management Advisor
Rodney Smith
Associate Wealth Management Advisor
Licenses: Series 6, 63 & 65. Wisconsin Life, Accident & Health
Working for over a decade in the Investment Industry is certainly a far stretch from where I began. I grew up on a farm, ran a chainsaw for many years, and even worked in a Molecular Biology lab doing stem cell research, before joining a major national bank and getting a taste for finance. I had the privilege of owning my own insurance and investment firm for 10 years before joining Greg’s team.
As a Wealth Management Advisor my job is to listen to our client’s needs, unique situations and understand what they are working toward. My promise has always been “I will always do what is in the best interest of my client.” Establishing a good rapport and truly acting in good faith is satisfying for me. It is also very refreshing to work in an office with talented people.
I was born and currently live in Green Lake with my wife Jennifer. We have a full house with three daughters, three cats, and a dog. I am a graduate of both Ripon College with a Bachelor of Arts degree and UW-Oshkosh with a Masters of Science. I like to call myself a Badger for being part of the Madison University system. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family. I do a lot of hunting, fishing, camping and regional travel (I like discovering Wisconsin), and am a die-hard Badgers, Packers and Brewers Fan.
Jason Schoeffler
Financial Services Coordinator / Insurance Specialist
Jason Schoeffler
Financial Services Coordinator / Insurance Specialist
Licenses: Wisconsin Life, Accident & Health, Casualty, Property
Over the course of my career, I have owned & managed Small Businesses and Commercial Real Estate. I owned and operated a business that my father began in the late 1950’s which sold and serviced Office & Printing Equipment to businesses of all sizes throughout Wisconsin and into Southern Illinois. We also owned several Commercial Buildings which we renovated and leased to a variety of businesses.
Nearly a decade ago, I transitioned to the Insurance Industry in order to utilize my Small Business Experience & Entrepreneurial Spirit to help others protect their families, what they have worked for and what they are working towards. My experience covers Health, Life, Long Term Care, Annuities, Disability, and Property & Casualty Insurance for Individuals & Businesses.
I was born in Wauwatosa and currently live in Mequon with my 15 year old son, Kyle. After attending college at The University of Southern California, I returned to Milwaukee in 1992. As the new Insurance Advisor at the Onward Financial Network, I look forward to assisting with the process of protecting our Client’s personal and business interests from a variety of risk factors through the objective recommendation of the most robust, value driven, and feature-rich insurance products available.
Michelle Oldham
Wealth Management Registered Assistant
Michelle Oldham
Wealth Management Registered Assistant
Licenses: Series 6, 63, Series 65 and Wisconsin Life, Accident & Health
I have 11 years of experience working in the financial and insurance industries. My experience includes working as a Disability Specialist, Retirement Representative and a Financial Advisor. I transitioned to an advisor because I wanted to take a more proactive role in the financial planning process.
At Onward Financial Network as the Wealth Management Account Executive, I am able to provide proactive service and I am the lead on client communication and follow-up. I look forward to talking with you!
A lifelong Wisconsin resident, I currently reside in Slinger with my husband, Isaac and our 2 children, Brayden and Zoey. I enjoy hiking and being together as a family. I am an Autism Advocate and a cat lover.
Jamie Gonzalez
Wealth Management Administrative Assistant
Jamie Gonzalez
Wealth Management Administrative Assistant
Licenses: Wisconsin Life, Accident & Health
Hello, my name is Jamie Gonzalez. Some of you may remember me and I may have talked to many of you as I joined Greg’s team in 2013 as a 401(k) Service Coordinator. I pursued other career options for a short stint but am excited to be back and be a part of Greg’s Onward Financial Network team.
Since my return I have a number of different roles. These roles include assisting the Associate Wealth Management Advisor with preparing paperwork, assisting with the VIP Program and helping service the 401(k) plans. While working in the financial industry I have gained a broad knowledge of this field.
I have over 20 years of customer service experience and enjoy being able to help people wherever I can. I hold a Life, Health and Accident Insurance License and plan to obtain a securities license in the near future.
Outside of work I enjoy a range of activities which include being outdoors, working on brain teasers and puzzles, and spending time with my husband AJ and daughter Piper.
Kristen Saunders
Qualified Plan Service Coordinator
Kristen Saunders
Qualified Plan Service Coordinator
Hi, my name is Kristen Saunders and I’m happy to have joined Greg’s team, working in the 401(k) division. So far I have learned a lot of things about 401(k) plans and saving for retirement that I wish I had known prior! I spent 7 years in the food/beverage industry and 9 years in the printing industry working in the accounting/purchasing/customer service capacity so working in this industry is a refreshing change for me.I grew up in Chicago but have slowly made my way north over the years to Kewaskum, where I currently live with my fiance Troy and our three children Aiden, Austin and Shaelyn.
My hobbies include cooking and fishing. I love to travel when I can as well as attend the numerous fairs and festivals that Wisconsin has to offer.
I look forward to meeting/working with all of our 401(k) administrators and please feel free to reach out to me any time you need anything. I am happy to help!
Rose Gonnering
Executive Assistant
Rose Gonnering
Executive Assistant
Making a business change at this point in my life was a difficult decision to make but very quickly I realized it was the best choice I could have ever made. Having a diverse background to include police science and politics, restaurant and rescue, accounting and analyst, I felt I needed to add financials into the mix. I appreciated each position I have ever held and the direction of travel it may have taken me along the way but feel I may have finally found the team that can take me into retirement!
I look forward to assisting my team and our clients so every interaction is satisfying and pleasant. It is always heartwarming to be able to encounter a new extensive group of individuals who are looking for the best treatment ever. I know you will receive that here.
Detached from the office, I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren, my favorite chocolate lab and my favorite Harley. I relax by creating crafted items by baking them, weaving them or sewing them. I appreciate time in the kitchen. I look forward to the outdoors by camping, fishing, boating and hiking. I always save room for cross-country traveling. I have many “to do’s” on my bucket list.
Dawn Lefeber
Receptionist
Dawn Lefeber
Receptionist
Hi, my name is Dawn Lefeber and I am very excited to be joining Onward Financial Network. I spent 12 years as an Insurance and Billing specialist for an optometrist. I also have 10 years’ experience in banking as a teller. My family spent the last 17 years in the Madison area but having been born in Fond du Lac I can honestly say I am glad to be home.
I look forward to assisting this team in any way I can in making your experience with us a great one.
Outside of work I love to go to flea markets, estate sales and junk shops. I love the hunt for a good bargain, and bringing back to life old pieces. I love spending time with my two boys and my husband. My number one thing I hope to do in the next few years is to travel to Ireland.
7 S. Main Street
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
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