Leadership Team

Frank J. Fasano
Managing Partner

P: 952.258.5115     E: ffasano@minneapolis.nef.com

Frank J. Fasano has over 30 years of experience in insurance and financial services. He has qualified for the National Management Award for the past 12 years.  Frank is a native of Des Moines, Iowa.  He attended Drake University School of Business, with an emphasis on business and finance.  Frank began his career with New England Financial in 1971 as a financial representative assisting clients in investments and financial services.  From 1976 to 1986, he was a sales manager and in 1986, he assumed leadership of Financial Services of Iowa.  In 2004, Frank expanded his leadership to Mid American Financial, the Minnesota location of New England Financial, where he resides today.  Frank and his wife, Kris, have two grown sons, Frank Jr. and Nick.  Both sons work at NEF.  Frank and his wife raise German Shepherds and Frank serves as a judge of AKC German Shepherd Dog Shows nationwide. Accomplishments:
Registered Representative New England Securities Corp.
 Former president of the Des Moines General Agents (DMGA) and Managers Association (MA)
 Former chairman of the Des Moines General Hospital  Foundation (DMGHF)
 Previously served on the Des Moines General Hospital Board of Trustees
 Former board member of Drake University College of Business Alumni Association
 General Securities Principal

Gary E. Tenpenny, ChFC ®, MSFS, CFP®, CLU®, CAP 
Chief Marketing Officer
Senior Financial Planner
Minneapolis, MN

 P: 952-258-5275     E: gtenpenny@minneapolis.nef.com

Gary Tenpenny has been with New England Financial (NEF) since 1977 and is currently a Senior Financial Planner of Mid American Financial, the Minnesota location of New England Financial. Gary guides financial professionals and representatives with professional sales management and plays an integral part in their career development through coaching and training through financial services and strategies. Gary’s efforts on behalf of his clients and associates have made him the recipient of many awards and much recognition throughout his career he has been awarded the, Court of Table – Million Dollar Round Table, Life & Qualifying Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Hall of Fame Qualifier, and Ship’s Bell Award Winner. Gary is a registered representative and financial planner of New England Securities. His current professional designations include: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM certificant (CFP^®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU^®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC^®), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy^® (CAPä), Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS).

Gary and his wife Trudy have 3 daughters Christa, Amy and Kara. They are actively involved in their church, Christ Community Church. Gary enjoys being involved in his community and is honored to be a member of the following associations; World Vision Financial Advisors Network Member, National Committee on Planned Giving, MDRT, and a Charter Member of Kingdom Advisor.

Dolores Garcia Lowe
Recruiting Director
Minneapolis, MN

P: 952.258.5068     E: dlowe@minneapolis.nef.com

As a Recruiting Director of Mid American Financial Group, Dolores is responsible for scouting and locating talented, hard working individuals to become successful Financial Services Representatives for offices in MN and IA. She is also responsible for seeing potential candidates through out the entire interview process by communicating with Managing Partners and Associates, Financial Professionals, and Directors.
Prior to joining the firm, Dolores was with Ameriprise Financial - Formally American Express Financial Advisors as the Recruiter for the Twin Cities area for Financial Advisors.  Dolores has been in the insurance and financial services industry for 5 years.
Dolores is a mother to a 4 year old, Shawn, and is originally from Dallas, Texas. She moved here to the Twin Cities in 2005 and is still finding time for exploration. She is pursuing a degree in Business Administration and Marketing and spending her time with her husband and son in Plymouth, MN.  Dolores is a member of the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Toastmasters.

Mark A. Keeling, CFP®
Managing Associate
Minneapolis, MN

P: 952.258.5129     E: mkeeling@minneapolis.nef.com

Mark believes success should be measured not just by your financial well-being, but by how confident you feel about your future.  His mission is to help clients reach their financial goals through a personal relationship based on personalized, knowledgeable advice.  This focus is designed to help clients reach their goals. Mark has his BS in Business Administration from St. Leo University, FL.  Mark spent the last 5 years with Ameriprise (American Express Financial), as Financial Advisor and District Manager.  Prior to that he was an Intelligence Analyst for the US Army.  While Mark was at Ameriprise he was awarded the "First Year Top Achiever Award", "Mercury Award", and "The Presidents Award for Quality Advice".  Mark is currently a registered representative of New England Securities. He lives in Eden Prairie, MN with his wife, Kim, son Tristan, and daughter Taylor.  He really enjoys classic cars, skydiving, golf and motorcycles.

Larry Vogt
Managing Associate
Cedar Rapids, IA

P: 563.590.4390     E: lvogt@iowa.nef.com

Larry entered the business in 1983 after graduating from Iowa State University. He began his career at Mutual of New York where he was promoted to Manager in 1985. In 1990 he moved to Cottingham & Butler as the Pension/ Life Sales Vice President. Larry joined New England Financial as a full-time Financial Representative in July of 2002 and was promoted to managing associate of the Des Moines office in March of 2007.
Larry’s been one of the top Agency producers in the last 5 years in Pension & Mutual Fund sales for New England. He qualified for MDRT Top of the Table in 1997 & 1998.  Larry resides in Dubuque, IA, where he is actively involved in his community as a member of the YMCA Board of Directors. Larry is also a registered representative of New England Securities.

Lori L. Blohm CPCU, CLTC, CMFC 
Managing Associate
Minneapolis, MN

P: 952.258.5155     E: lblohm@minneapolis.nef.com

Lori started in the insurance industry over 20 years ago.  Lori is a Graduate of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology with an Emphasis in Human Services
Lori started her career as an underwriter for Professional Liability Underwriting Managers in Eden Prairie.  She then held various positions with Prudential Financial including, Financial Planner, Manager of Agency Training, Compliance Supervisor, and Manager of Financial Services.  Most recently Lori managed the financial services operation for Allstate Financial in Wisconsin and Minnesota. 
Lori is a registered representative of New England Securities and currently holds her Series 24,26,7,6,63,65,51, securities registrations, Life and Health and Property Casualty Licenses.  She has earned the Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC), Certified in Long Term Care (CLTC) and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designations.
Lori is a Member of NAIFA, the ABWA and participates the Twin West Chamber.  She actively supports the Make a Wish Foundation, Susan B Komen Foundation, PanCAN, and the American Cancer society.
Lori is originally from Milwaukee Wisconsin but has been a Minnesota resident since 1985.  Lori has a home on Coon Lake in Ham Lake, Minnesota.  She enjoys golfing, fishing, biking and good movies.

Kevin Mullarky, LUTCF
Managing Associate
Minneapolis, MN

P: 952.258.5105     E: kmullarky@minneapolis.nef.com

Kevin has been in the insurance business for 21 years previously as the director of sales with Foresters.  Prior to Foresters, Kevin worked as the Director of Group Sales for LeClair Insurance, Benefit Consultant for Maguire Life, Health and Benefits and as a Branch Manager for North Star Resource Group.
Kevin is a registered representative of New England Securities and has his series 6, 63 and 26 securities registrations. He's also a Life Underwriter Training Counsel Fellow. He's also a member of the Board of Directors for Prevent Child Abuse MN, a Committee Chair for the St Paul Chamber of Commerce and past President of St Paul NAIFA.

John Beise
Managing Associate
Rochester, MN

P: (507)287-6700 Ext. 13     E: jbeise@minneapolis.nef.com

John began his career with New England Financial in 2001 as a Financial Representative and qualified for Leaders in 2005.  Previous to this, John was the District Manager for Purina Mills, Inc covering SE MN.  John has been in many leadership roles in his church, including Vice President of the congregation, Elder and Mentor for confirmation classes.  John lives in Rochester, MN with his wife, Julie, and sons, Eric, Nicholas and Alex.  He enjoys all sports, fishing, golfing, spending time with his family and coaching his boys in their sport activities. John is also a registered representative of New England Securities.

Joyce Sealine, CLU ®, ChFC, CFP®
Operations Manager

P: 952.258.5750     E: jsealine@minneapolis.nef.com

Joyce Sealine has been in the financial services industry since 1980. She is a graduate of Iowa State University, attended the University of Iowa for post-graduate studies in business administration, and has earned the professional credentials of FLMI, and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), CLU® and CFP®. Joyce also has her Life and Health Insurance licenses as well as Series 7, 63 and Series 24 Securities Registrations. 
As Operations Manager, Joyce brings over 25 years of experience to the day-to-day operations in the area of finance, new business processing, compliance and technology. Supervising our internal support staff, Joyce works on problem resolution and training. In her former role as General Manager of MidAmerican Financial Group, Joyce received the Heritage Award from New England Financial for operating with high standards and superior customer service. 
Joyce is a member of the Financial Planners Association and the Normandale Lutheran Church Choir. In her free time, Joyce enjoys home remodeling projects, woodworking, photography, movies and reading.

Kevin Zylstra CFP®
Financial Planning Specialist, Registered Representative

 952.258.5227     E: kzylstra@minneapolis.nef.com

Kevin began his career in 1994 and has a solid foundation of experience in financial services. Kevin’s efforts on behalf of his clients have made him the recipient of awards and recognition as a Leader qualifier in his first year and Inner Circle qualifier with New England Securities.
As a Financial Planning Specialist of New England Securities, Kevin works alongside the Financial Planners with plan design, development, and recommendation. His mission, and that of the planning department is, “To develop a written financial strategy so that no matter what happens in our economy, markets or world, our clients are confident they will meet their financial goals.” 
Kevin resides in Richfield and attends Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern College in Business Finance. He enjoys spending free time reading, attending a small group Bible study, going camping, backpacking, fishing and being the captain on sailing charters with friends and is a member of NAIFA.

Patrick M. Olson
Financial Planner, Registered Representative

P: 952.258.5097        E: polson@minneapolis.nef.com

Patrick provides resources and assistance in the financial planning department to help reps. and their clients through the financial planning process.  He is looking to help his colleagues engage their clients on a deeper level, which will in turn help them, to grow their practices.  Patrick is a 23 year resident of St. Paul, a 4-time marathon finisher and member of ALARC running club.

Erica Schuenemann
Marketing Director

P: 952.258.5112     E: eschuenemann@minneapolis.nef.com

Erica has been in the banking and financial services industry since 2002.  She joined MetLife as a financial services representative in 2003 and in April of 2006 transferred to Mid American Financial Group as the Marketing Director.   As the Director of Marketing, Erica provides resources to the firm so that agents can develop marketing and prospecting ideas and strategies to effectively build their business and reach ultimate success in the financial services industry. She works with representatives in developing and effectively implementing their marketing plan while promoting them within the community.
Erica received a BA in business management from the College of St. Benedict with an emphasis on marketing and finance.
Erica and her husband Bryan reside in Farmington, MN with their two dogs and a child on the way.  Erica enjoys biking, camping, fishing and traveling.  She is an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakeville, the TCRA and the Dakota County Chamber of Commerce.

Kaye Kruse
Training Coordinator

P: 952.258.5104     E: kkruse@minneapolis.nef.com

Kaye has been in the Financial Industry for 9 years, starting her career at Thrivent as a Registered Representative. She has also worked for New York Life and Allstate. 

Elaine Hood, CLU®, ChFC, RHU, CLTC
LTCI and DI Specialist
Marketing Coordinator for Annuity and insurance Products

P: 952.258.5585     E: ehood@minneapolis.nef.com

Elaine holds a B.A. from Buenta Vista University in Storm Lake, IA.  She began her career in financial services with New York Life in 1988 as an insurance agent.  Elaine then joined Pharmacists Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1991 as a special accounts rep where she provided employee benefits, retirement planning and life insurance to large P&C accounts.  Elaine joined New England Financials Minneapolis office in 1998 as a financial representative. She is experienced in the areas of Disability Income Insurance and Long-Term Care insurance.

Elaine has five grown children, seven grandchildren and lives in Wayzata, MN.  She enjoys reading, walking, knitting, playing Texas Hold’em and spending time with her family.

Accomplishments:
 Quality Award for New York Life, 1990
 Employee of the Month, PMIC 1992
 Agency Builders, NEF 2001, 2003, 2004
 Management Person of the Year 2003

Brian Young, CLU®
Investment Specialist, Registered Representative

P: 952.542.0725    E: byoung@minneapolis.nef.com

Brian has been affiliated with this firm since 1968. He began as a financial services representative and became an Investment Specialist in 1997.  Brian qualified for Agency Builder’s during his first year as Investment Specialist and ever year since. 
Brian attended Macalester College and the University of Minnesota where he pursued a major in Political Science and minors in Economics and Sociology.  He is an Investment Specialist and registered representative with New England Securities.
Brian and his wife, Mary, live in Bloomington and have three grown daughters.  He enjoys golfing, spending time with his family and the stock market.  Brian is a member of Riverside Reformed Church where he has been Deacon and Elder, and has taught Sunday School for the past 15 years.

Vincent Troy, CLU®, ChFC®
Director of Retirement and Business Planning

P: 952.258.5580     E: vtroy@minneapolis.nef.com

Vince has over 30 years experience in the financial services industry, and has developed a diverse clientele from a broad range of industries.  He has extensive experience working with closely held businesses, specifically in the areas of qualified and non-qualified compensation plans, lifetime business transition and estate preservation.  As a financial representative,  Vince provides assistance in case design and development for NEF –Minnesota’s associates. 

Vince received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of St. Thomas and has obtained the professional designations of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).  He is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table of New England Financial, past president of the Minneapolis Association of Life Underwriters, and past president of the Minnesota Association of Life Underwriters.
Vince lives in Plymouth with his wife, Joanna, and has three grown daughters.

Lori Kramer
Controls Director

P: 952.258.5095    E: lkramer1@minneapolis.nef.com

Lori joined the firm in 2006 with experience in the industry beginning in 1974.  Eighteen of those years, Lori was a financial services representative.  Lori established a First Allied Securities office, an Independent Firm, where she was Producing Manager and Compliance Officer until 2001.
Lori is responsible for implementation, maintenance, and oversight of supervisory procedures designed to ensure that the agency is operating according to regulatory and company policy. The primary functions related to supervision can be summed up as reporting, tracking, and documentation of sales practices, and the use of education and training to resolve issues identified through this process.
She holds the following securities licenses: Series 7, 24,63, life health and variable annuities.  She lives near Norwood/Young America, MN on her family’s Century Farm.  She has one son, Mark who is a CPA/Partner in a firm in Maple Grove, and 3 grandchildren.  She enjoys reading, gardening, planting trees, home improvement projects and quilting.

Robert D. Spiegler  CLU®, ChFC®,CLTC
Brokerage Manager
Minneapolis, MN

P: 952.258.5041  C: 507.380.9406     E: rspiegler@minneapolis.nef.com

Bob began his career in the financial services industry in 1972 after graduating from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. After three years with National Life of Tennessee, Bob became the Unit Manager for Principal Financial Group in Mankato, Minnesota and continued in that position for twenty-four years. Bob’s unit was the Gold Club Division Winner and the Overall Commission Leader in consecutive years with nine of sixteen agents making Premier Club one of those years. Bob was the Long Term Care Leader in 2005 for the Mid American Agency after joining New England Financial in 1999. Bob is also a registered representative of New England Securities. Bob and his wife, Karen, have three grown children. They have taught Sunday school for over thirty years. He is a past president of Kiwanis and active in CBS. Bob finds great satisfaction professionally and in his community “helping people help people.”

Mid American Financial is a separate entity from New England Securities.