Mark Bonnet
Regional Vice President
Partner

Mark's interest in finances and leadership began back in high school, where he was involved in a number of academic and athletic endeavors. This interest extended into his college years at the University of Arizona, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Finance. It was here that he found his desire to impact the lives of others in a positive manner.

His initial meeting with North Star Resource Group led him to believe a career as a Financial Representative was one which matched his value system, and one which he could find himself in for a long time. He saw that North Star was the type of company who taught new recruits the skills, confidence, and relationships to develop a world-class planning program. And they pride themselves as a family environment, with a 'never quit' attitude.

The job was certainly not without its intimidation, though, and Mark discovered that with time, patience, and determination, he could achieve a delayed gratification. "I saw this career as an opportunity to parlay my strengths and minimize my weaknesses," Mark says. "I never saw my career as a way of life, but is it. It is not a job, or even a career. It is just who I am."

"People join people, not companies," Mark says. "When one reviews the values and integrity of this firm, and reflects inward to what is truly important to them, it is clear that for the right person, this is a very special place."

Stephanie Tsang
Financial Advisor

Before becoming a Financial Representative for North Star Resource Group, Stephanie worked as a Tax Accountant for a Tucson accounting firm. After working at the accounting firm for a year, she realized she was more passionate about working with people and making a difference than preparing tax returns. She interviewed with a number of financial films, but immediately recognized the atmosphere at North Star was different. She felt their advisor's number one goal was to build a relationship with their clients.

Stephanie was quite excited about this shift in perspective, and discovered that her first impression of North Star was correct. They planned for their client's future, even down to the smallest details. "You can be extremely smart in this industry," Stephanie says, "however, if you do not have anybody that will work with you, you will not succeed." Relationships are the most important part of being a Financial Representative.

Though Stephanie's career with North Star is in its initial stages, she is extremely confident about her potential success with the company. The resources available at North Star Resource Group and their family-like atmosphere create a nurturing environment, one that builds determination and creates limitless opportunities.

"There will always be tough times, " Stephanie says. "but, having the ability to impact someone's life is well worth the difficult moments in this career."

Erik Siverson
Associate Financial Advisor

Erik came to Minnesota from Dallas, Texas. He attended prestigious St. John's University. It was through his major in Political Science with a focus on International Relations that he caught the eye of a North Star Resource Group recruiter, who contacted Erik to set up a meeting.

The values North Star represented were a perfect match for Erik's own values. The focus of both is on the client, and in doing what is right for the person on the other side of the table, regardless of compensation. It's also the personal drive and commitment that is the most challenging and rewarding aspect of the job. "I've developed great self-reliance," Erick says. "There's no excuses if I'm not happy with how I'm doing. I simply have to do better."

Erik's excitement for his career at North Star Resource Group is continually growing, and it is something will continue to grow over the years. The needs of others must always go before the representative's, and North Star Resource Group excels at this. It is about building a relationship and affecting people's lives in a positive and rewarding way.

"Know yourself. Know your goals. Know your limitations. Be honest about them all. For the right person, this is the best thing in the world to be doing."

Marshall Gifford
CLU, ChFC

Having competed in a national decathlon and placing ninth, Marshall was well aware of how hard work and determination can pay off. It was while studying Business Administration, Finance, and Management at Minnesota State University, Mankato that he developed a great love for finance, and decided to pursue it as a career.

A family friend worked for North Star Resource Group, and it was through this relationship that Marshall was introduced to the firm. It was then that he recognized North Star's vision, vitality, and hardworking representatives. North Star representatives also have a certain level of independence, something Marshall credits as beneficial for the company's success.

"The career is harder than anyone expects when they start," Marshall says, "but the long term rewards are better than I ever imagined." The hard work and determination required to be a successful Financial Representative is well worth the effort, and the ability to help people is quite gratifying.

"I don't think any other firm puts the time and resources into new recruits than North Star does," Marshall says, "but it is ultimately up to you to make it happen."

Annie Book, CLTC
Financial Advisor

Annie was born in Silverton, Oregon, the seventh out of eight children, and grew up on a small berry farm in Mount Angel. She attended the University of Oregon, where she devoted her time to her studies as a Marketing major while also balancing work, sports, and volunteer work, including fundraising for a domestic violence shelter for woman.

Annie was immediately drawn to the idea that "the sky is the limit" in a career as a financial advisor with regards to what you can accomplish. She was also attracted to possibilities of a flexible schedule and the ability to run her own practice. But above all else, she knew she wanted a career where every day she would have the opportunity to help people.

While being introduced to North Star Resource Group, Annie "knew from the first moment I met Phil and Scott Richards that North Star was a perfect fit for me." She adds, "The culture and support that is provided to advisors is truly remarkable. North Star is an independent company that is always client-focused. You are not expected to fit your clients into a box, but rather help them fix, rebuild, and change their box as their life changes!"

"I truly did not understand the true impact we have on people until I started!" Annie explains, "This career has offered me so much more than what my initial thoughts were."