Meet Our Team
Helping You Sleep Better at Night
At Seleskie Financial, we provide expert guidance and innovative solutions to help you maximize and protect your wealth for generations to come. We are committed to excellence and working together as a team to give you the world-class service you deserve. If you need assistance at any time, please let us know.
Joel David Seleskie CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, AEP®, MSFS
Wealth Management Advisor
Professional Background
For more than twenty years, Joel Seleskie has been providing sophisticated wealth management solutions to business owners, successful professionals, and retirees. As a Private Wealth Advisor, he loves working with people who care deeply about their financial well-being and want to take action to create an ideal future for themselves and the people they love. Joel has always felt a calling to help people define the financial goals that are important to them, build plans to accomplish them, and then bulletproof everything against the inevitable obstacles of life. Over the last two decades, he’s grown Seleskie Financial to become one of the top wealth management practices in the country with a team of professionals who share his passion for serving people and making an impact.
Education & Designations
Joel attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from the Carlson School of Management with a degree in Finance. He went on receive the following specialized designations:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Chartered Advisor In Senior Living (CASL®)
- Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®)
- Masters of Science And Financial Services (MSFS)
- FINRA Series 6, 7 and 63 registrations
Personal Life
Joel grew up in Hastings, Minnesota and attended Hastings High School before heading to The University of Minnesota. He married his wife, Katie, in 2008 and they have four boys who keep them busy with a variety of sports and activities. As often as they can, they head to their family cabin in northern Minnesota for some downtime and fun on the water. Joel enjoys reading and working out, and stays involved in the community through a variety of organizations.
Professional Background
Gene plays a crucial role at Seleskie Financial, assisting both new and existing clients in executing their financial plans. He collaborates closely with clients to navigate insurance products and investment services that align with their individual needs and long-term objectives. Understanding that each client has a unique financial vision, Gene customizes his approach to fit their specific situations. He is dedicated to protecting what matters most to clients and alleviating financial stress through comprehensive, personalized plans.
Gene’s commitment to providing tailored financial solutions ensures clients receive the support and guidance necessary to achieve their financial goals. He has been a valued member of the firm since 2020.
Education & Designations
Gene graduated from Carleton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He currently holds:
- FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations
- Insurance license
Personal Life
He lives in Woodbury, Minnesota. As a North Oaks native, Gene enjoys spending time outdoors in the summer and winter—snow skiing is one of his favorite past times.
Fun Fact
- Gene’s favorite quote is, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
Professional Background
As an Associate Wealth Management Advisor, John is passionate about helping clients focus on achieving their investment goals and protecting their family’s finances. He’s been with Seleskie Financial since 2016.
Education & Designations
John graduated from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and obtained a Bachelor of Science, with a double major in Accounting and Business Management. He then went on to study at the University of Minnesota Law School, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree. John currently holds:
- Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations
- Insurance license
Personal Life
He currently lives in Saint Anthony Village, MN and enjoys spending time with his family and watching just about any college or professional sporting event (though football is his favorite).
Fun Facts
- When he’s not working, John spends most of his time trying to keep up with his kids (and maybe sneak in an occasional TV series.)
- One thing most people don’t know about John is that he’s visited 22 foreign countries.
- The most daring thing he’s ever done is skydiving in Switzerland.
Professional Background
As an Associate Financial Representative, Jake ensures our clients reach their financial goals by helping them navigate and implement their plans. He joined the Seleskie team in 2017.
Education & Designations
Jake graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and obtained a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance. He currently holds:
- FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations
- Insurance license
Personal Life
He currently lives in Cottage Grove, Minnesota with his wife Alyssa and their son. When he’s not working, Jake loves playing basketball and softball, hiking, and spending time outdoors with his family and their dog, Hudson.
Fun Facts
- Jake’s favorite quote is, “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth
- One thing most people don’t know about Jake is that he’s a huge Timberwolves fan!
Professional Background
Carolina collaborates closely with our advisors and advice teams to deliver comprehensive financial planning and investment advisory services to our clients. She excels in providing exceptional customer service and maintaining meaningful client relationships.
Carolina offers her expertise in investment and insurance services, identifies new business opportunities within our client base, and actively participates in business development and client acquisition efforts. Carolina's role is essential to delivering a world-class client experience at Seleskie Financial. She began her career as a Northwestern Mutual Intern and has been with the firm full-time since 2024.
Education & Designations
Carolina graduated from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls with a double major in Professional Sales and Finance. She currently holds her insurance license.
Personal Life
Carolina currently lives in South Saint Paul, Minnesota with her Fiancé, James. When she is not working, Carolina enjoys reading, cooking, playing tennis, bike riding, taking their puppy on walks and spending intentional time with the people around her.
Fun Facts
- The most daring thing that she has ever done was pole vaulting!
- Most people don’t know this about Carolina, but, she has had part of her first rib removed.
- If Carolina could have coffee with any celebrity, it would be Sarah J. Maas because she would like to discuss all of her books both past and future.
Professional Background
Tony is an accomplished Retirement Plan Specialist with over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. At Seleskie Financial, Tony plays a pivotal role in driving the growth of our retirement plans, serving as a steward for new plans and a guardian for existing clients. His expertise and unwavering commitment to providing valuable support and advice are integral to our firm's success and expansion in retirement plan services.
Throughout his career, Tony has managed relationships with record keepers, Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), and business owners, ensuring their financial success. He conducts client education sessions and annual enrollment meetings, fostering new client relationships and nurturing existing ones. As a Retirement Plan Specialist, Tony monitors and analyzes retirement plan performance by evaluating investment options, fund performance, fees, and expenses to ensure the plans are competitive and meet the needs of employees. Tony has been with Seleskie Financial since 2024.
Education & Designations
Tony graduated from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management and obtained a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Business Management. Tony currently holds:
- FINRA Series 6
- Insurance license
Personal Life
He currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his wife Peggy and their two children. When Tony is not working, he enjoys spending time working on house projects, golfing, cabin time and being with his family.
Fun Fact
- Tony’s favorite quote: “Be a problem solver not a problem maker.”
Professional Background
Steve drives the firm’s human capital strategy, establishes clear development pathways for all team members, and provides coaching and accountability for the sales team. He oversees performance reviews, cultivates team engagement, and implements effective communication and operational strategies across the firm’s business functions. As a member of the Leadership Team, Steve acts as the firm’s integrator, leading business planning and monitoring qualitative goal advancement to foster consistency and alignment within the team.
Steve also chairs our Practice Management and Operating Committees, ensuring our service model and value proposition consistently meets or exceeds client expectations. His daily focus is on bringing the firm’s vision to life, adeptly inspiring and managing change, and effectively representing the firm and its brand in various capacities. Steve has been with the firm since 2024.
Education & Designations
Steve graduated from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management and obtained a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Finance. He currently holds his insurance license.
Personal Life
He currently lives in Woodbury, Minnesota with his wife Amanda and their three children. Steve enjoys spending quality time with his family and he helps coach his children’s athletic and performance related activities.
Fun Fact
- Steve’s favorite quote: “Be the change you want to see.”
Professional Background
Sarah joined our team in 2015, and she keeps our office running smoothly. She has a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities including scheduling meetings with clients and overseeing our marketing.
Education & Designations
Sarah graduated from The College of St. Catherine with a Bachelor of Science, with a degree in Early Elementary Education. She currently holds her insurance license.
Personal Life
A Forest Lake native, Sarah currently lives in White Bear Lake with her husband Corey and their son. When she’s not crushing it at her job here, you can find her cooking, camping, and reading. (She makes it her goal to read 20-25 books a year!)
Fun Facts
- If she were a superhero, Sarah’s superpower would be invisibility because she would thoroughly enjoy sneaking up on people!
- One thing most people don’t know about Sarah is that she reads Little Women by Louisa May Alcott every Christmas.
- If she could have coffee with any celebrity, it would be Jimmy Fallon because she thinks he’s hilarious!
Professional Background
As Director of Operations, Bethany ensures the Seleskie Financial team is positively impacting the lives of our clients in everything we do. She joined the Seleskie team in 2013, and she makes sure our day-to-day operations run smoothly. She also assists clients with their investment accounts.
Education & Designations
Bethany graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, where she obtained a degree in Financial Economics. She then went on to earn the following designations and licenses:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Chartered Leadership Fellow (CLF®)
- FINRA Series 7, 9, 10, 63, and 66 registrations
- Insurance license
Personal Life
Bethany currently lives in Woodbury, Minnesota. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling the globe, hiking with friends, spoiling her niece and nephew, and bowling in her family bowling league.
Fun Facts
- Bethany’s favorite quote is from her grandma: “You got it, now keep it; don’t lose it, but use it.”
- One thing most people don’t know about Bethany is that she ran in the Tjejmilen 10K— Sweden’s largest sports event for women with 30,000 participants annually.
- The most daring thing she’s ever done is four-wheeling in Morocco!
Professional Background
In her role, Jill works with clients in every aspect of investment services – account opening, funding, allocation changes, and contributions or distributions – for both retail and advisory accounts. Jill joined Seleskie Financial in 2016. She has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2012.
Education & Designations
Jill graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations. She then went on to earn:
- FINRA Series 6 and 63 registrations
- Insurance license (Life/Health and Long-Term Care)
Personal Life
Jill resides in Hudson Wisconsin with her husband. They have one son. In the summer, Jill enjoys spending time outdoors in her garden or glamping with her husband. In the winter, Jill is usually in the middle of a home-improvement or craft project.
Fun Fact
- Favorite team quote: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Professional Background
Patrick supports the Seleskie Financial team by completing insurance related tasks such as applications, coordinating with underwriting/medical examiners and communicating with our clients on the insurance process. He’s been with Seleskie Financial since 2021.
Education & Designations
Patrick graduated from St. Cloud State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science, with a degree in Finance. He then went on to earn the following designations and licenses:
- Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
- FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations
- Insurance license
Personal Life
Patrick currently lives in Woodbury, Minnesota. When he’s not working, he enjoys video gaming, working out and reading books about History.
Fun Facts
- Patrick’s favorite quote is, “You have power over mind-not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength” – Marcus Aurelius
- If he was a superhero, Patrick’s superpower would be super strength because he would thoroughly enjoy being crazy strong.
- The most daring thing that he’s ever done is drive through multiple Minnesota blizzards with his light weight front-wheeled vehicle.
- If Patrick could have coffee with any celebrity, it would be Dolly Parton because she has a well-earned reputation for being super nice and down to earth and he’d love to get to know her better.
Professional Background
As an Associate Wealth Management Advisor, Lilia supports the Seleskie Financial team by assisting with investment and insurance related operations. In particular, she assists in servicing investment accounts and helping clients apply for Life, Long Term Care and Disability Insurance Policies. Lilia joined our team in 2022.
Education & Designations
Lilia attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. She currently holds the following designations and licenses:
- Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations
- Insurance license (MN and IL)
Personal Life
Originally from Sycamore, Illinois, Lilia currently resides in Cottage Grove, Minnesota where she enjoys working on home projects. In her free time, she stays active by snowboarding in the winter and golfing in the summer. Lilia also likes to explore Minnesota by e-biking and boating with friends and family.
Fun Fact
- Lilia has been to 47 of the 48 continental states, the only state she has left to visit is Texas. Two of her favorite states so far are Arizona and California!
Charles K Altendorfer CFA®, CFP®, CPWA®
Director of Investments and Planning
Professional Background
As Director of Investments and Planning, Chuck oversees our planning department and performs analyses in order to help create financial plans for our clients. He specializes in in-depth planning concepts such as employee stock options, executive compensation, retirement distribution strategies, tax efficient investing strategies, investment selection, due diligence, and monitoring. Chuck joined our team in 2017.
Education & Designations
Chuck graduated from Miami University in Ohio where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance. He currently holds the following designations and licenses:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
- Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®)
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations
- Insurance license
Personal Life
Chuck currently lives in St. Paul, Minnesota which is not far from his hometown of Eagan. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, cycling, and a good glass of whiskey (or wine).
Fun Facts
- Chuck’s favorite quote is “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Gandhi
- A fun fact that most people don’t know is that Chuck once sky-dived from a helicopter in Switzerland.
Professional Background
As a Financial Planning Associate, Brady assists our advisors by helping to prepare plans, recommendations, and other vital information to help our team serve clients. He’s been with the Seleskie team since 2021.
Education & Designations
Brady graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Statistics and Actuarial Science. He currently holds:
- Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
- FINRA Series 6, 7, and 63 registrations
- Insurance license
Personal Life
When he’s not working, Brady enjoys powerlifting and collecting football cards. He currently lives in Shoreview, Minnesota with his wife Maura.
Fun Facts
- The best piece of advice he’s ever received is, “Don’t get caught wishing for tomorrow, time flies fast enough on its own.”
- If Brady was a superhero, his power would be super-speed to make his commute a lot quicker!
- If he could have a cup of coffee with a celebrity, it would be Tom Brady, his favorite athlete of all time.