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

As an Associate Wealth Management Advisor, 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:

• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
• FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations
• Insurance license

Personal Life

He lives in Woodbury, Minnesota with his wife Jamie and their son. 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 or HGTV show).
• 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 Wealth Management Advisor, 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 the following Designations and licenses:

• Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
• FINRA Series 6 and 63
• Insurance License

Personal Life

Carolina currently lives in South Saint Paul, Minnesota with her husband, 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

Jake supports our advisors by developing and maintaining communication with our clients.  He helps build and strengthen relationships with our clients with his phenomenal customer service skills.  He actively participates in client meetings and serves as the liaison between our advising team and our operations team.

Jake started his career with Northwestern Mutual at our Minneapolis office back in 2023 and became a member of the Seleskie Financial team in 2024.

Education & Designations

Jake graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and obtained a Bachelor of Science, with a degree in Nursing.  He then went on to earn the following designations and licenses:

• Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
• FINRA Series 6 and 63
• Insurance License

Personal Life

A Lake City native, Jake currently lives in Lakeville, Minnesota with his wife Taylor and their three sons. When Jake has free time, he enjoys playing sports with his sons, working out, fishing and hunting for Deer.

Fun Facts

• Prior to working with Seleskie Financial, Jake was an RN.  His past experience caring for patients has been transferable to serving our clients.
• Jake’s favorite quote is, “You don’t have to, you get to.” 

Professional Background

Mason supports our advisors by fostering strong communication with clients and ensuring a seamless client experience. Know for excellent client service, he helps build lasting relationships, participates actively in client meetings, and serves as a key link between our advisory and operations teams.

Education & Designations

Mason attended Saint John’s University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with minors in Global Business Leadership and Exercise Science/Sports Studies. He currently holds the following Designations and licenses:

• Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
• FINRA Series 6 and 63 registrations
• MN Life Accident and Health Insurance License

Personal Life

Mason currently lives in Woodbury, Minnesota with his Fiancé, Elizabeth. When he is not working he enjoys playing and watching sports, spending time with family and friends, and playing with his two dogs.

Fun Fact

• His favorite quote, “If you’re not making someone else’s life better, than you’re wasting your time”.

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:

• Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC)
• 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

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®)
• Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
• 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

As our Insurance Operations Associate, 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 Coon Rapids, Minnesota with his fiancé Ali and their two dogs (Sassy and Pepi). 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.
• 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:

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional
• 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!