Team

Based in Toledo, Ohio, Craig Findley is the Chairman and CEO of Venture Visionary Partners. He holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) certification, administered by Investments & Wealth Institute and taught in conjunction with The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. As a Wealth Advisor, Craig has 25 years of experience.

Craig has been the recipient of numerous awards notably, his recognition by Barron’s as a Top 1,200 Financial Advisor for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019; the Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors List for 2018 and 2019; as well as the 2019 Financial Times Top 400 Financial Advisors List. He also pioneered the first totally integrated benefits solution in the industry. Craig earned his bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College and attended an exchange program at Oxford University.

Prior to going independent, and founding Venture Visionary partners, Craig was a Managing Director at UBS Wealth Management where he led and grew one of the largest and most successful teams in the firm with over $6 billion in client assets. He was also the co-chair of the distinguished UBS Financial Advisor Advisory Committee (FAAC), which serves as the collective voice of the firm’s nearly 6,300 Financial Advisors.

Craig and his wife Amy have been married for twenty-five years and reside in Ottawa Hills, Ohio. They have four daughters Mallory, Molly, Mary, and Megan.

Email: cfindley@venturevp.com

Brian is a Managing Director, Investments/Retirement Plan Consulting at Venture Visionary Partners. With 15 years of experience, he manages the team’s Retirement Plan Consulting Practice, assisting companies in delivering a well-structured retirement plan that properly addresses and documents each company’s fiduciary governance. Brian also works directly with the employees of Venture Visionary Partners’ clients to help ensure they are making the right retirement planning decisions for their future. Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Brian worked as a Managing Partner and Senior Retirement Plan Consultant at UBS and served on the UBS DC Advisory Council which implemented the firm’s visions for excellence in Retirement Plan Consulting.
Brian is a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist® and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor .™ Brian was named to the Financial Times Top 401(k) Retirement Advisers list for 2015 and 2016, and he earned his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University.

Brian and his wife, Stephanie live in Monclova, OH with their son Nolan.

Email: bfunkhouser@venturevp.com

With over 23 years of experience in the investment industry, Rob serves as Chief Operating Officer for Venture Visionary Partners. He is responsible for developing and implementing the business operations of the team and is involved in the strategic planning for the team.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners Rob worked as a Financial Advisor and Chief Operating Officer at UBS. His knowledge and experience have been critical in helping top clients achieve their financial goals.

Rob is a member of St. Rose Parish and a past board member of the Perrysburg Amateur Baseball and Softball Commission. He and his wife are passionate about children’s literacy and helping struggling readers achieve the lifelong benefits of reading proficiency. Rob graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He lives in Perrysburg, Ohio with his wife and three children.

Email: rretzloff@venturevp.com

With 25 years of experience, Melissa serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for Venture Visionary Partners. Directing the internal operations of the team, Melissa is responsible for the overall performance of the team- providing strategic planning, setting goals, and leading the Relationship Managers to unify the communication between the client and the firm. She also works as a direct point of contact in educating clients on account services, overseeing the client onboarding process, and managing both the investment and financial planning aspects of the practice.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Melissa was a team administrator and partner at UBS where she worked with the Wealth Management Team and was responsible for managing, preserving and enhancing client relationships.

Melissa has her Series 7, 63 and 65. She lives in Sylvania and has two children, her son Jacob who is in the Army and her daughter Emily who is on course to graduate from Mercy College of Nursing.

Email: mestrich@venturevp.com

Paul brings his 20 plus years of experience in the investment and insurance industries to the team. He has built a career on successfully managing an investment and wealth management practice consisting of high net worth clients and qualified retirement plans. Before joining the Venture Team, Paul worked as a Managing Director at DB Root and Co. and prior to that, served as Principal and Managing Director at Rehmann Financial. In addition, his experience includes time as President of Hylant Financial Services and as Senior Vice president for Merrill Lynch where he worked with high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients.

Paul received his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where he participated in the Executive Leadership Program.  Paul holds the Series 7, 63 and 65 security registrations, life, and health insurance licenses as well as the Accredited Investment Fiduciary®(AIF®) designation.

Email: pabendroth@venturevp.com

With over 35 years of experience in the financial industry, Rob is a Partner with Venture Visionary Partners. Rob holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) certification, and earned a B.S. in finance from Miami University and an M.B.A. from the University of Toledo.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Rob was a Senior Vice President-Wealth Management at UBS.  He also worked for McDonald Investments before being purchased by UBS, and the former Toledo Trust Bank where he started his career in finance.  Rob’s knowledge and experience have been a fundamental part in helping his client’s achieve their financial goals.

Outside of Venture Visionary Partners, Rob has been a very active member of his community and church. He has served as President of the Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mobile Meals, Leadership Toledo and the Bishop’s Education Council. He was previously on the Board for the Sunset House and chairperson of their finance committee and today sits on the Board for Notre Dame Academy.

Rob is also an avid reader. He enjoys running and triathlons and has completed the New York City and Boston Marathons as well as the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon and Wisconsin Ironman. Rob and his wife, Dana, have been married for over 25 years and have two daughters, Torey a 2018 graduate of Miami University in Chemical Engineering and Julia, a sophomore at the University of Kentucky.

Email: rloeb@venturevp.com

Jim is a Partner with Venture Visionary Partners. He began his career in 1983 and has successfully guided his clients through some of the most challenging and rewarding market environments ever. Within the team, Jim delivers comprehensive asset and liability management and financial planning. He focuses on portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management, retirement income planning and qualified retirement plan services tailored to the needs and goals of each client.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Jim was a Senior Vice President -Wealth Management at UBS. Jim’s time at UBS began in 2007 when the firm bought McDonald Investments, which he joined in 1989. While Jim also managed several offices for McDonald, his primary focus has always been to serve the needs of his clients—individuals, small businesses, corporations, retirement plans and nonprofit organizations.

Jim has been recognized on the Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors List for 2020. He holds the Series 7, 8, 31, 63 and 65 securities licenses as well as annuity, life and long-term care insurance licenses. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from The Ohio State University in 1983.

Away from the office, Jim has been active with numerous organizations, serving on the Catholic Charities Advisory Board as a past Board President and current finance committee member. He has also been involved with The Professional Advisory Council of the Toledo Community Foundation and United Way. His hobbies include motorcycling, travel, and fly fishing. A Youngstown, Ohio native, Jim and his wife, Phyllis, live in Perrysburg, and have been married since 1984. They are the parents of two sons, Raymond and Eric.

Email: jporea@venturevp.com

John is a partner with Venture Visionary Partners. Within the team he focuses on developing wealth management planning strategies to assist his clients in pursuing their financial goals.

John started his career in 1987 and has over 33 years in the financial industry. Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners John was a Senior Vice President-Wealth Management at UBS, and before that, John served as a financial advisor at McDonald Investments, Roney & Co. and Pru-Bache.
Outside of work, John has served on the boards of Toledo Visiting Nurse, Toledo Junior Golf Association, MCO Foundation and currently the Toledo Zoo Foundation.

John earned his B.S. in business administration from Bowling Green State University in 1982. A celebrated college athlete, he played both football and golf and was later inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 1990. John currently lives in Perrysburg, OH with his wife, Amy, and their son Jack.

Email: jspengler@venturevp.com

Brad is a partner with Venture Visionary Partners. For the last 36 years, Brad has provided wealth planning designed around a comprehensive and customized process for each of his individual and corporate clients.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Brad was a Senior Vice President-Wealth Management with UBS. His years of working in every kind of market environment has given him the background and experience to consult with conviction and expertise on appropriate growth and wealth protection strategies.

Throughout Brad’s career, he has been the recipient of many awards, most notably the annual council member designation and the prestigious President’s Council. Brad graduated from the University of Arizona and currently holds a Series 7, 31, 63 and 65 securities licenses.

Brad is active in the community, and enjoys reading, exercise, golf, coaching youth basketball and travel.  He and his wife Jan live in Sylvania, Ohio and have been married for over 40 years. They are the proud parents of two sons and four grandchildren.

Email: bdolgin@venturevp.com

Craig is a Chief Investment Officer and Partner with Venture Visionary Partners.

Prior to working with Venture Visionary Partners, Craig was a Vice President – Wealth Management, Portfolio Manager and founding member of the Summit Wealth Management Group at UBS.

Craig began his career in 1997 analyzing stocks and bonds for use in client accounts and a family of mutual funds managed by Provident Investment Advisors in Cincinnati, Ohio. After achieving a high level of success as an analyst, Craig was promoted to the portfolio manager role and began working with high net worth clients. He then moved on to Key Private Bank where he was ranked among the top portfolio managers in the country.

Craig has had many accomplishments throughout his career. He held the title Director of Investments and Senior Investment Officer for National City/PNC Bank where he was responsible for and oversaw over $4 billion in client assets across Ohio and Michigan. He is also proud to hold the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, and Finance specialization.

Today Craig enjoys leveraging his analytical skills to build customized portfolios designed to meet the goals and preferences of each client.

Craig and his wife Jodi have seven children and reside near Miller City, Ohio. They are active in their church, enjoy spending time with their family, and volunteer coach various youth sports leagues.

Email: cwarnimont@venturevp.com

John serves as the Director of Retirement Plan Consulting for Venture Visionary Partners. He brings more than 11 years of dedicated qualified retirement plan design and investment management experience.

John partners with companies to invigorate and revitalize their retirement benefit plan. A robust employee engagement initiative, sound investment selection and management, proven plan governance process, and an executed 3(21) or 3(38) fiduciary agreement all form the foundation of this partnership.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, John was a Senior Retirement Plan Consultant and Senior Wealth Strategy Associate at UBS. A New England native, John attended the University of Toledo and returned to Ohio in 2008 after several years traveling the country. John, his wife Megan, and their children can frequently be found enjoying the outdoors in their free time.

Email: jobrien@venturevp.com

Nicole is a Wealth Strategist and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at Venture Visionary Partners.  Her primary focus is assisting individuals and their families, corporate executives, and business owners achieve their financial goals.  Nicole provides and maintains a foundation for client relationships by constructing goal-based financial plans and collaborating with Financial Advisors to customize and execute asset allocation and wealth management strategies.

Nicole has 14 years of industry experience and was recently a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate at UBS Financial Services.  Her primary responsibilities included relationship management and developing financial plans for wealth management clients.  Prior to joining UBS, Nicole was a Vice President and Private Banker at the Northern Trust Company in Chicago, Illinois for over four years where she focused on lending and depository solutions for high-net worth individuals, business owners, private equity professionals, and corporate executives.  As a Private Banker she worked in conjunction with portfolio managers, trust advisors, and financial planners to assist clients in developing and executing a plan to achieve their long-term goals.  Before joining the Northern Trust Company, Nicole was a Private Banker at MB Financial Bank, N.A. in Chicago for nearly seven years.

Nicole graduated from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration and concentrations in Finance and Marketing.  While attending Saint Mary’s College, she was a member of the nationally ranked Golf Team and competed in the 2004 and 2005 NCAA DIII Women’s Golf Finals in Green Lake, Wisconsin and Pinehurst, North Carolina, respectively. Nicole earned her CFP® designation in 2012 and holds her FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses.

Email: nbellino@venturevp.com

Ryan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ specializing in retirement planning, financial planning, and all aspects of wealth management for clients. Ryan began his career in the financial services industry in 2010. Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, he served as a financial advisor with DB Root and Co, and prior to that served as a Financial Advisor at Rehmann Financial where he serviced and provided consultation for more than 50 retirement plans.  His experience also includes time with Jackson National Life Insurance Company where he worked with fixed, indexed, and variable annuities, as well as mutual funds and alternative investments. Ryan is a graduate of Ferris State University with a BS in business.  He holds a Series 7 and 63 securities registrations and certifications for life and health insurance and variable annuity lines. Ryan enjoys staying active by running and playing basketball.  He and his wife Heidi, live in Waterville with their two daughters.

Email: rborucki@venturevp.com

With 23 years in the business, Jamie is a Relationship Manager for Venture Visionary Partners. Jamie directs her full attention to the needs of the client by engaging both the investment and financial planning aspects of the practice and assisting in educating clients on account services and capabilities. Working directly with the teams’ high net worth and 401k clients, Jamie works in successfully constructing, implementing, and monitoring client strategies for households and retirement plans. She is passionate about providing clients with exemplary service and solutions.

Jamie has her FINRA series 7, 63, and 65, licenses. She attended the University of Toledo and resides with her husband and two children in Sylvania, Ohio.

Email: jkaczmarski@venturevp.com

With 13 years in the financial industry, Lindsey serves as a Relationship Manager for Venture Visionary Partners. Engaging both the investment and financial planning aspects of the practice, she works directly with the team’s high net worth clients successfully constructing, implementing, and monitoring client strategies. Lindsey is responsible for enhancing the client experience by assisting in educating clients on account services and capabilities, as well as assisting with securities-based lending. She delivers exemplary client service solutions with enthusiasm.

Lindsey earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Toledo. She holds her FINRA Series 7 & 66 licenses. Lindsey resides with her husband Aaron and three children in Monclova, Ohio.

Email: lrouser@venturevp.com

In her role as Director of Operations, Kristy spends a good amount of her time focusing on the compliance side of Venture Visionary Partners and works closely with Robert Retzloff to implement the business operations of the team. Her organizational skills and attention to detail are a great asset in this area. She also acts as a Relationship Manager assisting clients in a variety of ways from initial onboarding to money movement and ongoing maintenance of their accounts.
Kristy began her career in the financial industry with UBS Wealth Management in 2007 working primarily in operations. She joined Craig Findley’s team in 2010. Before transitioning to finance, she worked for several years in the interior design field after graduating with her Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in 1994. Kristy currently lives in the historical district of Waterville, Ohio where she raises her children, has a house full of animals and attempts to tame her garden.

Email: kkeller@venturevp.com

Lauren is the Marketing and Communications Director for Venture Visionary Partners. With 6 years in the financial industry and 12 years overall experience in marketing, she specializes in marketing and communications with experience in advertising, business development, and overall client experience. Lauren is responsible for developing and implementing the communications for Venture Visionary Partners through branding, messaging, and strategic marketing that support the teams’ mission. In her role, she ensures all internal and external marketing represent the Core Values and Principles of Venture Visionary Partners.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Lauren worked as a Wealth Strategy Associate at UBS. Lauren earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a sales and marketing certification from the College of Charleston. She is involved with Toledo Rotary, is on the board of the Boys and Girls Club, and the board of The University of Toledo’s Women and Philanthropy. Lauren and her husband Bruce reside in Ottawa Hills, Ohio with their two sons.

Email: ldouglas@venturevp.com

Jackie is the Executive Assistant to the Chairman and CEO, Craig Findley at Venture Visionary Partners. With 9 years in the financial industry, and 20 in the travel industry, Jackie is responsible for high-level administrative and clerical assistance to support Craig and the team.

Jackie and her husband reside in Toledo, Ohio with their son.

Email: jlascola@veturevp.com

Based in Toledo, Ohio Bruce Klinger is the President of Venture Risk Consulting. Venture Risk Consulting works in conjunction with Venture Visionary Partners to help advise clients on appropriate insurance protection strategies.

Bruce has over twenty-five years of leadership and management experience in the financial industry. Prior to joining Venture Risk Consulting, Bruce started his career at Northwestern Mutual and worked his way to becoming a district agent. In 1996, Bruce relocated to Toledo, Ohio where he ran a successful General Agency, and in 2012 was named General Agent and Managing Partner for the Ohio division Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance company.

Bruce holds several industry designations including the Chartered Life Underwriter^® (CLU^®) designation, The Chartered Financial Consultant^® (ChFC^®) designation and The Chartered Advisor for Senior Living^® (CASL^® ) designation each from the American College of Financial Services^®. He is a distinguished industry speaker and has earned the General Agents Management Association (GAMA) Platinum award for growth eight times, has been a member of the Million Dollar Round Table as a Financial Representative, and was a past president of NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors).

Bruce received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from The State University of New York at Binghamton and received his Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Lourdes University where he currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees and where he chaired the finance committee for four years. Bruce he is heavily involved in the local community, where he served as the president of the Juvenile Diabetes Research foundation.

Bruce and his wife Jayne have been married for 26 years and reside in Sylvania, Ohio where they raised their daughter Samantha.

Email: bklinger@venurevp.com

Shirley is the front facing line of communication with clients for Venture Visionary Partners. She is responsible for assisting with day to day operations including regulatory and compliance initiatives, cashiering responsibilities, and providing support to Financial Advisors and Relationship Managers.

For over twenty years, Shirley worked in the Dundee Community School system, then in 1996 began work in the Financial Industry where she served in many capacities within the Operations area with Merrill Lynch, and UBS.

Shirley lives in Monroe, MI and has raised and watched three amazing daughters become strong independent women, as well as enjoying and spoiling two wonderful grandsons.

Email: stoburen@venturevp.com

Lisa is a Relationship Manager who provides administrative support and client service to the team. With more than 20 years of experience in the investment and insurance industries, Lisa has extensive experience servicing retirement plans and wealth management clients. Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Lisa worked with DB Root & CO as a client service associate. Lisa was also a Senior Financial Service Assistant with Rehmann Financial, and before that an Executive Assistant with King Insurance Agency where she was responsible for customer service and the marketing efforts of the agency.

Email: ldantzer@venturevp.com

Sarah is a Relationship Manager for Venture Visionary Partners.  With over 30 years of experience in the banking, insurance and financial industries, Sarah brings extensive knowledge to the team’s practice and the clients the team serves. Prior to Venture Visionary Partners, Sarah worked as a Team Administrator with UBS.

Sarah is a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional ™ and holds the FINRA Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses along with life, variable, accident, and long-term care insurance licenses. She earned her bachelor’s degree in management (BSM) from The University of Phoenix.

Sarah Lives in Toledo with her husband Darrin, son Jeremy, and daughter Veronica.

Email: swodarski@venturevp.com

Amy is a Relationship Manager for Venture Visionary Partners. With over 20 years of experience in the financial business, she brings her years of experience and extensive knowledge to the clients she serves and the overall team.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Amy was a Wealth Strategy Associate-Relationship Manager with UBS, and prior to UBS, started her career in 2000 at Raymond James. Amy holds the FINRA Series 7, and 66 securities licenses.

Amy enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Her and her husband Dean live in Grand Rapids, Ohio. They have three daughters, and five grandchildren.

Email: aamos@venturevp.com

Karyn is a Relationship Manager for Venture Visionary Partners. She is responsible for communicating directly with clients and working with Financial Advisors on the team to service their accounts.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Karyn worked as a Wealth Management Associate for UBS. Prior to UBS, she began her investment career in 1991 at Dollar Bank in Youngstown, Ohio. Soon after, she worked at National City Investments and Wells Fargo, then she relocated to Toledo, Ohio in 1994 and worked at Prudential Securities.

Karyn has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo. She also holds her Series 7 and 66 licenses.

Outside of work, Karyn enjoys running and has completed the Chicago, Minneapolis, and Columbus marathons.  She also enjoys road biking and is an avid reader. Her and her husband Jim have been married for over 28 years and live in Oregon with their two sons.

Email: kkeilholz@venturevp.com

With over 23 years of experience with several of the industry’s major wealth management firms, Kelly brings extensive knowledge to her role as Relationship Manager with Venture Visionary Partners. Specializing in business development, marketing and concierge customer service, Kelly’s main objective is working directly with financial advisors to help clients answer their most important questions about their wealth and their future.

Prior to joining the Venture team, Kelly worked as a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate for the Summit Wealth Management Group within UBS.

Kelly earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation.  In her spare time she enjoys running, traveling and watching her daughter play volleyball. Kelly and her daughter Aubrey reside in Perrysburg, OH.

Email: karndt@venturevp.com

Lexi is a Relationship Manager for Venture Visionary Partners. She works closely with the Financial Advisors on the team to onboard new clients, work on account transfers, and communicate with clients. Prior to joining the Venture team, Lexi was a Client Service Associate with UBS.

Lexi graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s in Science. She is a travel enthusiast and dog lover. She currently resides in Sylvania, Ohio.

Email: alaberdee@venturevp.com

With over 30 years in the business, Diana is a Relationship Manager for Venture Visionary Partners. She works directly with Financial Advisors on the team to oversee client accounts, service them, and keep constant communication with them.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Diana worked as a Sr. Registered Client Service Associate with UBS. Her career began with First Federal Savings of Toledo, then transitioned to the securities business with Merrill Lynch and then Edward Jones. Diana holds her Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses.

Diana was born and raised in Toledo where she still resides.  She enjoys helping others and spending time with her family and friends.

Email: dgibson@venturevp.com

Travis is a financial analyst for Venture Visionary Partners. He specializes in investment research, stock market analysis, and assists the team in portfolio management.

Prior to joining Venture Visionary Partners, Travis served as a Wealth Strategy Associate for the Summit Wealth Management Group at UBS where he began his career in the financial services industry in 2018.

Travis is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Finance and Investments specializations.  He holds the Series 7 and 66 licenses.

Travis is from Miller City, Ohio where he and his wife Lynsey continue to be active members in their church and community.  He is a member of the Miller City Volunteer Fire Dept. and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Email: tmaas@venturevp.com