Who We Are - Paladin Financial

Our Financial Professionals

We work closely with our clients to design financial strategies that provide confidence and clarity while also helping to protect their future. Using customized plans that are created through a true partnership, we empower our clients to weather the inevitable challenges that our complex financial world presents.

Jeff Foley, CFP®, is owner and founder of Paladin Financial located in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Jeff serves as an investment advisor representative, providing a holistic approach to wealth management and offering income planning, asset maximization, legacy planning and tax strategies.

Prior to founding Paladin Financial, Jeff served in corporate America for 20 years, leading sales teams and constructing progressive product and marketing platforms to help financial services professionals build diverse and sustainable business practices. He built an impressive resume that illustrates his broad understanding of the financial services industry and is committed to sharing his wealth of experience.

Jeff began his career in the financial services industry in 1997. He has his Masters of Science in Management from the American College (MSM) and is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), which is a testament to his ethics and professional responsibility to provide financial planning services as a “fiduciary”—acting in the best interest of his clients. Jeff has attained his Series 7, 24, 6, 63, 66 and 53 registrations and is licensed in multiple states.

Nikki Foley is co-owner of Paladin Financial and has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She serves as a natural resource for clients and team members and focuses on providing support related to Medicare products and services. She is passionate about educating and empowering individuals to understand the intersection of health and retirement within their wealth management objectives.

Nikki is a valued leader for Paladin Financial and also lends expertise related to marketing, communications, business development, legal, and all things “people.” She is also the self-proclaimed “Director of Happiness” for the organization.

Nikki is insurance licensed in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Kansas, and she holds the Series 65, 6 and 63 registrations. She has also obtained her commission to be a notary public.

Nikki is a graduate of Washburn University in Kansas where she focused on human interaction with degrees in communications and sociology, and she holds a Master of Science in Management degree with concentration in organizational development and human resources from Regis University in Colorado.

Nikki serves on the Gradient Gives Back Foundation board and on the Gentry Academy school board, and she volunteers her time for numerous youth activities. She regularly seeks opportunities to promote and be active in our local community.

As an Investment Advisor Representative with Paladin Financial, Jeff Quick works with clients to help them develop comprehensive strategies to help protect their assets, plan for retirement, and achieve their overall financial goals. Jeff began working in the banking and financial industry in 2005 and has gained a broad base of experience that includes serving as President of a tax preparation and marketing firm as well as working for an insurance wholesaler. Jeff holds his Series 6, 63 and 65 registrations and is a licensed insurance agent. This range of experience allows Jeff to bring a unique perspective to his clients. Jeff resides in St. Paul with his wife and four kids. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and coaching youth sports.

As a financial professional with Paladin Financial, Matt Bryant partners to provide investment advice and comprehensive financial planning to clients, and he specializes in federal benefits and their complexity to offer support and clarity to federal employees. Matt began his financial services career in 2011 with a Minneapolis-based money manager where he trained investment advisors across the United States and helped them to navigate the financial planning and investment landscape. Matt holds his Series 65, 6, and 63 registrations and is a licensed insurance agent. He has also formally trained in the FERS and CSRS benefits packages.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Economics, and International Studies from the University of Kansas. He is married to Amanda and has a son, Parker, and they all enjoy a busy house with two rescue dogs–Harley and Brooks–as well as a handful of chickens. Matt is an avid reader, enjoys listening to music, finds time to camp in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, and is a sports enthusiast, staying loyal to his home teams in Kansas. Go Jayhawks! Go Chiefs! Go Royals!

Paraplanners

As Paraplanner’s with Paladin Financial, Zach and Mason strive to create a warm and welcoming experience for our clients. Working alongside Jeff Foley CFP®, they work extensively to help prepare our client’s financial plans, as well as sitting in on and helping to facilitate client meetings. They also serve as an additional resource for our client’s ongoing needs.

As an Investment Advisor Representative with Paladin Financial, Ellie Robison creates a path to help secure her client’s financial future, whether starting fresh into a new career or transitioning to retirement or somewhere in between.

Ellie entered the financial services industry and quickly gained a solid understanding and foundation of financial planning by creating plans for independent advisors across the country. Ellie holds her Series 6, 63, and Series 65 registrations as well as her Minnesota Life and Health License.

Ellie has a background in design and marketing, which led her to find passion for personal finance and working with people. Ellie attended the University of Iowa and moved to the Twin Cities in 2017. She now enjoys everything Minnesota has to offer and frequently visits her immediate family in San Diego. Outside of her professional life, Ellie stays busy with traveling, exercising her creativity, and catching workout classes at LifeTime Fitness.

As a Paraplanner on the Paladin Financial team, Jack Ekholm, FPQP®, facilitates exceptional client experiences by supporting the firm’s advisors. From determining client needs and goals to preparing financial plans and overseeing ongoing implementation, Jack provides a knowledgeable helping hand.

Jack graduated from Drake University in May 2024 with degrees in finance and actuarial science. His past professional experiences include internships at Travelers, Allianz Life, Principal Financial Group, and Deloitte Consulting. Jack earned the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional® designation in August 2023 and holds his Series 7 and 66 registrations as well as his Minnesota Life and Health License.

Apart from work, Jack is passionate about weightlifting, nutrition, and travel. As an Eagle Scout, he enjoys outdoor activities including mountain hiking, camping, and fishing. Jack is also a stand-up comedy fan and eclectic music enthusiast, with favorites spanning the genres of classic rock, bachata, opera, and more.

As a Paraplanner and Client Services Representative with Paladin Financial, Zach Langemeier strives to create a welcoming experience for our clients through his intimate understanding of their financial plans and account holdings. Zach works alongside our Investment Advisor Representatives to help prepare financial plans, to facilitate account openings and transfers directly with our clients, and to serve as a resource for clients’ ongoing needs. His previous work experience includes an internship with McNeely Financial Services and Modern Woodmen.

Zach is a graduate from The University of Northwestern, St. Paul with a major in Finance and minor in Marketing. He is a licensed insurance agent and is currently studying to test and receive his securities industry registrations.

In his free time, Zach enjoys watching sports, spending time with family and friends, staying active, and enjoying his new home with his wife, Ashley.

As a Client Services Representative with Paladin Financial, Alissa supports our team and clients alike. She utilizes her excellent attention to detail in preparing client paperwork, executing operational workflows, and multitasking various projects. Her welcoming personality and passion for exceptional client care are consistent with our dedication to maintaining relationships throughout the Paladin services.

Alissa has her bachelor’s degree from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. She also has her life and health insurance license. She has over five years’ experience in the finance industry and over 20 years’ experience in business operations. Outside of work, Alissa likes traveling, crafting, and spending her time with family and friends. Her favorite activities include cheering on her two kids in their various endeavors and telling outstandingly bad dad jokes.

As Executive Assistant, Katie Hilbrands is an invaluable member of the Paladin Financial team. With a background as a paralegal and legal assistant, Katie seamlessly blends her operational expertise with her legal acumen to deliver unparalleled support to our clients. She ensures seamless operations both internally and externally, executing initiatives that benefit all stakeholders. Katie’s dual role allows her to provide comprehensive financial and legal support, navigating complexities with finesse while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her ability to manage tasks with efficiency and precision, allowing us to provide the highest level of support and service.

A graduate of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Katie received her bachelor’s in English with a minor in Spanish, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse range of clients. Outside of work, Katie embraces adventure through hiking, camping, and exploring her new home in the Twin Cities with her husband. She also enjoys immersing herself in reading, crafting, and discovering new hobbies.

Strategic Alliances

This endorsement of Gradient Investments, LLC is provided by an investment advisor who refers clients to Gradient Investments, LLC. A conflict of interest exists because this investment advisor receives a portion of the annual management fee charged by Gradient Investments, LLC, based on the assets under management of this investment advisor’s clients. This endorsement could assist in the investment advisor increasing the assets placed with Gradient Investments, LLC, and therefore their compensation. These investment advisors are not affiliated with or supervised by Gradient Investments, LLC.

Gradient Investments, LLC

We have strategically partnered with Gradient Investments, LLC, an independent, fee-only SEC registered investment advisor to provide our clients with professional money management services. Our firm and clients have unique access to Gradient Investments’ portfolio managers who bring a depth of market experience and insight and actively manage our clients’ accounts.

The Gradient Investments team can be seen regularly on national media outlets including CNBC, Fox Business, Bloomberg Barron’s, and The Wall Street Journal.

Paladin Wealth, LLC dba Paladin Financial and Paladin Insurance, LLC are not affiliated with the above-mentioned firms.

Our Financial Professionals

Jeff Foley, CFP®

Nikki Foley

Jeff Quick

Matt Bryant

Paraplanners

Ellie Robison

Jack Ekholm

Zach Langemeier

Alissa Gustafson

Katie Hilbrands

Nicole Giefer

Lindsey Smith

Carter Kurth

Strategic Alliances

MICHAEL BINGER, CFA®

KEITH GANGL, CFA®

TYLER ELLEGARD, CFA®