Philip A. Guske
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Professional
is President and CEO of Pathfinder. He is a nationally-recognized Financial Educator, Author, Speaker and Retirement Income Specialist, whom you may have seen in NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX network affiliates and Yahoo Finance, Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, Wall Street Select, Chicago Business Journal, Daily Herald, among others.
As a Contributing Author on Retire Abundantly: The Proven Principles To Create A More Worry Free Retirement With Less Stress!; Giving Transforms You! 52 Ways Giving Transforms You, Your Family, Your Business and Your Community; and Creator of the Wealth with Peace Path®, Guske has been interviewed by Kevin Harrington, original Shark on the multi-Emmy® Award winning TV Series, Shark Tank, and James Malinchak, featured on the hit ABC TV series, Secret Millionaire. He and his team equip families to more fully enjoy their money, family and giving, so that they can enjoy their Wealth with Peace Path®.
Phil W. Guske
Investment Advisor Representative
is founder of Pathfinder Wealth Management, Inc., began his career in 1980 after serving on active duty as an officer and US Army Pathfinder. Initially Phil was reluctant to enter the financial business because he refused to be associated with an industry known for its high pressure sales tactics and dubious products. That was changed after reading Norman F. Dacey’s book What’s Wrong with Your Life Insurance. He recognized a critical need for consumer education in the areas of life insurance and investments. After entering the business his insights and recommendations to clients often placed him at odds with his superiors and associates.
Over the years Phil’s journey took him to several large firms. Eventually his experience led to the conclusion that the “home office” always encouraged their representatives to promote products and strategies that were most profitable for them but least productive for the consumer. An investor, it seemed, had little chance of achieving peace of mind and financial security. In 1996 he created Pathfinder as an alternative to these industry “conflicts of interest” and as a fee-only, independent had the opportunity to place the needs of the client first – not some big Wall Street firm.
Barbara A. Lane
Investment Advisor Representative
is a Retirement Income Certified Professional® and Investment Advisor Representative, began her career in financial services in 1998. In 2011 she became a part of the Pathfinder family. Barbara began her financial career while working as a Comptroller for 22 years in the Rockford area. After working on the accounting side of business, Barbara made a decision to branch out of the corporate world and seek out areas where people needed help in their personal finances.
As Barb began her career, she soon realized she desired to conduct business differently and that an important client/advisor relationship starts with good listening skills as well as attention to detail. Barb has a strong commitment to her clients, acknowledging that her business is about valued partnership and trust. In 2004, Barb started her own business, Senior Capital Management, Inc, specializing in helping families with post-retirement issues such as investment management, asset protection and estate preservation.
As Barb determined a need to offer more comprehensive estate planning for her existing clients, she decided to merge her practice with Pathfinder in February, 2011. Barbara is excited about the money management philosophy at Pathfinder and plans on educating the public and existing clients on the need for comprehensive retirement income planning, estate planning and asset protection. Barb is passionate about encouraging and motivating consumers about investing and preparing for the long-term.
A native of Rockford, Barbara loves vacationing, reading, music, exercising and gardening. In her spare time, Barb has a passion for helping the underprivileged and disadvantaged.
Marissa L DeVlieger
Office Coordinator
Marissa has been with Pathfinder since 2021 as our client liaison and office coordinator. If you need to make a withdrawal, schedule an appointment, or make other updates to your account, Marissa is happy to help.
Born and raised in Pecatonica, IL, Marissa has been an invaluable addition here as well as her previous career as a speech therapist.