Heidi L. Alten, AIF

Wealth Advisor

 800-822-3642 ext. 126

 halten@exemplarfn.com

Heidi started with Exemplar Financial Network as a Receptionist at our Crystal Lake office in 1995 after working many years as a Manager in retail store. Within a short time at Exemplar, Heidi’s interest in the financial planning process was piqued and she decided to stretch into a new role of Administrative Assistant. As one of the first Administrative Professionals for Exemplar, she saw a real need for seamless training that would allow individuals to move into this crucial team position. Heidi assisted in developing a regional training program for administrative professionals and began training other administrative assistants in 1999. Heidi’s natural, easy going demeanor and consummate professionalism made her a natural fit in training administrative assistants to prepare them for their responsibilities and understand how to help their representative’s clients through great service and organization. The impact the financial planning process can have on the lives of clients inspired Heidi to become a Wealth Advisor in 2012.

Currently Heidi is part of the Walworth, WI Exemplar Team. Since joining them in 1998, they share a vision of helping others pursue their goals and dreams. Heidi is passionate about assisting people, of all ages with becoming financially educated, understanding investing and working towards what they desire both personally and financially, with a clear plan.

Originally from Harvard, IL, Heidi has lived all over McHenry Country but settled in Woodstock, IL in 2018.  She lives with her pug, Nugget and partner, Brian (in that order). She is a member of Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce, the Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce and the Secretary of the Geneva Lake West Rotary Club. Volunteering and fundraising for foundations like Geneva Lake West Rotary Club and volunteering for other area causes, Heidi sees the important impact they make in the community is a humbling source of pride.

A passionate traveler, Heidi has journeyed to unique destinations like Alaska for the Iditarod, climbed the Great Wall of China with her 85 year old Grandma.  Went to Ireland and Germany with her Mom to trace her family heritage.  Hiked Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon and swam in volcano warmed pools Costa Rica to witness the live volcano erupt.

Jacob A. Ries, AIF

Wealth Advisor

 800-822-3642 ext. 136

 jries@exemplarfn.com

Jacob Ries strives to be the first person his clients turn to when they need financial advice.  His ambition is to make work optional for his clients.  As a member of the Walworth, WI Exemplar Team Jacob helps his clients pursue their goals through thoughtful financial planning, diligent exploration of alternatives, independent advice, and exemplary service.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in December of 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, Jacob joined Exemplar Financial Network in May of 2001 as a Junior Planner.  Working primarily with small business owners and pre-retirees, Jacob works closely with his clients to help them develop specific goals for their financial future.  

Exemplifying his noted commitment to his community, Jacob is an active member of the Big Foot Lions Club.  He is also past Vice President of Walworth Joint School District #1 Board of Education, where he served from 2012-2015.  Currently, he is the Committee Chairperson for the Internship Program and Committee Member of the Citizen of the Year Award with the Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce.  The Internship Program, which Jacob helped create in 2010, is designed to support and encourage high school sophomores and juniors to become future community leaders by spending a summer auditing board and committee meetings of local municipal, county, and school governments.

Jacob is very passionate about volunteer coaching in the Walworth community where he lives with his wife, Kimberly, and his two children; daughter Ally and son Carter. Having been involved with wrestling his whole life, he has pursued coaching youth and high school wrestling since 2001.  He also volunteers as a coach for his children’s baseball and softball teams.  In Jacob’s spare time, you will find him enjoying camping, hiking and bike riding with his family. As an avid outdoorsman, Jacob also enjoys golfing, hunting, and fishing.

Alyssa Erickson

Client Services Director

 800-822-3642 ext. 146

 aerickson@exemplarfn.com

Alyssa began her work with Exemplar Financial Network in November 2011.  She has an outstanding attitude in providing representatives and clients of the Walworth Exemplar Team with exemplary service. In 2016 Alyssa was recognized with the Cindy Lark Award. This award recognizes one Exemplar employee who consistently provides customer service that goes above and beyond what is expected to our clients and representatives. 

Alyssa is an integral part of the Walworth Exemplar Team.  She is in charge of the day to day office operations and is the Director of First Impressions for all of the Walworth Exemplar office clients and prospects.

Alyssa has been a lifelong resident of Walworth County and is a member of the Geneva Lakes West Chamber of Commerce.  Alyssa volunteers her time with the activities she is passionate about.

Amber DeVault

Administrative Assistant

 800-822-3642 ext. 150

 adevault@exemplarfn.com

Amber joined the Walworth Exemplar Financial Team in May of 2018 after being in the banking industry for four years. She loves working with people and is very passionate about helping them whenever she can. She is also driven by working in an environment where tasks can vary from day to day.