Chris balances a love of logic, numbers, and investment analytics with the desire to enjoy life and meet people. He helps LFA clients improve their financial lives by planning and becoming educated about money and finances.

Before joining the company in 2014, Chris was an Investment Representative with another local financial firm for 11 years. Today, he consults with Laraway Financial Advisors’ clients on a variety of financial topics, investments, and insurance products.

“There’s nothing better than sitting down with clients, showing them the potential results of a good plan over time, and seeing the contented look on their faces that says, ‘Yes. Now we’re prepared,’” says Chris.

Chris prepared for his career by earning a BS in Finance, with an emphasis on Micro Computer Studies, from St. Cloud State University. Years later when Chris met Steve Laraway at a Scouting event, he was impressed with the company’s financial values and stewardship objectives, so impressed that he signed on. Today, Chris combines these values with his community responsibilities. He is a member of the CentraCare Investment Committee.  He has been the Cubmaster and Den Leader, an Eagle Scout Review Board member and past Alumni Committee Chair, District Chair and serves on the Executive Board of Central Minnesota Boy Scouts.  He has served as a member of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation’s Investment Committee and has been involved with Greater St. Cloud Business Development Corps, and St. Cloud Opportunities.

James collaborates with his team to set business objectives for LFA and to reinforce its stewardship mission. He greatly enjoys initiating good conversations with clients about their futures. James sees his advisor and insurance professional role as one of helping clients draft roadmaps for financial success and well-being. James splits his time between the local office and the newly opened office location in Alexandria.

James obtained a B.S. degree in Finance and Economics from Northern State University, located in his hometown of Aberdeen, South Dakota. After working various jobs across the Midwest for a number of years, James returned to his first choice of careers – Finance. Prior to joining the company in 2012, James was an investment representative with ING Financial Partners.

James’ desire to help people reaches beyond his investment advisory role to his community and church. He is an active member of Lion’s Club International and he and his family participate in the life of the church at St. Francis Xavier Parish.They support/volunteer at Catholic Charities, Salvation Army and Area Youth Sports, as often as possible.

Jennifer recently achieved the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies in December 2021 for her knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and her ability to meet a defined standard of care in implementing policies and procedures.  "Not all advisors achieve certification, and Jennifer reached the gold standard of fiduciary certification, orienting her to her clients' best interests at an even higher level," LFA President and CEO Chris Wayne.

Jennifer Lesmeister, a University of Minnesota graduate, joined Laraway in 2018.  Jennifer is a licensed and registered financial advisor and is life and health insurance licensed.

Lesmeister majored in Spanish and Latin American Studies at University of Minnesota –Morris. Lesmeister’s career has leveraged her skills in interpretation, writing, and research and interests in estate and financial planning. When she was 16, Lesmeister began taking college level courses, and her advanced language skills in Spanish led her to a career as a bilingual legal assistant in Minneapolis. Continuing to expand her background and expertise, she went on to work at Gray Plant Mooty in the St. Cloud area.

Lesmeister has 8 years of experience in estate planning as a paralegal, which compliments her passion for financial planning. By working to achieve her clients’ goals, she broadens LFA’s resources and helps make their team approach to retirement and estate planning stronger.

“I find that in the financial services industry each day brings changes, and new information,” says Lesmeister. “Staying informed in this industry is critical.”

“Find a job you enjoy doing and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Mark Twain

Retirement transition. The reins of the business passed on to the next generation January 1, 2020, my interest in Laraway Financial Advisors transitioned to Chris Wayne and James Schmitz, advisors and partners who have been with the company since 2014.

I remain involved, albeit less so, as secretary of the firm and as a member of the Investment Committee and still attend monthly meetings, some via teleconference. I still review financial plans and portfolios and assist with investment decisions. I also continue to mentor our staff and continue some direct client involvement as necessary.

One of the greatest privileges in my life has been to serve you, celebrating the good times––births, graduations, weddings, retirements––and giving guidance during difficult times––times of diminished health and death. It has been most rewarding to be a part of your life.

THANK YOU for the faith you have put in me and our firm throughout the years. Laraway Financial Advisors has always understood that the only reason we have been this successful is because you selected us to serve you.

My wife Peggy and I plan to remain active in Saint Cloud and winter somewhere warm (of course!). We look forward to travelling and spending more time with our children and grandkids.

Kim excels as a compliance officer and appreciates how her analytical, regulatory duties complement the client-centered advisory services she provides for the company. Kim helps LFA's clients make sound financial decisions that have impact on their financial wellbeing.

Kim has given over 25 years to the financial services industry, working her way up from the ground floor to where her career stands today, a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation through The American College of Financial Services. 

Positive experience with the GREAT Theatre, a nonprofit community theater for artists and audiences of all ages, led Kim to a volunteer board position since 2015 and board secretary since 2016. 

Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to LFA, gained during over 50 years in insurance and financial consulting. Daily, he helps clients discover new financial possibilities for themselves and their families through plans for a secure retirement or the bequeathing of financial legacies.

In 2014, Bill became part of the LFA group, having owned Bateman, Dolan, and Westlund since 1979 and overseen its merger with Stearns Insurance in 1999. Over those years of developing professional contacts and making life-long friends, Bill was also focused on giving accurate, honest, and meaningful client advice.

“I become very involved in any activity I commit to, including helping my clients,” says Bill.

Many have benefited from Bill’s penchant for leadership and sense of responsibility. Bill is on the board of Granite Rotary and volunteers for Central Minnesota Youth for Christ and Calvary Community Church. He is a past-president of the YMCA and Central Minnesota Youth for Christ, and previously, was a board member of the United Way of Central Minnesota.

Bill earned a BA in Finance and Economics at Bemidji State University, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designation and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation from the American College of Financial Services.

Eileen is typically the initial cheerful face clients see upon entering the office, or the pleasant “Hello” they receive over the phone. Her responsibilities at LFA, in addition to “go-to” administrative tasks for the Advisors, are to keep clients’ data organized and respond to their requests. Her calm demeanor and efficient helpfulness put everyone immediately at ease.

In 2014, Eileen became part of the LFA team, bringing with her over 20 years of administrative experience, knowledge of financial services and employee benefits, and a small business owner’s perspective. Eileen and her husband Jason own and operate Happy Kooker’s Kettle Corn Company, which is a seasonal business they established in May of 2011. Eileen is a graduate of Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls, MN.

Whether they’re Laraway clientele, colleagues, or her own customers, Eileen enjoys meeting and interacting with people. “I appreciate friendly and genuine people,” says Eileen. “They make every day of my job different than the day before.”

Chris helps clients define their lifestyle goals and discover the financial steps necessary to realize them. He operates from the conviction that clients are real people, requiring his advice and mentoring to really understand and take control of their financial lives. Chris encourages his clients to look at the big picture first and then, develop specific plans for taxation, retirement, investing, education funding, and leaving a financial legacy.

Prior to joining Laraway Financial Advisors, Chris was a financial advisor with Cetera Investment Services for 13 years. However, he initially earned a B.A. degree in Biology from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and taught for three years before beginning his financial career. Today, Chris enjoys meeting with new clients in the Brainerd office, having good conversations, and developing relationships he hopes will last a lifetime.

“Financial planning is a great career. I get to work with people and help them every day,” says Chris, who knows what he wants from life. “Only a life lived for others is a life worth living” is his favorite quote, spoken by theoretical physicist Albert Einstein.

Chris is a past-president of Kiwanis and formerly, served on the Finance Board of the Brainerd Lakes YMCA. He is a member of Toastmasters and a parishioner at St. Francis Catholic Church.

As a financial advisor, Pat assesses the financial needs of individuals, businesses, and families, making recommendations and assisting them with their investments. He especially enjoys the personal contact with LFA clientele as, together, they plan for short-term and long-term goals––kids’ education, retirement, and other life-changing events and/or major purchases such as a new home.

Pat has been with the company’s Alexandria office since 2010. He received his Series 7 general securities license in 1996 when he decided to pursue a career as an investment representative. Pat initially received his B.A. degree in Accounting from Alexandria Technical and Community College, and was a comptroller in the medical and plumbing, heating and air conditioning industries for 20 years. Before joining Laraway Financial Advisors, he was a financial advisor with Financial Network Investment Corp.

Pat is also a volunteer firefighter in Alexandria, actively serving the community for over 35 years.