Berthel Fisher Expands Its Financial Services with APP Financial Recruitment

In a significant move to enhance its capabilities in the financial sector, Berthel Fisher Companies, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has successfully recruited APP Financial, a Fort Wayne, Indiana-based firm. APP Financial manages approximately $146 million in client assets and is led by esteemed financial professional Gregory Whitenack.

Berthel Fisher has already had a promising start to 2026, actively expanding its workforce by attracting financial professionals across various states, including Missouri, California, Texas, and New Jersey. This recruitment indicates Berthel Fisher's commitment to growing and diversifying its financial services.

Paige Christofferson, the Chief Business Development Officer at Berthel Fisher, expressed excitement about welcoming Whitenack and his team to the company. “We are thrilled to have Greg and Minerva join Berthel Fisher. They embody our values of fostering strong working relationships, providing responsive service, and offering practical support, all critical to helping financial advisors best serve their clients.” Christofferson highlighted the firm’s desire to partner closely with APP Financial, helping them expand their established client relationships in Fort Wayne.

APP Financial consists of a dedicated team of three professionals specializing in securities and retirement planning for clients nearing retirement. Their approach is centered around being responsive, accessible, and delivering personalized assistance to help clients navigate their financial queries effectively.

Whitenack shared insights into the importance of their visit to Berthel Fisher's headquarters, stating, “Our visit played a key role in our decision to join. We sought a Midwest-based firm that truly understood the importance of relationship-driven businesses and was willing to provide financial professionals with the means to serve clients through various models. We did not want a rigid, one-size-fits-all platform.” He added that the team at Berthel Fisher truly understands their needs and can support their business in alignment with their client service approach.

Additionally, this announcement has marked the appointment of Madyson Tracy as the new Vice President of Business Development at Berthel Fisher. No stranger to the financial services industry, Tracy brings nearly a decade of experience spanning advisor support, client service, and business development. Previously, she was the Director of Organizational Development at Renaissance Financial.

In her new role, Tracy will be tasked with focusing on advisor growth, succession planning, and forging new partnerships within the firm. “Berthel Fisher has a compelling narrative for advisors seeking independence and flexibility,” she stated. Tracy aims to showcase the potential for financial professionals looking for a responsive partner, broader service options, and support for their ongoing success without compromising the valuable relationships they have cultivated with their clients.

Christofferson reiterated that growth at Berthel Fisher is not solely measured by headcount. Instead, it is about attracting financial professionals who prioritize long-term relationships, integrity, and quality business partnerships. “Greg and his team exemplify the type of professionals we aspire to support, and with Madyson’s experience, we are positioned to bring this message to even more teams in the future,” she said.

Berthel Fisher Companies operates as a national financial services firm containing four distinctive companies dedicated to providing comprehensive investment management, financial products, and services to financial advisors and their clients. Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. (BFCFS), serves as a full-service broker-dealer supporting independent financial advisors nationwide. Securities Management Research, Inc. functions as an insurance-based broker-dealer offering diverse business opportunities. Furthermore, BFC Planning, Inc. stands as an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor, presenting an extensive list of portfolio managers and access to prestigious custodians. Lastly, Berthel Fisher & Company Insurance, Inc. serves as a full-fledged insurance agency offering a broad spectrum of solutions from leading insurance carriers.

As Berthel Fisher continues its strategic growth initiatives, the recruitment of APP Financial is a clear reflection of its mission to empower financial advisors and foster meaningful partnerships.