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Denny Lerner, CLU®, ChFC®

Founder, Retired

P: (231) 796-8621

E: denny@lernerfinancial.com

Dennis Lerner has enjoyed more than 40 years as a financial advisor and creative planner. He has distinguished himself as a leader in the industry through his imaginative solutions to problems and his ability to develop improved methods and strategies. Passionate, dedicated and caring, Denny has a loyal following of clientele who span the globe. On national platforms, he speaks about financial planning to his peers, but his favorite speech topic is the 5-Minute Financial Plan he developed over 25-years ago. It is a way to assist his clients with a “big picture” perspective on financial planning and provide the tools to organize and plan their financial future. It is simple, insightful and has been successfully used by hundreds of his clients.

He has spent his entire career involved in his community, giving freely of his time and expertise. Having served on various charity boards and foundations over the span of his career, he has helped many charitable organizations in their long-term investment strategies.

In his free time, he enjoys fishing, traveling, golfing and spending time with his family.

Accomplishments & Industry Recognition

• Business Person of the Year – Mecosta County
• Distinguished Alumni Award – Ferris State University
• Northern Lights Award – Category of Business and Commerce – Outstanding Contribution to Business and Industry
• Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (broker/dealer) – Circle of Excellence Morningstar Investment Services – Advisory Panel Member
• National Quality Award – NAIFA

Community Leadership

• Ferris State University – Past Foundation Board Member, Investment Committee Chairman
• Eagle Village – Past President
• Mecosta County Community Foundation – Past President
• Mecosta-Osceola United Way – Past Chairman
• Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce – Past Board Member
• Mecosta County Development Corporation – Board Member
• Ferris State University School of Business – Leadership Advisory Board Member

Education and Certifications

• Graduated from Ferris State University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing American College Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
• American College Certified Life Underwriter (CLU)
• Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): Series 6, 7, 22, 63

Associations

• Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) – Qualifying and Life member (Honorees of Million Dollar Round Table must achieve a sales goal predetermined by the MDRT organization and maintain this level throughout the course of one year. Qualified individuals must pay a membership fee in order to participate. Sales amounts are independently verified by the MDRT organization through certifying letters. Qualification for recognition is based on the amount of premium/commission dollars produced over the previous year. This recognition is not representative of any performance returns.)
• National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors (NAIFA)

FINRA Brokercheck Link

Brad Fath

President

P: (231) 796-8621

E: brad@lernerfinancial.com

Brad earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance with a minor in Economics from Ball State University. In 1995, he began his career as an independent financial advisor at Lerner Financial which later became Lerner, Csernai and Fath Financial Group. He holds his Series 6, 7, 63 and 66 licenses with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). One of Brad’s major roles in the office is analyzing new investment strategies. His ability to understand and develop new strategies is an invaluable asset to the group and our clients alike. Brad’s dedication and passion in building strong relationships with people are evident in the trust they place in him. Helping his clients achieve financial independence is the greatest reward of all.

Being a lifelong resident of Mecosta County, Brad has always believed in giving back to the community where he lives, works and raises his 3 children. He is a graduate of Leadership Mecosta, was a Director on the Mecosta County Community Foundation Board, sat on the Investment Committee for the Fremont Area Community Foundation, is a Board Member at Eagle Village and is on the Ferris State University Rebounders Club.

Brad finds great joy and pride in being an involved father and role model to his children, Ben, Grace and Izzy. Whether it’s attending local sporting events or working/playing outside, Brad and his wife, Sara, feel very blessed to be able to raise their family in Mecosta County.

FINRA Brokercheck Link

Nick Scheible, CFP®

Financial Advisor

P: (231) 796-8621

E: nick@lernerfinancial.com

Nick Scheible joined Lerrner, Csernai and Fath Family in 2016. He came to the group after spending the last seven years with Big Rapids Public Schools as the Director of Finance and Athletic Director. Before that, Nick spent three years in the banking/mortgage industry with Rock Financial and Isabella Bank. Today, he works with clients to help them create their financial path, knowing that each of their circumstances are different and they require personalization to meet their goals. 

Nick currently holds his series 7 and 66 designations with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Ferris State University in 2005 and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ferris State in 2010. While at Ferris State University, Nick was also a member of their Division 1 Hockey program and during his final two seasons, he was a Captain of the team.

Nick has spent almost his entire life in Big Rapids and that has allowed him to see many positive changes over the years. He is very excited to have joined a team in Lerner, Csernai and Fath Financial that shares his values of affecting change in our community through being involved and active. Nick is past president of the Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce and a graduate of the Leadership Mecosta Program. He believes deeply in being involved in our community and giving back to the community that has given so much to him.

His biggest accomplishment and the most important thing to Nick is his family, his wife, Melissa, and their two sons, Rowan and Grady. He and his wife are raising their family to have the same community values that have been instilled in Nick. They love going to games and supporting local teams, which currently include hockey, baseball and soccer. They also enjoy traveling as a family, which in the summer means camping around the state of Michigan. Nick can also be found golfing and occasionally playing men’s league hockey. 

Community Leadership

• Mecosta County Community Foundation, Board Member

• FSU Hockey Blueline Club, President

• Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association, Vice President

• FSU Athletic Advisory Committee, Member

Education and Certifications

1. Graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing 

2. Graduated from Ferris State University with a Master’s Degree in Business (MBA)

3. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): Series 7 and 66

4. Life, Health and Annuities Licensed

5. Certified Financial Planner ™ (CFP®)

FINRA Brokercheck Link

Janae O'Rourke, CFP®, APMA, ChFC®, CRPS™

Financial Advisor

P: (231) 796-8621

E: janae@lernerfinancial.com

Janae was born and raised in the small town of Beaverton, Michigan. She takes great pride in community involvement and understands the importance of small-town community support. She graduated from Central Michigan University’s Personal Financial Planning Program with her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration in 2018. She has since obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM (CFP®) designation. While attending CMU, she was a member of the Future Financial Advisors Association that helped shape her good listening skills, great empathy and attention to details that are now appreciated by her clients.

Janae became a financial advisor because she believes money shouldn’t create stress. She often finds that her role requires her to wear many hats: educator, guide, planner and friend. Janae works with clients in our Midland, MI location as well as our home office to help them achieve financial independence by listening to their individual needs and helping them create a roadmap to accomplish financial freedom. From individuals to group retirement planning clients, Janae connects with those seeking true, long-term guidance. She knows that everyone has a life story and she’s grateful to be a part of a number of unique paths and journeys among the clients she works with. 

In her free time, Janae enjoys boating Michigan lakes with her family, reading good books (her favorite being The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah), traveling the world with her husband, Aidan, and spending time with her friends. 

Community Leadership

• Community Wishes, Member
• Midland MYPros, Member

Education and Certifications

• Graduated from Central Michigan University from their Personal Financial Planning Program 
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
• Accredited Portfolio Management AdvisorSM, or APMA®
• Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
• Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): Series 7 and 66
• Life, Health and Annuities Licensed

FINRA Brokercheck Link

Ben Fath

Finance Associate

P: (231) 796-8621

E: ben@lernerfinancial.com

Ben joined Lerner Financial in May of 2023. Before joining the team, Ben received a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Ferris State University. After graduating college he spent one year in Cleveland, OH before moving back and pursuing a career in Finance. He is looking forward to learning the intricacies of financial planning and helping clients achieve their financial goals.

Ben is very excited to be back in the Big Rapids area and ready to be involved in the community that has given so much to him. He is very grateful to have a strong relationship with his family and work with great coworkers. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, fishing, hunting, wildlife, and watching Bulldogs sports.

Kelly Brockette

sr. specialist

P: (231) 629-8616

E: kelly@lernerfinancial.com

Kelly began her financial career at Lerner, Csernai and Fath in September 1994. She is highly focused and simplifies the most complex investment cases. She provides analytical assistance in preparing financial plans, is well-versed in stock and fund research, and is the case coordinator for our managed money accounts. If you have outside investments that you are transferring to LCF, Kelly is your point person to make sure everything makes a smooth and seamless transition. 

Kelly serves on our Investment Committee as the Operations Manager, making sure our investment strategy runs without a hitch. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with the other LCF team members. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Economics, has her NASD Series 6, 7, 63 and 66 securities licenses and a Michigan Life and Variable Annuity license. 

Kelly resides in Big Rapids with her husband and has three lovely daughters. In her spare time, she loves to travel, discover unique restaurants, golf, garden and watch Michigan football.

FINRA Brokercheck Link

Trisha Olds, FPQP™

Sr. relationship coordinator

P: (231) 629-8621

E: trisha@lernerfinancial.com

Trisha has been with Lerner, Csernai and Fath since October 2003. Prior to that, she worked in the banking industry for 5 years where she offered customers a variety of financial products and exceptional customer service which has given her a great foundation for her current position. Her 20+ years of customer service along with being highly organized and detail oriented have prepared her to assist clients with their insurance and investment service needs. She very much enjoys developing relationships with our clients by working with them one-on-one as well as sharing her knowledge and experience with the other LCF team members. 

Since joining our team, she has obtained her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation from the College of Financial Planning along with her Michigan Life Insurance License and an Associates of Business Degree from Baker College. 

Trisha resides in Big Rapids with her husband, Les, and son, Brayden. In her spare time, she enjoys boating on the Muskegon River & other Michigan waterways, traveling in and outside the U.S., watching movies, attending her son's sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. 

Lisa Dettloff, FPQP™

team leader and specialist

P: (231) 629-8614

E: lisa@lernerfinancial.com

Lisa joined the Lerner, Csernai and Fath team in 2007. After three years working in our group benefits division, Lisa transitioned to a case manager and service coordinator for investments and managed money. She is detail-oriented, highly organized, a member of our investment committee, and has recently taken on the administration of the 401(k) business and portfolio analysis. 

Lisa is a graduate of Ferris State University, has earned a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ (FPQP™) designation from the College of Financial Planning, and is also licensed for life, health and disability insurance products. She resides in Reed City with her husband, Scott, and has two children, Nate and Erin. In her spare time, she enjoys family, vacationing in warm climates and interior design.

Sara Fath

Director of finance

P: (231) 796-8621

E: sara@lernerfinancial.com

Sara joined Lerner, Csernai and Fath Financial Group in 2006 as a service coordinator. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree of Science from Central Michigan University in 1996. Sara has a passion for gardening and can often be seen taking care of the office plants, inside and out. 

She enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Brad, and their three children, Ben, Grace and Izzy. A lifelong resident of Mecosta County, Sara and Brad are proud to raise their family in such a wonderful community.

Amanda Wright, FPQP™

Functional Manager and specialist

P: (231) 796-8621

E: amanda@lernerfinancial.com

Amanda happily joined the team in 2016. She is a graduate of Grand Rapids Community College where she obtained an associate degree on an athletic softball scholarship. Her education continued at Cleary University where she received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration. 

Since joining our team, she has obtained her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation from the College of Financial Planning and looks forward to continuing her education in the industry. She is an account specialist, easing the account transition process to LCF. Amanda also serves as Functional Manager, assisting with process improvements and efficiencies to enhance both client and team experience.

Outside of the office she enjoys spending time and traveling with her husband Kyle. She also appreciates spending time with her three horses, Chance, Deuce, and Winnie. 

Maureen Krueger

Integrator

P: (231) 796-8621

E: maureen@lernerfinancial.com

Maureen joined Lerner, Csernai and Fath Financial Group in November of 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Science and English Secondary Education from Western Michigan University in 2009. Working for five years as a teacher and positive behavior intervention program specialist for Grand Rapids Public Schools, Maureen has ample experience in the importance of building relationships, organization and team effort. With the demands of a young family, she exited teaching to work flexible hours for a window treatment firm acting as a project manager and estimator. In the five years with this firm, she is able to bring a depth of knowledge for client relationships, back-end processing for successful completion rates, and a hunger to understand processes at a micro-level for successful implementation. 

An avid supporter of community involvement, Maureen volunteers as a girl scout troop leader, meal-train participant for the local Mops group, and helper in her daughter, Adaline’s, classroom at Riverview Elementary. She and her family (husband Chuck, daughter Adaline and son Jude) live in Big Rapids. Maureen enjoys examining nature, fossil hunting, working on her hobby farm, and outdoor family adventures in her spare time.

Courtney Ploeg, FPQP™

Relationship & training coordinator

P: (231) 796-8621

E:Courtney@lernerfinancial.com

Courtney joined the Lerner Financial team in October of 2022. Since joining the team, she has moved from the role of Front Desk Receptionist to a Relationship Coordinator.  She has obtained her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation from the College of Financial Planning in 2024 and looks forward to continuing her education to better serve our clients.

Courtney moved to Big Rapids in 2022 from the West Michigan area where she attended Grand Valley State University. She has enjoyed becoming part of the Big Rapids community since relocating. Outside the office she enjoys spending time with her partner Dakota and their children, Hank and Georgia,  attending local sports events, cooking, reading, and doing anything DIY. 

Ryan Wernette

Service specialist

P: (231) 796-8621

E: RYan@lernerfinancial.com

Ryan joined Lerner Financial in February 2023 as a Service Specialist. He holds a degree in Healthcare from Ferris State University and brings six years of customer service experience from the local hospital in Big Rapids. Ryan remains committed to enhancing his skills and continuing to contribute to the team's success in his role. Ryan's ability to find humor in everyday situations not only boosts morale, but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among colleagues. His cheerful disposition and quick wit make him a joy to work with, ensuring that even the busiest days are filled with laughter and smiles. Beyond his humor, Ryan is a dedicated professional who approaches his work with enthusiasm and a can-do attitude, making him an invaluable member of our team.

Outside of work, Ryan values quality time with his family and enjoys outdoor activities. His interests include exploring nature through hunting, off-roading, and farming. He is also an enthusiastic supporter of local sports, frequently attending games to cheer on his niece and nephew.

Tiffanie Robison

Office and Event specialist

P: (231) 796-8621

E: tiffanie@lernerfinancial.com

Tiffanie Robison joined Lerner Financial in May 2023 as an Office and Event Specialist, bringing over a decade of experience in client relations. In her role, Tiffanie is responsible for managing front desk operations with efficiency, ensuring a welcoming environment for all clients. She excels in coordinating a variety of client events, from educational seminars to appreciation gatherings, all aimed at enhancing client engagement and strengthening relationships.

Before joining our financial group, Tiffanie served as an Office Manager and Medical Biller at a local physical therapy practice, where she consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to exceptional customer service. Her ability to build long-lasting relationships with clients has been pivotal in her career, and she aims to replicate this success in her current position by creating memorable experiences through well-organized events.

  Tiffanie, resides in the  Big Rapids area,  with her husband and their four children. She enjoys quality family time and traveling to new places. She loves relaxing at the beach and has a passion for gardening.

Janitza Sawyer-Ocasio

Service Specialist

P: (231) 796-8621

E:Janitza@lernerfinancial.com

Janitza joined Lerner Financial as a Service Specialist in March of 2024. She is a qualified, competent, and dynamic professional. With over 2 decades of experience working in fast-paced environments, including Banking and Higher Education, Janitza has a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring efficient database administration, and developing positive relationships with coworkers and clients. 

Outside the office, you will find Janitza dancing and leading dance fitness classes, cooking up something good, and writing poems or short fiction stories. She resides in the neighboring area with her husband and her musical-and-artistic teenager. Janitza is also a proud Blue Star Mom to a US Navy Sailor.

 

Jeff Oosterhouse

Specialist

P: (231) 796-8621

E:JeFF@lernerfinancial.com

Jeff  began his financial career as a Specialist at Lerner Financial in June of 2024.  He brings focus and attention to detail to this new role. Jeff is driven by results and efficiency and will use these talents to help the firm operate at the highest level. 

Jeff graduated from Michigan Technological University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He has spent the last 15 years working in the defense industry where he learned critical problem-solving skills and process improvement strategies.  

In his time away from work, Jeff enjoys spending time outdoors boating with family and friends, making sure to utilize the short summer months to their fullest. In the winter months you will find Jeff tinkering at home with DIY projects.  

Jeff lives in Big Rapids with his wife, Trish and faithful dog named Oliver. He enjoys visits from his two adult children and grandchild. Jeff has lived in or near Big Rapids all his life and raised both children here. He looks forward to working in the community that means so much to him. 

Audra Garchow

Office and Event Specialist

P: (231) 796-8621

E:audra@lernerfinancial.com

Audra Garchow joined Lerner Financial in July 2024, bringing with her over a decade of experience in customer service. As one of our dedicated Office and Event Specialists, Audra excels in creating seamless and memorable experiences for both clients and colleagues.

Originally from the Big Rapids area, Audra has deep roots in the community. She and her husband are proud parents to three wonderful children: Gretchen, Cole, and Dalton. Family is at the heart of Audra’s life, and she cherishes the moments spent with loved ones, especially during the crisp fall evenings around a campfire.

Audra’s passion for fostering connections and her meticulous attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to our team. She is excited to leverage her extensive skills and expertise to enhance our office operations and event planning, ensuring every interaction is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

We are thrilled to have Audra on board and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to our organization.

 

Noah Cutler

Insurance specialist

P: (231) 629-8618

E:noah@lernerfinancial.com

Noah Cutler is a dedicated insurance professional at Lerner Financial, where he leverages his expertise to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of his clients. With a deep understanding of the insurance landscape, Noah is committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate their financial futures with confidence. His analytical skills and attention to detail ensure that clients receive optimal coverage and strategic advice, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and integrity.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Noah is passionate about golf and is an avid supporter of Detroit sports and Michigan State athletics. He enjoys exploring the latest in movies and video games, often finding inspiration in their storytelling and creativity. This blend of interests not only enriches his personal life but also enhances his approach to client engagement, allowing him to connect with clients on a deeper level.

Kaeyla Reid

Service Specialist

P: (231) 796-8621

E:Kaeyla@lernerfinancial.com

Kaeyla joined Lerner Financial  in August of 2024, bringing with her a solid foundation of administrative experience and a passion for helping others. Prior to her role at the firm, she worked for six years as an Administrative Assistant at an accounting firm. This experience has provided her with a deep understanding of office management, client relations, and the importance of maintaining efficiency in a busy work environment. Kaeyla earned her associate’s degree in business, which gave her a strong technical grounding in the field, and she is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business at Ferris State University. This commitment to furthering her education reflects her dedication to both personal and professional growth, as well as her ambition to take on more advanced roles in the future.

Kaeyla’s roots are firmly planted in her hometown of White Cloud. Despite the busy nature of her professional life, she values family time above all else. When she’s not working or studying, Kaeyla enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Gage, their daughter Karsyn, and their dog, Odin. Being a mother is one of her greatest joys, and she takes immense pride in balancing the demands of her career with the love and attention she devotes to her family. Other things she enjoys are shopping, boating, skiing, and binge watching her favorite shows.