|
Michael S. Nichols, Ph.D.
 After a brief career as a civil engineer and construction manager, Michael began his financial career as an academician. After obtaining his doctorate in Finance from Saint Louis University he accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Finance and MBA Program Director in Phoenix, Arizona. “I love teaching, and because of my prior business experience I believe I add a practical application dimension that many professors cannot.” After seven years of teaching experience at two universities, and some serious soul-searching, he chose a new career path, becoming a full-time financial advisor while continuing to teach on an adjunct basis. “I know that down the road my students will understand the value of what they learned in class, but as a financial advisor I felt I could make an immediate positive impact on people’s lives.”
Michael has 20 years of university-level teaching experience in Finance and Investments, and 11 years of experience as a practicing financial advisor. Michael started Cutter Advisors to build the kind of financial services firm he envisioned. We believe that the family-office model that is currently available only to the ultra-affluent can be adapted and offered to a much wider spectrum of clientele.
Michael’s focus is on portfolio design and management, and client education. He takes great pride in his clients understanding why they own what they own and how their portfolio strategy will help them achieve their goals. His passion for teaching has been tapped by several local universities including Saint Louis University, Webster University, Maryville University, and Logan College of Chiropractic. He has also had the distinction of serving on the national Certified Financial Planner Board of Professional Review.
John T. Blattel, CFP®
 After more than 20 years of combined corporate and personal financial planning experience, John created Retirement by Design, a planning process which focuses on those critical decisions that must be made regarding wealth accumulation before retirement, and distribution strategies in retirement. “It helps people understand how they can maximize their lifestyle both prior to and in retirement without the fear of running out of money.”
After receiving a BSBA in Finance from Saint Louis University, John began a career in corporate financial planning with a major telecommunications firm. In 1991, he transitioned back into his primary area of interest - personal financial planning. The analytical skills he developed in the world of corporate finance have enabled him to guide clients through their own retirement by design.
John has also taught workshops on retirement planning through St Charles County Community College and various other organizations and corporations. In addition to educating people about money management and retirement planning, John earned his Certified Financial Plannertm certification from the CFP Board of Standards in 1998. He is an active member of the Missouri/Southern Illinois chapter of the Financial Planning Association.
Kirk Halveland Kirk Halveland brings 15 years of financial industry experience to the financial advisory team. While employed as a financial advisor at Stifel Nicolaus and Company, Kirk obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Fontbonne University. During this same time, Kirk refined his money management philosophy and honed his presentation skills.
Kirk has made individual and business retirement account strategy the core of his business practice. “Demographically, it is clear that there is a great and growing need to help people deal with the rules and potential pitfalls of IRA/401(k) administration. I have made it my mission to be a trustworthy resource and advisor that clients can depend on for accurate planning.” Kirk has conducted workshops on the retirement and estate planning aspects of IRA/401(k)’s and will continue to make that a priority.
Kirk was born and raised in St. Louis and lives in the metro areas with his wife, Tammy and their two children. In his free time, Kirk coaches little league soccer and volunteers for the Special Olympics foundation.
|