Meet the Berthel Fisher Executive Team

People of Berthel Fisher

Thomas J. Berthel | Email: Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc.; Mr. Berthel founded Berthel Fisher in 1985. Until June 1993, Tom served as President and has carried the title of Chief Executive Officer and Director ever since. Mr. Berthel has a unique perspective on the needs of today's investors, as he remains a working broker. He holds a Bachelor's degree from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa (1974), as well as a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa (1993). Tom holds the securities licenses of Series: 3, 7, 24, 27, 39, 63, 65, and is also a Certified Life Underwriter.

Ronald O. Brendengen | Email: Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director of Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc.; Mr. Brendengen joined Berthel Fisher in July of 1985. He holds a certified public accounting certificate and worked previously in public accounting. Prior to his term at Berthel Fisher, Ron worked in various capacities for Morris Plan and MorAmerica Financial Corp. Mr. Brendengen attended the University of Iowa before receiving a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Business Administration with a minor in Economics from Mt. Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (1978). Ron holds the Series 27 securities license.

Dwight E. Wheelan | Email: President Emeritus and Director of Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc.; Mr. Wheelan has been a Registered Representative since he joined Berthel Fisher in 1985. He held the title of Vice President of Operations from 1987 to 1993. Dwight served as President of Berthel Fisher from 1993-2006, and has been Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Recruiting since 1999. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Wheelan was an owner/operator of Midwestern Aggregate Companies. Dwight holds the securities licenses of Series: 6,7, 24 and 63.

Rick Murphy | Email: Senior Vice President of Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc.; Mr. Murphy started with Berthel Fisher in 1995 as Director of Sales & Marketing for its equipment finance subsidiary. In 2001 Rick was made Vice President of Business Development, and in 2007 was promoted to Vice President, Syndicate Manager. Prior to joining Berthel Fisher, Mr. Murphy was a principal owner of two agricultural related businesses for 15 years. He attended Texas Christian University. Rick holds the securities licenses of Series: 7, 24, and 66.

Leslie D. Smith | Email: General Counsel of Berthel Fisher & Company, Financial Services, Inc.; Mr. Smith joined Berthel Fisher in June of 1994 as General Counsel and Secretary. Prior to accepting his current position, Les held a variety of executive positions throughout the Midwest. His previous experience includes: Gateway 2000, Inc., General Electric Capital Corporation, Leaseamerica Corporation and Life Investors Inc. Mr. Smith was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Iowa Wesleyan College (1976), and went on to receive his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Dayton School Of Law (1980). Les holds the securities licenses of Series: 7, 24, and 63.

Julie K. Driscoll | Email: Executive Vice President of Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc.; Ms. Driscoll has served as Assistant Secretary of Berthel Fisher since 1994. February, 1999 she was elected Vice President of Corporate Development and Administration. In August of 2006 Julie was again promoted to Executive Vice President in the Broker/Dealer. Julie joined the company in 1992, after serving as Executive Assistant at Seiferts, Inc. Ms. Driscoll graduated from Kirkwood Community College (1973).

Tobi Peterman | Email: Senior Vice President; Ms. Peterman joined BFC in 1999 as a Trader. She was promoted to Vice President of Operations in 2002, and again to Vice President of Special Projects in 2008. In January of 2009 Tobi joined the executive staff as Senior Vice President of Broker Support. Ms. Peterman began her career with Aegon in 1991 specializing in Self Directed IRA’s. She became a registered sales assistant for a Cedar Rapids financial consultant in 1993, before joining Berthel Fisher. Tobi holds the securities licenses of: 7, 55, 24 and 63.