Meet the professionals who can help you pursue your goals.
The team behind Peterson Financial Group is made up of financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their ideal retirements.
Eric Peterson Founder
As founder of Peterson Financial Group, Eric Peterson has dedicated 20+ years of his life to educating and assisting retirees and pre-retirees of central Iowa on how to plan for and protect their financial future. An advocate for comprehensive financial and retirement planning, Eric ensures all components of a client’s financial affairs work in collaboration, producing the best possible outcome. He specializes in identifying potential loopholes of financial, accounting and estate plans, and detects where unnecessary money is “falling through the cracks.”
Eric is a Registered Financial Consultant;1 earned his MBA from Drake University and is a veteran of the United States Air Force. In 2015, Eric published his first book, “Preparing for the Back Nine – A Straightforward guide to Getting Retirement Ready.” You can find the book online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble retailers. He also hosts the “Retirement Ready” radio show from noon to 1p.m. Sundays on WHO 1040 AM. 2
He is an instructor for the Financial Educators Network, which teaches financial education classes at 300 colleges and universities across the country. Eric is an active member of the Ed Slott Master Elite IRA Advisors Group.3 This year-round program, taught by Ed Slott himself, educates Eric continuously on IRA planning, distribution strategies and the highly specialized area of tax law.
When he isn’t helping clients, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife of over 30 years, Teresa, and their two children, Travis and Natalie, cooking great meals for them and playing golf. They reside in Ankeny, Iowa and are proud to have raised their family in that community.
Jared Stines Senior Associate Advisor
Jared joined Peterson Financial Group in 2018, and has over 14 years of financial industry experience. His areas of concentration are retirement income analysis and retirement distribution strategies, and he’s excited to use his knowledge working alongside Eric to help retirees and pre-retirees. As a native of North Carolina and proud graduate of Appalachian State University, Jared is dedicated to helping central Iowans achieve their retirement goals.
While away from the office, Jared likes to be outdoors and at sporting events. Most importantly, however, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Nikki, and children, Caroline and Ike. They reside in Johnston.
R.J. Rademacher Associate Advisor
R.J. has over eight years of experience as a Financial Advisor. He focuses on holistic planning to partner with clients on their retirement journey. He has strengths in retirement income distribution, and strategies offering protection. He earned a designation as a Retirement Income Certified Professional1 (RICP®) in 2020. R.J.'s greatest fulfillment in this career is helping clients to live their best retirement and is dedicated to putting your interest first.
R.J. is a Des Moines native and an Air Force veteran, having served our country for eight years as an Air Force officer. R.J. graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and has an MBA from the University of Iowa. Previously a rugby player, R.J. now enjoys family bike rides and an occasional snowboarding trip to Colorado. He and his wife Emily have three children: Isla, Jack and Audrey.
Our Staff
Linda Richardson
Chief Operating Officer
Linda is responsible for the day-to-day operations, marketing programs, compliance support and managing staff. Her experience and oversight provides our office with confidence that operational needs are met efficiently and effectively.
She joined Peterson Financial Group in 2018 and brought over 25 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry to the firm. Linda spent the previous 15 years as a senior vice president – marketing director for Mercer’s Association & Affinity Practice.
Linda is also a former U.S. Marine and has served on both active duty and as an Individual Ready Reservist (IRR). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Morningside University (Summa Cum Laude).
In her spare time, Linda enjoys spending time with family (especially her new granddaughters, Emma and Maddie), friends and traveling.
Linda Richardson
Chief Operating Officer
Justine Thompson
Director of Case Planning
Justine is responsible for the operational administration of the firm’s managed funds, such as establishing accounts, processing trades and initiating distribution requests. Justine also works closely with the advisors to prepare retirement analyses.
Justine has been with Peterson Financial Group since January 2014 as director of case planning on the operations team and was recently promoted to team lead. In this new role, she creates comprehensive training programs and helps facilitate new processes and procedures.
While away from work, you will find her spending time with her husband, Cameron, and kids Faith, ChloeRose and Lilith. They enjoy being low key with movie nights, video games and takeout.
Justine Thompson
Director of Case Planning
Kristin Freeman
Director of Client Operations
Kristin focuses on offering the best service experience possible for our clients. Her role includes preparing clients’ files, ensuring service requests are processed in a timely manner and helping our advisors build out customized retirement plans.
Kristin started working for Peterson Financial Group in 2011 as the director of first impressions. In 2021, she moved to the Client Services Team as our director of client operations.
Kristin graduated from Des Moines Area Community College and earned an Associates of Arts degree in Business Administration.
While away from work, she can be found spending time with her two children, Dalton and Kennedy, and husband, Jim. In the fall, they spend Saturdays tailgating and cheering on the Hawkeyes. She also enjoys the outdoors, cooking and traveling to new places.
Kristin Freeman
Director of Client Operations
Mallory Petersen
Director of Annuity Operations
Mallory manages the application process for annuities and life insurance, and ensures policies are issued in a timely manner. She also oversees the annuity customer service program by helping process client service requests and addresses client service questions. The favorite part of her job is meeting new clients and processing new business all while providing high-level quality service which makes the day a little easier for the families we serve here at Peterson Financial Group.
Mallory joined Peterson Financial Group in November of 2023 and brought over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry to the firm. Prior to joining our firm, she worked for MetLife, DXC and Brighthouse Financial. Mallory studied economics at the University of Iowa.
When not busy at work, Mallory can be found cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. She also loves spending time with family, friends and traveling.
Mallory Petersen
Director of Annuity Operations
Tonya Gonseth
Director of Client Relations
Tonya was born and raised in small-town, southern Iowa. After graduating from HS, she attended Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), earning an Associate of Science (AS) Degree in Liberal Arts and Business Administration.
Tonya joined Peterson Financial Group in July 2024 as the Director of Client Relations. Tonya brings with her, but not limited to, 17 years of experience in the banking industry, 5 years of experience in the insurance industry, and 2 years of experience in the investment industry. Some of the things she enjoys most about the investment industry is getting to meet clients in person, helping them with their servicing needs and watching clients work towards obtaining the long-dreamt-about light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel retirement.
In her leisure time, Tonya enjoys sports (Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, and Dallas Cowboys, just to name a few!), live music, scrapbooking, crafting, baking, and the outdoors…anything to help her navigate her “empty nest syndrome”. Her proudest accomplishment, and the love of her life is her son, Austin.
Tonya is a firm believer that the best accessory anyone can wear, in any environment, personally or professionally, is a SMILE!
Tonya Gonseth
Director of Client Relations
Sandra Wright
Director of First Impressions
Sandra is the friendly voice that will contact you after an event, educational workshop, or class. Her goal is to kick off your retirement journey with Peterson Financial Group as seamlessly as possible.
Sandy joined Peterson Financial Group in January 2021. Prior to joining the firm, she provided marketing, contract and licensing support to an independent financial advisor for over 10 years.
She also supports the team with many daily tasks, as well as assisting with marketing, client events and educational workshops
Sandy loves spending time with her family, especially her two grandchildren, Evelyn and Jerik.
Sandra Wright
Director of Events
In Memory of Britni Hellmers
Britni was a cherished member of our team, serving as our receptionist and always bringing warmth and kindness to the workplace. Her sudden passing at a young age has left her family devastated, especially her 11-year-old son who now faces life without his mother. Britni’s presence touched many, and her absence is felt deeply by all who knew her.
Her family is now confronted with unexpected expenses, including funeral costs and the challenge of providing for her son’s future. The loss has created a financial strain, and they need support from the community to help them through this difficult time. By coming together, we can ease some of the burden and show Britni’s family that they are not alone.
Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. Your generosity will help cover funeral expenses, living costs, and provide support for Britni’s son as he navigates the road ahead. Thank you for considering a donation and for keeping Britni’s family in your thoughts.
Complimentary Consultation
We can meet with zero obligations on your part. If you can invest one hour today for a no-obligation consultation, we can place you on the path toward owning your tomorrows.