The Johnston Group offers independent financial planning expertise that's 100% focused on you.

For over 15 years, our highly personalized investment, tax and estate planning services have helped successful people achieve personal and financial goals.

PARTNER

Partnering with you is fundamental. From the beginning, we focus on you and your strengths, providing unbiased expertise and investment discipline. Read our bios to learn how we work as a strong, cohesive team in pursuit of the best ideas and investments for your specific goals — year after year.

PLAN

Your financial plan should be as individual as you are. That’s the plan we will create for you: a proactive, long-term strategy for success. We’ll help you articulate your dreams, and we’ll use our investment expertise to connect those dreams to dollars and deadlines. Once your plan is in place, we’ll review and monitor it continuously to ensure its integrity.

PROSPER

How do you define financial success? We’ll work with you to create an investment strategy that manages future risk and leads to more abundant opportunities.

Brad Johnston

Founder + President

Brad Johnston formed The Johnston Group in 1994 with the mission of providing independent solutions to both executive-level clients and corporations.  With more than 32 years in the financial services industry, Brad brings the knowledge and expertise needed to offer a full spectrum of financial services to the firm’s clients. Prior to launching The Johnston Group, Brad was vice president and branch manager for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter from 1988 to 1994, where he created one of the first Corporate Servicers departments in the industry; providing options counseling to senior executives and corporations.  From 1982-1988, he worked in financial planning and investment management at Piper Jaffray & Hopwood.   Early in his career, Brad worked at Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith where he was integral in the development of Cash Management Accounts (CMAs), a now-common investment tool. In 1992, Brad helped found the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals for those who administer corporate stock plans.  Brad holds BES degrees in Economics and Criminal Justice from the University of Minnesota. brad@thejohnstongroup.com

Maggie Johnston

Chief of Operations

Maggie Johnston joined her husband, Brad, at The Johnston Group when the company was formed in 1994 and has been instrumental in the continued success and growth of the firm.  She wears many hats, including office manager, director of Human Resources and chief of Client Relations.  In these capacities, she provides a full complement of management, organization, research and customer service skills that provide seamless response to our client's needs. In addition, Maggie's background in healthcare, retail and philanthropy make her an asset to an organization that strives to grow and adapt to the ever changing marketplace. Maggie holds a license for life, accident, and health insurance.

Sandra K. Harder, CPA

Lead Advisor

Sandra K. Harder, CPA joined the Johnston Group in June 2012 as Lead Advisor, Tax Planning and Counseling.  Her background is in family office management and trust and estate planning.  Most recently Sandra was  Tax and Financial Manager for a variety of entities within the Pohlad Family Office (CRP Holdings, LLC), responsible for the financial statements as well as budgeting tax planning and estate planning.  She has worked with a variety of industries such as:  film, hotel, private aircraft, television broadcasting, IT, private foundations and public charities.  Sandra received her Bachelor of Accounting degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. 

Sandra

Courtney Hagberg

Operations Manager

Courtney Hagberg joined The Johnston Group in June 2005 as a Planning Assistant. In her current role of Operations Manager she is responsible for creating, maintaining and following through on all internal team workflow and communication. Courtney graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management in 1999. She has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and currently holds the Series 7 and Series 66 Securities registrations.  

B. James Heideman

Analyst

James Heideman joined The Johnston Group in October 2006 as an analyst providing much-needed back-office support for the firm’s day-to-day operations. In his current role he also works closely with Brad on investment management including trading, portfolio construction and market research. Prior to joining The Johnston Group, he held an analyst position at UBS Securities. James graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Economics from the University of Minnesota in 2006 and holds a Series 7 Securities License.

Amy Kemper

Assistant Weathcare Advisor

Amy Kemper joined the Johnston Group in April 2010 as the Operations Manager. In her current role as Assistant Wealthcare Advisor, she is the primary client liaison for planning development and presentation.   She is responsible for planning updates, collaboration with our professional partners and ongoing client contact and communications. She brought over ten years’ experience as a small business owner.  As CEO/Partner for Red Hen Consulting, she provided QuickBooks consulting and support to individuals and small businesses. Amy graduated with a B.A. in Management from Loras College. She is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and is currently studying to become a Certified Financial Planner.  Her strong organizational skills, leadership and commitment to clients make Amy a strong asset to the Johnston Group.

Janet Odlaug

Strategic Assistant

Janet Odlaug joined the Johnston Group as a Strategic Assistant in December, 2012. She acts as Brad’s gatekeeper in her role as a first contact for client services and communications. She works closely with other team members to manage client accounts as well as monitor day to day operations. Her leadership and organizational skills are strong assets in helping to create, maintain and follow through on backstage projects that implement the vision and strategic direction of the firm. Her background is in marketing, special event planning and fund-raising. She graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder in Journalism and holds and an M.B.A. from the University of Saint Thomas.