Meet the Team
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Founder and CEO, CFP®, AWMA®
Mike is a Certified Financial Planner™ and founder of The Dala Group. He graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a master’s degree in Structural Engineering. Following a 7-year career in building design, Mike decided to make a career transition that allowed him to use his advanced problem-solving and analytical skills in personal finance.
Before founding The Dala Group, Mike’s financial planning career started at Waddell & Reed, where he built a wealth management firm focusing his efforts on helping families achieve their lifestyle and legacy goals. Over the years, he has gained a unique perspective on comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax, and estate planning. Mike loves the challenge of engineering complex wealth strategies and building long-term, trusting relationships with each client.
Mike’s professional development includes the Certified Financial Planner™ designation and the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation.
When Mike is not in the office, he is with his wife, Linnea, and his two daughters, Elin and Audrey. Mike decompresses at the end of each workday by weightlifting and kickboxing at CrossKicks. You will also find him drinking his favorite protein smoothie. Mike is an avid sports fan and, although he was raised a Kansas City Chiefs fan, he has lived in Chicago for nearly 25 years so you will find him cheering on the Chicago Bears! Mike has also spent many years volunteering in the community and in his church including the Stewardship ministry at Willow Creek Community church.
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Co-Founder
Linnea Heatwole is the Co-Founder of The Dala Group, where she has played a pivotal role in the firm’s early development. With her diverse skill set, she has filled essential gaps and contributed to the firm’s steady growth. While Linnea often works behind the scenes, she is always excited to connect with clients in the office.
The firm’s name, The Dala Group, was chosen by her husband, Mike, to honor Linnea’s Swedish heritage. For Linnea, it symbolizes warmth, home, and good fortune, evoking a strong connection to her family’s roots.
Linnea and Mike are high school sweethearts and proud parents of two daughters, Elin and Audrey.
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Wealth Advisor
Stacy was born and raised in Iowa and is a graduate of Iowa State, with 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is working on obtaining a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation at Northwestern University. Stacy chose to work with The Dala Group due to their holistic approach. At The Dala Group, the advisory team combines in-depth tax planning, investment management, income planning, and estate planning to optimize every area of the client’s retirement picture. Stacy is often complimented that her success in building deep client relationships is due to her down-to-earth approach and keeping her clients at the center.
In her free time, you will find Stacy and her husband on the sidelines cheering their daughters on in their activities, volunteering in the children’s ministry at their church, on the golf course (not as often as they would like), or baking.
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Wealth Advisor, CFP®
Kim is deeply committed to helping individuals and families plan for their future. She has a unique ability to genuinely understand clients’ priorities, and she addresses their concerns with care and compassion. Notably, Kim excels in integrating all facets of her clients’ financial lives, crafting a strategy that propels them toward achieving their goals. Kim has been a trusted partner for high-net-worth families for over 10 years. Her expertise extends to making significant financial decisions, guiding clients with wisdom, and positioning them for the most impactful outcomes.
Having graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Personal Finance and earning the Certified Financial Planner™ designation, Kim demonstrates a solid educational foundation and commitment to professional excellence.
When Kim is not in the office, you will find that she is dedicated to her family. She enjoys moments with her husband and chasing after her twin daughters. Additionally, she finds pleasure in cooking and running.
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Associate Wealth Advisor
Michael joined The Dala Group as an Associate Wealth Advisor after passing his Series 65, Uniform Investment Advisor Law Exam. Michael also completed training to become a Ramsey Solutions certified Master Financial Coach. Michael is passionate about helping others find a path to financial freedom, whether it be through Wealth Advising, facilitating Financial Peace University, or leading young students through Foundations in Personal Finance. Michael loves the analytical nature of gathering details of a client’s financial picture and arriving at a plan that meets their short- and long-term goals.
Michael lives in Aurora and enjoys mountain biking, watching movies, spending time with his wife and two sons while traveling, and playing a myriad of games.
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Operations Specialist, FPQP®
Kristin is a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional® and serves as our Operations Specialist. She supports our advisory team through her intricate knowledge of our systems, processes, and general operations.
Kristin lives in Central Illinois with her husband, Jake, and two children, Claire and Ben. They enjoy spending time together as a family, going for hikes, traveling, and running around to various activities. Kristin volunteers as Claire's Girl Scout troop leader and, in her downtime, loves running with her dog and reading.
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Executive Assistant
Jen is our Executive Assistant to the CEO, Mike Heatwole. Jen brings over a decade of experience supporting C-suite professionals in the financial consulting and tax industries. Her passion for providing excellent customer service and creating meaningful connections is evident in her work.
Jen and her husband, Samuel, live in Hoffman Estates, where they enjoy playing board games, spending time outdoors, and traveling whenever possible.
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Associate Wealth Advisor
Trey is passionate about helping clients secure their financial future. He believes that sound financial planning is essential for creating a life with more choices and less stress. Dedicated to guiding clients through their financial journey, Trey focuses on building strong relationships that contribute to their success. Recently, Trey passed the Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning.
Trey earned his degree in Finance from North Central College, where he developed the key skills needed to help clients achieve their financial goals. As a member of the college baseball team, he learned the importance of teamwork, leadership, and discipline—values he now applies to his career in wealth management.
Residing in DeKalb, IL, Trey enjoys staying active through playing golf, watching sports, and spending quality time with family and friends.
About Us
Our Values
We want to be your partner in financial planning so you can stop worrying about your family’s financial future.
The Dala Group is owned and operated by real people who have been in your shoes: We are a team of experts with decades of combined experience who have walked this road with our own families. We want to help you take the very best care of your loved ones.
We Are:
Thorough
Reliable
Knowledgeable
Genuine
Transparent
Collaborative
We Believe in the Power of:
Excellence
Community
Connection
Kindness
And Holistic Financial Planning
Our Story
Our founder, Mike Heatwole, initially set his sights on a civil and structural engineering career and dedicated years to designing building structures. However, Mike’s true calling emerged when he discovered his passion for assisting individuals and their families in planning for their future.
With a sharp problem-solving mindset, an innate analytical ability, and a deep concern for people, Mike seamlessly transitioned into the financial planning realm in 2013 and later established The Dala Group in 2018.
Inspired by the Swedish Dala horse—a symbol of good fortune and renowned for its strength, courage, and wisdom—we aim to embody these qualities in safeguarding your family’s future and preserving your legacy.
You don’t have to be a financial expert to ensure your family’s well-being. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you towards financial peace of mind.
You have enough to worry about.
Let us help with the finances.
You work hard. You provide for your loved ones, care for their well-being, and wish the best for their future (and yours!). But all too often, optimizing finances feels like a struggle–you know you should have a plan for your money, but where do you even begin?
At The Dala Group, we don’t think you should have to be a financial expert to take great care of the people you love. We’ll help manage your wealth today, so you can live confidently, knowing you’ve taken care of tomorrow.