Meet the Team
-
Founder and CEO
Mike Heatwole is the Founder and CEO of The Dala Group and a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. With a background in engineering and a passion for solving complex problems, Mike brings a unique perspective to wealth management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. After a seven-year career in building design, Mike transitioned into financial planning, applying his advanced analytical skills to help families achieve their lifestyle, wealth, and legacy goals.
Mike began his financial planning career at Waddell & Reed, where he built a wealth management firm centered on delivering comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax strategies, and estate planning. Over the years, he has refined his expertise in crafting complex wealth strategies and fostering long-term, trusting relationships with clients. His professional accomplishments include earning the prestigious Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation and the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor® (AWMA®) certification, underscoring his dedication to excellence in his field.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Linnea, and their two daughters. He stays active with weightlifting, kickboxing at CrossKicks, and playing pickleball. A lifelong sports fan, Mike remains devoted to the Kansas City Chiefs but has embraced his Chicago roots by cheering on the Bears as well. Committed to giving back, Mike has volunteered extensively in his church and community, including serving in the Stewardship ministry at Willow Creek Community Church..
-
Co-Founder
Linnea Heatwole is the Co-Founder of The Dala Group and has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s foundation and growth. With her versatile skill set and dedication, Linnea has filled key roles behind the scenes, contributing to the firm’s steady development and success. While her work often focuses on operations and support, she enjoys the opportunity to connect with clients when they visit the office.
The Dala Group’s name, chosen by her husband, Mike, reflects Linnea’s Swedish heritage. For Linnea, the Dala Horse is a meaningful symbol of warmth, home, and good fortune, honoring her family’s roots and the values at the heart of the firm. Linnea and Mike are high school sweethearts and proud parents of their two daughters.
-
Wealth Advisor
Stacy Bromann is a Wealth Advisor at The Dala Group and often serves as the first point of contact for new clients. With her warm and approachable style, Stacy helps clients feel welcome and supported, setting the foundation for a positive and trusting relationship. She focuses on providing a smooth and seamless onboarding experience, ensuring new clients feel confident and prepared for their financial journey.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Stacy combines nearly two decades of experience in the financial services industry with a passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of retirement planning. Known for her ability to explain financial concepts clearly, Stacy ensures that clients’ goals remain at the center of every conversation.
Outside of work, Stacy enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, cheering them on in their activities. She also volunteers in her church’s children’s ministry, loves baking, and occasionally finds time to enjoy a round of golf.
-
Wealth Advisor
Kim Velasco is a Wealth Advisor at The Dala Group, dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of financial planning. With her warm and compassionate approach, Kim takes the time to truly understand her clients’ priorities and concerns, ensuring they feel supported and confident as they work toward their financial goals.
Kim is known for her expertise in integrating all aspects of her clients’ financial lives—combining tax planning, investment management, and long-term strategies to create personalized plans tailored to their unique needs. With over a decade of experience working with high-net-worth families, she brings wisdom and thoughtful guidance to significant financial decisions, helping clients build a secure and meaningful future.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Personal Finance, Kim has also earned the prestigious Certified Financial Planner™ designation, underscoring her commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning.
Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband and twin daughters, embracing the joys and challenges of family life. She also loves cooking, experimenting with new recipes, and finding time to run outdoors.
-
Associate Wealth Advisor
Michael Hollis is an Associate Wealth Advisor at The Dala Group, where he combines his analytical mindset and passion for financial planning to help clients achieve their goals. Known for his detail-oriented approach, Michael excels at gathering and analyzing the complexities of a client’s financial picture to create tailored strategies that address both short- and long-term objectives.
Michael has passed the CFP® exam, holds a Series 65 license, and is a Ramsey Solutions Certified Master Financial Coach, equipping him with a broad skill set to address diverse financial planning needs. In addition to his advisory role, Michael has facilitated Financial Peace University and mentored young students through Foundations in Personal Finance, demonstrating his commitment to financial education and empowerment.
At The Dala Group, Michael works closely with the advisory team to analyze client documents, develop comprehensive financial plans, and ensure every recommendation is seamlessly implemented. His expertise spans key financial planning areas, including cash flow management, tax strategies, retirement planning, and estate planning. Michael is dedicated to ensuring clients feel confident, informed, and supported as they work toward achieving their financial goals and building a secure future.
Michael lives in Aurora with his wife and two sons. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, watching movies, traveling with his family, and playing a myriad of games.
-
Operations Specialist
Kristin McCoy is a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional® and the Operations Specialist at The Dala Group. Her deep understanding of systems, processes, and day-to-day operations ensures the advisory team has the support they need to provide exceptional service to clients. Known for her attention to detail and commitment to efficiency, Kristin plays a vital role in keeping everything behind the scenes running smoothly.
Kristin enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. As a family, they love hiking, traveling, and staying active. Kristin also volunteers as a Girl Scout troop leader, balancing her professional expertise with her passion for giving back. In her free time, she loves running with her dog and diving into a good book.
-
Executive Assistant
Jen Branscum is the Executive Assistant to Mike Heatwole, Founder and CEO of The Dala Group. In her role, Jen manages a wide range of administrative and operational tasks to maximize the CEO’s productivity and support the firm’s organizational goals. She plays an integral part in maintaining smooth operations and ensuring a seamless experience for both clients and team members.
With over a decade of experience supporting C-suite professionals in financial consulting and tax industries, Jen excels at balancing complex priorities while consistently delivering outstanding service. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence are evident.
Outside work, Jen and her husband enjoy spending time together. Whether playing board games, exploring the outdoors, or planning their next travel adventure, Jen brings the same enthusiasm and thoughtfulness to her personal life as she does to her professional role.
-
Associate Wealth Advisor
Trey Roach is an Associate Wealth Advisor at The Dala Group, where he works to make financial planning approachable and practical for every client. With a degree in Finance from North Central College and a Series 65 license, Trey is equipped to help clients create strategies that align with their goals and simplify the decision-making process.
As a former collegiate baseball player, Trey honed his leadership, adaptability, and teamwork skills—qualities he now brings to his role in wealth management. He values building strong relationships and ensuring clients feel empowered to make decisions that support their financial well-being and future aspirations.
Outside the office, Trey stays active and connected to what he enjoys most. You’ll often find him on the golf course, cheering on his favorite sports teams or spending quality time with family and friends.
-
Client Service Associate
Lisa Martinson is a Client Service Associate at The Dala Group. She brings a calm, conversational approach to helping clients feel supported and valued. Known for her dependability and attention to detail, Lisa thrives on solving problems, staying organized, and making sure every client interaction is a positive one.
Whether she’s guiding clients through paperwork or ensuring clear communication between advisors and clients, Lisa’s focus is always on creating a seamless and exceptional experience. She’s a team player who genuinely enjoys helping others and takes pride in her role in building strong, lasting relationships.
Lisa’s Swedish heritage adds a personal connection to her work, with the Dala Horse—a symbol of the firm—serving as a reminder of family traditions and her childhood home. In her free time, Lisa enjoys baking and trying new recipes, spending time with friends, volunteering with her church, and visiting family in Florida whenever possible.
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.