Grateful for 2025. Warm Wishes for the Season.
As the year comes to a close, we’re grateful for the trust you place in us. Each member of The Dala Group has written a short note of thanks, reflection, and well-wishes for you and your family.
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Tina Barrile, CFA, CFP®
Wealth Advisor and Investment Analyst
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Jen Branscum
Executive Assistant
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Stacy Bromann
Wealth Advisor
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Linnea Heatwole
Co-Founder
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Mike Heatwole, CFP®, AWMA®
Founder and CEO
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Michael Hollis, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
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Lisa Martinson
Client Service Associate
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Kristin McCoy, FPQP®
Operations Specialist
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Linette Mejia
Associate Wealth Advisor
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Trey Roach
Associate Wealth Advisor
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Kim Velasco, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Tina Barrile
This year has been an exciting and active one for our family. A significant part of our lives is cheering on our five children at soccer, basketball, football, and flag football games, as well as track and cross-country meets, competitive horseback riding, and dance recitals. Several of them had the opportunity to compete at the State level, which made the experiences even more exciting and rewarding. We also carved out time this summer for a family vacation on a quiet lake in Michigan, giving us a chance to slow down and spend meaningful time together, away from the day-to-day bustle.
Professionally, the most meaningful highlight has been joining The Dala Group, of course! I value the family-like environment and the strong sense of teamwork that comes from working closely with both colleagues and clients. I love researching investments, analyzing market developments, and following financial and economic news. I would actually call it my hobby!
As I look to the year ahead, I plan to continue becoming an integral part of the team and a trusted, consistent resource for our clients. I am excited to deepen my investment research process and share insights more actively with both colleagues and clients, contributing thoughtful perspectives to planning conversations. On a personal note, we’ll be navigating the college search for two of our kids, while another is studying finance at the University of Florida. Go Gators!
Jen Branscum
As I scrolled through my camera roll in search of a photo for this newsletter, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy reflecting on all that my husband, Sam, and I accomplished this year.
We attended the Grand Opening of Epic Universe in Orlando. We embarked on a bucket list adventure to Washington, D.C., where we had the incredible opportunity to tour the White House and see our nation’s founding documents at the National Archives. Along the way, we cherished time spent with family and friends, celebrated my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary, and explored several fascinating museums, both out of state and locally (a special shoutout to the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago, which is featured in the photo).
On a professional note, I honed my skills in YouTube and video editing, and I’m eagerly anticipating everything our channel has in store for 2026. Here’s to celebrating a fantastic year and embracing an even brighter one ahead!
Stacy Bromann
As we look back on the year, I’m grateful for all we’ve experienced and accomplished. With school and activities in full swing, Brian and I have been reminded how important it is to be intentional with our family time. A highlight was a peaceful Thanksgiving week in Florida, where we soaked up the sun and slowed down together.
2025 brought many blessings. Brian and I celebrated 22 years of marriage with a relaxing trip to Lake Geneva. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come since our early days after college. Our girls keep life full and fun. Ava, now a sophomore at Huntley High School, runs cross country, competes in indoor track, and plays club soccer. Ellie, a 7th grader at Heineman Middle School, loved being part of her school musical and is looking forward to the winter play, spring Track and Field, and her horseback riding lessons.
On January 3rd, I’ll celebrate my third anniversary with The Dala Group. When I started, our weekly team meeting included four people; now we’re eleven. Watching the firm grow has been incredible. I’m grateful to do work I love in business development while supporting a wonderful group of clients. Helping people reach their financial goals and navigate life’s changes is truly fulfilling.
Thank you for trusting us with your financial well-being. Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyful 2026.
Linnea Heatwole
As I look back on this past year, I’m struck by how quickly time moves — especially with two growing kids and a full calendar.
One of the highlights of my year was a trip that Mike and I took to Banff, Canada. Some of my favorite memories were hiking Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and simply taking in the beauty of the mountains. It was a wonderful chance for the two of us to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy some adventure, while the girls had their own fun week with grandparents and cousins back home.
On the home front, the girls have had a big year of their own. Elin started 4th grade and continues to be such a bright light — always eager to learn and full of creativity. This fall, she had the special honor of being a junior bridesmaid at her cousin’s wedding, while Audrey proudly took on the role of flower girl. Audrey also started Kindergarten this year, which has brought its own mix of excitement and nostalgia. I’ve found myself a little sentimental about all the “firsts” and “lasts” — realizing this is my final year helping with Kindergarten crafts and class parties. These small milestones are sweet reminders to pause and savor the season we’re in.
When we do find a bit of free time, Mike and I have both gotten hooked on pickleball! I never expected to enjoy it as much as I do — it’s become a fun mix of exercise, community, and friendly competition.
Professionally, it’s been rewarding to see The Dala Group continue to grow. I spend a significant amount of my time supporting our team and assisting Mike behind the scenes with administrative work, marketing, and our YouTube content. What I’ve enjoyed most is getting to know our team so well and seeing how much they truly enjoy their work. They’re such a great group of people, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’re building together.
As we head into 2026, my wish for you and your loved ones is a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
Mike Heatwole
As we wrap up another year and look forward to the holiday season, I’ve been reflecting on the many blessings and memories our family has shared in 2025. Linnea and I took a beautiful trip to Canmore and Banff, Canada, where the mountain views were absolutely breathtaking.
Our daughters continue to keep us on our toes — Elin is now in 4th grade and thriving in school and competitive cheer, while Audrey started Kindergarten and loves swimming and playing soccer.
We also enjoyed a family trip to Washington, D.C., in August to see my parents — their first time living back in the United States in ten years. The girls were especially excited to watch a panda munching on bamboo at the National Zoo! We visited the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit with them next year.
Professionally, it has been an incredibly rewarding year for The Dala Group. One highlight was being recognized on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Financial Advisory Firms for 2026* — an honor that reflects the dedication and heart our entire team brings to the families we serve. Watching our team grow — both in number and in excellence — has been a true privilege.
Linnea and I are deeply grateful for your trust and encouragement as we continue building our capacity to serve more families with the same level of care and intentionality you’ve come to expect. Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to all that 2026 will bring!
Michael Hollis
What a fantastic year this has been! This past summer was dubbed “The Summer of Fun”. That meant we took excursions that had been on our bucket list for some time, including trips to Hawaii, Northern Michigan, and a Bears Game, among other adventures. That’s not including an earlier trip this year when my sons and I traveled to Florida for a Presidents' Weekend tournament, making a two-day stop at Disney along the way. What fun we’ve had as a family! It’s all come from a sense of knowing our financial house is in order, and we can enjoy more.
Professionally, August marked the finish line in fulfilling all the requirements to obtain my CFP© designation. I finished my experience hour requirement in July by participating in a program that brought me into contact with other great financial professionals, where we exchanged ideas and learned “the tricks of the trade,” so to speak, which help serve clients more effectively. That milestone has meant that I’ve been given more opportunities to work with some of you in a one-on-one capacity. It’s so fulfilling to have the opportunity to walk alongside you as you make important financial decisions that affect your life’s direction.
Lisa Martinson
One of my biggest highlights of 2025 has been the opportunity to join the incredible team at The Dala Group in my role as Client Service Associate. When I started in January, I was quickly welcomed in and started training with one of the best trainers I have ever worked with (a shout-out and huge thanks to our very own Kristin!)
Through ongoing time and training, I have progressed from “The Newbie” to a role where I can contribute more and more to the team every day. (In fact, we even added 2 additional new people to our team after I started.)
In my role, I have the added benefit of being able to work with each one of our team members, as I help support their work with each of you (our clients). I have enjoyed getting to know my coworkers as we work together. And I have really appreciated them welcoming me in and helping to support my ongoing growth in this new position.
Looking forward, I am excited about learning more and getting more comfortable in this position, so that I can continue to contribute to our team’s growth. I am also working on getting certified as a Notary, so that we will have an additional team member who can assist with those types of requests in the future.
On the personal side, I was able to visit my family in Florida during a mid-year trip in July. And I’m looking forward to going back and spending some more time with them over the upcoming Christmas Holiday, too.
In addition, I have continued serving and volunteering at my Church, which always brings me lots of joy. My Friends and Small Groups continue to be like an extended family for me. And I also enjoy caretaking in various forms…whether it’s reaching out with a phone call or text, or baking a batch of cookies, building relationships is a high priority.
Wishing all of you PEACE and JOY. . .not only during this Holiday Season, but all throughout the year.
Kristin McCoy
As I approach four years with the firm, it has been amazing to see how much we have grown and how my role has continued to evolve. When I started, we were a team of three; today, we are a team of eleven (and growing). Welcoming our newest team members has been especially rewarding, providing me with the opportunity to grow into new areas of the business. No two days are the same, and I love being able to support our team and, in turn, you, our clients.
2025 has been a memorable year for our family in all the best ways. I just returned from celebrating a milestone birthday in New Orleans with my twin brother and our spouses. We also attempted a family camping trip, which ended with a surprise hotel stay and, the next morning, a tent that was fully flooded. The kids can’t wait to go back. Mom and Dad are still recovering. We also spent time volunteering together as a family, which has become one of our favorite traditions. Early next year, we are moving to a new home within the community we love so dearly, and we look forward to settling in (and dare I say, never move again). Looking forward to settling into our new home, with a mix of travel planned for 2026 as well.
I am grateful for the opportunity to support you and your families each year, and I truly appreciate the trust you place in us. From my family to yours, Happy Holidays.
Linette Mejia
This year has truly been one of new beginnings and meaningful milestones. The biggest highlight by far has been officially starting my career in financial planning and joining The Dala Group. I’m so grateful for the incredibly warm welcome from the team. It has been inspiring to be part of such a supportive and client-focused firm. Professionally, it has been a year of learning and growth. I passed the Series 65 exam, attended my first-ever Annual FPA Conference, and continued working toward completing my Certified Financial Planner™ education program.
Outside of work, a special highlight was traveling to Bangkok with my daughter. One of our favorite moments was visiting an elephant sanctuary, where we had the incredible experience of bathing and feeding the elephants. We also loved exploring the beautiful sights and enjoying the delicious food. It was truly an unforgettable trip, and we can’t wait to go back one day. I have also cherished spending quality time with family and continuing my volunteer work as a financial coach, which has been both grounding and rewarding.
Looking ahead to next year, I am excited to build on this momentum and prepare to sit for the CFP® exam. I am eager to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the meaningful work we do here at The Dala Group, helping clients create lives filled with purpose, security, and balance.
Trey Roach
This past year has been one of growth and new beginnings. I recently moved out of my childhood home and into a townhouse in Des Plaines with a couple of friends, which has been a fun transition into full-on adulthood. It’s been great settling into the new place, from hosting friends for game nights to finally learning how to cook (I think). I’ve also loved spending weekends with family and reconnecting with college friends whenever I can. Life has moved fast this past year, and I’ve found it more important than ever to stay connected with the people I’ve built lasting relationships with.
Professionally, this year has been full of meaningful milestones. October marked my first full year with The Dala Group, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to keep learning and growing alongside such a talented team. Earlier in the year, I earned my Life and Health Insurance licenses – an important step in broadening my expertise and serving our clients more effectively. Most recently, I began my CFP® coursework this fall, an exciting next step as I continue building a strong foundation for a long-term career in financial planning.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to keep expanding my skills and progressing through my CFP® studies, with the goal of sitting for the exam by November 2026. Personally, I’m looking forward to spending quality time with friends and family and making the most of this next chapter of life – hopefully while watching some Bears football in the playoffs!
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season!
Kim Velasco
We had a wonderful family trip to Vietnam over the summer. My husband and I, along with our two daughters, joined my dad and siblings to visit my dad’s hometown. It was so special and humbling to see where he grew up, and it reminded me of the sacrifices he made so that our family could have a better life.
One of my biggest professional achievements has been taking on a number of clients from Mike as the firm grows and his role evolves. It has meant the world to me that they continue to place the same trust in me as they have in Mike.
In the coming year, I aim to serve our clients with the same dedication and care that has always defined our work, while also bringing fresh ideas and innovative solutions to help give our clients financial peace of mind.
