From Sports Reporter to Advisor: Mike Klauke’s Journey to Making a Difference

So, what changed? Why did Mike shift from chasing sports stories to helping people with their financial futures? The answer lies in his love for people and his passion for making a real difference in their lives.

A Change of Heart: From Sports to Service

Mike’s journey began back in the 1980s when he realized his dream job as a sports reporter wouldn’t be as fulfilling as he’d hoped. He’d earned a communications degree and was set for his first job in Wausau, Wisconsin, making $12,000 a year. But reality hit hard. “I realized I was making more as an intern in financial services than I would as a full-time reporter,” he says. That was the moment Mike started rethinking his path.

He decided to try financial advising, joining Northwestern Mutual Life in the 1980s. While he began with life insurance, Mike saw the potential of new investment tools like Roth IRAs. “These were game-changers,” he says. “I wanted to help clients understand and take advantage of these opportunities, and I knew I couldn’t do that while tied to just one company.”

He quickly realized that helping people plan their futures was more meaningful than he ever expected. It wasn’t just about numbers and investments; it was about being there for clients during the most important moments of their lives. That realization led him to leave the safety of a big insurance company and start his own firm.

Going independent was a big leap, but it gave Mike the freedom to truly put his clients first. “I like doing things my own way, and independence allowed me to focus on what’s best for each client,” Mike explains. “It was the best decision I ever made.”

Making a Difference Every Day

For Mike, being a financial advisor isn’t just a job — it’s a way to help families in his community. Over the years, he’s worked with four or five generations of clients, getting to know them on a personal level. One of the things he loves most is seeing kids grow up, get married, and start families of their own, all while continuing to trust his firm for financial guidance.

Mike shared a story that shows his deep connection to his clients. Not long ago, a young client of his, just 34 years old, tragically passed away in a car accident. His widow, expecting their second child, came to Mike for guidance. “They didn’t have a large account with us, but that wasn’t what mattered,” Mike shared. “It was about making sure she felt secure and knew she wasn’t alone.”

Mike took the time to listen, walk her through each step, and create a plan that gave her some peace of mind. “I wanted her to leave knowing her family would be okay,” he says. “That’s why I do this job — it’s about being there for people when they need it most.”

Building a Firm That Feels Like Family

Mike’s firm isn’t just a place for financial advice — it’s a place where clients feel like family. One of the best examples of this is their annual Breakfast with Santa event, a beloved tradition that brings together hundreds of clients and their families. “It’s one of my favorite days of the year,” Mike says. “We have about 250 to 300 people show up, and it’s such a joy to see our clients with their kids and grandkids, all gathered together for a morning of fun.”

The event isn’t just about holiday cheer; it’s about connection. Families bring their little ones to meet Santa, enjoy a warm breakfast, and catch up with Mike and his team. “We have a fantastic Santa who the kids adore,” Mike adds with a smile. “It’s become a tradition for so many families, and it’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.”

To Mike, events like these go beyond client appreciation — they’re about building lasting relationships in his community. He knows many of his clients on a personal level, having worked with them for decades. “We’ve seen their children grow up, and now we’re meeting their grandchildren,” he reflects. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of their lives, not just as their advisor, but as someone they trust and feel connected to.”

Scaling with Smart Choices: How Technology Helps Mike Put Clients First

As Mike's business grew, he realized that maintaining a personal relationship with his clients would require the right tools and support. That’s where Orion came in. By partnering with Orion, Mike gained access to technology and services that helped his team streamline operations without losing the client-first approach that defines his practice.

“Orion has been a game-changer for us,” Mike says. “The tools allow us to focus on what really matters: spending time with clients, rather than getting buried in administrative work.” One of the biggest benefits has been the use of Redtail. With Redtail, Mike’s team can easily manage client information, stay organized, and send personalized communications that help them stay connected with clients throughout the year. “We rely on Redtail every day,” Mike shares. “It’s a simple, intuitive system that helps us keep track of everything, from meeting notes to client preferences.”

Another crucial element of the partnership has been Orion Portfolio Solutions (OPS), which handles much of the back-office work for Mike’s firm. “We don’t have to worry about billing or calculations because Orion takes care of that for us,” Mike explains. “This allows my small team to operate like a much larger firm. We can spend more time meeting with clients and less time managing paperwork, which is exactly how we want it.”

The personal relationships Mike has built with Orion’s team have also made a significant impact. Whether it’s reaching out to his wholesaler, Brett Leach, for support or getting insights from portfolio managers, Mike values the direct access he has to Orion’s people. “It’s not just about the technology; it’s about the people behind it,” he says. “When I have a question or need advice, I can pick up the phone and call someone who knows my business. That kind of partnership is rare, and it’s made a big difference for us.”

Just like his own practice, Mike sees his partnership with Orion as one built on trust, shared values, and a mutual commitment to helping clients succeed. “They’ve enabled us to do what we do best,” Mike says. “With Orion handling the back-end work, we’re able to focus on building strong, lasting relationships with our clients.”

Looking to the Future: Mike’s Vision for His Firm

As Mike looks ahead, he’s excited about the next chapter for his firm. He’s working closely with his junior advisor, Kenny, to ensure the business continues to thrive even after he steps back from day-to-day operations. Mike’s focus is on building a strong team that shares his client-first mindset.

“I want to make sure our clients are taken care of, even when I’m not there every day,” Mike says. “It’s not about making the most money; it’s about doing what’s best for the people who trust us. That’s my motivation.”

Mike's excited to see where the financial industry is headed, especially with new innovations on the horizon. He believes the future will bring even more ways to serve clients efficiently, and he’s eager to be a part of that journey. “It’s going to be a really interesting ride,” Mike says. “I think there’s a lot of good things ahead for all of us.”