Exit Planning Institute - Find a CEPA

ADVISING APPROACH

Derek's specialty is in helping people articulate and realize their vision, whether he’s working with clients or setting the course for the Park Street practice. When clients join the firm, he gets to know them on a personal level, asking poignant questions to better understand their values and help them clarify their idea of meaningful success. Then he collaborates with his team and their network of professionals to create a practical plan that brings their vision to life. As he works with clients, he focuses on education, simplifying the planning process and helping them understand the “why,” behind each strategy. His mission is to give people the clarity and comfort to make wise, non-emotional decisions about money, and he never shies away from the tough conversations. By providing transparent advice, practical education, and personal support, he helps clients gain confidence and peace of mind about their financial futures.

DEREK’S SPECIALTY

Derek specializes in serving established business owners, helping them create a unified vision for their personal and professional financial worlds. Many of his clients are planning to exit their business in the next several years, and they’re looking for alternative strategies to maximize their success, minimize taxes, and protect their wealth. He works with them to implement tools such as executive compensation benefits that help retain and reward key employees and maximize the value of their business. From there, he guides them through the transition into retirement, helping them increase the longevity of their money, reduce their tax burden, and efficiently transfer wealth to the next generation.

INDUSTRY DESIGNATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

Certified Exit Planning Advisor®
Accredited Estate Planner®
Retirement Income Certified Professional®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
Chartered Financial Consultant®
National Association of Estate Planners & Councils – member

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Derek has always had an entrepreneurial spirit; at age 12, he started his own eBay business selling jewelry and audio equipment (not to mention his first-grade toy-selling gig). Fascinated by not only how money works, but how people relate to it, he pursued a degree in finance with a minor in industrial psychology. While working as an assistant manager at a bank during college, he discovered advising and knew he’d found his forever career—one where he could channel his passion for finances and entrepreneurship while having a direct, positive impact on others. He started his practice in 2011 and has since built a strong team dedicated to helping people realize their visions of success. Derek is now the Managing Partner of the firm that consists of four CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS and multiple partners.

PERSONAL LIFE

Derek and his wife Alex live in Minneapolis with their son Parker and their beagle, Hazel. An active, adventurous family, they enjoy exploring the outdoors together, trying new restaurants, and traveling. Derek himself enjoys many hobbies, some of which include four-wheeling, golf, shooting/hunting, exotic cars, biking, and pickleball. His favorite hobby, however, is training in mixed martial arts: boxing, jujitsu, and Muay Thai.

FUN FACTS

What is one thing every person should add to their daily routine?

Fight relentlessly to optimize your mind and body. Optimization starts by waking up early, so you have time for a morning routine of meditation, prepping for your day, meal prep, study/think time, and exercising. That sense of accomplishment will stay with you throughout the rest of your day.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Batman. Or a baseball player.

What are you reading right now?

I read about 10-20 books a year, and right now I’m reading a book on how to educate clients based off storytelling opposed to charts and listening to a book on how to successfully communicate in high stake situations!

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ADVISING APPROACH

DEREK’S SPECIALTY

INDUSTRY DESIGNATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

Certified Exit Planning Advisor®
Accredited Estate Planner®
Retirement Income Certified Professional®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
Chartered Financial Consultant®
National Association of Estate Planners & Councils – member

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

PERSONAL LIFE

FUN FACTS

What is one thing every person should add to their daily routine?

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Batman. Or a baseball player.

What are you reading right now?

I read about 10-20 books a year, and right now I’m reading a book on how to educate clients based off storytelling opposed to charts and listening to a book on how to successfully communicate in high stake situations!

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Purpose Statement

DEREK BROWN

ADVISING APPROACH

DEREK’S SPECIALTY

INDUSTRY DESIGNATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

PERSONAL LIFE

FUN FACTS

I read about 10-20 books a year, and right now I’m reading a book on how to educate clients based off storytelling opposed to charts and listening to a book on how to successfully communicate in high stake situations!

ADVISING APPROACH

DEREK’S SPECIALTY

INDUSTRY DESIGNATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

PERSONAL LIFE

FUN FACTS

I read about 10-20 books a year, and right now I’m reading a book on how to educate clients based off storytelling opposed to charts and listening to a book on how to successfully communicate in high stake situations!

DEREK BROWN

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A Look Into Pressure Solutions Inc.: An Exit Planning Case Study

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Case Study: The Value of Transitioning a Business to its Employees

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