The Dynamic Financial Team
Our team has decades of combined experience ready to serve you. We put your interests first, working to grow your assets with effective action while being trustworthy and transparent. Whether you have a dedicated plan to get where you want to be or just have some general ideas, we can help you move toward the financial future you envision.
Darren Yoder
Owner/Financial Advisor
Darren moved to the Cedar Valley to attend UNI and has called it home ever since, earning a degree in Finance and Economics in 2000. With more than 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Darren is passionate about helping clients navigate financial decisions, retirement planning, and investment strategies. Darren is driven by problem-solving and is committed to finding the right solutions to help clients achieve their financial goals.
He holds Series 7, 24, 51, and 65 licenses and is passionate about keeping clients informed by sharing relevant insights and updates at every meeting. Darren and his wife, Sara, have four kids, a dog and several cats. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling to new places, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.
Caleb Schmidt
Owner/Financial Advisor
Caleb graduated with degrees in Finance and Management from the University of Iowa in 2011. He began working in the financial advising world right after graduation and became a licensed Financial Advisor in 2013. His investment research skills and proficiency at account management mean that Caleb brings a fresh outlook and a variety of options to financial planning and wealth management. He has extensive knowledge of Medicare and Social Security, allowing him to answer your questions and provide advice about government programs relating to finances. Caleb and Darren work as a team to provide the best service and complete support of your financial goals. When Caleb’s not working, he likes to watch movies, read the Wall Street Journal, golf, and spend time with his wife, Allie, son Koen and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Mazie.
Luke Merfeld
Financial Advisor
Luke is originally from Nevada, IA and graduated in 3 1/2 years from UNI in 2021. In addition to being a Finance Major and Economics Minor, he was the vice president of the UNI Finance Club. Prior to graduation he passed the Securities Industry Essential (SIE) exam. In June 2022, he obtained his Series 65 license to be qualified as an Investment Advisor Representative. He brings a fresh outlook to investment research and portfolio management. He enjoys all aspects of personal finance and can work with you to establish a plan to meet your goals. Luke works as a team with Darren and Caleb to provide superior customer service and support. When Luke isn't working he enjoys fishing, watching the Cyclones and spending time with family and friends.
Shelley Petersen
Financial Assistant
Shelley is from Waterloo originally and has worked in the customer service industry since 1988. She has been assisting Darren since he first became an advisor and has been integral to making things run smoothly behind the scenes by aiding with paperwork, scheduling, and much more. She prides herself on her strong attention to detail and enjoys building relationships with clients. She and her husband, Ben, have three kids. When she’s not spending time with them, she can be found reading, exercising, watching sports, or boating.
Deni Badker
Financial Assistant
Deni has a degree in Business Management from Upper Iowa University and has been using those skills in the customer service industry since 1996. She joined Jody and Kevin in 2013 and assists them wherever she can, making sure paperwork is processed and client needs are fulfilled. Deni loves working with clients and strives to provide a positive interaction with each one. She has two kids with her husband, Bret, and they also have a boxer named Frazier. In her spare time, Deni frequents flea markets, estate sales and auctions to search for amazing finds.