About | Modus Advisors

Meet The Team

Kari Haanstad

Chief Investment Officer, MBA, CFA®

Julie Kaufmann

Client Relationship & Operations Manager

Melinda Kohlmyer

Client Services Representative, MBA

Maggie Swanson

Certified Financial Planner™, CFP®

Pete Weiss

Financial Advisor

Tad Weiss

President, MBA, CFP®

Company History

Modus Advisors has been an industry leader in the evolving world of personal financial services. Back in 1985 when Tad Weiss started his career, financial services mainly consisted of a sales-driven process, utilizing commission-based products to meet client needs. The field of Personal Financial Planning was in its infancy, and stockbrokers and insurance agents dominated the industry. In 1972 the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation was created, and in 1985 the CFP Board was founded. Tad recognized the value of taking a comprehensive approach to financial decision-making, and he attained the CFP® designation in 1988. The industry continued to evolve, with fee-only asset management and comprehensive financial planning working into the mainstream throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

In 2009, Tad founded Modus Advisors in Eden Prairie, MN to continue and accelerate the transition to fee-based management and comprehensive financial planning. Julie Kaufmann had joined Tad in 2000 and she continued with the new company. Diane York joined Modus in 2015, and the company moved to Excelsior, MN early in 2016. Modus had found its permanent home near Lake Minnetonka in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. Kari Haanstad, MBA, CFA® joined Modus in 2017, taking on the role as Chief Investment Officer, and Maggie Swanson, CFP® joined shortly thereafter. Modus continued to grow, surpassing $200 million of client assets under management (AUM) in 2017.

Modus Advisors took a major step in 2018, becoming a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. At the same time, Modus entered into a service agreement with Charles Schwab to be the main custodian for Modus clients. Modus surpassed $450 million of AUM in 2024.

Modus has grown throughout the years to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. We work with clients throughout the country and have developed an advisory team that can meet the needs of all generations. We like being a small company that knows each client intimately. At the same time, the growing demands of this industry require that we invest in people, education, and technology to remain an industry leader. We are thankful for the many client relationships that are the foundation of our success, and we look forward to helping our successful clients strive towards and reach their most important financial goals in the years to come.

The Modus Method

Modus (mō dəs): A specific method of operating; a particular way in which something is done. Modus Advisors provides financial planning and investment management services to successful individuals. Modus clients are high net worth and aspiring high net worth business owners, executives, and professionals who know the value of having a cohesive and experienced team working on their behalf. The Financial Advisors of Modus Advisors provide access to financial planning services and manage client portfolios of $500,000 or more. The word “modus” is from the Latin language. The definition of modus emphasizes our method, and way of working with our clients. It is personal and focused on you, the client. It is truly what sets us apart in a financial services world where everyone seems the same. We encourage you to meet with us to learn more about Modus Advisors, and how we can help you work towards your most important financial goals.

Mission

Modus Advisors is committed to delivering the highest quality financial planning and investment management services. We partner with successful individuals in the Lake Minnetonka area and around the country, helping you work toward and achieve your most important financial and personal goals, freeing you up to lead the life you desire. As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we continually strive to earn our clients’ trust by always putting their best interests first.

Values

Integrity - Always do the right thing for every client. Always.
Trust - Earn the trust of our clients every day.
Teamwork - Work together to deliver results that exceed what we could do alone.
Service - Serve our clients, colleagues, and the community.
Consistency - We are in a long-term business. Show up and bring our best every day.
Accountability - Deliver on our promises and take responsibility for the results.
Work/Life Balance- Enjoy our work while maintaining balance in other areas of life.

Meet The Team

Kari Haanstad

Julie Kaufmann

Melinda Kohlmyer

Maggie Swanson

Pete Weiss

Tad Weiss

Company History

The Modus Method

Mission

Values

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