John Fonaas, CRPC®, CPFA®, AIF®

I serve as the Wisconsin Relationship Manager providing retirement plan services helping guide our plan sponsors in the management of the fiduciary process and work with plan sponsors to help devise and implement a comprehensive governance process. I’m responsible for the growth, client experience and risk management of our qualified employee benefit services to existing CLA clients and prospects. Help to ensure proper client segmentation with a focus on a consistent and scalable client service experience. Work with CLA colleagues and external centers of influence to build and manage opportunities. Lead sales process to increase plan assets under management. Communicate trends and benefit-related laws to plan sponsors, advisors and principals. Answer questions regarding plan design, technical questions and coordination with other service providers. Host group educational meetings to help employees with plan investment options and assist with enrollment to increase retirement readiness.

Responsible for the service, growth, and expansion of the retail investment market through my work with advisors. I consult advisors on business development, practice management, marketing, capital markets and positioning of Russell Investments’ products. Work in close partnership with Regional Director and other Russell business groups to create a unified and highly targeted approach inside an assigned territory in order to serve as a resource for their needs. Provide a value-added sales experience through communication of Russell’s capital market insights and investment proposals tools. Seek to provide successful identification and development of new producers through highly targeted outbound sales efforts.

Partner with Regional Director to increase presence of Wells Fargo funds, SMAs, and money markets. Profiled advisors to understand their practice to identify needs and position solutions. Developed successful client relationships by presenting relevant sales ideas based off market conditions. Researched and analyzed competitor products to assist in marketing campaigns to financial intermediaries. Present on investment solutions and practice management ideas to advisors. Increased market share by expanding on existing relationships and identifying new opportunities through lead generation and effective follow up.

Follow up on leads with potential clients and pending account transfers. Analyze daily reports including options, margin delinquencies, and reorganizations. Execute trades and open new accounts via walk-in, appointment, and phone. Refer products to clients based on suitability and risk tolerance. Resolve client trading and platform needs. Organize and facilitate monthly seminars on various investment topics. Assist clients with paperwork and the distribution of eligible assets from one qualified plan to another.