Steve Drost: Empowering Lives Through Personalized Financial Planning

Steve Drost is a shining example of knowledge and empathy in the field of financial planning, where figures meet the aspirations of people. Professedly a "numbers nerd" with a natural ability to engage with others, Drost has skillfully combined his love of financial advice with his dedication to his family and community.

After honing his skills at various firms’ post-college, Drost embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead him to the pinnacle of his career. The seismic shift of the pandemic propelled him to carve his own path, founding his own firm in 2021, driven by a desire for flexibility and a dedication to serving his clients on his own terms.

Drost's heart pulses for his family — his wife Marissa and their two young sons, Calvin and Carter — beyond the walls of financial spreadsheets. While helping over fifty clients reach their financial objectives, he values his personal time and freedom, which is a prime example of the fine line that separates success in business from personal contentment.

Yet, Drost's impact extends far beyond boardroom meetings and client consultations. His commitment to community service is palpable, having dedicated two years as a volunteer firefighter and generously sharing his financial acumen with his church. Whether advising church leaders on financial matters or imparting invaluable wisdom to soon-to-be-married couples in his financial literacy class, Drost's blend of analytical prowess and empathetic communication sets him apart.

As Drost himself attests, "The numbers are the easy part — they can't lie to you." But it's his unwavering dedication to fostering open communication, coupled with his genuine desire to understand the 'why' behind every financial decision, that truly distinguishes him as one of the top financial advisors in his field.

Bridging Dreams and Financial Realities

Steve Drost is a financial advisor with a fundamental mission: to connect his customers' financial resources with their innermost goals and values. Drost strives to help people on a more enriching life journey, believing that true fulfillment comes from being able to devote time and money in what truly counts.

A self-professed "numbers nerd," Drost's academic journey at the University of Northern Iowa laid the groundwork for his illustrious career. Graduating Magna Cum Laude in finance and commercial real estate in just five semesters, he earned the prestigious Purple and Old Gold Award for academic excellence, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.

Upon relocating to Minneapolis, Drost wasted no time delving into professional certifications, embarking on both the CFA and CFP® programs. His commitment to excellence was duly recognized in 2022 when he was honored as one of the nation's top financial advisors by InvestmentNews, a testament to his expertise and client-centric approach.

Beyond the boardroom, Drost's heart lies with his family. Together with his wife, Marissa, and their sons, Calvin and Carter, he finds solace in lakeside retreats and passionate support for Minnesota sports teams, particularly the Twins. Yet, his commitment to the community extends far beyond leisure pursuits, having served proudly as a firefighter and actively volunteering his financial expertise to his church's finance council.

In every aspect of his life, Steve Drost epitomizes the seamless integration of financial acumen, personal values, and community spirit, forging pathways towards brighter, more fulfilling futures for all he serves.

Steve Drost's Embrace of Operational Excellence

Steve Drost is unabashedly passionate about operations. His enthusiasm for creating, implementing, and refining processes that streamline operations and elevate client experiences sets him apart in the financial advising realm. While acknowledging that he's somewhat of an outlier in his love for operations, Drost recognizes its fundamental importance in shaping the success of his business and, ultimately, his quality of life.

Drost didn't embark on his entrepreneurial journey with the sole intent of diving deep into operational intricacies. Instead, his initial motivation was to regain control over his life. However, as his firm expanded, he realized the profound impact of well-honed operational processes on every facet of his existence. From the time he spends with his family to the overall harmony in his personal and professional life, the quality of his operations directly influences his well-being.

With a genuine desire to assist fellow advisors in optimizing their practices, Drost is committed to sharing his expertise through his blog and future content. His aim is to support advisors who excel in marketing and financial planning by providing insights that enhance both their business strategies and overall quality of life. Furthermore, Drost eagerly anticipates feedback from his audience, recognizing its invaluable role in his ongoing journey to refine his own processes and procedures.

Steve Drost's Mission: Elevating Your Practice Through Operational Excellence

Steve Drost sets a clear and ambitious aim by acknowledging the critical role that operational processes and procedures have in molding the course of one's career and personal life. He hopes to provide vital insights and counsel to advisors through the transmission of a weekly email, empowering them to create service models that are in sync with their clients', businesses', and individual goals.

What to expect:

Tailored Service Model Creation: Drost's newsletter will serve as a compass, guiding advisors in the creation of service models that not only cater to their clients' needs but also harmonize with their unique business ethos and personal lifestyle.

Foundational Guidance: With a wealth of experience at his disposal, Drost will provide foundational guidance on defining and implementing each component of the service model, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and seamless execution.

Team Leveraging and Execution: Recognizing the importance of teamwork in operational success, Drost will offer instruction on effectively leveraging team dynamics and executing firm-level actions and requirements.

Tools and Technology Insights: Drost will delve into the realm of tools and technology within the industry, offering feedback and sharing tips and tricks aimed at enhancing efficiency and quality within each component of the Service Calendar. From his own business practices, he'll unveil insights ranging from the Surge Process to the intricacies of welcoming new clients.

What you won't find:

The Illusive "Easy Button": Drost is firm in his stance that excellence in operations demands dedication and accountability, emphasizing that there are no shortcuts to success.

Investment Strategy or Fee Structure Recommendations: Steering clear of divisive debates, Drost leaves the realm of investment strategies and fee structures to individual discretion, encouraging advisors to chart their own course based on what resonates with them and their clients.

IUL Conversations: With a nod to specialized expertise, Drost opts to leave discussions on IULs to those better suited to address them, focusing instead on his core mission of operational enhancement.

Through this commitment to transparency, expertise, and continuous improvement, Steve Drost aims to be a guiding light for advisors seeking to elevate their practices through the power of operational excellence.

Steve Drost: A Financial Visionary and Community Leader

Steve Drost is a luminary figure in the realm of financial planning, where his blend of expertise and empathy has established him as a beacon of guidance and compassion. With an innate affinity for numbers and a profound dedication to fostering meaningful connections, Drost seamlessly integrates his passion for financial advice with a steadfast commitment to community and family values. His journey to prominence began with an illustrious academic tenure at the University of Northern Iowa, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in finance and commercial real estate, earning accolades for his academic prowess.

Driven by a fervent mission to align his clients' financial resources with their deepest aspirations, Drost embarked on a transformative entrepreneurial journey, founding his own firm in 2021. Inspired by a desire for flexibility and a fervent dedication to serving his clients on his terms, Drost's firm stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to operational excellence and client-centric service. Beyond his professional endeavors, Drost's altruistic spirit shines through his dedicated community service, including his tenure as a volunteer firefighter and his generous contributions to his church's finance council. In every facet of his life, Steve Drost epitomizes the seamless integration of financial acumen, personal values, and community spirit, forging pathways towards brighter, more fulfilling futures for all he encounters.

Steve Drost: Founder & Financial Planner, Drost Financial

With over a decade of experience in the financial planning industry, Steve Drost founded Drost Financial in February 2021, witnessing substantial growth to serve around 60 clients. Contemplating the ideals of "enough" and "Focus 50," Drost envisions a gradual expansion strategy, prioritizing the enrichment of existing client relationships. Integral to his journey is Veronica, his mother and an essential team member at Drost Financial. Beyond his professional endeavors, Drost's profound motivation stems from his role as a devoted family man, finding purpose in optimizing operations to maximize quality time with his wife, Marissa, and their two young sons, Calvin and Carter.

Steve Drost is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Chartered Financial Analyst who operates as a fee-only, independent financial planner. He always puts clients first and is a pledged fiduciary.