Founder, Shareholder & Board Member
Retired 2025
A New Paradigm in Wealth Management
My career in finance began in the mid-80s at a small brokerage firm on the 40th floor of the IDS Center in Minneapolis. I learned a lot— especially what I didn’t like about the financial services industry. Soon after, I set out on my own, joining forces with another advisor. In 1995, I bought the partner out and founded Paradigm. I wanted to build a company founded on the trust, accountability, and transparency that I felt were lacking in the industry at the time. These elements were critical to building the type of successful client partnerships I envisioned for Paradigm.
Supporting Clients Through Wealth Management
Since its founding, Paradigm has changed tremendously. We’ve grown substantially, moved into a larger building, and added several new faces. I’m proud to say that several clients from the mid-80’s are still clients today.
One of Paradigm’s main business objectives is to build strong foundations sustainable for future generations. Paradigm was set up from its inception to retain top talent and attract great clients. We continually look forward and seek to understand what technology will be necessary to continue to thrive. We actively strive to anticipate change, use it to our advantage by shaping it to our needs, and have the confidence to push forward—even when we can’t be certain what the future will bring.
Succession Planning for the Future
In 2019, as part of my succession plan and the evolution of Paradigm, I stepped down as President to promote Kris Bentzen to this role, while also making her a shareholder. Sean Grote became a shareholder in 2024. Additional leadership roles share responsibilities and provide opportunities for staff to grow their careers. People who know me will remember I’ve always said I planned to work into my 70’s and beyond if mind and health allowed. However, an unexpected health event in 2024 had me reevaluating that desire. In 2025, I made the decision to retire. While the daily responsibility of running Paradigm is no longer my role, I continue to contribute to the future by remaining a shareholder and board member.
Paradigm is known for its experience in working with multi-generational families. Many of our clients include two—and sometimes three—generations. We often advise siblings of clients, as well. Paradigm remains committed to a culture of trust, transparency and accountability while growing our capacity and creativity as we advise these complex multi-generational relationships. We love working with families as we grow our new client base into the future.
Get to Know Bill
My wife, Jeanne, and I live in Dayton, Minnesota. In 2020, after owning many hunting dog breeds over the years, we adopted an older retired sled dog—a husky named Wuff. She was instantly a beloved member our family. She passed away when she was twelve years old.
However, we found we enjoyed the breed so much that we got another— a puppy named Loki! He is sweet, loving, and a bundle of terror all at the same time. (This last part cannot be stressed enough…) Still, he’s a great addition to the family! I look forward to taking Loki on many walks, lot’s of snowshoeing at our cabin on the North Shore, and lot’s (and lot’s!) of fly fishing during this new phase of retirement.
