Our Team

Phillip G. Vogel

CLU, ChFC

With over 40 years of experience in the financial service industry, Phil Vogel has gained extensive knowledge and insight into the needs of both clients and advisors. After a lengthy stint in agency management, Phil founded Vogel Financial Services in 1997 in an effort to access a broader range of products and services and offer his clients a holistic approach to financial planning. During the last 25 years he has focused primarily in the areas of premium finance and complex case design.

Phil has served for 20 years as a consultant to top advisors and their clients across the country, using advanced premium financing concepts to accomplish business and estate planning goals. He has developed relationships with many of the industry’s most respected insurance carriers and financing companies and is regarded as a top-notch facilitator with the expertise required to see a case through to fruition.

Phil prides himself on his ability to navigate successfully through the very detailed and sometimes complicated territory of premium financing. He thoroughly enjoys fulfilling the role of consultant and relishes the opportunity to work with advisors and help them better service their clients while strengthening their practices. He describes this as the most rewarding period of his career.

Michael E. Lemon

CPA

Previously a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Michael brings a wealth of financial knowledge and experience to his role as an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR). His journey from accounting to investment advising stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of financial education and its ability to transform lives.

Having spent years helping clients navigate the complexities of tax laws, he saw firsthand the difference that sound financial advice can make. Now, as an IAR, he is excited to assist clients through their investment journeys and empower them to make informed decisions about their financial futures.

Michael holds a strong commitment to educating clients, breaking down intricate financial concepts into understandable and actionable insights. His goal is to help clients feel confident and equipped to take control of their financial destiny.

Sara

Sara has over 20 years of experience in the life insurance industry, specializing in contracting, new business processing, leadership, underwriting, case design, and relationship management. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional service, ensuring that every case she handles and every agent she collaborates with receives top-tier support.

Strategic Alliances

Binger, Mike (new crop)

Michael Binger, CFA®

President of Gradient Investments, LLC

As President, Michael is the leader of Gradient Investments and has been with the firm since 2012. He brings more than 35 years of industry experience, including prior roles managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios for an institutional asset manager. Michael is a CFA® charter holder and is a frequent contributor on CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and the Wall Street Journal.

keith

Keith Gangl, CFA®

Senior Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC

Keith joined Gradient Investments in 2018 and has more than 30 years of industry experience. Prior roles include senior portfolio manager for a large institutional asset management firm, managing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. Keith is a CFA® charter holder, and has been featured in media outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, Investor’s Business Daily, Nasdaq and Reuters.  

Tyler

Tyler Ellegard, CFA®

Senior Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC

Tyler is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Gradient Investments, where he focuses on portfolio management, asset allocation, and investment research across multiple asset classes. He provides market insight and portfolio strategy to support client investment decisions. Tyler is a CFA® charterholder and has been featured in media outlets including Schwab Network, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal.

This endorsement of Gradient Investments, LLC, (GI) and its portfolio management services is provided by the firm. The firm refers clients to GI for portfolio management services. GI does not pay separate compensation to the firm in relation to its endorsement or any promotional services. However, the firm receives a portion of the advisory fees paid by clients who utilize the portfolio management services of GI. The firm also shares in the revenue of GI via quarterly payments based on the amount of total assets the firm places with GI. This endorsement incentivizes the firm in increasing the assets placed with GI, and therefore the compensation received by the firm. The firm and its investment advisor representatives are not supervised by GI.  While these conflicts of interest exist, the firm and its investment advisor representatives are subject to fiduciary duty and must act in the best interests of their clients. The firm and their clients are not required to use GI and may select other investment managers.