About Our Firm
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
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 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, managed a Lipper Award-winning mutual fund, and has been featured in media outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, Investor’s Business Daily, Nasdaq and Reuters.
Kyle Bergacker, CFA®
Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Kyle joined Gradient Investments in 2025 and has more than 15 years of financial services experience. Prior roles include portfolio manager with a couple of large international institutional asset management firms, he also was an advisor with a retail wealth advisory firm. Kyle has developed experience with financial advice, asset allocation, and investment analysis across the asset spectrum. He is a CFA® charter holder and has appeared on the Schwab network.
This endorsement of Gradient Investments, LLC is provided by an investment advisor who refers clients to Gradient Investments, LLC. A conflict of interest exists because this investment advisor receives a portion of the annual management fee charged by Gradient Investments, LLC, based on the assets under management of this investment advisor’s clients. This endorsement could assist in the investment advisor increasing the assets placed with Gradient Investments, LLC, and therefore their compensation. These investment advisors are not affiliated with or supervised by Gradient Investments, LLC.
