Sterk Financial Services (www.sterkfinancialservices.com), headquartered in Dakota Dunes, SD with a second location in Kansas City, is owned by the Forbes Award-Winning CEO and Founder, Mary Sterk, CFP ®. Mary’s inspirational story is one of fighting her way from Welfare to Wealth Management despite a teenage pregnancy, living in low-income housing, and raising two small children while subsisting on food stamps. Mary has received numerous awards including Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor and Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors from 2018-2022*, and 2017** Investment News Women To Watch. During her 28 year career as a Certified Financial Planner™, Mary authored two books, Ready To Pull The Retirement Trigger?, and Buy It: The Practical Guide To Buying a Financial Services Book Of Business. She developed her radio show / podcast, Money Guide With Mary Sterk, to educate and inspire listeners to create their best financial future. Mary also has an artistic side, and has created uplifting messages of hope through her art via Just Mary Designs (www.justmarydesigns.com). In her down time, she enjoys spending time with her three children and one grandson.