The Life Group is known for empowering our clients to prepare for the future and find peace in the present with personalized, easy-to-understand financial planning. Based in Iowa and serving the Midwest, our team of experienced professionals brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and empathy to every interaction.
Getting to know you is at the heart of what we do. Your values and vision shape the life you wish to lead. Our approach involves creating financial plans that fit you and your unique circumstances through low-pressure collaboration and careful analysis.
Your financial wellbeing is our top priority. If your current plan is working well, we’ll tell you so. We’re dedicated to honesty, transparency and putting your goals first.
We believe in the power of collaboration. By partnering with a network of skilled professionals—from attorneys to CPAs and more—we ensure your Panoramic Retirement Plan™ helps you see the bigger picture in retirement.
Husband, father of four, and founder of The Life Group, Keith is passionate about providing innovative and thorough financial planning. Keith believes all individuals, families, and businesses need quality financial advice regardless of their net worth or income.
Keith and his family love serving at church, watching football together, and camping.
Luke Swirtz is a Financial Advisor at The Life Group Financial Services, where he helps individuals, families, and business owners prepare for the future while finding peace in the present through personalized, easy-to-understand financial planning. Based in the Minnesota branch, Luke works closely with clients to simplify complex financial decisions and create strategies that align with their long-term goals and values.
Outside the office, Luke serves his community as a volunteer firefighter in Carver, Minnesota. He and his wife Erin are raising their two children.
Jesse is a passionate advocate for helping teams and clients find peace and purpose. He is dedicated to building efficient systems and workflows that empower team members to succeed while fostering an environment of safety, appreciation, and connection. Jesse strives to ensure clients feel confident and at ease about their retirement, enabling them to enjoy life, cherish their families, and pursue their purpose.
Jesse’s favorite role is being a husband and father to his four kids. He loves hiking, playing games, watching movies, and embracing life’s simple pleasures with his family. A passionate musician, Jesse enjoys playing a variety of instruments, including the piano, guitar, and accordion.
Emily Strautmann is a dedicated New Business Specialist with an extensive and diverse background in operations, bringing years of experience and a strong work ethic. Based in Fremont, MI, she is deeply passionate about helping and serving others, which is evident both in her professional career and her personal commitments.
Actively engaged in her local community and church, Emily works hard to make a meaningful impact by supporting various initiatives and lending a hand wherever there is a need. Outside of her professional endeavors, Emily is an avid reader and loves exploring thrift shops for unique finds. She also enjoys spending time outdoors and hosting friends and family. Emily’s most valued time is that spent with her husband and their three young kids.
Hallie is passionate about clear, effective communication and its role in helping others achieve their goals. As the executive assistant to our CEO, Keith, she is dedicated to supporting him so he can focus on what he loves most: spending quality time with his family and providing exceptional service to his clients.
Outside of work, Hallie enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her husband, whether through hiking, playing a game of pickleball, or taking a stroll through the local Arboretum.
Brooke finds joy in helping people achieve their financial goals, empowering them with peace of mind about their future financial needs. She values connecting with clients, is detail-oriented, and is always eager to understand their unique circumstances and how these relate to their financial plans.
Originally from central Kansas, Brooke moved to Dubuque to attend Emmaus University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Biblical Studies. Her love for the Lord guides her life, and she actively participates in her church community. In her free time, Brooke enjoys staying active through sports and hiking, diving into good books, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Phil has used his 40 plus years of service in public schools and directing departments at the college level to help lead and direct The Life Group for the last 15 years.
Phil and his wife Betty have three grown children and 12 grandchildren. In addition to working with The Life Group, Phil is a part time pastor at his church.
Garrett is dedicated to serving in the community God has gifted him. He is honored to serve clients in any way he can as The Life Group team builds financial plans that fit their clients’ goals and needs.
Garrett loves to serve as a Youth Leader at Great Adventure Church and as a Dorm Leader at Living Waters Bible Camp. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing sports, and exploring God’s creation.
Michael uses organization and attention to detail to manage The Life Group office. Michael and his wife have five children. He enjoys all sports, especially soccer.
Jennie started out as a client of The Life Group. She is passionate about The Life Group’s focus on educating people to look at the big picture of their finances and how their assets are positioned, so they can make the best-informed decisions for them. This approach can lead to significant tax savings. She joined The Life Group to help educate others about this process.
Jennie enjoys spending time with her husband and their five children and three rescue dogs. She loves watching NFL football, attending musicals, advocating for adoption, spending time outdoors, kayaking, and camping.
Paul’s mission is to help others live the life they are called to live. He loves to come alongside individuals and bring out the best in them, helping them to plan a future that aligns with their values.
As a former missionary, Paul believes he has the insight to help people make choices with their money to impact others. Paul feels we often give up what we feel called to do because of money. If managing money properly allows someone more time to fulfill their real purpose in life, he has accomplished his mission.
Ben Strautmann is an Investment Advisor Representative with Life Group Financial Services, located in Dubuque, IA. While closely connected with Dubuque and the community there, Ben and his family work and reside in Fremont, MI.
Soon after high school, Ben moved from his hometown of St. Louis, MO to Dubuque, IA. There he attended Emmaus Bible College; graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Biblical Studies. After graduation, Ben enlisted in the Army Reserves and served as a Chaplain’s Assistant for 6 years.
Ben comes into the industry with over 10 years of consumer and commercial banking experience. Throughout the years, one thing has remained the same – Ben’s passion for people and helping them to successfully navigate their financial journey. Ben’s desire is to meet people where they are and help them to not only establish but also reach their goals – through education, support and advocacy.
The Strautmann family enjoys playing games, spending time outside and having people over to grill and swim!
Justin’s passion is to serve clients by educating them on the topics that are most relevant to their needs. Justin genuinely cares for people and their families and enjoys the personal contact with clients, working hard to understand their goals. He is able to take financial and investment concepts and break them down in a way that empowers individuals and families to make the most educated decisions possible.
Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, especially visiting National Parks together. He also serves in various ways at his local church, loves playing sports, and sits on the board of trustees at two local educational institutions.
Husband, father of four, and founder of The Life Group, Keith is passionate about providing innovative and thorough financial planning. Keith believes all individuals, families, and businesses need quality financial advice regardless of their net worth or income.
Keith and his family love serving at church, watching football together, and camping.
