About Us

Zurich Awes

Purpose. “To create love and joy in the world.” This is what Zurich wants his life to be about. To bring happiness and joy to others. Simple, but not easy.

Mastery. “To employ my financial planning and investment talents to help others achieve financial autonomy and pursue their own purposes.” Zurich is fascinated by the lives of others and uses his expertise to help them structure their financial resources to achieve their goals and ideals. He believes education and wisdom lie at the core of an intelligent financial life. He never tires of educating his clients, helping them to develop their financial wisdom. Again, simple, but not always easy.

Autonomy. “To explore.” Zurich is a passionate traveler. He travels around the world, exploring other cultures, as a way to deepen his connection with the human spirit. He delights in how modern technology keeps him on top of the markets or in contact with this clients whether he’s in the office, or on the coast of Corsica.

Credentials. While certain designations are critical to the field, many are not. More is not better. Better is better. Ask yourself, what do you want from your registered investment adviser? Zurich believes the answer is competence and ethics. He is a Certified Financial Planner Practictioner®, a member of the National Ethics Bureau and he owns Zurich Awes Financial Management, Inc., which is a Registered Investment Adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Zurich is a licensed insurance agent in the state of Minnesota.

History. Zurich was inspired to start his firm by a childhood experience. His grandfather retired after a successful Naval career and 41 years as a loyal company man. Like so many in his generation, he assumed he would be financially secure in his retirement. He was mistaken. Even with his pension and social security check, he did not appear to have the financial freedom for which he had hoped. Zurich watched his grandfather struggle in his later years. Zurich later learned that careful financial planning might have given his grandfather more financial security during retirement. After college, he vowed to dedicate his career to helping others achieve financial autonomy and be able to live the life they love. Today, his firm specializes in helping clients do just that; whether it be navigating difficult markets, preserving their existing assets, increasing their income, reducing their taxes or making sure their money lasts.

Dave White

Purpose. To create operational greatness. He started his first business at 15 – an athletic footwear store in Rochester. Ten years later, he moved to Las Vegas to work as a corporate trainer for a 32-store restaurant chain. While as concerned about the bottom line as any entrepreneur, Dave has a certain genius for operational efficiency. Things just work better with Dave involved. Dave has a knack for delivering better results, ahead of schedule and below budget.

Mastery. Dave was a licensed representative for Prudential for seven years, and then managed its Leaders Council for high producers. The experience gave him a 360-degree view of the industry – something that serves him well in his dual role in operations and client services. Before joining Zurich in 2007, Dave worked as a financial planner. His investment knowledge and professional versatility make him the perfect “wing man” for Zurich.

Autonomy. Like Terry, Dave is a big supporter of Girl Scouts. His youngest daughter is working toward her Gold Award, the Eagle Scout equivalent. An avid outdoorsman, he takes annual trips to the Boundary Waters and loves photography, biking, hunting and fishing.

Credentials. Dave is a registered investment adviser with Zurich Awes Financial Management, Inc., and a licensed insurance agent in the state of Minnesota.

Terry Swanson

Purpose. To achieve. Terry is the consummate over-achiever. She earned five major degrees in college, including economics and business management. She attributes her successes to being willing to think outside the box to accomplish a task. For example, when she needed to build core strength to earn her black belt in Judo, she studied belly dancing.

Mastery. Terry doesn't do anything half way. She has a passion for the financial industry that's palpable. With over a decade of experience as a licensee in the securities industry, she has committed herself to serving the best interest of each client.

Autonomy. Terry creates autonomy and empowers people wherever she goes. Terry has been a Girl Scout leader for 14 years and could be the poster child for volunteerism. She is a Sunday school teacher, serves on the Board of Education, and is involved with Hope for the City. But most importantly, Terry practices what she preaches at home. Terry and her husband have three active daughters, ages 12 to 21.

Credentials. Terry is a registered administrative assistant with Zurich Awes Financial Management, Inc.