There are two things you notice when you first meet Private Wealth Advisor Daniel Petkau.

First, at 6' 6" tall, Daniel stands heads and shoulders above most clients.  

This leads us to the second thing you will immediately realize about Daniel: he has a noticeably calming and reassuring presence. This is probably why he has such an incredible relationship with his clients. When markets are volatile, it's hard to trust the process and stay the course of your financial plan. At Fiat, we know how critical discipline's role in long-term planning is. Daniel's steady confidence and empathetic approach remind his clients that everything will be okay. Clients can rest assured that their financial future is in capable hands. Knowing that a qualified professional oversees their economic well-being provides peace of mind that is hard to come by in times like these. Clients can rest assured that their financial future is in capable hands.

After speaking with Daniel for the blog, we learned the secret behind his incredible hospitality and rapport with the families he works with. Growing up in Wisconsin, his father was the Director of a popular summer camp in his area. This is where Daniel spent nearly all of his summers. But he wasn't just swimming or sitting by the campfire like the other kids. Nope – Daniel was also working. He was learning the principles of customer service and exceptional hospitality. While the other kids were tying ropes, Daniel was helping his father to ensure that each person had an unforgettable experience.

And wouldn't you know - this very summer camp directly set Daniel on a career as Private Wealth Manager. Daniel tells it that he returned to work at the camp with his Dad after completing his Business Degree at Northwestern. A few families Daniel worked with at camp had ties to or were employed in the financial industry. They took notice of Daniel and saw his potential, encouraging him to consider a career as an advisor. They knew what it took to succeed in that role, and they were sure that Daniel fit the profile of an effective wealth manager.

It was 2019, the perfect time for Daniel to consider a career change and a possible move. Having just married the love of his life, Hannah, he knew that the two of them were open to changes and adventures in the early days of their marriage. Knowing they could navigate anything together, it was easy for them to be available to forge a new and exciting path.

So, with an open mind and a referral from a friend, Daniel worked toward his goal of becoming an advisor, passing his tests and landing at Thrivent Financial. His new career was well on track about a year later when he met with a financial leader named Brad Gotto in Minneapolis to discuss possible career opportunities. And, well… the rest is history.

These days, Daniel has become instrumental in Fiat's success and in the families he works with daily. He offers objective advice, free from emotional biases that can lead to impulsive financial decisions. He also helps clients maintain discipline in their financial planning, helping streamline the financial decision-making process and providing valuable insights into their plans.

His clients rest assured that their financial plan is in Daniel’s very capable hands.

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