PearlStreet Investment Management
Meet Our Team
Here to Serve You
PearlStreet Investment Management
Kevin P. Cusack
Managing Director/Investments
Kevin P. Cusack
Managing Director/Investments
6168274646
As Managing Director/Investments with PearlStreet Investment Management, Kevin leads a team of investment professionals to offer clients Stifel’s full range of investment services, including stocks, bonds, qualified retirement plans, and much more. Prior to joining Stifel in 2016, Kevin spent nearly 13 years at Oppenheimer & Co. and nearly 15 years at McDonald Investments.
With more than 35 years of experience, Kevin guides high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations to pursue their long-term goals. Along with his team, he works with 401(k) retirement plans covering more than 40 corporations. He was named to Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors in the U.S. list for 2010, 2011, and 2013.
Kevin serves on the board of directors for WORLD magazine and is a trustee of the Grand Valley State University Foundation.
Kevin is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and has pursued post graduate work at Calvin College. He holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. He and his wife, Meg, have seven children and eight grandchildren. They reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and are active at Ada Bible Church. Outside the office, he enjoys Nordic skiing, cycling, and running.
With more than 35 years of experience, Kevin guides high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations to pursue their long-term goals. Along with his team, he works with 401(k) retirement plans covering more than 40 corporations. He was named to Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors in the U.S. list for 2010, 2011, and 2013.
Kevin serves on the board of directors for WORLD magazine and is a trustee of the Grand Valley State University Foundation.
Kevin is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and has pursued post graduate work at Calvin College. He holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. He and his wife, Meg, have seven children and eight grandchildren. They reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and are active at Ada Bible Church. Outside the office, he enjoys Nordic skiing, cycling, and running.
Barron’s Top 1,000 Advisors, February 22, 2010, February 19, 2011, and February 16, 2013, as identified by Barron's magazine, using quantitative and qualitative criteria and selected from a pool of over 4,000 nominations. Advisors in the Top 1,000 Financial Advisors have a minimum of seven years of financial services experience. Qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, compliance record, interviews with senior management, and philanthropic work. Investment performance is not a criterion. The rating may not be representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of the financial advisor's future performance. Neither the broker-dealer nor its financial advisors pay a fee to Barron's in exchange for the rating. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
Drew R. Wilson
Senior Portfolio Analyst
Drew R. Wilson
Senior Portfolio Analyst
6168274647
As a Senior Portfolio Analyst with PearlStreet Investment Management, Drew supports the team in helping high-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations strategically invest and wisely plan for the future. Working in this collaborative structure, the team helps clients envision the life they want and pursue their specific financial priorities.
Drew has a strong understanding of economics, experienced analytical skills, and the ability to assess and seek to mitigate risk for each client’s goals. He also brings a unique perspective to the team by providing differentiated wealth management strategies designed to address clients’ unique circumstances.
Drew has been in the investment industry for nearly 30 years and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities) in the state of Michigan.
Drew is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and resides in Algoma Township with his wife and their three children.
Drew has a strong understanding of economics, experienced analytical skills, and the ability to assess and seek to mitigate risk for each client’s goals. He also brings a unique perspective to the team by providing differentiated wealth management strategies designed to address clients’ unique circumstances.
Drew has been in the investment industry for nearly 30 years and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities) in the state of Michigan.
Drew is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and resides in Algoma Township with his wife and their three children.
Shawn M. Kersjes, AIF, CPFA
Senior Vice President/Investments
Shawn M. Kersjes
AIF, CPFA
AIF, CPFA
Senior Vice President/Investments
6168274644
Shawn is responsible for leading client relationships. He is focused on engaging with committee members and developing and implementing governance strategies to improve employer-sponsored retirement plans, with the interest of promoting individual financial prosperity for retirement plan participants. Shawn’s primary responsibilities are analyzing investment menus, developing and maintaining custom model portfolios, marshaling vendor resources, negotiating cost structures, and developing pension risk mitigation strategies for clients.
Shawn has a Financial Management degree from Hillsdale College and has more than 18 years of industry experience. He has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation, awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies at the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business, and the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor designation, awarded by National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA). He, along with members of the PearlStreet team, has been named to the annual “PLANADVISER Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisers” list several times over the last decade, including in 2021. Shawn was selected as one of Financial Times’ Top 401(k) Advisors in 2020.
Shawn’s hobbies include traveling, skiing, fishing, and supporting the Hillsdale College and University of Michigan athletic programs.
The “PLANADVISER Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisers” list is compiled from responses to the PLANADVISER Retirement Plan Adviser Survey, fielded each September. The list is drawn solely from a set of quantitative variables and information in the survey supplied by the advisers themselves. A sub-segment of the questions is used to determine eligibility for the Top 100. The list includes advisers deemed to be at the top of their respective peer groups in terms of assets under advisement or number of retirement plan clients, including sponsors of defined contribution, defined benefit, and nonqualified plans. In the large team category, the team would consist of 11 through 35 advisers and support staff and is required to have $3.5 billion or more in retirement plan assets under advisement or 200 or more plans.
FT 401 Retirement Advisers, October 22, 2020. The FT 401 Top Retirement Advisers is an independent listing produced annually by Ignites Research, a division of Money-Media, Inc., on behalf of the Financial Times. The FT 401 is based on data gathered from advisors, regulatory disclosures, and the FT’s research. The listing reflects each advisor’s status in six primary areas: DC plan assets under advisement (AUA), DC AUA growth rate, specialization in DC plans, years of experience, advanced industry credentials, and compliance record. A total of 855 advisors applied for the award, of which 401 were selected (47%). This award is not indicative of the advisor’s future performance. Neither the advisors nor their parent firms pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 401.
Michelle J. Franks
Vice President/Investments; Branch Manager
Michelle J. Franks
Vice President/Investments; Branch Manager
6168274640
How We Can Help You
As Vice President/Investments and Branch Manager of PearlStreet Investment Management, Michelle focuses on working closely with businesses, investment boards, plan sponsors, and participants. She is responsible for providing analysis of plan investments, along with sharing industry trend data for the qualified plan market and how that data may impact companies at the plan and participant level. Michelle helps evaluate that data to determine what content is pertinent to individual plan sponsors and how to customize strategies designed to produce better results for the plan.
Michelle wants to learn more about the various aspects of your business, build relationships with the people making your business a success, and take an active role in offering insight and developing educational programs for plan participants to help foster successful investment outcomes.
What Makes Us Knowledgeable
With nearly 30 years of investment industry experience, Michelle spent the most recent years of her career on the institutional investment management side of the industry, working closely with analysts, strategists, and portfolio managers to deliver market guidance and customized investment strategies. She has participated in numerous public speaking engagements, discussing topics around the markets and importance of investing to other financial advisors and investors.
Michelle earned a B.A.B.A. in Finance from The University of Toledo and holds Series 7, 9 & 10, 63, and 66 securities licenses.
Getting to Know Us
Michelle resides in Ada, Michigan, where she takes full advantage of the outdoors developing a homestead along with running and multi-sport. She serves on the board of the Michigan Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth, Michigan, which honors Michigan’s military and space heroes. Michelle also has a passion for participating in triathlons, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
Susan L. Rose, AIFA
Managing Director/Investments
Susan L. Rose
AIFA
AIFA
Managing Director/Investments
6168274645
With more than 24 years' experience as an investment professional, Susan Rose works with the team to provide corporate retirement plans and individual clients with an investment advisory process to assist them in objectively managing their portfolios. Susan and the team currently provide fiduciary advice to more than 40 plan sponsor clients with more than $3.6 billion in plan assets.
Susan holds the Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 63 (Uniform Securities State Agent), and Series 65 (Investment Advisor Representative) licenses along with Life, Health, and Variable insurance licenses in the state of Michigan. In addition, she has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst® (AIFA®) designation as awarded and administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies.
Susan is a member of the Plan Sponsor/401(k) Council of America, the American Society of Pension Professionals, and the Economic Club of Grand Rapids. She was part of a team that was named to the annual “PLANADVISER Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisers” list (formerly known as Plan Sponsor magazine's “Most Successful Retirement Plan Advisers”) several times over the last decade.
Susan attended Northwestern University in Chicago. Susan and her husband of 40 years live in Pentwater, Michigan, and have three grown daughters. Yoga, running, and travel are three of her favorite activities.
Susan holds the Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 63 (Uniform Securities State Agent), and Series 65 (Investment Advisor Representative) licenses along with Life, Health, and Variable insurance licenses in the state of Michigan. In addition, she has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst® (AIFA®) designation as awarded and administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies.
Susan is a member of the Plan Sponsor/401(k) Council of America, the American Society of Pension Professionals, and the Economic Club of Grand Rapids. She was part of a team that was named to the annual “PLANADVISER Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisers” list (formerly known as Plan Sponsor magazine's “Most Successful Retirement Plan Advisers”) several times over the last decade.
Susan attended Northwestern University in Chicago. Susan and her husband of 40 years live in Pentwater, Michigan, and have three grown daughters. Yoga, running, and travel are three of her favorite activities.
The “PLANADVISER Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisers” list is compiled from responses to the PLANADVISER Retirement Plan Adviser Survey, fielded each September. The list is drawn solely from a set of quantitative variables and information in the survey supplied by the advisers themselves. A sub-segment of the questions is used to determine eligibility for the Top 100. The list includes advisers deemed to be at the top of their respective peer groups in terms of assets under advisement or number of retirement plan clients, including sponsors of defined contribution, defined benefit, and nonqualified plans. In the large team category, the team would consist of 11 through 35 advisers and support staff and is required to have $3.5 billion or more in retirement plan assets under advisement or 200 or more plans.
June R. Matthysse
Assistant Vice President/Client Service; Client Relationship Manager
June R. Matthysse
Assistant Vice President/Client Service; Client Relationship Manager
6168274654
As a Client Relationship Manager and co-founding member of PearlStreet Investment Management, June is responsible for supporting a team of highly experienced investment professionals. Together, they offer clients Stifel’s full range of investment services, including stocks, bonds, and qualified retirement plans.
June has worked in the securities industry for more than 35 years and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. She earned an associate’s degree from Davenport College.
June and her husband have six children and several grandchildren. They reside in Hudsonville, Michigan.
June has worked in the securities industry for more than 35 years and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. She earned an associate’s degree from Davenport College.
June and her husband have six children and several grandchildren. They reside in Hudsonville, Michigan.
Valeri R. Lawson, AIF
Assistant Vice President/Client Service; Client Relationship Manager
Valeri R. Lawson
AIF
AIF
Assistant Vice President/Client Service; Client Relationship Manager
6168274657
Valeri has worked in the securities industry for more than 30 years and is one of the founding members of the PearlStreet Team. As a Client Relationship Manager, Valeri works with the team of advisors to support plan sponsors in effectively operating their retirement plans, which includes solving day-to-day operational issues, planning and executing participant education, and assisting with plan design, fee benchmarking, and investment research and monitoring. Valeri also assists the advisors in guiding retirement plan participants toward their goal of a successful retirement.
Valeri earned her bachelor’s degree from Franklin College and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. In addition, she has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation, awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies.
In her free time, Valeri enjoys reading, cooking, playing pickleball, and hiking with friends and family. Valeri resides in Grand Rapids with her husband, Brian, and their dog, Max.
Jessica J. Mariucci-Kurylowicz, AIF, CFP
Assistant Vice President/Client Service; Client Relationship Manager
Jessica J. Mariucci-Kurylowicz
AIF, CFP
AIF, CFP
Assistant Vice President/Client Service; Client Relationship Manager
6168274656
In her role as Client Relationship Manager with PearlStreet Investment Management, Jessica is responsible for managing the overall client experience, working with the team of advisors in effectively aligning plan sponsors’ retirement plans with their goals. In addition to providing the team with research and consulting on plan design, industry trends, fee and vendor benchmarking, as well as investment research and monitoring, Jessica has spent the majority of her career engaging with plan participants. This is accomplished by her design and delivery of customized employee communication and education programs, assisting the advisors in providing participants with the tools and guidance to not only set, but work toward, their retirement goals.
Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. In addition, she has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation.
Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with friends, enjoying the outdoors – preferably in the sunshine, and traveling to new places in search of the ideal retirement destination. Jessica and her husband, Steve, reside in Norton Shores, Michigan.
Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. In addition, she has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation.
Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with friends, enjoying the outdoors – preferably in the sunshine, and traveling to new places in search of the ideal retirement destination. Jessica and her husband, Steve, reside in Norton Shores, Michigan.
Mandi J. Dillon, AIF
Client Relationship Manager
Mandi J. Dillon
AIF
AIF
Client Relationship Manager
6168274658
As a Client Relationship Manager for PearlStreet Investment Management, Mandi assists the team in addressing clients’ investment menu monitoring and participant education initiatives and serves as a liaison between plan sponsors and recordkeepers. By implementing and following the established best practices, Mandi helps clients develop efficient systems for monitoring and administering their retirement plans. Mandi works to design participant communications and engagement opportunities that are tailored to each organizations’ specific needs, which allows plan sponsors to focus on their objective to positively impact participant outcomes.
Mandi earned her master’s degree in management with a concentration in organizational leadership. She holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses and has also earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation.
In her free time, Mandi enjoys going to the lakeshore with her family, running with her dog, and taking road trips.
Mandi earned her master’s degree in management with a concentration in organizational leadership. She holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses and has also earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation.
In her free time, Mandi enjoys going to the lakeshore with her family, running with her dog, and taking road trips.
James T. Shuster
Financial Advisor Associate
James T. Shuster
Financial Advisor Associate
6168274651
As a Financial Advisor with PearlStreet Investment Management, Jim Shuster works toward providing financial and investment services to individual clients and plan participants.
Jim's strengths include a focus on investment planning strategies and client service. Prior to joining the team, he was with a national advisory company, where he focused on investment planning for individual clients. Jim holds the following licenses: Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life and variable insurance licenses in 14 states.
Jim is a graduate of Purdue University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. A native of Grand Rapids, he and his family currently reside in Cascade Township.
Jim's strengths include a focus on investment planning strategies and client service. Prior to joining the team, he was with a national advisory company, where he focused on investment planning for individual clients. Jim holds the following licenses: Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life and variable insurance licenses in 14 states.
Jim is a graduate of Purdue University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. A native of Grand Rapids, he and his family currently reside in Cascade Township.
Melissa A. Dowley
Client Service Associate
Melissa A. Dowley
Client Service Associate
6168274655
As a Client Service Associate for PearlStreet Investment Management, Melissa assists the team in the areas of office administration duties and client service for plan sponsor clients and plan participants. She brings more than 25 years of administrative assistant experience, where she gained extensive knowledge in various areas of business.
Elizabeth L. Dodgson
Registered Client Service Associate
Elizabeth L. Dodgson
Registered Client Service Associate
6168274641
As a member of PearlStreet Investment Management, my first priority is to deliver high-caliber service to new and existing clients while continuously following up to help ensure accounts are operating smoothly. On a day-to-day basis, I am responsible for organizing and recording monthly operating budgets, sharing updated financial reports, and helping our financial advisors keep our clients informed.
In Memoriam of Joseph Horlings
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart to share that our dear friend, colleague, and partner, Joe Horlings, passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Joe joined the PearlStreet team in 1992 as an intern from the University of Michigan. He quickly developed a niche for helping employers manage their retirement plan offerings and, over time, earned the title of Intern for Managing Director. Joe had a wide range of talent and could have held the title of Economist or Investment Manager, but perhaps the most fitting would have been Employee/Plan Participant Advocate. He was very passionate that employees should be surrounded with the appropriate resources to support their retirement planning goals. Needless to say, Joe significantly contributed to the growth of the team and, over the years, received a great deal of recognition within the 401(k) plan and pension industry.
Joe will be deeply missed and always remembered by our team. His presence has been instrumental in establishing the culture of our team’s practice, one that is committed to the pursuit of excellence and ethics. He took pride in the tenure of our team members, which exceeds 20 years on average, and frequently interchanged the words “team” with “family” when talking about his colleagues. His leadership has prepared us to continue his legacy of delivering the highest level of service you have come to expect from PearlStreet Investment Management.
Joe joined the PearlStreet team in 1992 as an intern from the University of Michigan. He quickly developed a niche for helping employers manage their retirement plan offerings and, over time, earned the title of Intern for Managing Director. Joe had a wide range of talent and could have held the title of Economist or Investment Manager, but perhaps the most fitting would have been Employee/Plan Participant Advocate. He was very passionate that employees should be surrounded with the appropriate resources to support their retirement planning goals. Needless to say, Joe significantly contributed to the growth of the team and, over the years, received a great deal of recognition within the 401(k) plan and pension industry.
Joe will be deeply missed and always remembered by our team. His presence has been instrumental in establishing the culture of our team’s practice, one that is committed to the pursuit of excellence and ethics. He took pride in the tenure of our team members, which exceeds 20 years on average, and frequently interchanged the words “team” with “family” when talking about his colleagues. His leadership has prepared us to continue his legacy of delivering the highest level of service you have come to expect from PearlStreet Investment Management.