Tailored advice for business owners, health care professionals and families.

Team 2023

At Falls Financial Group, we believe that choosing skilled financial advisors who understand you and your priorities can help simplify your life and give you the confidence to know that you’ve planned ahead. For more than 20 years, our team has helped individuals, families, business owners and health care professionals pursue their most important goals—from managing cash flow and liquidity planning to tax efficiency and capital preservation. Working with us, you’ll receive an invaluable combination of comprehensive planning, investing and health care industry insight to help inform your decisions and plan strategically for your family and your future.

Co-workers in a lobby

Pursuing your goals together

Our mission is to provide quality strategies customized to your needs. Our goal is to be your primary source of financial advice. To this end, we concentrate our efforts on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service.

  • Erik Syverson

    Erik Syverson, CFP

    Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

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    • AK
    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • FL
    • GA
    • IA
    • IL
    • IN
    • KS
    • MA
    • ME
    • MI
    • MN
    • MO
    • MT
    • NC
    • ND
    • NE
    • NM
    • NV
    • OH
    • OK
    • OR
    • PA
    • SC
    • SD
    • TN
    • TX
    • VA
    • WA
    • WI
    • WV
    • WY

    Erik entered the Financial Services industry in 1998 with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. He steadily grew his client base, transitioned to UBS in 2008 and soon became a Branch Manager, leading the Sioux Falls, SD and Fargo, ND branches.

    Erik and his team emphasize asset allocation and total portfolio management, with a focus on liquidity events and income planning. Erik also provides assistance with education funding, structures for charitable giving, and income tax reduction strategies. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, Erik is a  CFP® certificant and holds FINRA Series 7, 9/10, 31, 63, and 65 securities licenses. 

    Outside of work, Erik is an active volunteer in the community. He is currently the President of the board of directors at Minnehaha Country Club, serves on the board of directors for the Harrisburg Baseball Association, and is a past board member of the Glory House of South Dakota. Erik also enjoys coaching youth baseball in the Harrisburg Baseball Association.

    Erik and his wife, April, have three children (Kason, Taylor, and Haley), and reside in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

        6225 South Pinnacle Place
        Suite 201
        Sioux Falls, SD 57108
      • James P. Willers

        James P. Willers, CRPS

        Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

        Market Director

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        • AK
        • AZ
        • CA
        • CO
        • DC
        • FL
        • GA
        • IA
        • IL
        • IN
        • KS
        • MA
        • MI
        • MN
        • MO
        • MT
        • NC
        • ND
        • NE
        • NJ
        • NV
        • OH
        • OR
        • SC
        • SD
        • TN
        • TX
        • VA
        • WA
        • WI

        James began his career in the financial services industry in 2009 at AXA Advisors.  A graduate of Augustana College, James moved to UBS in 2013.  With his energetic drive, he brings a unique insurance background, along with wealth management abilities to the firm.  James takes great pride in his personal touch and ability to help clients in many aspects of their financial world.

        A native of Sioux Falls, James lives in Sioux Falls with his wife Elizabeth, and their two children, son Benjamin, and daughter Avery.  James is a devoted father, and loves every moment he can spend outdoors and traveling with his family.

        Away from the office, James has been involved with a group of musicians as a singer/songwriter since the age of 12.  He, and his fellow musicians, have traveled around the country bringing their music that has resonated with people of all ages.  James, an avid golfer, can also be found competing in many tournaments throughout the summer.

        James holds FINRA Series 6,7, 63, and 65.

        • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

            6225 South Pinnacle Place
            Suite 201
            Sioux Falls, SD 57108
          • Nathan Michael Hewes

            Nathan Hewes, CFP

            Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

            Financial Advisor

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            • AK
            • AR
            • AZ
            • CA
            • CO
            • FL
            • GA
            • IA
            • IL
            • IN
            • KS
            • MA
            • MI
            • MN
            • MO
            • MT
            • NC
            • ND
            • NE
            • NM
            • NV
            • NY
            • OH
            • OK
            • OR
            • SC
            • SD
            • TN
            • TX
            • VA
            • WA
            • WI
            • WY

            As a CFP® certificant, Nate provides professional expertise and consultancy to create and deliver financial plans, propose wealth management opportunities, and leverage technology and marketing to improve business efficiency. Nate joined the Falls Financial Group at UBS Financial Services after previously working at Dougherty and Company with previous internships with Focus Financial and Northwestern Mutual. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as licenses for life, accident and health insurance and variable annuities.

            A graduate of Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD, Nate earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a minor in Communication Studies. As a member of the men's baseball team from 2009-2013, he received All-American and Northern Sun Intercollegiate All- Conference honors, as well as, All- Conference Academic Team honors.

            Nate is a native of Stillwater, MN, and enjoys staying active by running and playing golf. Nate currently resides in Sioux Falls with his wife Kara, two children, and dog Reggie.

            • Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen (Generation) Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, 2022, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually between June and September based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
            • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
            • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

                6225 South Pinnacle Place
                Suite 201
                Sioux Falls, SD 57108
              • Steve Photo

                Steven Neff

                Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

                Financial Advisor

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                • AL
                • AR
                • AZ
                • CA
                • CO
                • FL
                • GA
                • IA
                • IL
                • IN
                • KS
                • MA
                • MI
                • MN
                • MO
                • MT
                • NC
                • ND
                • NE
                • NJ
                • NV
                • OH
                • OR
                • SC
                • SD
                • TN
                • TX
                • VA
                • WA
                • WI

                      6225 South Pinnacle Place
                      Suite 201
                      Sioux Falls, SD 57108
                    • Paula Photo 2023

                      Paula Brink

                      Senior Client Associate

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                      • SD

                      Paula has been with UBS Financial Services since 1992.  Her extensive career in the financial services industry began in 1990 with Dean Witter Reynolds in Honolulu Hawaii.  Her many years of service in the financial industry has provided her with a vast amount of knowledge and experience.  She obtained her series 7 and 63 licenses in 1995 and during her career at UBS has served in many different administrative positions as well as Branch Operations Manager.

                      An essential key to the Falls Financial Team, Paula assists clients with administrative and operational needs.  Her many years in the financial industry assists the group with more extensive and complex issues.  Clients appreciate the personal level of service she offers and have confidence in her prompt action.

                      Paula enjoys spending time with her ever-growing family; especially her grandchildren, fishing, fitness training and walks with her dog, Jaxson.  She resides in Sioux Falls with her husband (Bryan), two grown children and their families.   

                            6225 South Pinnacle Place
                            Suite 201
                            Sioux Falls, SD 57108
                          • Aaron Photo 2023

                            Aaron Hanson

                            Wealth Strategy Associate

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                            • AZ
                            • CA
                            • IA
                            • ME
                            • MI
                            • MN
                            • MT
                            • ND
                            • NE
                            • SD
                            • TX
                            • WI
                            • WY

                            Aaron joined UBS Falls Financial Group in the spring of 2021. Before UBS, he gained valuable work experience through his internship with Northwestern Mutual.  He holds his FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, and will be working towards other licensing and designation opportunities.

                            While attending Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Aaron obtained degrees in Business Administration as well as Finance.  He also was a member of the Augustana Men’s baseball team from 2016-2020, and was a member of the 2018 National Championship team and 2019 Regional Championship team.

                            Aaron was born and raised in Monticello, MN, and as a Minnesota native, he enjoys traveling to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with his family and friends. When he is not traveling, he enjoys exercising, playing various sports, coaching, and attending Augustana sporting events.

                                  6225 South Pinnacle Place
                                  Suite 201
                                  Sioux Falls, SD 57108
                                • Mike Photo

                                  Michael Schoettmer

                                  Client Associate

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                                  • AZ
                                  • CA
                                  • IA
                                  • ME
                                  • MI
                                  • MN
                                  • MT
                                  • ND
                                  • NE
                                  • SD
                                  • TX
                                  • WI
                                  • WY

                                  Michael joined UBS in January of 2023 after graduating from Augustana University. He holds his FINRA Series 7 securities license as well as licenses for life, accident, and health insurance, and will be working towards other licensing opportunities.

                                  While attending Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, Michael graduated with degrees in both Business Administration and Sports Management as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He was also a member of the Augustana baseball team from 2017-2022 and was a member of the 2018 National Championship team. Additionally, he was named a recipient of the CorTrust Bank Student-Athlete award.

                                  Michael is a native of Dallas, TX, and enjoys staying active by playing golf and amateur baseball. Michael currently resides in Sioux Falls with his dog Ivy.

                                        6225 South Pinnacle Place
                                        Suite 201
                                        Sioux Falls, SD 57108
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