Experience

That inspires confidence

Employing a comprehensive, yet focused, approach to your financial situation, we can provide customized investment strategies designed to help you pursue your individual needs and goals. We view this as an in-depth approach to your investment and financial life – taking into account your total asset and liability needs.

Erik Syverson, CFP

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

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.

Registered States:
  • 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
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WV
  • WY

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024The 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.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

6225 South Pinnacle Place
Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57108

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James P. Willers, CRPS

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Market Director

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.

Registered States:
  • 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

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • 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.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

6225 South Pinnacle Place
Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57108

Email Me

Nathan Hewes, CFP

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

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.

Registered States:
  • 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
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • 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, 2023, 2024The 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.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

6225 South Pinnacle Place
Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57108

Email Me

Steven Neff

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Registered States:
  • 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

Email Me

Paula Brink

Senior Client Associate

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.   

Registered States:
  • SD
6225 South Pinnacle Place
Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57108

Email Me

Aaron Hanson

Wealth Strategy Associate

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.

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • IA
  • ME
  • MI
  • MN
  • MT
  • ND
  • NE
  • SD
  • TX
  • WI
  • WY
6225 South Pinnacle Place
Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57108

Email Me

Michael Schoettmer

Client Associate

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.

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • IA
  • ME
  • MI
  • MN
  • MT
  • ND
  • NE
  • SD
  • TX
  • WI
  • WY
6225 South Pinnacle Place
Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57108

Email Me