“Remember those tests you take in elementary school that try to determine what your career will be? Mine predicted Financial Advisor. Of course, at the age of 11, I was 100% sure I would be playing in the NBA, so I blew it off, but I guess there is some merit to it!”
Mark Zichterman founded North Coast Wealth Advisors with the goal of matching Midwestern values and Wall Street capabilities to effectively serve clients who have put their trust in the team. With two decades of experience, Mark has learned the value of having a long-term focus while also sensitively navigating tumultuous times.
Mark graduated from Cornerstone University with double majors in Business/Computer Information Systems and Sports Management. Sports, specifically basketball, has been a big part of his life – he is part of Hudsonville High School’s and Cornerstone University’s athletic Hall of Fame. In 2002, Mark was also the Business/Computer Information Systems student of the year at Cornerstone University.
People are often surprised that Mark has a degree in technology but ended up in finance; however, the synergies are tremendous. The core of his course work was general business, which translates to his everyday life right now, but he has always been drawn to numbers and anything analytical. Mark believes this has helped him understand finances and all the complex decisions clients face every day. Cornerstone University provided a great education and spiritual foundation for how to take care of people in a loving and caring way.
After briefly pursuing a professional basketball career internationally, God made it clear that He had other plans – a knee injury cut that pursuit short, leading to a job interview for a financial advisor position at Hilliard Lyons.
Beyond required FINRA licensing, Mark has voluntarily continued his education by earning the Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations. He was also a Branch Manager for 10 years at Raymond James before transitioning to Stifel. Before turning 40, Mark was nationally recognized multiple times as one of the Top 25 Regional Advisers under the age of 40.
Outside the office, Mark is passionate about spending time with his wife of 20 years, Sarah, and his three boys, Max, Crew, and Asher. Mark created North Coast Premier Youth Basketball, which is growing very quickly and becoming a respected youth basketball program in the Midwest. When there is a moment to relax, Mark enjoys golfing, reading, fitness, attending church, and sitting on a beach.
Mark looks forward to seeing what the next 20 years has to bring, and he is excited to bring his 20 years of experience and education into the second half of his career. Beginning his career on the heels of the internet bubble, navigating the Great Recession of 2008 to 2009, fighting all the way back through multiple corrections, and then helping clients through a historic pandemic – there is no better education.
The Top 25 Regional Advisers Under 40 is ranked by On Wall Street and published by Financial Planning magazine. Nominations are received from advisers and managers and ranked according to production totals, and finalists are required to be no older than 39 as of December 31 in the year of ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion. Neither On Wall Street nor Financial Planning magazine receives compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. The ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance.
With a focus in comprehensive investment planning services, Gregg offers knowledgeable guidance to help clients pursue their personal and financial goals. Gregg oversees our investment product lineup and customized portfolios, ensuring that the focus of our investments is a cost-effective, time-tested selection of products to help our clients pursue their long-term goals. He also enjoys the personal side of the business and finds great fulfillment in fostering long-term relationships with the families and individuals that our team serves.
Overseeing our investment process and daily operations is not foreign to Gregg. He notes similarities between his current role and his previous role as an airline pilot – both careers require focus on the bigger picture and not a singular focus, something he calls “situational awareness.” Gregg started in the financial services industry in 2010 as a financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Network. In 2017, he moved his practice to Raymond James, and in 2018, he joined North Coast Wealth Advisors.
Gregg graduated from Western Michigan University and holds Series 7, 63, and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses. As a father of four kids, he enjoys keeping busy. In addition to coaching his boys’ hockey teams, he also spends time volunteering, playing golf and hockey, and spending time with his family. Originally from West Michigan, he lives in Hudsonville with his wife, Alisha, and their children, Cora, Will, Tessa, and Jonas.
Blake began his career as a Financial Advisor at Stifel in 2023. Prior to joining Stifel, he worked in sales, covering a large territory across the U.S. for a local company in Holland, Michigan. He also spent time with Aviation Insurance. Through these positions, he gained first-hand knowledge about the importance of putting client interests first, identifying their wants and needs, building relationships, and creating strategies that align with their needs. At NorthCoast Wealth Advisors, our financial services start with the client, understanding what financial success looks like and helping them take the steps toward those goals.
Blake earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Cornerstone University and holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. While attending Cornerstone University, Blake was a part of the basketball and track teams, which taught him how important team building, hard work, and time management are to overall success. Outside the office, he enjoys connecting with his church in Holland and doing mission work. He has previously completed a few mission trips in the past and continues to look for ways to connect with his community through missions in the future.
April has formed deep relationships with the clients she has served over the past 20 years. Her desire to help people and work with numbers is what led her to enter the financial services industry in 1994 with Hilliard Lyons. April later transferred to Raymond James & Associates in 2008, bringing with her a specialized focus in service matters related to life insurance and annuities. She holds Series 7 and 63 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses.
A native of Holland, Michigan, April earned a degree in Accounting from Davenport University. She and her husband, Chris, have been married since 1996, and they have two children. She enjoys spending time outdoors, family vacations, and watching her kids play sports.
Kristen uses her knowledge and experience to help ensure that clients’ questions and concerns are addressed in a timely manner. She manages internal operations for the team while still being available to assist clients with their account-related needs.
Kristen began working in the financial services industry in 2003 and joined NorthCoast Wealth Advisors in 2008. Prior to joining the team, she worked for Hilliard Lyons as a part-time assistant and receptionist while attending Grand Rapids Community College, where she earned an Associate of Arts. She continued her education at Hope College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management. She also holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Kristen enjoys traveling, reading, cross-country skiing, bicycle riding, and spending time with her husband, Ryan, and their adorable Pomsky, Alice. Ryan and Kristen have a large extended family and enjoy getting together during the holidays or having a good-old-fashioned barbecue at the beach.
Kamarie’s priority is maintaining a client-first level of service. She is typically the first person our clients speak to when they call and see when they come into the office. She assists with all branch administrative activities and takes pride in helping the day run smoothly. Kamarie can be described as approachable, helpful, and friendly.
Kamarie graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2016 with a B.A. in English and Education. After working as a teacher for the Hudsonville and West Ottawa school districts for three years, she joined the financial services industry in 2018. She looks forward to learning more about serving clients and their accounts in the years to come.
Kamarie and her husband, Cody, married in 2017 and live in Holland. They have spent a lot of time doing home improvement projects. Outside the office, Kamarie can be found walking at “Window on the Waterfront” with her rambunctious Australian Shepherd, Leo. She also enjoys any activity with her one-year-old son, Vinny – especially visiting local parades, zoos, and playgrounds.