Our Team

Donald A. Warner, MSFS, CLU, ChFC Chairman of the Board Chief Executive Officer Co-founder	Mr. Warner began his financial planning career in 1975 after graduating from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. In 1976, Mr. Warner began his partnership with Mr. Grant Lindaman, which has extended over a quarter century. Mr. Warner specializes in asset management, estate planning, and wealth management. Mr. Warner co-founded New Era Financial Group, Inc. in 1982 and New Era Financial Advisors, Inc. in 1986. Along with Mr. Lindaman, Mr. Warner also co-founded The China Fund, Inc. and the Emerging China Fund L.P. in 1989 and 1992 respectively. Mr. Warner manages both of these funds which were among the first in the nation to offer investors the opportunity to invest in China and Hong Kong. Mr. Warner earned his CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation in 1977 and his ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation in 1983. Subsequently, Mr. Warner earned his MSFS (Masters of Science in Financial Services) degree in 1987 and his MSM (Masters of Science in Management) degree in 1989.
Grant F. Lindaman President	Mr. Lindaman began his financial planning career in 1975, after graduating from Arizona State University.  In 1976 he began his partnership with Mr. Donald Warner, which has continued for nearly three decades. Mr. Lindaman co-founded New Era Financial Group, Inc. in 1982 and New Era Financial Advisors, Inc. in 1986 along with Mr. Warner.  Mr. Lindaman also co-founded the China Fund, Inc. and Emerging China Fund L.P. in 1989 and 1992 respectively. Over the last thirty years Grant has gained valuable insights as to what constitutes progress from a financial planning perspective.  While working with high net worth clients from across the country it has become apparent that experienced objective advice can make a significant impact on clients financial path.  Today Grant enjoys bringing his 30 years of experience to a long term relationship with his clients.  Examining alternatives and communicating the possibilities.
Geoffrey London	Geoff London has been helping families and individuals make sound long-term financial and investment decisions for over 30 years.  His experience in the investment industry includes his time as investment consultant, portfolio manager, and branch manager.  He enjoys exploring priorities, values, goals, and legacy ambitions with each client.  Topics covered include planning for retirement, education for children and grandchildren, and giving to individuals and organizations. As part of an advisory network that includes attorneys, accountants, portfolio managers, and specialized insurance professionals, Geoff co-ordinates the team of professionals who serve the frequently complex needs of investors.  He has been an associate member of the Twin Cities Association of Investment Analysts (AIMR) since 1988 and he has been affiliated with New Era Financial Group since 1993.
Shad Ketcher	Shad Ketcher is a hard working, knowledgeable and dedicated financial planner who fully enjoys helping people work toward their significant life goals and makes sound decisions about their money. Shad cares about his clients; and wants them to do well.  He works hard to find new and creative strategies to help people work toward their financial goals.  He has helped many people to get started on the road to financial independence.  He has helped others who have done well to finish well.  Shad believes that we all need a trusted advisor to help us to stay the course and remain committed to long term strategic plan. Shad grew up in Central Minnesota and served in the US Army.  After his tour of duty he returned to Minnesota and graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in business.  He supported himself through college by running his own business.  He learned the value of hard work, money, and what it takes to be successful in business.  Today Shad runs his own business in affiliation with New Era Financial Group Inc., one of the premier financial planning organizations in the region!  Shad lives and works in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and serves clients and businesses throughout the state of Minnesota.  He is married and the father of two daughters and a son. Shad wants his clients to know that he values a relationship of mutual respect and trust. He works hard to make his clients plans work over the long term.  These plans often include a worry free and dignified retirement; insuring that your children and grandchildren can have the opportunities you desire; and creating and passing on significant wealth to the people and organizations that you value.
Gene Larkin	Gene graduated with an economics degree from Columbia University in 1984.  After graduating Gene played 10 years with the Minnesota Twins and was a member of their World Series Championship teams of 1987 and 1991.  Gene joined New Era Financial in 1994 where he specializes in asset and wealth management.
Craig Meuer	Craig grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota.  He moved to Minneapolis in 1986.  From 1987 to 1993 he worked in the mechanical engineering industry.  In 1993 Craig received his series 7 and 63 FINRA licenses and went to work with RJ Steichen as a stock broker.  Craig built his business cold calling small business owners.  He specialized in building small cap growth stock portfolios.  Craig also gained experience trading bonds as well as using option strategies.  He participated in private funding of companies.  After working as a stock broker for five years Craig realized his clients needed more than an aggressive portfolio of small cap growth stocks.  His clients needed help with life planning.  In October of 1998 he joined New Era Financial Group to become a financial planner.  In January of 1999 he received his life and health insurance license.  Over the past years he has became knowledgeable in all the different areas of financial planning.  For example he can help determine how much money you need to put your kids through college, how hard your assets have to work to have a worry free retirement, or what you need to do to reduce your estate tax liability.  His clients range from those just getting started in the workforce to walking alongside people during retirement.  A typical goal of clients just getting started is accumulating your first $100,000.  A typical issue handled during retirement is how do you I grow my retirement money without worrying about losing it. Craig is single and has lived in Richfield since 1993.  When he’s finally done fixing up his house he will probably sell it.  He enjoys fellowship at church and spending time with his dog’s Rudy and Abbe.  He especially enjoys hunting with Abbe, fishing, watching sports, playing fantasy sports and an occasional beer.
Benjamin Johnson	Mr. Johnson obtained a B.A. at Greenville College in 1993 and became a FINRA Registered Representative in 1995, the same year he joined New Era Financial. Ben enjoys helping clients analyze and specify their individual needs, set goals, and implement the steps necessary to meet their long-term objectives. Ben grew up in Illinois and currently lives in Minnetonka with his wife, Michelle, and their two young children, Peter and Grace.