Kurt Whitesell learned at an early age that setting goals, hard work, and determination are the keys to success. When he was nine years old, he started boxing and, over the next 14 years, compiled a winning record of 135W-22L. He competed in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), Golden Gloves, and Amateur Boxing Federation (ABF) circuits, winning multiple state and regional titles along with the National Multi-Sports Boxing title.
Realizing that boxing was not what he wanted to do for his long-term career, he started working as a polisher in a jewelry manufacturing company. While there, he saw the need for guidance as fellow employees registered for their 401ks and had little idea of what they were doing.
In 1987, he embarked on a career as a financial advisor with no experience or education in the field. He set out to help people start investing and planning their futures. Over the next several years, he worked relentlessly as a financial advisor, and in 1994, he earned his CFP® designation.
In 2007, he founded his own independent financial advisory firm, Whitesell Financial Group, LLP, and for more than three decades, has helped his clients work towards achieving their goals with the belief that a financial professional should be free from Wall Street and corporate influences to ensure the highest ethical standards are consistently practiced and upheld.
In 2022, Kurt and his team joined Summit Wealth Group. In addition to his roles as Vice President of Summit Wealth Group, Kurt has been actively involved in the community:
- Past youth soccer coach, baseball coach, and fundraiser
- Past boxing referee, judge, and coach
- Past CCD teacher
- Rapid City Sports Hall of Fame member for his boxing career of 135 wins and 22 losses
- Junior Achievement volunteer within the Rapid City Schools – 19 years and counting
- TeamMates Mentoring Board Member
- CFP Board Ambassador
Outside of his professional and community commitments, Kurt is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Suzie, are the proud parents of four children and three grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys a variety of activities, including working out, hiking, and traveling. His love for card games and quality time with his family further underscores his balanced approach to life.
Kurt has also been featured in publications by Good Morning America and MarketWatch. Please view those publications here:
Good Morning America: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/certified-financial-planner-professional-tips-125399211
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.