Jon Henschen

Founder

Prior to his passing in July of 2023, Jon had over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and was sought after by both financial advisors, broker dealers and RIAs for his expertise and advise on independent broker dealers and RIAs.

Jon has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Barron’s, Reuters, New York Post, Financial Times, ThinkAdvisor, Wealth Management Magazine, Producers Web, Broker World, Research Magazine, Boomer, On Wall Street, Advisor Hub, Financial Advisor, Financial Planning, Investment News and Investment Advisor Magazine.

Over 120 articles have been written and published by Jon featured in ThinkAdvisor, Investment Advisor, Financial Advisor, Wealth Management, Intellectual Takeout and American Thinker. Jon’s articles seek to bring out truth and transparency on regulation, broker profit centers, private equity, broker dealer service, fiduciary standard and examining social constructs.

Jon held a Series 7 license since 1989 and worked as a financial advisor in both the independent and wirehouse channels. In the 90’s he spent several years wholesaling mutual funds and variable annuities, and started his recruiting career in 1998.

In 2001, Jon founded Henschen & Associates, with the goal of focusing on the independent broker dealer channel and in 2010, incorporating RIAs into our recruiting pool. Today, Henschen & Associates contracts with a broad array of Independent Broker Dealers and RIAs that meet the varied needs of financial advisors.

“Financial Services regulation is ultimately tyranny on the honest while the dishonest pay no attention.”

Vern Coates

Owner

Vern Coates was mentored by Jon Henschen and leads the team at Henschen & Associates. Over the last 17 years, his primary focus in the financial services industry has been helping advisors uncover hidden opportunities within the independent broker dealer and RIA fields. It is a rewarding experience when advisors find the BD/RIA home that most suits their practice. This motivates Vern as he believes that when advisors are satisfied with their back office that it greatly enhances their ability to care for their clients.

In an increasingly fiduciary environment, the goal is to help advisors find the firm that elevates their ability to grow their practices and serve their clients, in as conflict of interest free environment as possible. With Henschen & Associates extensive knowledge base and highly curated stable of financial firms, putting advisors in the best position to thrive is our primary purpose.

Vern also has a deep knowledge of alternative investments having headed recruiting for two independent broker dealers that had an extensive focus on this specialized product space.

Vern holds Series 7, 24 and 66 securities licenses along with previously holding life and health insurance registrations. He has a Law Enforcement degree from Kirkwood and a Business Administration degree from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Prior to his career in the financial services industry, Vern served as a full-time youth/associate pastor for 10 years. The foundation of his faith is what shapes Vern’s approach to consulting.

Vern is an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and will often be found with a golf club or table tennis paddle in his hands. Vern and his wife Tawnya have enjoyed watching their kids participate on the school mock trial team, in music competitions and in recreational sports. With family on both coasts, they enjoy traveling to see relatives (and the ocean) any chance they get. Vern is active with his local church and sits on the board of a local non-profit that helps to meet needs in the community.

Olivia Coates

Executive Assistant

Olivia is passionate about combining faith and finance to make a real impact in people’s lives. At Grand Canyon University, she is studying Financial Planning while serving as a leader in Women in Finance, creating opportunities for other women to grow in confidence and purpose. In her role as Executive Assistant at Henschen & Associates, she coordinates the firm’s branding, communication, and client outreach efforts. Olivia’s goal is to build a career that reflects her Christian values by using finance as a way to serve others with integrity and hope.