What began as a small firm offering life and other insurance products quickly evolved into something much bigger. Within a few short years, Klaas Financial expanded to include comprehensive retirement planning services, recognizing the increasing demand for professional financial guidance. As the team grew to five, the firm moved from its original office to a larger space on Mulford Road to support its continued expansion.
From the 1980s through the early 2000s, Klaas Financial built a strong reputation for financial education across the region. The firm delivered retirement planning seminars to employees at local companies that were at the heart and soul of Rockford and also in the Madison area, such as Chrysler, Camcar, Dean Foods, Greenlee/Textron, Estwing, Rockford Products, Gunite, Hamilton Sundstrand, Ingersoll, Simmons, Rockford School District, Pleasant Company, and Springs Window Fashions, as well as to non-profits and municipalities throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. These presentations covered topics like goal setting, estate planning essentials, investment diversification, and Social Security. Popular seminar titles like “Are You Saving Enough for a Comfortable Retirement?” helped empower employees to make confident decisions about their workplace benefits and personal financial goals. In one notable year, Klaas Financial hosted more than 200+ educational seminars across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa.
In 2002, Klaas Financial opened a second office in the Madison, Wisconsin area, reflecting the firm’s expanding regional reach and client base. In 2007, Klaas established its permanent headquarters in Loves Park, Illinois, and in 2012, the Madison-area team moved into a modern, professional space on the second floor of the Oak Bank building in Fitchburg, Wisconsin—where it remains today.
Over the years, Klaas Financial has adapted its business model to stay aligned with the evolving financial landscape and client needs. The firm transitioned from an insurance and brokerage-based structure to a hybrid model, and ultimately, in 2020, became a fully independent Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) and fiduciary—an important step in reinforcing its commitment to acting in clients’ best interests.
Like many enduring firms, Klaas Financial has experienced both seasons of growth and periods of challenge over its first four decades—shaped by global events, market cycles, and evolving client needs. Throughout it all, the firm has remained steadfast, continuously strengthening its team and deepening its expertise to adapt within a dynamic industry.
The past ten years have been especially transformative, marked by key milestones such as becoming an independent Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), transitioning ownership to the next generation of leadership, and welcoming like-minded firms aligned with our values and client-first philosophy.
Today, Klaas Financial serves more than 1,000 households across the country with a talented team of 23 professionals. While the firm has evolved significantly since its founding in 1976, our core mission remains unchanged: to help individuals and families build their financial futures through personalized planning, experienced guidance, and a sincere commitment to service.
