Our Team
Our Team
Dan Bolda – CFP®, AIF®
Owner and Founder
Registered Principal, Investment Advisor Representative, Registered Representative
Back in 1996, as a young but hopeful 33-year-old, Dan did what all the 401k experts advise against. He cashed in his 401(k) to start Michigan Pension & Financial, Inc. Nearly 3 decades later, he still maintains that one size does not fit all. Sometimes the conventional approach is absolutely the best path forward. Sometimes it is not.
The thing he enjoys most about his role at Michigan Pension today is helping clients determine the best approach forward, for them and their future.
Michigan Pension has a distinctive business model. We believe it is as important to plan for distribution planning during retirement as it is to plan the most efficient way to save for retirement. That is why we emphasize our work with plan participants (employees) more than most.
Dan earned his B.A. from Michigan State University. As an avid chess player, Dan tied for 3rd place in the 2005 Michigan Open Chess Championship. A GM (Grandmaster) won the event and a former World Junior Champion and IM (International Master) finished second. Today he still plays chess and games of strategy but also sprinkles in some travel and pickleball.
Brandon Hughes — QKA
Retirement Consultant
Registered Administrative Representative, Investment Advisor Representative
Brandon joined Michigan Pension & Financial in 2019 as a 401(k) plan administrator. Over time, Brandon has transitioned towards the investment and co-fiduciary side of the business. After becoming Series 7 and Series 66 securities licensed, Brandon now focuses his efforts on client meetings and servicing, investment management services, participant education and helps monitor and implement fiduciary best practices for our clients. Prior to joining Michigan Pension & Financial, Brandon worked in Pittsburgh as a 401(k) administrator, handling a range of small to medium sized plans. Brandon earned his bachelor’s in science from Slippery Rock University with a focus in accounting and finance. He enjoys being outdoors, skiing, and camping.
Brandon Hughes — QKA
Retirement Consultant
Registered Administrative Representative, Investment Advisor Representative
Brandon joined Michigan Pension & Financial in 2019 as a 401(k) plan administrator. Over time, Brandon has transitioned towards the investment and co-fiduciary side of the business. After becoming Series 7 and Series 66 securities licensed, Brandon now focuses his efforts on client meetings and servicing, investment management services, participant education and helps monitor and implement fiduciary best practices for our clients. Prior to joining Michigan Pension & Financial, Brandon worked in Pittsburgh as a 401(k) administrator, handling a range of small to medium sized plans. Brandon earned his bachelor’s in science from Slippery Rock University with a focus in accounting and finance. He enjoys being outdoors, skiing, and camping.
Ben Jordan
Retirement Coordinator
After completing his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing, Ben started his professional career in Hospitality Management. Always seeking a challenge and opportunity to better himself, Ben joined Michigan Pension in 2021.
Outside of the office you can find Ben on the soccer field or tennis courts. Ben is also a musician and enjoys writing and recording original music. He is currently taking courses at Boston University to become a Certified Financial Planner®.
Ben Jordan
Retirement Coordinator
After completing his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing, Ben started his professional career in Hospitality Management. Always seeking a challenge and opportunity to better himself, Ben joined Michigan Pension in 2021.
Outside of the office you can find Ben on the soccer field or tennis courts. Ben is also a musician and enjoys writing and recording original music. He is currently taking courses at Boston University to become a Certified Financial Planner®.
You can check out the background of our firm and investment professionals on FINRA’s BrokerCheck!
You can check out the background of our firm and investment professionals on FINRA’s BrokerCheck!
These are old bios that I haven’t completely deleted because I’m scared they’re going to want the bio text again later 😅
Erik Bolda — ASA, EA, MSEA
Consulting Actuary
Associate of the Society of Actuaries, Enrolled Actuary
Erik joined Michigan Pension & Financial in 2019 and serves as our Consulting Actuary. He also heads our qualified retirement plan program, focusing primarily on cash balance and defined benefit plans. He holds credentials from the IRS, Society of Actuaries, and the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA). Prior to joining Michigan Pension & Financial, Erik worked in the Detroit office of the largest benefits consulting firm in the country, as well as with one of the premier small plan consulting companies in the New York City area.
Erik earned his bachelor’s in science from the University of Michigan with a dual concentration in Actuarial Mathematics and Economics. He enjoys the outdoors, studying history, and running; he finished his first three marathons in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and continues to train for future races.
Erik Bolda — ASA, EA, MSEA
Consulting Actuary
Associate of the Society of Actuaries, Enrolled Actuary
Erik joined Michigan Pension & Financial in 2019 and serves as our Consulting Actuary. He also heads our qualified retirement plan program, focusing primarily on cash balance and defined benefit plans. He holds credentials from the IRS, Society of Actuaries, and the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA). Prior to joining Michigan Pension & Financial, Erik worked in the Detroit office of the largest benefits consulting firm in the country, as well as with one of the premier small plan consulting companies in the New York City area.
Erik earned his bachelor’s in science from the University of Michigan with a dual concentration in Actuarial Mathematics and Economics. He enjoys the outdoors, studying history, and running; he finished his first three marathons in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and continues to train for future races.
Joe Wrobel
ERISA Attorney
Joe is a seasoned pension attorney, with over 30 years of experience, who strives to provide a high level of service for all his clients. Joe does the research and due diligence needed to provide solutions to complex qualified pension plan issues. Joe handles all our client’s plan document and ERISA compliance needs. He makes it a priority to stay current in the constantly changing regulatory and legal landscape by leading our continuing education program and maintaining an active network of pension professionals. In his career, he has assisted many clients with ERISA compliance issues, including correcting plan defects under IRS and DOL voluntary compliance programs, plan audit representation and negotiation and hands on plan administration and reporting.
Joe enjoys exploring different local parks, taking nature hikes with his wife, golfing, gardening, and attending an occasional college game with his sons.
John VanDenBerg
Vice President
Investment Advisor Representative, Registered Representative
John is another indispensable Michigan Pension & Financial team member. John has been with us for seven years keeping all the moving parts well-oiled, aligned and working optimally.
John is responsible for plan installation, implementation and servicing, client onboarding, investment management services, client and participant meetings, as well as overseeing our information technology infrastructure.
John received his B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. Away from the office, John is an avid reader, a movie and TV buff, and a strategy game enthusiast.
John VanDenBerg
Vice President
Investment Advisor Representative, Registered Representative
John is another indispensable Michigan Pension & Financial team member. John has been with us for seven years keeping all the moving parts well-oiled, aligned and working optimally.
John is responsible for plan installation, implementation and servicing, client onboarding, investment management services, client and participant meetings, as well as overseeing our information technology infrastructure.
John received his B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. Away from the office, John is an avid reader, a movie and TV buff, and a strategy game enthusiast.
Stacie Jean
Pension Analyst
Since joining Michigan Pension & Financial in 2017, Stacie has taken pride in using her organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to adapt in the 401(k) and pension environment. She helps with participant and client requests, tax form deadlines, and efficiently performs daily administrative tasks.
In the past, Stacie has held customer service and leadership roles focusing on sales and visual merchandising. Outside of work she likes to Zumba, watch hockey, and explore art exhibits at the DIA.
Stacie Jean
Pension Analyst
Since joining Michigan Pension & Financial in 2017, Stacie has taken pride in using her organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to adapt in the 401(k) and pension environment. She helps with participant and client requests, tax form deadlines, and efficiently performs daily administrative tasks.
In the past, Stacie has held customer service and leadership roles focusing on sales and visual merchandising. Outside of work she likes to Zumba, watch hockey, and explore art exhibits at the DIA.
Brianna Particka
Pension Analyst
Brianna recently joined Michigan Pension in 2022. She assists with administering 401(k), cash balance, and defined benefit plans, as well as helping with actuarial consulting projects.
Brianna graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science with Minors in Mathematics and Business Analytics. She is currently pursuing her Associate of the Society of Actuaries designation.
When she isn’t studying, Brianna enjoys woodworking, cross-country skiing, knitting, or knocking a few metal concerts off her bucket list.
Brianna Particka
Pension Analyst
Brianna recently joined Michigan Pension in 2022. She assists with administering 401(k), cash balance, and defined benefit plans, as well as helping with actuarial consulting projects.
Brianna graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science with Minors in Mathematics and Business Analytics. She is currently pursuing her Associate of the Society of Actuaries designation.
When she isn’t studying, Brianna enjoys woodworking, cross-country skiing, knitting, or knocking a few metal concerts off her bucket list.
Patti Bolda
Office Manager
After 23 years’ experience as an Executive Assistant/Office Manager at a different pension administration company, Patti “retired” from there and came on-board at Michigan Pension full-time as Office Manager. After 35 years of marriage and working part-time with Dan at Michigan Pension since 1996, she decided to mainly work with their son, Erik, on the pension side of the business.
Patti earned her B.A. from Michigan State University. She enjoys travel, both international to visit their daughter and son-in-law in Germany, across the USA and immersing herself in a good book.
Patti Bolda
Office Manager
After 23 years’ experience as an Executive Assistant/Office Manager at a different pension administration company, Patti “retired” from there and came on-board at Michigan Pension full-time as Office Manager. After 35 years of marriage and working part-time with Dan at Michigan Pension since 1996, she decided to mainly work with their son, Erik, on the pension side of the business.
Patti earned her B.A. from Michigan State University. She enjoys travel, both international to visit their daughter and son-in-law in Germany, across the USA and immersing herself in a good book.
Beth Snipes
Retirement Consultant – Emeritus
With 20 years of dedicated, excellent service at Michigan Pension & Financial, Beth is our most senior employee. With her knowledge of all things “rules and regulations,” Beth keeps the ship running smoothly and clients happy.
Beth manages our plan administration and compliance functions. She watches over “her plans” like a mother hen watches over her chicks. In addition to being a pension geek, she is also a self-confessed hockey geek. Beth shares her home with two rescue cats, Sydney Clawsby and Colton Purrayko.
Beth Snipes
Retirement Consultant – Emeritus
With 20 years of dedicated, excellent service at Michigan Pension & Financial, Beth is our most senior employee. With her knowledge of all things “rules and regulations,” Beth keeps the ship running smoothly and clients happy.
Beth manages our plan administration and compliance functions. She watches over “her plans” like a mother hen watches over her chicks. In addition to being a pension geek, she is also a self-confessed hockey geek. Beth shares her home with two rescue cats, Sydney Clawsby and Colton Purrayko.