Rick Epple, CFP®
Certified Financial Transitionist®
Phone: 952-470-5049
Toll Free: 866-678-8194
E-mail: rick@aurochsfinancial.com
“One of the most important things I can do is to help families put a plan in place that is in line with their most important values”
Rick is the founder and president of Aurochs Financial Group, a comprehensive fee-only wealth management and fiduciary firm located in Wayzata, MN and works with clients Nationally. He aims to help clients live the life they choose through the accumulation and conservation of their financial resources.
Having his client’s best interests at heart, Rick enjoys long-term relationships with his clients, ultimately to be there and see them achieve their most important goals. Based on a desire to provide the most thorough goal-oriented plans, Rick developed a proprietary system called The SMART Decision Process™. This investigative and planning tool allows for flexibility and diligence in achieving objectives throughout future life changes.Rick first applied his detail-oriented, strategic mind to engineering, getting his BS in Engineering from Purdue University. Having been inspired by the results of his NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) advisor, he earned his Certified Financial Planner® certification from the College for Financial Planning. He then followed a dream of owning his own business, and opened Aurochs Financial Group in 2002. To better help clients on the personal side of money, he obtained his Certified Financial Transitionist® designation in early 2017.
Rick’s expertise is frequently sought by the media. He’s been interviewed numerous times as a subject matter expert by U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Money Magazine, The Washington Post, Smart Money Magazine, Parent’s Magazine, NAPFA Magazine, Advisors 4 Advisors, Investment News, Minneapolis Star, Northwest Dentistry Magazine, Dental Products Report Magazine and many others. Rick also contributed to the book “Just Give Me the Answer$: Expert Advisors Address Your Most Pressing Financial Questions.” He was selected as one of the Best Financial Advisers For Dentists by Dental Practice Report Magazine for 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Rick delights in helping people and giving back to the community. He served on the Midwest Regional, National Board, and Ethics Committee for NAPFA, where he has also served as a MN Study Group Leader. Additionally, he is a Finance Committee member for his church, Our Lady of the Lake, and has served in other capacities there as well. He sponsors and supports the Minneapolis West Chapter of the Modern Widow’s Club.
Rick loves spending time with his wife, kids and friends. He’s works out regularly and enjoys traveling, downhill skiing and walking.
Professional Memberships
Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)
Past NAPFA MN Study Group Leader, Midwest Regional Board, National Board, Ethics Committee
Past FPA Career Development Director
Finance Committee – Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School
Wayzata Chamber of Commerce
Certified Financial Transitionist®
CFP™ and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Peiru Chen
Paraplanner
Phone: 952-470-5049 ext. 2
Fax: 800-578-7613
Toll Free: 866-678-8194
E-mail: peiru@aurochsfinancial.com
Peiru joined Aurochs Financial Group in 2021 as a paraplanner. Peiru is excited to help clients achieve their financial goals.
Peiru decided to pursue a career in financial planning after realizing her love for personal finance could be used to help others. With her attention to detail, compassion, and problemsolving skills, Peiru believes she can help ensure clients are prepared for whatever life brings.
Peiru earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison and had already completed the CFP program. She is looking forward to passing the CFP exam and earning the mark soon.
Currently living in Shanghai, China, Peiru had lived in the U.S. since high school. She had lived in 3 states: Washington, Wisconsin and Minnesota. She considers the U.S. her second home and looks forward to moving back in the future.
Outside of work, Peiru enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She also like to support Wisconsin sports teams, journal, workout, and try out the latest clothing fashions. Currently, she is also learning to improve her basketball skills.
Michelle Dillman
Administrative Manager
Phone: 952-470-5049 ext. 3
Fax: 800-578-7613
Toll Free: 866-678-8194
E-mail: michelle@aurochsfinancial.com
Michelle joined Aurochs Financial Group in March 2020. She brings with her over 13 years of new business and annuity operations experience where she held a Series 6 license. She transitioned into IT Development and worked as a systems analyst developing processes and procedures for annuity operations. Over the last 6 years she has she has been working with financial advisors and insurance agents and has amassed a great deal of additional experience with other financial services products and procedures. She is very detailed oriented and knows the importance of organization, prioritization, timelines and flexibility. She believes that effective communication and thoroughness are the keys to getting tasks accomplished correctly the first time.