Our People
Mike Karbouski, CFP® is the President and founder of Portico Financial Group. He began his career in the financial services industry 35 years ago in the mutual fund services division of First Wisconsin Bank (now USBancorp Mutual Fund Services). He spent over 10 years developing expert level knowledge of this industry and has worked with some of the top investment management, legal and accounting firms in the country.
Mike then worked in the investment division of a large financial services firm before his desire to help others led him to become a financial advisor. After working as an investment representative for two different regional banks, Mike formed Portico Financial Group in order to best serve the needs of his clients.
Mike has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee and earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Most importantly, Mike is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM.
Not everyone who calls himself or herself a financial planner is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional. To obtain the CFP® certification, a person must study and demonstrate competency in six areas vital to comprehensive financial planning, including insurance, retirement, investments and estate planning by successfully completing the CFP® Certification Examination. The emphasis of the educational program is the interrelationship of the financial areas and the need for an objective analysis of a client’s circumstances and goals. The CFP professional must also meet educational, work experience and ethical standards to maintain the right to use the CFP mark.
Mike is a strong supporter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Humane Society programs and frequently volunteers for other non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. In his free time, Mike is an avid exercise and outdoors enthusiast. He has competed in the Boston Marathon, American Birkebeiner ski race as well as the prestigious Ironman triathlon eight times. He most recently qualified and competed with the best amateurs and pros in the world at the Half-Ironman World Championships in Nevada and the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. In addition, Mike is a certified USA Triathlon coach and has conducted many clinics on various training aspects of the sport.
“The way I approach financial planning parallels the way I coach triathletes. I'll work with you to set goals, create a plan and follow through to the finish line!”
Portico Financial Group - A Foundation For Your Future