At Mint Hill, we serve 240 families of physicians and dentists located in 39 different states. Many of these relationships are remote, relying primarily on phone, email and video conferences.
This offers many benefits – for example, instead of fighting traffic to get to our office, you can meet us from the comfort of your home in your pajamas.
On the downside, however, it can be difficult to get to know all the members of your Mint Hill financial team. And since our people happen to be one of the biggest strengths of our organization, we wanted to share a bit more about who we are.
You can read our bios on the website (and we invite you to do so), but we thought it would be more fun to go “beyond the bio.” Below are several fun facts about each member of our team you probably didn’t know.
Barb Dodge, Senior Client Services Manager
Spouse: Matt
Kids: Allen (23), Izzy (19), Maggie (13), Canaan (11)
What is your favorite food?
Lasagna. As a child, I would always ask for lasagna for my birthday dinner. When I started dating my husband, we always had lasagna on Christmas Eve at his grandma’s house, and we continue to cook lasagna every Christmas Eve.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
I cannot carry any type of tune at all, but I do like belting out Bon Jovi and Harry Styles in the car with my kids, especially if they have friends riding with us.😊
Would you rather be at the beach or in the mountains? Why?
I’d rather be at the beach for sure. I love the ocean. We live very near the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s fascinating how you never know what you’re going to get when you show up at the beach. Sometimes the sea is so wild I won’t let my children surf, and sometimes it’s calmer than a lake in Michigan. It truly never gets old for me.
Who was the best teacher you’ve ever had and why?
My high school history teacher, Mr. Forbes, was my favorite teacher ever. Mr. Forbes wasn’t just brilliant, he was a man of great integrity who helped shape my worldview in a significant way. Everything I know about politics, the way our government operates, and foreign affairs stems from what I learned in his 11th-grade U.S. government class. Every day Mr. Forbes had a current event picked out and part of our homework was to bring one to class as well. Then we would examine and discuss the various current events we’d brought to class. Bonus: If you matched up to Mr. Forbes’ current event, you received extra credit!
Andrea Ludwick, Executive Assistant
Spouse: Mark
Kids: Matthew, Madie (daughter-in-law), Andrew
What is the best trip you’ve ever taken?
Before children, my husband and I spent three weeks in Australia. It was a magical trip seeing many parts of the country and holding both kangaroos and koala bears. One part of the trip included scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately, I was too scared to let go of the side of the boat, so instead I had very large sharks swimming up against me looking for food. We later found out that it was a part of the ocean where the sharks would regularly swim to look for treats from the dive instructors.
What is the best concert you’ve attended?
The best concert I have attended was Keith Urban and his opener was Carrie Underwood. We had front-row seats, and at one point during the concert Keith Urban reached down and held (okay, maybe just touched) my hand. This was many years ago, but they both are still my favorites to listen to.
What is the best book you’ve ever read?
Hands down the Bible, the best “how-to” manual for navigating life.
What is one of your proudest achievements?
Having raised two incredible boys with my husband. Now that we are empty-nesters, it’s fun to reflect on all those years of loads (and loads) of dirty laundry, endless carpools, sleepovers, and sports practices. Glad all that is behind us, but would not trade those experiences for the world. It is so very rewarding to see them now adulting on their own.
Bethany Simonds, Client Engagement Coordinator
Spouse: Zachary
What is the best trip you’ve ever taken?
My husband and I got to travel to India shortly before COVID hit, and it was such an incredible trip. We attended a friend’s wedding, which was a three-day event filled with so much dancing, singing, and games. After years of only seeing pictures of the Taj Mahal, I finally got to visit in person, and it was one of my favorite destinations we visited while on our trip. Traveling was exhausting, though, and upon arriving back in the U.S., we both slept for 18 hours straight—which we still laugh about! Overall, I loved India and hope to go back again someday!
What is your favorite dessert?
Gooey Butter Cake! It’s a St. Louis signature dessert, and being from there, I remember trying this for the first time as a kid and instantly loving it. It’s still my favorite dessert today, and I always pick some up anytime I’m back home visiting.
Would you rather be at the beach or in the mountains? Why?
Definitely the beach. I have loved the beach for as long as I can remember, and I have a lot of fun childhood memories there. Although I live in the Rocky Mountains now, my fingers are crossed that one day I’ll live closer to the beach. There’s nothing better than the smell of salty air and the sight of the ocean.
What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
Growing up, every Christmas my parents gave us an ornament that symbolized an important milestone for that year. I’ve kept this tradition going, and my husband and I now pick out each other’s ornaments, which we open on Christmas Eve. I love looking at our Christmas tree and seeing reminders of all the special memories throughout my life.
Jake Stevenson, Partner & Senior Advisor
Spouse: Lena
Kids: Grey (7), Levi (5)
What is the best trip you’ve ever taken?
A few years ago my entire family went to Maui together. My three siblings and their spouses, nieces and nephews, my parents, and my grandmother were all there. We snorkeled with turtles, hiked to waterfalls, jumped off cliffs, and ate well. My oldest son, Grey, says Maui is his favorite place in the world, and I can’t think of a better answer either.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
I don’t think I have a “go-to” karaoke song. I am usually up for having fun in most scenarios and trying new things…but karaoke is 100% not on the list of potential activities. I honestly can’t think of another socially acceptable activity that I would like to do less than sing in public. All that to say…“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.
What Disney character would you be and why?
This one is easy, it’s Goofy. He has the most fun, has a great laugh, and he is fiercely loyal.
What is the best thing you’ve ever purchased under $100?
Fishing poles for my two boys. Don’t get me wrong, fishing with kids is frustrating and unbelievably inefficient, but seeing them enjoy something I enjoy is hard to beat. Experiencing with them the excitement (and fear) they get from reeling in a fish is something special.
Tyler Anderson, Partner & President
Spouse: Abby
Kids: Thea (8), Cyrus (6), Junia (4)
What’s your favorite animal?
If living, bison. If extinct, velociraptor. To eat, cow.
What’s your least favorite animal?
Off the coast of Africa, I was stung in the foot by the most venomous fish in the world. So, stonefish. They’re the worst!
What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?
I got the chance to spend a summer during college living in Israel, Turkey, and Greece. It’s pretty hard for me to top that one. Summers in Nebraska are almost as nice.
What is the best book you’ve ever read?
Only one? I need at least three! 1) Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy 2) Watership Down by Richard Adams 3) Confessions by St. Augustine
Tim Beldner, Partner & CEO
Spouse: Meagan
Kids: Aliya (11), Aubrey (10), Alessa (8), Ayla (6)
What is one of your proudest achievements?
Shoot, this is getting personal. Yes, hmm…okay, probably being a dad to four daughters. Cheesy but truly one of my proudest achievements.
What Disney character would you be and why?
Anna of Arendelle because she taught me a lot about selfless love.
Would you rather be at the beach or in the mountains? Why?
Beach. Definitely beach. No bugs with the ocean breeze always rolling through, and the smell of the ocean is magical.
What is the best thing you’ve ever purchased under $100?
My wife’s wedding ring! Kidding. A little coin with the phrase “You steward a great trust.” When you flip the coin over, the other side says, “Be found faithful.” It’s a motto I try to live by.
Matt Lessman, Partner & COO
Spouse: Katie
Kids: Aurora (10), Micah (8), Genevieve (5), Caleb (2)
Do you have any hidden talents?
I don’t talk about it a lot, but in fourth grade, I was really good at a game called “Around the World” where students competed to answer math problems. So, yeah.
What is your favorite game to play?
Scrabble. I love it. Few feelings compare to the exhilaration one feels the moment they realize they’ve identified a word that uses all their letters. I’ve heard it’s amazing.
What is your favorite season of the year?
Fall. I love the cool breeze and the sounds of rustling leaves through the open windows of the house. It reminds me of family togetherness and relaxation, and always brings feelings of calmness and comfort.
What was your favorite TV show as a kid?
Definitely Saved By the Bell. Changed my life. There was a short period during my early teens where, despite being shy and unpopular, I was pretty sure I was just like Zack Morris. I recall multiple occasions where I would provide uninteresting yet detailed narration of my life to a non-existent camera. In retrospect, this may have contributed to the unpopularity.
Haven’t Met Us Yet?
Learn more about our team and how we can help you find confidence in your financial future. You can schedule a complimentary introductory appointment by calling (402) 509-5787 or emailing us at info@minthillwealth.com.
About Matt
Matt Lessman is partner and Chief Operating Officer at Mint Hill Wealth Management, an independent, boutique wealth management firm serving physicians, dentists and their families. With over 10 years of experience, Matt’s role is to oversee operations and assist in developing the private equity arm of the firm. He spends his days steering the Mint Hill ship, bringing organization and process to the growing firm and using his analytical and strategic skills to enhance the team.
Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Truman State University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. When he’s not in the office, you can find Matt spending time with his wife, Katie, and their four children.
Mint Hill Wealth Management LLC is an investment adviser in Mint Hill, NC. Mint Hill Wealth Management is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission. Mint Hill Wealth Management only transacts business in states in which it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration. A copy of Mint Hill Wealth Management’s current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC which discusses among other things, Mint Hill Wealth Management’s business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Please note, the information provided in this document is for informational purposes only and investors should determine for themselves whether a particular service or product is suitable for their investment needs. Please refer to the disclosure and offering documents for further information concerning specific products or services. Nothing provided in this document constitutes tax advice. Individuals should seek the advice of their own tax advisor for specific information regarding tax consequences of investments. Investments in securities entail risk and are not suitable for all investors. This site is not a recommendation nor an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to buy) securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This document may contain forward-looking statements relating to the objectives, opportunities, and the future performance of the U.S. market generally. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as; “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” “potential” and other similar terms. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to financial condition, results of operations, and success or lack of success of any particular investment strategy. All are subject to various factors, including, but not limited to general and local economic conditions, changing levels of competition within certain industries and markets, changes in interest rates, changes in legislation or regulation, and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technological factors affecting a portfolio’s operations that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Such statements are forward-looking in nature and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or examples. None of Ausdal Financial Partners or any of its affiliates or principals nor any other individual or entity assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, subsequent events or any other circumstances. Tax and estate planning should not be construed as legal or accounting advice. Please consult with your tax advisor and/ or attorney. All statements made herein speak only as of the date that they were made. Securities and advisory services offered through Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. 5187 Utica Ridge Rd, Davenport, IA. 52807. 563‐326‐2064. Mint Hill Wealth Management LLC and Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc. are separately owned and operated.
