Trust and Estate

Jake Klaus is a Director and Trust and Estate Specialist at Heck Capital Advisors, and leads Heck Capital’s growth in Northeast Wisconsin from the firm’s office in Green Bay. Jake serves as a planning strategist and a resource for clients across the country, focusing on advanced wealth planning and investment advisory for high-net-worth families and organizations.

Jake brings 14 years of Trust, Estate, and advisory experience to Heck Capital Advisors. Jake’s experience includes practicing law with a focus on estate planning, serving a judicial appointment as Register in Probate in Brown County, advising and managing relationships for a multi-family office, and leading a Bank Trust Department through a period of significant growth. Most recently, Jake led a team of wealth management professionals in the management and service of over $1 billion in Trust assets under management across 16 states. Jake prides himself on his ability to provide solutions for clients by understanding their overall financial picture and long-term goals. This includes guiding clients through complex trust structures, business liquidation and succession planning, estate planning and settlement, charitable planning, foundation and corporate investment strategies.

Jake graduated from Liberty University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance. He went on to pursue a J.D. at Liberty University School of Law where he graduated in 2010 and was admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin.  Jake also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^®  (CFP^®)  designation in 2018. Jake resides in Green Bay with his wife and three daughters. He serves on the national board of directors for Awaken Inc., a non-profit dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking, and is an advisor for Dudes & T.A.C.O.S. an initiative of Foundations Health & Wholeness to help provide resources to improve mens’ mental health and well-being.

_{Note: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP^® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks. For more about CFP Board, visit www.CFP.net.}

Dawn Laning, CFIRS^® is the Associate Director of Operations and Trust Compliance, and is based in our Green Bay office, bringing over 15 years of distinguished experience in the trust industry. Previously serving as VP of Trust Risk and Compliance Officer at a national bank, Dawn has established herself as an expert in trust compliance, audits, risk management, and operational excellence. Her educational background includes an Associate Degree in Office Administration from Fox Valley Technical College, which is complemented by her CFIRS^® (Certified Fiduciary and Investment Risk Specialist) certification. We believe her background shows a deep commitment to fiduciary responsibilities and regulatory compliance. Dawn will play a vital role within Heck Capital by taking on responsibilities of managing legal documentations, providing the highest compliance service levels and client contact standards, and ensuring smooth execution of trust related processes. Beyond her professional achievements, Dawn is dedicated to community involvement and service, volunteering for the Luminary Walk for Unity Hospice, and embodying Heck Capital Advisors’ commitment to integrity and community.

Jill Paul is a member of our Client Service/Operations team and is based in our Green Bay office. She has over a decade of experience in the financial sector, working for both educational and financial institutions.

Prior to Heck Capital Advisors, Jill served as Assistant Vice President of Estate & Trust Settlement at a Trust Company and as a Trust Relationship Manager at a national bank. She was responsible for the settlement of decedents’ personal trusts and estates and worked closely with family members, attorneys, accountants, investment advisors, and other interested parties to provide exceptional service and guidance through the settlement process.

Jill’s experience in trust and estate law, settlement processes, and focus on compliance and regulatory requirements will play an important new role at Heck Capital. Jill will also work with the Heck Capital team to track and monitor outside assets and will be an integral part of our website access and monitoring.

Jill graduated from Carroll University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with a major in Accounting. Additionally, she holds the CES™ designation (Certified Estate and Trust Specialist) from the Institute of Business and Finance. Jill resides in in Green Bay with her husband, Josh, and their two sons. She enjoys golfing, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. Community involvement is also important to Jill, and she spends time volunteering at the House of Hope Green Bay, which supports young parents and children experiencing homelessness.