Our Team

THOMAS R. HOKR is a founding partner of MHS Companies and responsible for analyzing insurance needs of individuals and businesses. He entered the financial services industry in 1983 with CIGNA and began his own practice in 1990. Tom is a life-long learner: he graduated from Saint John’s University in 1972; continued on to acquire Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (CFC) designations in 1995; his Certificate in Estate Planning and Income Taxation in 1999; and his Masters of  Science in Financial Services and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF^®) in 2011. He is currently working on his doctorate in Financial and Retirement Planning and remains very active with the Knights of Columbus, Rotary and Alumni Association Board at Saint John’s. With more than 30 years of experience working for and consulting to individuals and small businesses, Tom is responsible for bringing top-flight products and services to his clients.

CHRIS SHERWIN entered the financial services industry in 2001 as an investment manager with Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA) in Beverly Hills, CA after graduating from Pepperdine University. Chris now also holds an MBA^® and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). As a partner at MHS Companies, Chris enjoys guiding his clients as they implement strategies to meet their financial goals. Chris creates and manages client financial plans that help minimize taxes, and increase savings.  The client base consists of retired individuals, 401(k) participants, small business owners, business executives, and hard-working families.

TODD STOFFEL joined MHS in 2015 as the CFO and SVP of Operations and brings with him over 25 years of financial and operational experience in many small and mid size organizations.  He brings a strong customer service mentality to the organization and works tirelessly with the MHS team to provide the highest level of service to our customers, both externally and internally.  He works closely with the MHS team in business development and directly oversees the Property & Casualty, Financial Planning, and Administrative Services areas.  Todd has his undergraduate degree from St. John’s University and his MBA from the University of St. Thomas, which is an interesting twist.  Todd and his family reside in the southwest suburbs, and when he is not coaching the sport of the season for one of his 4 kids, he enjoys running, golfing, and participating in a local Boy Scout troop’s activities.

ERIC BORG has been affiliated with MHS Companies since 2011. Eric leads our Financial Planning division working with team members to provide comprehensive financial planning services to MHS Advisory Services’ clients. Eric also chairs the MHS Advisory Services Investment Committee. Eric started his financial services career with Piper Jaffray and spent 19 years in the Fixed Income and Equity Capital Markets divisions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Yale University and has also earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Eric enjoys golfing, biking, and spending time with his wife and five adult children.

KAREN WILSON has been involved in the insurance industry since 1984 when she started as a Life/Disability Customer Service Representative, and progressed to managing the book of Life/Disability business for a large agency before joining MHS Companies. Karen was added to the MHS team in 2015 as the office manager/controller. Since that time, she has expanded her role due to her past experience to include Life/Disability product support, and service of employee benefit plans for MHS’ customers medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages. As changes occur in the employment industry, Karen is committed to offer customized products that meet an employer’s specific and financial needs. Karen also works with the MHS Business Development team to implement new benefit plans for the organization’s customers. Karen lives in the northern suburbs and likes to spend her free time gardening, volunteering with a local snowmobile club in the winter, and outdoor summer activities with her husband and 2 children.

KELLY BURNETTE has over 25 years experience in the property & casualty field and is the Director of the Property & Casualty Insurance department. She is committed to delivering insurance programs to commercial and personal lines clients with the ability to deliver a product that will meet their needs and limit their exposure. Her extensive underwriting background along with the positions she has held with national and regional insurance carriers allows her the resources and relationships to evaluate the insurance marketplace and provide an effective solution. Kelly has an Associate Degree in Accounting, is a licensed P&C professional and holds the CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) certification.

SUZANNE KAHNER has been a part of the qualified retirement plan industry with particular emphasis in 401(k) plans for over 20 years and is the Director of Retirement Plans. Her knowledge of the provider marketplace and qualified plan investment expertise is extensive and she helps to ensure that clients’ qualified retirement plans are being administered in the most efficient manner possible. Suzanne has vast experience with qualified plan design and utilizes a team of administrators and ERISA attorneys for guidance and assistance in this area. She presents Investment Reviews and Benchmarking Analysis’ to plan trustees and plan investment committee representatives on a regular basis and provides recommendations for fund replacements to a plan investment lineup if necessary. Helping 401(k) participants save for retirement and educating them on how to invest in their plan is her passion in the business. Suzanne earned her Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation in 2011 and is licensed in Securities.

JEFFREY SELLS joined the financial services industry in 1995 and has been an independent financial advisor for over 18 years. Jeff’s primary focus includes individual financial planning, business continuation and succession planning, and retirement planning for both individuals and small businesses. Jeff’s goal is to help his clients make sound decisions with their financial resources by defining financial goals and objectives, providing access to a wide range of financial products and services, and providing ongoing service and advice. He attended the University of Wisconsin where he earned his degree in Business Administration, is a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (an organization that recognizes the top advisors in the financial services industry), and he has been recognized as a top 250 advisor within the John Hancock Financial Network.

STEVEN HILL began his financial profession in 1998 and has been building strong relationships for twenty years. His strengths in loyalty and commitment within relationships lead to guiding families, individuals and businesses in their financial planning. As a former business owner holding strong family values, Steven understands the importance of having a secure plan that allows for maximizing profits and minimizing tax liability through strategic use of financial services and products. Steven attended Minnesota School of Business and is licensed in securities. Steven is a pillar in his community and enjoys being involved and giving time to various organizations.