Mary Sterk, CFP, is the owner of Sterk Financial Services in Dakota Dunes, SD. Mary’s inspirational story of fighting her way from Welfare to Wealth Management has motivated many people to believe that anything is possible. She built a better future despite a teenage pregnancy, living in low-income housing, and raising two small children with no child support while subsisting on food stamps. Mary also coaches financial advisors on how to elevate and grow their practices through the Your Personal Best Coaching program (www.yourpersonalbestcoaching.com). In addition, Mary has developed as an artist, creating uplifting messages of hope through her art within Just Mary Designs (www.justmarydesigns.com). In her down time, Mary enjoys spending time with her three children and one grandson, and flying her Piper Cherokee. Mary has been in the investment and insurance industry since 1994, and earned her Certified Financial Planning designation through the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. She was a long-time member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and has qualified for the prestigious Court of the Table and Top of the Table honors multiple times. She was also the 2006 national winner of the Lewis and Clark Explorer award. This honor is awarded to a financial advisor who has demonstrated tremendous business success and growth and provided excellent client care and service in the financial planning industry.