Meet Our Team
True North is a locally owned practice based in South Dakota, although we serve clients throughout the nation. Our team’s collective commitment to knowledge and collaboration drives us to excel, ensuring a top-tier experience for every client. Learn more about our team members below.
Luke Bruns CFP®, CLU®
Wealth Management Advisor
Luke started his career as an intern for Northwestern Mutual in 2009 while finishing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Presentation College. Upon graduation in May of 2010 Luke started his own wealth management practice and 13 years later merged with Steve Ford to form True North Wealth Management in June of 2022.
Luke’s passions, being the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional on our team, lie in the architecture of each financial plan we build. He takes pride that we focus on the plan first centered around the vision for what each client is trying to accomplish.
Luke has been married to Maggie (Thorpe) since 2012 and they have four amazing boys Beckett, Kohen, Paxon, Boston and a beautiful daughter Laila watching over us from heaven. They reside in Aberdeen and love spending time at the lake, golfing, and attending all kinds of sporting events including following around their boys’ basketball and baseball teams!
Steve Ford CLU®, ChFC®
Wealth Management Advisor
Steve has worked in the financial services industry for over 40 years, since 2011 as a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual. He has earned his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) through the American College of Financial Services. Steve’s passion is with wealth management and helping his clients wake up well positioned when they enter the distribution phase of their life. He enjoys educating clients how to preserve and efficiently distribute what they have worked so hard to save.
Steve has served on various local boards, currently serving on the Investment Committee for Northern State University Foundation. Steve and his wife Dixie reside in Aberdeen, SD. Steve enjoys golfing, watching track and field, and traveling with his wife to see their 2 sons and families in Switzerland and Arizona.
One of Steve’s favorite lines is from coach Jimmy Valvano. Three things we should do every day. “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day.”
Tyhe joined Northwestern Mutual full time in January 2010 after completing a 7-month internship with our firm. As an Associate Financial Advisor she has learned many roles, with currently serving as our Investment Operations Manager. She champions the implementation and monitoring of client investment accounts. Tyhe’s continued education over the years and her experience in assisting clients makes her a valued part of our team.
“My parents always told me find a job that you wake up excited to go to and at True North I have found that. My coworkers are my family and our clients are my extended family. We all take care of each other.” – Tyhe
Tyhe grew up in Florence, SD; graduated from Northern State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Outside of the office, she spends her time with her husband Kyle and their two younger kids. Their favorite activities include participating in and watching the local sports teams and spending much time in the summer at the pool and golf course.
Tyson started his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2017 and in 2019 became an Associate Financial Advisor. As the Director of Planning, he prepares clients’ financial analysis, investment and insurance options, as well as working hand in hand with our clients on implementing and monitoring their financial plan. Tyson is an integral member of our team, ensuring we are providing first class service to each client, while still being able to help new members of our community, growing our impact.
“Being a part of our client’s planning and their successes throughout the years makes me feel less like an advisor and more like a family member. I love what I do, and there are fewer and fewer people who I hear say that every year.” - Tyson
Tyson grew up in Mount Vernon, SD and graduated from Presentation College in 2013. He married his wife Erin in 2015, and they have two boys, Graham and Brooks.
Sean joined our True North Wealth Management team in October 2023 as a Financial Planning Assistant. As an assistant, he will work alongside our Director of Planning, Tyson, on preparing clients’ financial analysis while continuing to grow his knowledge base in financial planning that includes the fundamentals of both insurance and investment products and concepts.
“The biggest reason as to why I chose to work at True North Wealth Management, was the work environment that it provides. There is a sense of belonging and everyone pitching in to help. I am excited to see how we can grow and impact others when we all work for the common good of our clients.” – Sean
Sean completed his undergraduate studies in 2021 at Presentation College. He currently resides in Groton, SD. Outside of the office he enjoys several sporting activities such as playing golf, cheering on the San Francisco 49ers, and attending local sporting events.
Krissi joined our team in 2022; as Client Service Coordinator and Associate Financial Representative, her roles include driving the insurance onboarding process, ongoing insurance services such as billing and policy changes, scheduling client appointments, and other day to day operations. Her previous education and experience in office management and financial bookkeeping makes her a remarkable asset to our team.
“I truly enjoy coming to an environment every day knowing I am a part of an incredible team that always goes the extra mile both for our clients and each other.” – Krissi
Krissi grew up in Sisseton, SD. Outside of the office Krissi spends much of her time with her 3 boys in their various activities – not limited to but does include soccer, basketball, and golf. Always encouraging them to do what they love keeps her on the go.