Bernicke Wealth Expands to De Pere, Tapping Hometown Talent for Growth

DE PERE, WI – January 02, 2026 – Bernicke Wealth Management, a firm with a 40-year history in financial services, has opened a new office in De Pere, marking a significant step in an ambitious regional expansion plan. Located in the Park Place at Packerland building, the new branch is the company's fourth location and its latest move to meet what it describes as a growing demand for comprehensive wealth management in Northeast Wisconsin.

This expansion is part of a deliberate strategy for the Eau Claire-based firm, which has served over 900 households and built a reputation on a research-driven, client-first philosophy. The move into De Pere underscores the firm's confidence in the regional market and its own growth trajectory.

“We’re thrilled to expand into De Pere and deepen our commitment to serving families and business owners across Northeast Wisconsin,” said Ty Bernicke, President & CEO of Bernicke Wealth Management. “This expansion allows us to be even more accessible to the clients who place their trust in us every day.”

A Strategic Push into a Competitive Market

The decision to establish a presence in De Pere is a calculated one. The city boasts a median household income of over $80,000, slightly above the state average, indicating a solid economic base. However, the market is not without established players, with a variety of local and national advisory firms, including Ameriprise, Edward Jones, and Northwestern Mutual, already serving the community.

Bernicke Wealth Management's entrance into this competitive landscape is fueled by a larger strategic vision. The company has publicly stated its goal to expand from four to seven office locations within the next three years. This aggressive growth plan suggests a focused effort to capture a larger share of the wealth management market in Wisconsin and beyond, building on a period of steady growth that has seen the firm expand its team and geographic footprint.

The firm's approach is rooted in a fiduciary standard, meaning its advisors are legally bound to act in their clients' best interests. This commitment has been a cornerstone of its operations since its founding in 1985.

Hometown Expertise Leads the Charge

Central to the firm's strategy for the new De Pere office is the appointment of Wealth Manager Mitchell VanDenMeerendonk to lead its operations. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), VanDenMeerendonk brings not only professional credentials but also a deep personal connection to the area.

As a De Pere native, his return is being positioned as a key asset for building local trust and community integration. The move represents a blend of corporate expansion with a grassroots, community-focused approach.

“Returning to my hometown allows me to pair my professional expertise with a genuine commitment to a community that I care about deeply,” VanDenMeerendonk stated. “Serving this community as a Wealth Manager allows me to give back in a meaningful way.”

This emphasis on local leadership is a clear part of the firm's playbook, aiming to provide a personalized touch that resonates with families and business owners who prefer to work with advisors who understand the local economic environment and community values.

Beyond Investments: A Philosophy of Education

Bernicke Wealth Management distinguishes itself by emphasizing financial education as a core component of its service model. The new De Pere office plans to host monthly educational seminars and webinars, offered free to the public. These sessions are designed to demystify complex financial topics and empower individuals to make more informed decisions about their future.

Topics will cover essential aspects of retirement planning, including tax minimization strategies, Social Security optimization, navigating health insurance options in retirement, and creating sustainable retirement income plans. This educational outreach is designed to provide value to the community, regardless of whether attendees become clients, reflecting a philosophy of long-term relationship building.

“We’re committed to building a firm that continues to evolve, innovate, and grow while always doing what’s right and acting in the best interest of our clients,” Ty Bernicke added, reinforcing the firm's dual focus on strategic growth and unwavering fiduciary duty.

Backed by National Recognition

Bernicke Wealth Management's confidence is bolstered by consistent national recognition. Forbes named the company one of its Top RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) Firms for 2023. Furthermore, CEO Ty Bernicke was ranked by Forbes as the #4 top wealth advisor in Wisconsin for 2025.

These rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, are not based on investment performance but on a rigorous methodology that evaluates both quantitative and qualitative factors. The criteria include years of experience, industry compliance records, client retention, assets under management, and a deep dive into the firm's service models and best practices through extensive interviews. This third-party validation lends significant credibility to the firm's expertise and its client-centric approach.

By combining a clear strategic growth plan, local leadership, and a proven, education-focused service model, Bernicke Wealth Management is making a significant play for influence in Northeast Wisconsin. The De Pere office is more than just a new pin on the map; it represents the next phase in the firm's long-term vision to become a dominant force in the region's financial services sector.