Meet the FMS Team
Kurt Powers
President / CEO
Kurt has successfully set up and overseen fully managed investment centers since 1994. He graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Kurt spent the first several years of his career learning the lending and management side of banking before settling on his specialty: Financial Institution Investment Center Management. Kurt served as the President of Institutional Financial Services, managing the investment division for 15 separate community banking groups.
In 2002, Kurt fulfilled his dreams of starting his own business, FMS Financial Services, Inc. His current position is President / CEO and majority shareholder. Kurt enjoys using his banking background and many years of experience to tailor-make successful operations for financial institutions, helping them bring investment and insurance services to their customers and earn significant amounts of fee income.
He is proud to have an over 24-year working relationship with partners Gary Wilnau and J. Brent Browning, bringing experience and continuity to their financial institution, financial planner, and investment vendor relationships throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.
Kurt holds securities licenses 6, 63, 7, and 24 (Securities Supervising Principal); insurance licenses for life, accident and health, and property and casualty; and is a Financial Advisor for Packerland Brokerage Services.
Kurt has been President of his local church’s council and President of a youth baseball organization. He lives in Milwaukee but spends much of his work time at his second home in Wausau.
When not at work, Kurt enjoys fishing, hiking, biking, and watching football, baseball, and basketball. He and his wife, Jennie, have two sons, Jake and Ryan, and are grandparents of four.
J. Brent Browning
Sales Manager / VP Bank Marketing
Brent graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1977 with a BSB in accountancy and went to work for a regional accounting firm in Southern Illinois.
After four years, he started an insurance and investment career with Country Companies, where he was a career agent. After 17 years with Country Companies, Brent became Sales Manager for the insurance and investment department of Banterra Bank, a $750 million financial institution with 19 branches.
In 1999, Brent moved to Batavia, Illinois, with his wife, Donna, and their three sons, Ryan, Mark, and Alex. Brent became a Program Manager with IFS, Inc. and remained in that capacity until December 2002, when he was promoted to Vice President of Sales. He has been a mainstay of Kurt Powers’ staff for the past 10 years.
Brent’s current title with FMS Financial is Vice President of Sales, and he is an ownership partner. Brent maintains an office and residence in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
During Brent’s career with Country Companies and Banterra, he lived in Eldorado, Illinois, where he served two terms on the Eldorado School Board. He also served as President of the Eldorado Police Pension for 19 years, President of the Eldorado-Raleigh Park District for 14 years, ran the Eldorado Youth Association for 16 years, and was a high school basketball official for 15 years.
Brent carries a LUTCF designation and is a Financial Advisor.
Ryan Powers
VP Sales / Financial Professional
Ryan joined FMS in May 2018 after earning his bachelor’s degree in history from Augustana College–Rock Island. During his time at school, Ryan also earned his Series 6, Series 63, and life insurance licenses. He moved to Wisconsin immediately after graduation to begin working in the financial services industry.
Ryan has enjoyed educating younger investors on the benefits of long-term retirement planning while also helping clients closer to retirement with their final planning as they head into such an exciting chapter of their lives.
He works with people who are just starting to invest, as well as those who are already retired and seeking safe, conservative plans and income distribution. He looks forward to continuing to provide customized and thorough financial services for customers throughout Wisconsin and Illinois.
Ryan likes spending time with his wife, Erin, and their son, Otto. They enjoy listening to music, spending as much time outside as possible, and being with family.
Dale Elam
Financial Professional – Milwaukee Office
Dale has been in the banking and financial services industry since 1996 and has been a West Allis resident since 1998. He has been nationally recognized for his investment and insurance sales and service by American Equity, American Express, Allianz, F&G, and Dressander BHC.
Dale earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois Chicago. He has worked for LaSalle National Bank and Maritime Savings Bank and has been a Financial Advisor with FMS Financial Services, Inc. and its affiliates since 2001.
Dale is licensed to offer a wide range of financial and investment products and is a Financial Advisor with Packerland Brokerage Services, Inc. His fixed offerings and back-office support are provided by FMS, which has several locations in Wisconsin and a home office in St. Charles, Illinois.
Dale is very proud of the relationships he has developed with clients while helping them pursue their financial goals with a conservative approach. He is known for his availability and willingness to meet with clients multiple times throughout the year to help keep their plans on course and properly balanced.
Dale is a 401(k) and IRA rollover representative who works with safe income and required minimum distribution planning.
Dale has three children and one grandchild. He is active in his community and church and was a longtime coach in youth athletics. Dale also supports fundraisers that provide college scholarships for young students.
Dale enjoys traveling with his family, visiting new historical sites, and hiking with his dog, Archie.
Sean Pauly
Financial Professional
Sean has worked in banking and finance for more than 30 years. Throughout his career, he has overseen responsibilities ranging from collections and lending to account reviews.
Sean welcomed the opportunity to join the FMS team after working with its members for more than 34 years. He is ecstatic to be back in his home area and looks forward to serving the community.
Sean graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire in 1990. He attended Owen-Withee High School in Clark County, graduating in 1986. Owen-Withee is home of the 2024 State Champion Blackhawks football team.
Sean holds Series 6, Series 63, insurance, and NMLS licenses.
Jason Bills
Rollover and Savings Specialist
Jason joined the FMS team in May 2022 after earning his bachelor’s degree in financial management from Upper Iowa University. Jason has worked in finance for the past six years. Before entering the financial industry, he worked in landscaping and welding until deciding that finance was his true passion.
Jason enjoys helping everyone he meets explore their financial goals, from people who are just beginning to invest to those considering post-retirement options. He loves building relationships with his clients and is always happy to assist with their needs.
Jason has two teenagers who will graduate from high school in 2027 and 2028. He enjoys staying busy with them by fishing, hunting, hiking, taking road trips, and exploring state parks. Door County is one of their favorite places to visit in Wisconsin.
Anthony Ruonavarra
Financial Professional
Anthony joined FMS after three years of working in operations at a large national bank. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Anthony is passionate about helping people pursue their financial goals. As a young investor himself, he enjoys working with other young investors and watching them grow as he develops in the industry.
Anthony also has a personal ambition to help people who may have started investing later in life and wants to help ensure they can continue working toward their goals. He holds insurance and securities licenses.
Anthony enjoys spending time with his wife, Alexandria, and their daughter, Ella. He stays busy exploring new areas of Wisconsin, attending sporting events, and following wherever Ella’s passions lead them.
Gus Frederickson
Rollover and Savings Specialist
While pursuing his degree at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Gustav returned to his hometown of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and launched a career in automotive sales.
After being promoted to Finance Manager, he guided hundreds of clients through vehicle financing, credit improvement, and loan structuring. Seeking an opportunity to make a broader impact, he joined the FMS team.
Gustav leverages his knowledge of consumer lending and relationship building to deliver clear, personalized financial guidance. He is committed to helping clients set realistic goals, improve their retirement planning, and build relationships that support their long-term plans.
Outside of work, Gustav values staying active and connected to the world around him. He enjoys taking long hikes with his dog, Bear, which gives him time to recharge and stay grounded.
He also loves traveling and makes a point of visiting museums wherever he goes, finding inspiration in the history, culture, and new perspectives they offer.