Our Firm

Since 1994, EFS Advisors has helped individuals, educators, and families navigate complex financial decisions in order to put them on a path toward their goals.

Charting Our Path

1990–2000 | Building a Foundation

EFS was founded with a simple mission: to provide educators with access to financial guidance designed specifically for their unique needs. During these formative years, the firm grew to include 24 advisors and expanded beyond fixed-interest products by introducing equity investments, enhanced life insurance options, and variable annuities. EFS also initiated a 403(b) matching program, further strengthening its commitment to helping educators prepare for retirement.

2001–2010 | Growing to Serve More

As the needs of clients continued to evolve, so did the firm. Originally founded as Educators Financial Assurance (EFA), the organization later became Educators Financial Services, Inc. (EFS), reflecting its expanding range of financial services. Years later, the firm adopted its current name, EFS Advisors, to better represent its focus on comprehensive financial planning and investment management. By the end of the decade, the organization had grown to 35 advisors and expanded beyond Minnesota into Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. During this period, Advanced Advisor Group (AAG) completed its broker/dealer registration with FINRA, creating new opportunities to support both advisors and clients. The firm also expanded its service offerings by adding asset management and fee-based planning, enabling advisors to provide more comprehensive financial guidance.

2011–2020 | Expanding Our Reach

The next chapter of growth focused on strengthening both services and strategic partnerships. The advisor team expanded to 44 professionals, while partnerships with organizations such as Educators Lifetime Solutions (ELS) enhanced the firm's ability to serve clients.

2021-Present | Charting Our Path Forward

Today, EFS Advisors continues to grow while remaining grounded in the values that shaped our founding. With a growing team of advisors and support professionals, the firm provides retirement planning, investment management, insurance strategies, and personalized financial guidance to individuals and families across the region. While much has changed over the years, EFS remains committed to building lasting relationships and helping clients pursue financial confidence through every stage of life.

EFS History

EFS Advisors was founded in 1994 by Kent Schutte with a simple goal: help take the stressful task of managing investments off the shoulders of hard-working Americans.

Our roots began in retirement planning with a specialty in state pension systems and 403(b) plans. We partnered closely with teachers, government employees, and nonprofit professionals to help them understand and maximize their unique retirement benefits.

Over the years, that foundation of trust allowed us to grow. What began as a focused retirement planning firm has evolved into a full-service wealth management practice offering professional portfolio management, insurance strategies, and holistic financial planning.

While our services have expanded, our mission remains the same — providing personal attention and thoughtful guidance to help clients make confident financial decisions for today and the future.

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Let EFS advisors take care of you, so you can focus on the more meaningful things in your life.

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What Defines Us

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Disciplined Process

A structured approach to building your financial roadmap.

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Accessible Advisors

Local, approachable professionals who know you personally.

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Generational Expertise

Multi-decade experience across evolving financial landscapes.

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Our Philosophy

We combine the resources of a large firm with the personalized care of a community-focused practice. By knowing our clients personally and guiding them through each stage, we deliver financial strategies that reflect their unique goals and values.