About Us
We believe in empowering our clients with financial knowledge and confidence to help them pursue their life goals. Using customized, goal-oriented investment strategies, we will work with you to create a strategy that works for you.

Ken Schmiedbauer
In his fourth decade as a wealth advisor, Ken has forged rich, enduring relationships with those served by the Schmiedbauer team by first listening and learning the needs, hopes and dreams of those seeking financial security and stability. Only then, through that process of collaboration, is it possible to adapt appropriate strategies and investments that balance potential opportunities with mercurial global markets. Generic model portfolios may be used to teach and compare, but Ken understands that enduring success requires portfolio adaptation specific to the comfort, risk tolerance and timeline of the individual.
In his tenure, Ken has celebrated the highs of the markets, but perhaps even more meaningfully, prepared for the lows. By seeking to constantly educate the clients of the Schmiedbauer team, he fulfills one of his primary goals of preparing investors for the inevitability of volatility. Comfort in turbulent times is derived from a keen awareness of both peril and opportunity and preparing equally for each.
A proud native Kansan, Ken's heart is never fuller than when sharing his love of the outdoors with his wife and partner Lisa and their Labrador Retrievers, Charlie, and Coal. Countless sunrises and sunsets have found Ken with fishing rod or shotgun in hand, basking in the solitude and wonder of nature.
In his tenure, Ken has celebrated the highs of the markets, but perhaps even more meaningfully, prepared for the lows. By seeking to constantly educate the clients of the Schmiedbauer team, he fulfills one of his primary goals of preparing investors for the inevitability of volatility. Comfort in turbulent times is derived from a keen awareness of both peril and opportunity and preparing equally for each.
A proud native Kansan, Ken's heart is never fuller than when sharing his love of the outdoors with his wife and partner Lisa and their Labrador Retrievers, Charlie, and Coal. Countless sunrises and sunsets have found Ken with fishing rod or shotgun in hand, basking in the solitude and wonder of nature.
Partner
- CA Insurance #0C00805
- AR Insurance #575586

Lisa Schmiedbauer
, CFP®, MBA
One of Lisa's earliest and most profound memories of her father's parenting was the unassailable necessity of practicing the golden rule in every aspect of her life. By internalizing the message of treating others with such respect and regard, Lisa has developed decades long relationships with those served by the Schmiedbauer team that transcend business and more closely resemble family.
Lisa's concern for the long-term well-being of others is manifested in her guidance in matters of retirement security, long-term care, as well as generational wealth planning and transference of assets. Her overarching goal is to bring the highest possible level of confidence and peace in the face of the complexities of comprehensive investment planning and wealth management. Since graduating from Wichita State University in 1986, Lisa has continued to hone her professional abilities for those served by Schmiedbauer Investments &Partners clients by obtaining both an MBA and the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®. Her father would be proud to know the depth of her commitment to those who have placed Lisa in such a prominent position of trust.
Free time finds Lisa with her 24/7 life and business partner Ken. As stewards of the land and conservationists at their core, Lisa and Ken chose long ago to also apply the golden rule to the Kansas hills and prairies they so dearly love. Hand in hand, and with Labrador Retrievers Coal and Charlie at their sides, Lisa and Ken work and strive to leave all they encounter better than they found it.
Lisa's concern for the long-term well-being of others is manifested in her guidance in matters of retirement security, long-term care, as well as generational wealth planning and transference of assets. Her overarching goal is to bring the highest possible level of confidence and peace in the face of the complexities of comprehensive investment planning and wealth management. Since graduating from Wichita State University in 1986, Lisa has continued to hone her professional abilities for those served by Schmiedbauer Investments &Partners clients by obtaining both an MBA and the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®. Her father would be proud to know the depth of her commitment to those who have placed Lisa in such a prominent position of trust.
Free time finds Lisa with her 24/7 life and business partner Ken. As stewards of the land and conservationists at their core, Lisa and Ken chose long ago to also apply the golden rule to the Kansas hills and prairies they so dearly love. Hand in hand, and with Labrador Retrievers Coal and Charlie at their sides, Lisa and Ken work and strive to leave all they encounter better than they found it.
Partner
CFP®, MBA
- CA Insurance #0D19416
- AR Insurance #1670017

Tim Hartland
, CFP®, CEPA®
Tim is an Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional and portfolio manager. He specializes in serving family businesses, retirees, and executives with an emphasis on individualized portfolio and wealth management. Additionally, Tim is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and assists businesses in developing and executing exit strategies. Tim's past experience includes work in medical device sales and operations with Johnson & Johnson, as well as a Division 1A baseball career at Baylor University.
Outside of work, Tim focuses his time on his beautiful wife, Lauren, and their four daughters, Adalyn, Avery, Nora, and Gemma. From time to time, you might see him brewing a cup of coffee or losing a golf ball in the trees.
Outside of work, Tim focuses his time on his beautiful wife, Lauren, and their four daughters, Adalyn, Avery, Nora, and Gemma. From time to time, you might see him brewing a cup of coffee or losing a golf ball in the trees.
Partner
CFP®, CEPA®

Matt Thiessen
, CFP®
Matt graduated from Kansas State University in 1998 and immediately took a role teaching mathematics and statistics at Manhattan High School and Cloud County Community College. A former swimmer himself, he took on additional duties as a swim coach, demonstrating his clear passion for helping others succeed.
In 2004 Matt moved back to Wichita and began working in financial services. Desiring to provide first class care to his clients, Matt obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional certification in 2007.
Matt is a portfolio manager and focuses his practice on providing individualized portfolio and wealth management to the family businesses, executives, and retirees he serves.
Outside of work, Matt spends a lot of his time driving his three teenagers, Sophie, Lili, and Miles, to their various activities. He and his wife Michele enjoy backpacking, camping, and skiing, and like to make sure their kids experience these things as well. Matt is passionate about music and has learned to play several different instruments. He also enjoys playing tennis.
In 2004 Matt moved back to Wichita and began working in financial services. Desiring to provide first class care to his clients, Matt obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional certification in 2007.
Matt is a portfolio manager and focuses his practice on providing individualized portfolio and wealth management to the family businesses, executives, and retirees he serves.
Outside of work, Matt spends a lot of his time driving his three teenagers, Sophie, Lili, and Miles, to their various activities. He and his wife Michele enjoy backpacking, camping, and skiing, and like to make sure their kids experience these things as well. Matt is passionate about music and has learned to play several different instruments. He also enjoys playing tennis.
Partner
CFP®
- AR license #8815299

Paul Ehrhart
, MBA
Paul brings over a decade of experience to the table working intensively with clients. His consultative approach to investment planning and asset management takes the client's individual needs at the forefront, then he creates tailored wealth and investment management strategies to help them pursue them over time.
While Paul primarily serves family businesses, executives, and retirees, he also plays a critical planning role for the entire team. His colleagues tease that he has never missed an investment planning podcast, and he has a passion for utilizing technology in ways that seek to improve outcomes and experiences for clients, as well.
Paul spends most of his time outside of the office with his family, but admittedly, has a mild obsession with archery.
While Paul primarily serves family businesses, executives, and retirees, he also plays a critical planning role for the entire team. His colleagues tease that he has never missed an investment planning podcast, and he has a passion for utilizing technology in ways that seek to improve outcomes and experiences for clients, as well.
Paul spends most of his time outside of the office with his family, but admittedly, has a mild obsession with archery.
Financial Advisor
MBA

Justin Ostrander
After graduating from Kansas State University with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mathematics, Justin moved to Tennessee to work as a session musician in the legendary studios of Nashville's Music Row. He has played on several certified #1 hits and has recorded guitar for Kenny Chesney, Chris Janson, Eric Church, Cody Johnson, Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton, and too many others to count.
Justin's passion for people and relationships has led him to a career in the financial services industry, where he uniquely combines his understanding of the music world and his knowledge in finance. He also serves family businesses, retirees, and executives from all walks of life, helping them creatively and confidently steward their resources and pursue their family's most important goals.
Outside of work, Justin loves to wrestle his three boys, spend time with his wife, Anna, hunt, backpack through the wilderness, and of course, play vintage guitars.
Justin's passion for people and relationships has led him to a career in the financial services industry, where he uniquely combines his understanding of the music world and his knowledge in finance. He also serves family businesses, retirees, and executives from all walks of life, helping them creatively and confidently steward their resources and pursue their family's most important goals.
Outside of work, Justin loves to wrestle his three boys, spend time with his wife, Anna, hunt, backpack through the wilderness, and of course, play vintage guitars.
Financial Advisor

Rob Hartland
Rob seeks to provide clients with trustworthy, comprehensive planning that can help optimize their finances for their goals, and pairs those plans with portfolios built on a foundation of peace about the present and hope for the future. His practice seeks to serve people from all walks of life, with particular skill in serving business owners, medical professionals, higher education faculty and staff, and those that are or are soon to be retired.
With 12 years of church ministry and over two decades of working, playing, and coaching soccer at the youth, collegiate, and professional level, Rob is able to bring clients a unique perspective on their finances. His ultimate desire is to guide faithful people towards faithful financial decision-making, that aligns with meaning and purpose that goes beyond what is temporary.
Outside of work, Rob attempts to spend as much time as possible with his wife, Heidi, and their son and daughter, Atticus Elijah and Evelyn Estel. An avid reader, he enjoys everything written by Tolkien, and also enjoys writing, himself, focusing his literary efforts on writing theology and fiction that inspire others. Additionally, Rob serves as a soccer coach, periodically traveling the world to do so, and making friends all over.
With 12 years of church ministry and over two decades of working, playing, and coaching soccer at the youth, collegiate, and professional level, Rob is able to bring clients a unique perspective on their finances. His ultimate desire is to guide faithful people towards faithful financial decision-making, that aligns with meaning and purpose that goes beyond what is temporary.
Outside of work, Rob attempts to spend as much time as possible with his wife, Heidi, and their son and daughter, Atticus Elijah and Evelyn Estel. An avid reader, he enjoys everything written by Tolkien, and also enjoys writing, himself, focusing his literary efforts on writing theology and fiction that inspire others. Additionally, Rob serves as a soccer coach, periodically traveling the world to do so, and making friends all over.
Financial Advisor

Wanda Baker
As the Office Manager for Schmiedbauer Investments &Partners, the highest possible level of respect, regard, and customer service is deeply embedded into Wanda's DNA. When faced with questions, challenges, concerns, or simply clarification of information, Wanda simply will not stop until she is assured every nuance is addressed, client comfort is achieved, and all is as it should be.
With over twenty years of experience in the financial services industry, Wanda's indefatigable approach to customer service has been honed by both time-tested, organic front-line experience, and her innate, unprecedented commitment to the service of others. Her love of helping others at both personal and professional levels has elevated not just those served by the Schmiedbauer team, but the other team members as well. Wanda's kind heart and selflessness add a unique feeling of warmth and comfort to all.
Wanda's life is immeasurably enriched by her nine children, seventeen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Surrounded by a loving family, Wanda enjoys camping, amusement parks or simply basking in each other's company. Wanda's drive to enrich the lives of others and her community is realized by her commitments to Meals on Wheels and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
With over twenty years of experience in the financial services industry, Wanda's indefatigable approach to customer service has been honed by both time-tested, organic front-line experience, and her innate, unprecedented commitment to the service of others. Her love of helping others at both personal and professional levels has elevated not just those served by the Schmiedbauer team, but the other team members as well. Wanda's kind heart and selflessness add a unique feeling of warmth and comfort to all.
Wanda's life is immeasurably enriched by her nine children, seventeen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Surrounded by a loving family, Wanda enjoys camping, amusement parks or simply basking in each other's company. Wanda's drive to enrich the lives of others and her community is realized by her commitments to Meals on Wheels and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Office Manager

Shana Curtis
With a career in the financial services industry that began late in the last millennium, Shana offers a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence that enriches both those served by the Schmiedbauer Investments &Partners team as well as her fellow team members. Through the intricacies of investment planning and wealth management, Shana has committed herself to helping clients navigate and understand the unique complexities using her skills of customer service, communication, and unfailing commitment to delivering unequaled quality.
As a Senior Registered Account Administrator, Shana holds a unique role as not just a primary contributor to the other members of the internal professional group, but also as a trusted partner to the entirety of the Schmiedbauer clientele. She embraces the challenges inherent to a rapid and ever-evolving segment of American commerce, and commits to answers, solutions, and resolution of problems.
Shana and her husband Kelly relish both their active and quiet times with son Colby, and daughters Briana and Kaylee. As a robust ensemble, they enjoy singing, watching movies and sports of all kinds. Countless dogs owe their lives to Shana's service as a volunteer to Beauties and Beasts Animal Rescue, an organization that intercedes in the euthanization of dogs held at local animal shelters.
As a Senior Registered Account Administrator, Shana holds a unique role as not just a primary contributor to the other members of the internal professional group, but also as a trusted partner to the entirety of the Schmiedbauer clientele. She embraces the challenges inherent to a rapid and ever-evolving segment of American commerce, and commits to answers, solutions, and resolution of problems.
Shana and her husband Kelly relish both their active and quiet times with son Colby, and daughters Briana and Kaylee. As a robust ensemble, they enjoy singing, watching movies and sports of all kinds. Countless dogs owe their lives to Shana's service as a volunteer to Beauties and Beasts Animal Rescue, an organization that intercedes in the euthanization of dogs held at local animal shelters.
Senior Client Experience Specialist

Derek Slaymaker
Since joining Schmiedbauer Investments &Partners as an intern in 2018 while attaining a degree in finance from Wichita State University that he ultimately earned in 2019, Derek has grown personally and professionally as a leader into the next generation for both the Professional Group and the industry as a whole. Though a bit less tenured, his is a calming voice and manner in an environment inherently chaotic and stressful. The strong work ethic and level of high integrity instilled in Derek by both his parents and now enhanced and built upon by his team members, serves as both a beacon of current strength and a harbinger of future team continuity.
Already a Financial Consultant, with many difficult security registrations and licenses added to his growing resume, Derek recognizes the need to further the credentials and skillsets reached by others in the Schmiedbauer Group. He will soon be immersed in the rigors of pursuing additional financial designations as he continues to prepare for the expected needs of the Schmiedbauer clientele. This personal drive for learning, preparation and excellence, dovetails into the Group's plan for the continuity and stability of the team well into the future.
Derek is close to his parents and sister and is the kind of friend to his many friends that we would all do well to emulate. He is a broad and avid sports enthusiast with a particular emphasis on the shooting sports. In that too, he is both a perpetual student and an inspirational leader.
Already a Financial Consultant, with many difficult security registrations and licenses added to his growing resume, Derek recognizes the need to further the credentials and skillsets reached by others in the Schmiedbauer Group. He will soon be immersed in the rigors of pursuing additional financial designations as he continues to prepare for the expected needs of the Schmiedbauer clientele. This personal drive for learning, preparation and excellence, dovetails into the Group's plan for the continuity and stability of the team well into the future.
Derek is close to his parents and sister and is the kind of friend to his many friends that we would all do well to emulate. He is a broad and avid sports enthusiast with a particular emphasis on the shooting sports. In that too, he is both a perpetual student and an inspirational leader.
Financial Consultant

Patty Hamilton
Patty brings over 30 years of experience in operations, human resources, public relations and marketing to work daily, as she searches for ways to improve the lives of clients, and to increase efficiency in operations and service. She loves to help others succeed, and believes this should always be done with a positive attitude.
Patty's responsibilities include overseeing client communication and service, compliance, marketing, onboarding, and daily office management.
Ultimately, Patty believes everything comes back to her mom's consistent voice reminding her to "treat others the way you want to be treated."
Outside of work, Patty and her husband Jim enjoy spending time together.
Patty's responsibilities include overseeing client communication and service, compliance, marketing, onboarding, and daily office management.
Ultimately, Patty believes everything comes back to her mom's consistent voice reminding her to "treat others the way you want to be treated."
Outside of work, Patty and her husband Jim enjoy spending time together.
Client Associate

Mariann Cranmer
Mariann enjoys providing exceptional service to clients and encouraging them to pursue their financial and personal goals. She does so with cheerfulness and a willingness to go above and beyond in all areas. Her extensive experience as an entrepreneur in jewelry design has provided her with great business management skills, and also helps her understand and empathize with the day to day concerns of clients.
Mariann believes in being all that God has created her to be, and to fulfill her greatest potential, which is to be helpful and beneficial in assisting others.
Outside of work, Mariann makes the most of every opportunity to create jewelry which is her #1 hobby and to spend as much time with her husband, Russell as possible. They enjoy garage sales and WSU basketball as well as golf and church softball. Most of all though Mariann and Russell love time with their 5 grown children and their spouses, and have 5 beautiful grandkids that they love to spoil. Traveling is high on the fun list and they usually take at least one trip each year to see the beauty that America has to offer.
Mariann believes in being all that God has created her to be, and to fulfill her greatest potential, which is to be helpful and beneficial in assisting others.
Outside of work, Mariann makes the most of every opportunity to create jewelry which is her #1 hobby and to spend as much time with her husband, Russell as possible. They enjoy garage sales and WSU basketball as well as golf and church softball. Most of all though Mariann and Russell love time with their 5 grown children and their spouses, and have 5 beautiful grandkids that they love to spoil. Traveling is high on the fun list and they usually take at least one trip each year to see the beauty that America has to offer.
Client Associate

Coal Schmiedbauer
Coal Schmiedbauer
Coal is perhaps an unexpected, yet integral and irreplaceable member of The Schmiedbauer Group.
If first impressions are indeed the most lasting, then you will never forget being initially greeted in the foyer by the kind eyes, wagging tale and pure heart and soul of this gentle giant. Coal is the perfect steward and ambassador for the group of resolute, prepared, experienced and professional members of Schmiedbauer Investments &Partners.
Coal's busy workday mirrors that of those who kindly provide his transportation to and from the office. But when the Professional Therapy Dog vest comes off, and he unwinds from the rigors of high finance, his spirit runs free with his cinnamon colored, Labrador Retriever brother Charlie at his side.
In time, Coal hopes to pass his incredible mantle of partnership responsibility to his younger sibling. But Charlie already knows he will have some impossibly big paws to fill.
If first impressions are indeed the most lasting, then you will never forget being initially greeted in the foyer by the kind eyes, wagging tale and pure heart and soul of this gentle giant. Coal is the perfect steward and ambassador for the group of resolute, prepared, experienced and professional members of Schmiedbauer Investments &Partners.
Coal's busy workday mirrors that of those who kindly provide his transportation to and from the office. But when the Professional Therapy Dog vest comes off, and he unwinds from the rigors of high finance, his spirit runs free with his cinnamon colored, Labrador Retriever brother Charlie at his side.
In time, Coal hopes to pass his incredible mantle of partnership responsibility to his younger sibling. But Charlie already knows he will have some impossibly big paws to fill.