about us
Investment Designers is an independent financial planning firm that specializes in developing small business retirement plans and creating customized financial plans for individuals and families. Our goal is to bring clarity to your situation and walk alongside you as you reach your goals. As a fiduciary, we always act in the best interest of our clients.
Over the years, we have found that a team approach can be an effective method to help clients who have a wide variety of needs as they maneuver through a complex financial world. We invite you to discover and experience the power of our services. We believe it has far-reaching benefits for our clients to get opinions from several sources with diverse backgrounds, education, and experience. No one strategy fits everyone, which is why every client gets our undivided attention.
Our Brookfield, WI office opened in 1987, and we’ve been a part of the Fox Valley community since 1991.
our mission
At Investment Designers, Inc., our mission is to empower individuals, families, and small businesses to achieve financial stability and success through customized financial strategies and expert guidance. We're dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and a personalized financial planning and investment experience, utilizing the latest technology and market insights to help our clients reach their unique financial goals. Our objective is to build long-lasting relationships based on trust, transparency, and a commitment to excellence.
our team
Our experienced team of financial professionals is dedicated to providing you with attentive customer service and customized strategies to meet your financial planning needs. Please continue reading to learn more about each member of our team.
Gerald W. (Bud) Nackers, AAMS®, AIF®
Bud Nackers has over 30 years of investment experience. In 1991, Bud established the Appleton office of Investment Designers. He specializes in retirement planning for individuals and developing optimal retirement plans for corporations from one to 1000 employees.
Bud and his wife, Lila, have been married over 30 years. They have two children and four grandchildren. They treasure time spent with their family and friends and enjoy traveling as much as possible.
Bud serves on the board of directors for the Home Builders Association of the Fox Cities, and currently sits on their executive committee.
Patrick Rusch, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Patrick and his wife, Allie, are proud parents of five children. Their family loves spending time outdoors, hiking national and state parks while traveling the country and abroad.
Patrick serves on several boards including his local church and the Financial Planning program of his alma mater, UW-Madison. He volunteers at the YMCA, coaching his kid’s sports teams; and his family is actively involved with World Relief Fox Valley, which serves refugee families.
David Lardinois
David collaborates with individuals and families to create financial plans that are designed to achieve their unique goals. He believes that financial planning has the power to bring clarity to any situation, no matter what stage of life you are in.
David and his wife, Katie, love to spend time outdoors with their dog.
David serves on the board for the Appleton Fox Cities Kiwanis Club, where he has been a proud member since 2020. He volunteers his time at the local Boys & Girls Club, reading to children.
Matt Klewer
Matt started in the financial services industry in 2003 after graduating from UW-Whitewater. His goal as a financial planner is to help individuals and business owners plan and save for retirement so they can live the life they desire. He accomplishes this by getting to know his clients and their unique needs and goals through our financial planning process.
Matt and his wife, Arica, enjoy traveling, swimming, biking, and watching their two sons play soccer.
Jon Piezker
Jon has one son, loves animals, and is an avid outdoor adventurer.
Claire Diedrich
Claire and her husband, Tom, have three married daughters as well as eight grandchildren. They enjoy spending time with their family at their cottage.
Hollie Kraft
Hollie and her husband, Tony, enjoy camping with their two sons.