Awards & Accolades

The DDK Group has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional private wealth management services to their families. Over the years, the team has been consistently recognized by leading industry publications and organizations for its commitment to excellence. These awards and accolades reflect the group's dedication to personalized financial guidance, long-term relationships, and a culture of putting service first. Below is a collection of the honors the DDK Group has earned, underscoring the trust and confidence our families have place in our team.

2026 Team Awards & Accolades

Forbes | Shook Research

#2 Best-In-State Wealth Management Team For 2026

published 4/7/26, rankings based on data as of 6/30/25

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Barron's

2026 Top Advisor Rankings In Wisconsin

published 5/8/26, based on data as of 12/31/25

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Expertise Spanning Financial Planning, Investments, Tax, & Law

Professional Financial Planning & Wealth Management

6 CFP® Professionals

Certified Financial Planner® professionals bring broad planning expertise across investments, retirement, tax, insurance, and estate strategy, helping our team deliver comprehensive advice.

2 CPWA® Professionals

Certified Private Wealth Advisors® add advanced training in complex tax, wealth transfer, and legacy planning needs for high net worth families.

1 CDFA®

Certified Divorce Financial Analysts® provide specialized insight into the financial impact of divorce, including asset division, cash flow, and long term planning.

Investment Management & Portfolio Analysis

3 CFA® Professionals

Chartered Financial Analysts® strengthen our investment process through rigorous training in research, financial analysis, and portfolio management.

1 CAIA®

Chartered Alternative Investment Analysts® bring specialized expertise in alternative investments, supporting deeper due diligence and portfolio diversification.

Tax & Legal Expertise

2 CPA Professionals

Certified Public Accountants add rigorous tax knowledge that helps our team identify planning opportunities and improve after tax outcomes.

1 JD

A Juris Doctor adds legal training that supports our work with estate planning, trust structures, and complex planning considerations.

Individual Awards & Accolades

David Klenke, CPA, CFA®,CFP®

^{Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)}

2026 Barron's Top 20 Best In State Advisor
published 5/8/26, based on data as of 12/31/25
2026 Forbes Top 20 Wealth Advisor
published 4/7/26, rankings based on data as of 6/30/25
Forbes Best In State for '23, '24, and '25
most recently published 4/8/25, rankings based on data as of 6/30/24

Edward DeFrance, CPA, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA®

^{Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®)}

2026 Barron's Top 20 Best In State Advisor
published 5/8/26, based on data as of 12/31/25
2026 Forbes Top 20 Wealth Advisor
published 4/7/26, rankings based on data as of 6/30/25
Forbes Best In State for '23, '24, and '25
most recently published 4/8/25, rankings based on data as of 6/30/24

Thomas Duffey, JD

^{Juris Doctor (JD)}

Forbes Best In State for '23, '24, and '25
most recently published 4/8/25, rankings based on data as of 6/30/24

Cassandra Meyers, CFP®, CPWA®

^{Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®)}

2022 Baird Associate Financial Advisor All-Star Award

Tiffany Kowieski, CFP®, CPWA®, CDFA®

^{Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®), Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)}

2022 Baird Associate Financial Advisor All-Star Award

Firmwide Baird Awards

Baird Top Practice

Recognized on the Baird top 30 wealth management teams for the past five years.

Baird Awards

Fortune 100 Best Companies To Work For®

Baird ranked No. 16 on the 2026 list, our 23rd consecutive year among the nation's best employers.

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PEOPLE's 100 Companies That Care

Ranking 23rd for companies that best demonstrate outstanding respect, care and concern for their communities, their employees, and the environment.

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Corporate Equality Index

Baird scored 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index, earning recognition as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.

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Forbes Best Workplaces For Women

Baird was recognized as a Best Workplace for Women, with 97% of female associates rating it a great place to work.

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