Karen Markstrom May and has helped her client’s sort through confusing and sometimes conflicting information to create financial strategies they truly understand. For over 30 years, Karen built a successful career working with business leadership on their employee benefits, as well as individuals on their financial and retirement goals.
Karen earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. After college, she began her career with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). For many of years, Karen focused on helping businesses implement and administer employee benefit plans. A desire to work more with individuals on retirement planning led her back to the MassMutual agency, and then to a great fit on the team in Clarkston with longtime acquaintance Deanna Olsen.
In 2018, Karen earned her Chartered Special Needs Consultant designation through the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. A family experience motivated Karen to help families with special needs.
Giving back to her local community is very important to Karen and her husband Gary. She has been involved with the Friends Advisor Board for Oakland Family Services and volunteered for the Women's Committee for Hospice Care. Karen was thrilled to serve as an Honor Flight Michigan chaperone, accompanying World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials built in their honor.
Karen and her husband enjoy an active lifestyle, playing golf and socializing with their large group of friends, and love to go out and meet new people.