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Becoming a Client of The Forster Herbenson Team

Your hub for onboarding resources to make the most of your relationship with us.

You will find that this page serves as a starting point for all the tools and that our team will be referring to throughout the first 90 days.

What to Expect in Your Initial Meeting

What to Expect in Your Initial Meeting

In our first meeting, we’ll take some time to get to know you – your priorities, your financial situation and where you want to head next. Together, we’ll talk through your goals and bring up anything you may not have thought about yet.

Our goal is to make this meeting collaborative and informative. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of how we work and whether we’re the right fit for you. 

Here's what you can expect:

What We May Ask You

  • Basic financial details to understand your current picture, such as your income, investments, expenses, and debts
  • Questions to get to know you better: your family, your interests and your hobbies
  • Your philosophy towards investing to better understand your tolerance for risk
  • What you value and envision for your financial future

Guiding Your Onboarding Experience

Our Client Specialists and Client Assistants will assist you through the initial account setup process and serve as valuable resources throughout your relationship with our team. Working closely with the Financial Advisors, they help provide ongoing support, personalized service and a consistent point of contact.

Kristi Kennedy, CPA | Senior Client Specialist

Kristi Kennedy, CPA | Senior Client Specialist

Kristi joined Baird in 2019. She holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. She also holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Prior to joining Baird, she had several years of experience in the financial industry. 


Contact Kristi Kennedy at:

 kkennedy@rwbaird.com or 715-552-3555

Sara Denning | Client Specialst

Sara Denning | Client Specialst

Sara joined Baird in 2024 with 13 years of previous wealth management experience. She holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses.


Contact Sara Denning at:

sdenning@rwbaird.com or 715-552-3530

Laura Hartman | Client Assistant

Laura Hartman | Client Assistant

Laura joined Baird in 2025. Before joining Baird, she worked in education and insurance, and she maintains active Life and Health Insurance licenses. She holds a FINRA Series 7 license and is currently pursuing her FINRA Series 66 license.


Contact Laura Hartman at:

lbhartman@rwbaird.com or 715-552-3515

Shelly Cedarblade | Client Assistant

Shelly Cedarblade | Client Assistant

Shelly joined Baird in 2025. Before joining Baird, she owned a marketing business for 14 years that focused on helping small businesses grow. She holds a FINRA Series 7 license and is currently pursuing her FINRA Series 66 license. 


Contact Shelly Cedarblade at:

scedarblade@rwbaird.com or 715-552-3563

Resources You May Hear About in Your First Weeks

As you get started with us, you'll be introduced to several resources designed to help you feel informed, supported, and confident as a client. One of the first resources you'll receive is our Client Welcome Packet, which will be mailed to your home address and includes essential account information, an introduction to our team and Baird's services, and a collection of helpful resources. In addition to the Welcome Packet, the overview below highlights other resources available to you, explaining what they are, why they're useful, and how they can support you throughout your relationship with our team.

Baird Online

Why it matters: Get secure access to your accounts, anytime and anywhere – and learn how to make the most of your online portal.

Login Here

360 Wealth Overview

Why it matters: A feature of Baird Online that gives you a real‑time view of your finances. You can link external accounts to track your net worth, cash flow and budget in one place.

Explore 360 Wealth

ID Watchdog

Why it matters: Protecting your identity is an important part of financial security. Baird partners with ID Watchdog to provide identity theft coverage and fraud detection services.

Explore ID Watchdog

Budget Worksheet

Why it matters: Understanding your current cash flow and spending habits helps us create a plan tailored to your needs.

Download Worksheet

Baird Client Statement Guide

Why it matters: This guide explains how to read and access your statements so you can stay informed and confident.

View Guide

Click to learn more about our security programs: Baird’s Cybersecurity and Fraud Protection Program

Additional FAQs

  • Reach out to your onboarding specialist or call Baird’s technical support team at 888-212-8843 (Mon–Fri, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. CT) or use our Online Support form.
  • Yes! Through 360 Wealth , you can connect accounts from other firms to get a more complete picture of your financial situation. However, we encourage clients to consider holding their investments at one firm for the most holistic advice and seamless experience. Learn more here.
  • Clients of Baird’s Wealth Management business can explore account types, solutions, and investment options in our Client Relationship Booklet. You will receive the booklet from a member of your team via email or print.

Ready to Become a Baird Client with The Forster Herbenson Team? We're excited to hear from you. Share your details in the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch to help you get started. 

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