Baird announced that The Kashian Karels Group has joined the firm’s wealth management office in Edina, Minnesota.
The team includes Darla J. Kashian, Director and Financial Advisor; Michael L. Karels, CFP, Director and Financial Advisor; Tanner Petroske, CFP, Associate Financial Advisor; and Ann Hoen, Assistant Vice President.
The group joins Baird from RBC, where it managed more than $508 million in client assets. The team focuses on retirement services for private clients and businesses, asset allocation strategies, and lending solutions.
In addition to Edina, Baird has three other private wealth management offices in Minnesota, located in St. Paul, Minnetonka, and Rochester.
Kashian brings 22 years of industry experience to Baird. She most recently served as a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Senior Portfolio Manager at RBC. She earned a degree in English from Marquette University and an MFA in creative writing from Hamline University.
Karels brings 30 years of industry experience to Baird. He most recently served as a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Senior Portfolio Manager at RBC. Previously, he held roles at UBS and Piper Jaffray. He earned a degree in finance and economics from St. Cloud State University.
Petroske brings eight years of industry experience to Baird. He most recently served as an Investment Associate at RBC. He earned a degree in history from Gustavus Adolphus College.
Baird’s Private Wealth Management business provides tailored solutions for high-net-worth individuals and their families. The business had more than $372 billion in client assets as of March 31, 2026, and includes more than 1,400 financial advisors serving clients across the U.S.
Baird was established in 1919 and has more than 5,300 associates. The firm had more than $565 billion in client assets as of March 31, 2026.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’re seeing continued momentum in Minnesota as experienced teams take a more intentional approach to where and how they build their business. Darla & Mike have a disciplined, client-focused practice, which aligns well with how we operate at Baird. Our model is designed to support teams like this – experienced advisors who want a more stable, collaborative environment and the ability to focus on long-term growth. Their decision to join reflects what we’re hearing more broadly across the market.”
Ally Shuman, Market Director at Baird
