Cole Backstrom, CFP^® | Financial Advisor

Cole Backstrom,  Certified Financial Planner®, joined Novation Investment Services in 2009. With office hours at Novation's 3M Center and Oakdale locations, Cole works directly with clients assisting them in pursuing their financial goals. Whether it is retirement planning, asset allocation or college savings, Cole is committed to helping individuals and families understand the tools needed to achieve financial success.

Cole graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and currently lives in Woodbury with his wife and three children.

Mark Peterson | Financial Advisor

Mark has been working with Novation members and non-members since February 1999, helping them pursue their goals. Mark entered the financial services industry in the late 80`s as a Commodities Trader at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. In his practice today, Mark focuses on providing the education and information clients need to make smart choices. He works closely with each person or family to develop a total financial plan for their specific purposes. The client is very much involved defining their goals and needs.

Mark is a firm believer that financial assistance is of great importance to everyone, regardless of assets, income, or circumstance. He is dedicated to helping people expand their financial horizons and achieve greater financial success. 

Receiving his degree in finance and economics from the University of Minnesota, Mark has also been a resident of Minnesota all his life. He is married and has two children.

Darla Meyer | Registered Administrative Assistant 

Darla Meyer, Registered Administrative Assistant, has been with Novation since May 2014.  She has over 20 years of experience in the finance industry and really enjoys interacting with clients and helping them with their retirement needs.

Darla graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  She also holds Series 6 & Series 63 registrations. 

Darla was raised in a small town in Wisconsin and has lived in Minnesota for over 20 years. She resides in the St. Paul metro area and has one son.  Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, music, biking and spending time with friends and family.

Cheryl Ettlinger, joined the Novation Investment Services team in February, 2017, as an Investment Services Assistant. Cheryl works with clients on appointment preparation, follow up, and other client initiatives.  She is new to the financial industry but has worked many years in customer service and client service. Before joining Novation, she worked in client services for an online auction company.

Cheryl received her degree in Sociology from the University of Minnesota.  She was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but has lived in the Twin Cities for over 25 years.  Cheryl and her husband, Kurt, have 3 children. When Cheryl is not at work she enjoys spending time with her family—watching the kids’ sporting events, traveling, running, and shopping.