WHO WE ARE
Located in the heart of Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward, Milborn Advisors is an independent, fee-based financial planning practice owned and operated by founding partners Mark Hoffman and Drew Ashland.
Milborn Advisors was founded to provide an alternative platform for the financial planning needs of multiple generations. We pride ourselves in the ability to provide fiduciary planning for individuals in all stages of their planning lives - from recent college graduates to those already well-established in retirement.
The name Milborn was derived from a 1954 card-based strategy game as well as a convenient play on words based on the city we now call home (Milwaukee-born). The goal of the game is to navigate a 1000-kilometer journey with various obstacles along the way. Each of the four obstacles - hazard, remedy, safety, and distance - represent a challenge the player must overcome in order to succeed. These obstacles are easily relatable to the challenges our clients face on an ongoing basis. Our goal, much like the game, is to guide our clients through these hazards and successfully navigate their financial lives.
WHY WE ARE DIFFERENT
As fiduciaries, our goal for clients is to reduce overall investment costs and develop effective investment strategies to maximize life goals.
Our mission is to create a unique platform that allows us to better serve our clients, and we hope to change the way people approach investing.
Our approachable, no-pressure method to advising is what sets us apart from the competition. Our expansive network allows us to help pair clients with individuals outside of the financial services field. This includes, but is not limited to, attorneys, accountants, real estate agents, and insurance providers.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Pre-retired and retired individuals who have specific needs that include social security planning, income planning, and estate planning, among others
Career-centered professionals who want to grow
Small to mid-sized business owners
Retirement plan administrators
Introductory financial planning opportunities for younger clients
MARK HOFFMAN
OWNER
After growing up in Minnesota, Milwaukee has been my home since 2006.
While pursuing a degree in marketing from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, I worked as a line inspector at the Ford assembly plant in Saint Paul addressing quality. There I learned the value of hard work and building connections, and it ignited a desire to help others – regardless of background or ability – achieve the future they want.
For 10 years as an Investment Advisor for Thrivent Financial, I acquired the experience and knowledge about the financial landscape that led to partnering with Drew to create Milborn Advisors. It became clear to us that we wanted to offer something different for our clients and to be transparent in the process.
We are not just advisors; we aim to provide a full suite of client services through our collaborations with attorneys, insurance brokers, accountants, real estate agents, and bankers to offer a well-rounded strategy for living a best life.
When I’m not helping others, I enjoy golf, live music and raising my two amazing kids.
EDUCATION
AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY
Class of 2007
ACTIVITIES & AFFILIATIONS
Board of Directors, Always Lucy Strong (July 2017 - Present)
DREW ASHLAND
OWNER
As long as I can remember, I’ve always loved downtown Milwaukee. I’ve been rooted in the city for 20 years, attending Marquette University High School and later graduating from Marquette University with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Accounting.
I began my career with PricewaterhouseCoopers where I specialized in tax compliance for alternative asset managers and mutual funds. From there I went on to spend over five years with Robert W. Baird, dedicating half of my time to corporate tax compliance and the other half supporting Baird’s private equity funds.
My passion for investment management led me to Thrivent Financial where I became a financial advisor. It was here where I met Mark and the idea for Milborn Advisors took shape. Our like-mindedness for creating a unique investment platform for people of any age that revolved around low-cost fee transparency led us to the realization we had to create this concept from scratch. I’m extremely excited that we will be able to accomplish our vision in a city I love.
EDUCATION
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY
Master of Science in Accounting, 2008
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting/Finance, 2007
ACTIVITIES & AFFILIATIONS
Marquette University Mentor Program
SERVICES
CUSTOMIZABLE, FIXED-FEE FINANCIAL PLANS
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
RETIREMENT PLANNING
QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLAN MANAGEMENT
BUSINESS CONSULTING
BUDGETING STRATEGIES
