The KWP Philosophy
Collaboration is key. We get to know you and your business, but you won’t need to teach us any basics. With more than 20 years in financial services, our team understands the language, the complexities, the nuances, and the regulatory environment of the industry.
We HAVE BEEN IN YOUR SHOES.
we are data-driven AND COLLABORATIVE.
WE ARE LIKE-MINDED PARTNERS.
WE MAKE IT EASY TO TAKE ACTION.
Most important, we focus on your goals, bringing solutions that fit your business.
Will Prest
Managing Partner, CEO
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Will Prest is a business builder and strategic leader who transforms market opportunities into thriving enterprises. As co-founder, Will and the KWP Team partner with organizations to accelerate growth and create lasting business value by finding product/market fit.
His 25-year career includes leadership roles at Ameriprise, MetLife, and Transamerica, where he drove significant growth in retirement, wealth management, and fintech sectors. Bringing a unique perspective as both a corporate leader and owner-operator, Will’s “superpower” is seeing patterns and connecting disparate objectives into great results for clients. In addition, he is active on several boards including the USTA National Nominating Committee, InnerCityTennis Foundation of Minneapolis (Chair 2018-2022), and the International Tennis Hall of Fame (2009-2019). Will holds an M.B.A. from Boston University and resides in Minneapolis with his family.
Karen Prest
Managing Partner
An engaging storyteller, Karen focuses on creating sound business strategies and scaling operations so businesses can pivot and grow. Her experience stems from years working with or for financial services, media, CPG, manufacturing, and SaaS companies in strategy, research, operations and management roles. Karen’s “superpower” is her ability to create order out of chaos and her firm grasp of the interconnectivity of an organization’s business model, which allows her to start with the big-picture and finish with action. (Her two sons have lovingly nicknamed her “corporate.”)
In her spare time, Karen enjoys running, tennis, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Lisa Kottler
Partner
Lisa is an entrepreneurial leader who combines deep expertise in retirement plans and fintech with a passion for innovation. With decades of experience in the retirement plan industry and eight years immersed in the startup ecosystem, she brings a fresh, holistic approach to advancing America’s retirement system. Lisa’s “superpower” is her relentless curiosity and commitment to continuous learning, which she expertly synthesizes into actionable insights that fuel business growth. Previously, she built NFP’s retirement division from an unknown entity into one of the country’s leading distributors. Her career also includes sales roles at Voya, CIGNA, Schwab, and U.S. Global Investors. A recognized industry advocate, Lisa frequently speaks and writes on key issues and previously chaired NAPA’s Government Affairs Committee. She was also named one of the '100 Most Influential People in the DC Industry' for three consecutive years by 401kWire.
Outside the office, Lisa serves as Board Chair for Junior Achievement of Central Texas, is an avid tennis fan, enjoys participating in triathlons (though it's been a while!), and loves traveling and reading.
Clive Gershon
Partner
Clive brings more than 35 years of experience in leading asset management marketing and distribution efforts for major firms including The Capital Group, J.P. Morgan, Guggenheim Investments, Epoch Investment Partners, and TIAA/Nuveen. He consults with small to medium size asset management firms looking to gain greater traction in the marketplace by successfully differentiating and marketing their product offerings and organizations to help clients better understand the value they are bringing. Clive has deep and successful marketing, distribution, and relationship management experience in institutional, high-net-worth and retail asset management. He has led firm marketing, brand, product positioning, business development, client and consultant relations strategy and implementation for equity, fixed income and alternatives strategies and has a successful track record growing businesses.
Clive also has experience on the client side as a member of investment committees for UJA Federation and the Russell Berrie Foundation.
Kirsten Feste Taylor
Partner
Kirsten is a creative leader who offers expertise and perspective from both the corporate and brand agency worlds. With more than two decades in financial services marketing, her experience includes almost every area of the industry, from investment banking to retail brokerage to RIA and 401(k) retirement planning. Kirsten has led projects such as brand strategy and implementation, strategic planning development, cross-functional projects, employee engagement, and brand & marketing communications initiatives for clients like Russell Investments, Ameriprise, U.S. Bank Trust & Custody, Transamerica, UnitedHealth Group and others. Kirsten’s “superpower” is honing the unique and relevant differentiators to strengthen clients’ brands and messages.
Beyond work, Kirsten enjoys being with family and friends and spending time outdoors.
We put together the right team of experts for you.
Your team might include research associates, writers, designers or digital media specialists – whatever you need to move forward with confidence.
Let’s get started.
Learn how KWP Growth Partners can help your business.
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