Gradient Insurance Brokerage : Founders

Charles E. Lucius
Founder and Owner

Chuck Lucious

With a deep passion for knowledge, Charles E. "Chuck" Lucius has earned many degrees and designations, but it was serving as a pilot in the United States Air Force where he found a deeper passion for freedom and the boundless opportunity it affords. Over the course of his career, Chuck has attained the following designations: Series 7, 24, 63, 65 as well as CLU, CHFC, CFP and a Masters in Financial Sciences (MSFS).

In 1975, Chuck began his career in the insurance industry with Prudential Life Insurance Company. He successfully served in the field and in numerous leadership roles to include estate planning specialist, director of advanced marketing, and director of fee-based financial Planning. Chuck also served as managing director overseeing the leading Prudential Agency in Minnesota earning Prudential's highest honors as the recipient of The President's Citation.

In 2001, Chuck began his tenure as president and principal of Personalized Brokerage Services, LLC / USAllianz Securities. Under his leadership, the organization grew to become an industry leader from a group of 15 professionals to a team of over 150 professionals and 200 + Registered Representatives. Annual premium soared under his leadership, and a wealth management business model was created which included fixed annuities, securities, long-term care and life insurance divisions as well as a top-tier practice management program. He earned a reputation for operational excellence.

Currently, Chuck is founder and CEO of Gradient Financial Group, LLC. His organizations provide a cutting edge platform which emphasizes his passion for maintaining independence within the financial services industry. Chuck serves on numerous insurance company leadership councils.

Tami Lucius
Founder and Owner

Tami Lucious

Tami J. Lucius serves as an officer and co-founder for Gradient Financial Group, LLC. Tami boasts an extensive financial services background with over 17 years industry experience. She started her career with Prudential Life Insurance Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She served in the field as an agent for one of Prudential's leading agencies and was promoted to a director where she recruited and trained new agents for the development of an additional St. Paul, Minnesota branch office.

In 2001, Tami moved to Topeka, Kansas and began her tenure at an Allianz-owned field marketing organization, Personalized Brokerage Services (PBS). Tami served as vice president of operations and was instrumental in growing PBS from a team of 15 professionals to 150 professionals. PBS earned a reputation for operational excellence. Annual fixed annuity premium soared, and a wealth management business model was created which included securities, long-term care and life insurance divisions as well as a top-tier practice management program.

In 2005, Tami co-founded Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Inc. (GIB) where she currently serves as principal and chief operating officer. GIB is one of the fastest growing marketing organizations in the country and offers over 100 years of combined industry experience, proven prospecting platforms, all-inclusive service, superior back-office and marketing support.

In 2008, Tami co-founded Gradient Tax, LLC (GT) where she currently serves as chief executive officer. GT is the solution for tax planning and tax preparation. It offers four turn-key models for financial service and tax professionals with proven business-building and marketing platforms backed by a team of CPAs and tax professionals.

Tami earned her degree from Minnesota State University where she graduated with distinction in the top 10 percent of her graduating class. She has earned her Series 6 and 63 and is life and health licensed in all 50 states.

Tony Compton
President, Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Inc.

As president and founder of Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Compton has a passion for growth, leadership and innovation. In his role, he has constructed a progressive product and marketing platform to help financial services professionals build a diverse and sustainable business practice. He also takes pride in offering state-of-the-art technology and systems.

In five short years, Compton has grown annual fixed annuity premium to over $900 million and has created a life insurance division as well as a top-tier advisory platform. He continues to direct company strategy and seeks opportunities for expansion and future company growth.

Compton has attained his Series 6, 63, and 7 registrations and is currently pursuing his Charter Life Underwriter (CLU) designation. He also holds his life and health licenses in all 50 states. Compton has authored or been quoted numerous industry articles, including the Wall Street Journal, and has traveled throughout the United States training agents on sales techniques, business practices, and annuity products.

Compton graduated from the Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas with a Bachelor of Science.

Chad Roesler
Senior Vice President, Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Inc.

Roesler began his career in the insurance industry in 1997 when he joined Edward Jones. He served in the field for six years and then began his tenure in the insurance brokerage industry in 2003 at a leading marketing organization based in Topeka, Kansas.

As senior vice president and founder of Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Roesler is passionate about building long-term relationships with agents and advisors and partners to help them grow their business. He is charged with growing annual fixed annuity premium and managing day-to-day activity within the sales division.

Over the course of his career, Roesler has attained his Series 7 and 63 registrations as well as the CLTC designation. He is also pursuing his Series 65 designation. Roesler has lectured widely on financial topics.

Roesler played golf at the University of Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor of General Science.

Rob Nelson
Chief Financial Officer, Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Inc.

Nelson began his career as a captive insurance agent in 1995 when he joined Kansas Farm Bureau. He served in the field for multiple years and then moved into the insurance brokerage industry when he began his tenure at a leading marketing organization based in Topeka, Kansas. Over the course of his career, Nelson has held numerous sales and marketing roles and then transitioned into the finance department where he has held leadership positions.

As chief financial officer and founder of Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Nelson directs financial strategy and is charged with planning and forecasting, financial reporting, and analyzing and reporting on trends and opportunities. He is also responsible for signature guarantees.

Nelson has attained his Series 7, 24, 6, 63, and 65 registrations as well as the Certified Long Term Care (CLTC) specialist designation. Nelson also holds his life and health licenses in Kansas.

Nelson graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering.