Daniel J. Lane, CFP®

Mr. Lane is an Investment Adviser Representative with Financial Management Strategies, Inc., and a founding partner of Pillar Financial Group, an affiliated financial services company. He joined our Cetera Wealth Services, LLC after nearly eight years as a Financial Advisor, Advisor Coach, and District Manager for a national financial services firm. Dan’s practice focuses on individual financial planning and wealth management.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Economics from Cleveland State University and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. In addition, he has earned both the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations through The American College.

Dan is a Registered Representative (Series 4, 7, 66), with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a Investment Adviser Representative with Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. He is also licensed to offer life and health insurance and annuities in Ohio and several other states.

A lifelong northeast Ohio resident, Dan was born and raised in Willoughby and now lives in Andover with his wife and their two dogs. Outside the office, Dan enjoys a simple, hands-on lifestyle that keeps him grounded. He and his wife manage a 100-acre family farm where they tend to seasonal crops and care for their animals, including a few upland game birds they raise as a conservation hobby. Whether it’s stacking hay, cutting firewood, or doing chores around the property, Dan values hard work and time outdoors.

When he’s not working or farming, Dan likes to stay active. He competes in precision archery competitions across the country, plays in local softball and volleyball leagues, and enjoys time spent training their energetic German Shorthaired Pointer. He also finds relaxation in the kitchen, cooking meals for family and friends, skills he’s sharpened with a bit of culinary training. Dan is actively involved in his church and always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. Dan has a knack for fun, focus, and just the right amount of quirk. Read his Q&A, as you might be surprised how much you have in common!

Rooted in Values, Driven by Purpose: Dan Lane Up Close

What is your favorite non-work-related hobby? I have two: archery and cooking. I’ve been into archery for years; it keeps me focused and humble, whether I’m practicing at home or traveling to tournaments. Cooking is a close second. I enjoy unwinding in the kitchen and trying new recipes, especially after a long day. I’ve picked up some great tips over time and enjoy making meals for family and friends.

What are you currently reading, and what’s your all-time favorite book? I usually have a few books going at once. Right now, I’m reading The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson, The Mental Game by Larry Donnelly, Leadership Lessons of Jesus by Bob Briner, and Good to Great by Jim Collins. My favorite books tend to be the ones that challenge me to grow whether professionally, personally, or spiritually.

Dan Current Current Reading List

• The Deficit Myth - Stephanie Kelton
• Good to Great – Jim Collins
• The Trading Game – Gary Stevenson
• The Way of the Seal – Mark Divine
• Mans Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl
• Tap Dancing to Work – Carol Loomis
• The Maine Woods – Henry David Thoreau
• Liars Poker – Michael Lewis

What’s your favorite TV show, and if you could play a character, who would it be? Definitely The Office. It’s one of those shows that never gets old. I wouldn’t say I’d be any particular character, but I always thought it was a missed opportunity that we never got to see a scene with Robert California, Nate, and Creed together; now that would’ve been entertaining.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Very much an early bird. I’m usually at my desk before 5 a.m., as it is a peaceful time to focus before the day gets moving.

What’s the most irrational superstition you have? Chewing gum. If I’m shooting archery, I need one stick. If I’m playing sports, it has to be two. I can’t explain why, it just feels right!

If you weren’t in this profession, what would you be doing? If I had more land, I think I’d enjoy farming full time. There’s something rewarding about working the land and seeing the results of your labor. If that wasn’t an option, I’ve always liked working with my hands so hardwood flooring might have been a good fit too.

What’s your favorite vacation destination? So far, Alaska tops the list. The scenery, wildlife, and slower pace were unforgettable. But, someday, I would like to go backpacking through England, Scotland, and Ireland.

What’s your biggest personal and professional goal for the next 5–10 years? Personally, it’s about making sure I’m setting a strong example and leaving something meaningful behind, both in how I live and work. For the practice, I’d like to help guide and mentor the next generation of advisors and create more opportunities for our team and clients to come together through community events and causes we care about.