Meet the Team

John Murphy

John is an Investment Adviser and a Principal of the Firm. John works with individuals, families and foundations providing investment advisory services and financial advice.

Prior to establishing the firm in 2000, John’s prior work experience included serving as a portfolio manager, the director of research for an investment firm and a CPA in the tax department of a public accounting firm.

John holds a J.D. from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. John and his wife live in Eden Prairie and are the parents of three adult children.

Tom Pohlad

Tom is an Investment Adviser and a Principal of the Firm, interacting with individual clients and families to provide investment and financial advice.

Before joining Murphy Pohlad Asset Management LLC in 2002, Tom spent 16 years as a principal of his family office.  Tom invested in both public equity and fixed income securities, as well as managed investments in privately held businesses in industries ranging from consumer products to financial services. Prior to that, Tom worked as a commercial lender at a large Minnesota based bank.

Tom has a B.A. in biology from Middlebury College and a M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Minnesota.  Tom lives in Shorewood with his wife and has three daughters.

Sue Blair

Sue is a Financial Manager providing an integral role to both clients and advisers with a focus on portfolio accounting, cash flow analysis and regulatory compliance.

Prior to joining Murphy Pohlad Asset Management in 2001, Sue was Vice President of Financial Planning for a financial planning firm. Sue began her career as a CPA in the tax department of a public accounting firm.

Sue is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College with a B.A. in accounting. Sue and her husband live in Eden Prairie. She enjoys crafting and spending time with friends and family at the lake.

Aaron Banke

Aaron is the Chief Operating Officer and a Principal of Murphy Pohlad Asset Management. Aaron leads the team with a focus on developing people and making sure that processes and policies are a strong foundation to serve clients. He oversees organizational activities, strategies, and procedures designed to meet the individual objectives of our clients.

Prior to joining Murphy Pohlad Asset Management LLC, Aaron worked as an auditor with a local accounting firm. Aaron holds a B.S. in finance from Saint Cloud State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Aaron lives in Prior Lake with his wife and two children. He enjoys outdoor activities, following Minnesota sports teams and spending time with friends and family.

Stephen Berard

Stephen Berard is passionate about cultivating compelling conversations with engaging individuals. As an Investment Adviser with Murphy Pohlad Asset Management, Stephen helps navigate dialogue on complex topics to position individuals for success.

Through thoughtful and considerate questions, he develops a deep understanding of his client’s objectives to create a true partnership. Stephen holds his clients’ trust in the highest regard and recognizes the unique position he is in to offer guidance as a “CFO of your life” to help you succeed for generations.

Prior to joining Murphy Pohlad Asset Management, Stephen spent five years with a global wealth management firm providing investment advice to the firm’s high net worth clients. Although Stephen’s dedication to investment research remains, his desire to build deeper relationships within a boutique firm is what attracted him to Murphy Pohlad Asset Management.

Stephen holds a B.S. in Finance from The University of Montana. While in the community, Stephen can be found swimming or playing squash at The Minneapolis Club, running, playing golf, or volunteering with local non-profits such as Mile in My Shoes, My Very Own Bed, and the MPLS Regional Chamber Emerging Leaders Advisory Committee.

Zach Wallace

Zach Wallace understands the needs of clients and puts them first. Accessibility, competence and ownership are core principals of how he works with clients. Zach strives for long term partnerships. He knows there are ups and downs in your life and you need somebody that can listen to you, analyze what you need and provide unbiased advice.

Zach started his career at a national financial planning firm. It was there he learned how important it is to listen to clients and get the details right. However, he felt that the large scale and sales quotas limited his ability to give high quality advice. He joined Murphy Pohlad Asset Management in 2020 because he knows it’s more than just “picking stocks” or selling products – it is about building long term success with clients.

Zach has a B.A. in Economics from the University of Minnesota. He is a CFP® professional, and holds his CRPC® (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) designation.