Guidant Financial Group Hires Jim Winder as Business Development Manager

Bellevue, Wash. (August 2, 2007) — Guidant Financial Group, the nation’s leading self-directed retirement account facilitator, announced the addition of Jim Winder as Business Development Manager. Winder’s responsibilities will include building relationships with business brokers and franchisors, representing the company at industry trade shows and events, and helping to develop new market strategies.

“Because the self-directed industry is still relatively unknown, finding individuals with relevant experience is challenging,” says David Nilssen, president and CEO of Guidant Financial Group. ”Since he has nearly 10 years of experience, Jim brings significant credibility, contacts and experience to our ever-growing team of professionals.”

Winder comes to Guidant from Viking Bank, where he helped develop a self-directed IRA custody division. In addition, Winder started working for Commerce Bank of Washington’s self-directed IRA division in 1998, which in 2004 was bought out by Equity Trust, where he stayed on for two more years.

“Guidant can benefit from Jim’s tremendous contacts and track record,” adds Nilssen. “He has spent years creating an outstanding name for himself in our community. And by joining our company, he will be able to contribute to, and be a part of, the tremendous growth Guidant has been enjoying. It’s a win-win for Guidant and for Jim.”

Winder agrees that this move is the right one. “This is a tremendous opportunity,” says Winder. “Guidant is a very well respected and represented company in the self-directed industry. I am excited about the benefits that Guidant is bringing to the forefront and the direction that this type of investing is moving in.”

About Guidant Financial Group

Guidant Financial Group is the premier provider of self-directed IRAs and business-funding solutions through IRAs and 401(k)s. Guidant's services allow investors the freedom to make investments in real estate, franchises, businesses, tax liens and more by accessing their retirement accounts without penalty before retirement age. For more information on Self-directed IRAs or Business Financing please visit www.guidantfinancial.com.