KIP JOHANSEN

Kip Johansen came into this life with a bit of an identity crisis. He was a “major surprise”, born to parents who had already raised two children. With a father of 56 and a mother of 49, Kip grew up more like an only child—alongside nieces and nephews who were nearly his own age. He was keenly aware that his parents were older than most of his friends’ parents, but that also meant he benefited from their experience and attention. “With adult siblings, I looked up in awe at them. They were married and successful in business, and as a teenager, I kept wondering how I could ever compare.”

Kip’s parents, shaped by the Depression, were conservative in their faith and in their finances. His father taught him the basics of saving and investing, while his mother, like many women of her generation, had little involvement in family finances. When his father passed away during Kip’s junior year of high school, his mother had to learn quickly. She managed the household, ensured Kip could attend college without debt, and even left an inheritance to her children—an example of resilience and stewardship that Kip never forgot.

Kip began college at Iowa State before transferring to Bethel University in St. Paul, “squeezing four years into five,” he says with a grin. He majored in Literature and Writing with a minor in Art History. “I was drawn to the professors. They were so much more engaging than the boring business and finance teachers,” Kip laughs. Still unsure of a career path, he found direction through experiences and faith-based mentors who encouraged him to serve and give back.

After graduation and newly married, Kip took a position at a Christian camp serving at-risk kids. It was demanding work with few quick results, but one part of the job stood out—fundraising. “For someone without a lot of patience, that was the one thing where I could see progress and measure success,” he remembers.

That skill set eventually led him into life insurance and financial planning. What started as a practical career move soon became a calling of its own. “A literature education teaches you about people and how to communicate,” Kip says. “I was able to use those skills to break down complex financial concepts and help people find solutions that made sense for their lives.” His mix of creativity, common sense, and ability to connect with people became the foundation of a very successful career.

Sports have also been a steady influence in Kip’s life. An athlete in multiple sports, he often compares life to his favorite game, golf. “There are lots of holes on the course—sometimes you do well, sometimes you struggle—but every time you finish one, you can see progress and build confidence for the next drive.”

Today, at 55, Kip is a partner at Mill City Financial Partners. He enjoys his career, his 32-year marriage, and watching his two adult children find their way in the world. At Round Table, he welcomes the chance to grow his network, share conversations, and relax over a good cigar and a game of billiards.

For Kip Johansen, life has been less about a straight path and more about steady progress, lessons learned, and faithful relationships built along the way.