Submitted Article
Building Futures Where It All Began
Jacob Matoushek
February 11, 2026
For many people, success means leaving a small town behind. For Blake Dobbratz, it meant coming home.
Raised in Alto, just outside of Waupun, he grew up in a community where showing up for others was simply part of everyday life. His parents were active members and Sunday school teachers at the Alto Reformed Church, and the values of service, responsibility, and community were instilled early.
Some of Blake’s earliest memories are tied to local life; The Alto Fair, picking sweet corn, working at Helen’s Kitchen, and landscaping at Sticks N Stones. In high school, he was a football captain and participated in track and field. Even back then he was giving back, spending Saturdays helping with youth flag football.
Blake began college at UW–Fond du Lac before transferring to Ripon College, where his involvement in the community continued to grow. At Ripon, he served as a student senator, volunteered with the BRAVE after-school program, mentored students at Crossroads Charter School, and worked at Saputo Cheese in Alto, where he trained more than 25 employees.
His path first led into education. Blake student taught under Mark Bradley and Courtney Bartlett, later long-term subbed for Jodi Kloosterboer, and volunteered as a middle school track and field coach before stepping into a Physical Education, Health, and Adapted Physical Education role in Waupun.
During his two years at Waupun, he coached varsity and JV football, helping lead Waupun to its first playoff appearance in nearly two decades. Blake also coached middle school basketball, and worked alongside Courtney Bartlett to modernize a health curriculum that had not been updated since 1996. At the same time, Blake earned his master’s degree in Business Management from Marian University.
Outside of work, Blake still spends time in familiar places, whether golfing at Tuscumbia, a course full of college memories, or relaxing at Green Lake. “Waupun, Alto, Ripon, and the surrounding communities are home to me because of the family, friendships, and relationships I’ve built here over time,” he said.
That deep connection is exactly why he chose to build his financial practice locally.
“This isn’t just where I work,” he said. “It’s where I’ve grown up, coached, taught, learned, and built trust over years. When I help someone, I’m not just advising a client. I’m working with a neighbor, a former student’s family, or someone I might run into at the grocery store or a Friday night football game.”
Living and working in the area has shaped not only where he works, but how he works.
“In small communities like Waupun, Alto, and Ripon, trust is built over time, not transactions,” he explained. “People value honesty, consistency, and someone who genuinely listens.”
Blake’s background in education and coaching plays a major role in his approach to financial planning. He learned early that no two people are the same and that meeting people where they are matters.
“I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice or rushing decisions, especially when it comes to something as personal as finances,” he said.
Working with local families has also given Blake insight into the real priorities people face; such as, saving for education, managing farm or small-business income, planning around seasonal work, and preparing for retirement. Because Blake lives in the community, he also feels a strong sense of accountability.
“I see my clients at community events, school activities, churches, and local businesses. That motivates me to always do right by people,” he said.
Today, Blake works with Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal financial services organization that focuses on both financial planning and community involvement.
“It’s not just about products, it’s about people,” he said. “We help families protect what matters most, plan for the future, and achieve their goals while giving back locally.”
He says the organization aligns closely with the values he was raised with: hard work, trust, service, and community. Through Modern Woodmen, Blake helps clients with life and health insurance, retirement planning, and long-term financial guidance.
Earning his own practice at a young age did not come without challenges.
“I failed. I doubted myself. There were times I wasn’t sure what I could accomplish,” he admitted.
Blake credits his parents, his coaches, his former teammates, and his faith for keeping him grounded and focused. “Those experiences taught me that confidence isn’t given, it’s built through effort, setbacks, faith, and consistency,” he said.
Today Blake’s philosophy is straightforward: help people make decisions that align with their goals and values, and make sure they truly understand what they are doing and why.
“I focus on clarity and understanding,” he said. “It’s about planning for the long term, protecting what matters, and helping people live the life they want — always with integrity and care.”
In an age of investment apps and call centers, Blake believes local guidance still matters.
“Here, you’re not just a number,” he said. “You’re a neighbor. That changes how seriously you take the responsibility.”
Clients work directly with Blake as he builds his own branch in Ripon. While specialists can be brought in if needed, he remains the main point of contact.
The first few months are focused on listening, learning, and building a clear, tailored plan. “The goal is for clients to feel confident, not overwhelmed, and to truly understand what we’re doing and why,” he said.
He says making people feel comfortable is essential. “My goal isn’t just to manage accounts; it’s to guide and support people so they feel understood.”
Blake cherishes the relationships he builds during the process the most. “I’m not just helping someone with finances, I’m getting to know them and what matters most to them. That personal connection makes the work meaningful,” he said.
Before anyone ever walks into his office, Blake wants them to know one thing: “I’m a small-town guy, young and ambitious, who genuinely cares about this community. People are treated like family here.”
And for anyone who is unsure about meeting with a financial advisor, his message is simple:
“It’s just a conversation. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Having someone in your corner makes all the difference.”
