Get To Know Us
Our team’s approach to planning is constructed to last.
We are built to deliver continuity and ongoing planning for you and your family. Our team is made up of a lineup of multigenerational advisors who are poised to serve your family’s needs for generations to come.
Richard R. Rainforth, CLU®, ChFC®
Partner
Scott Schmailzl, ChFC®, CFP®, CLU®
Partner
Joshua R. Ervasti
Partner
Carter Mallett
Advisor
Jaynie Sweeney
Office Manager
Chrissy Ervasti
Client Relations Manager
Richard R. Rainforth, CLU®, ChFC®
Partner
Rich Rainforth has been working in financial services and insurance for more than 22 years. Raised in Southwest Iowa, Rich graduated from Iowa State University, and has lived in Central Iowa since 1996. He has two daughters who both graduated from Waukee and Iowa State as well. They now live in Dallas, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri. He also has one grandson.
Rich started his career working with two of Iowa’s most recognizable companies; Maytag, which was based in Iowa based at the time, and Meredith. He worked in sales, marketing, and sales management for 14 years.
Rich came into financial services after tragically losing his 5-year-old son to a struggle with a brain tumor. This framed how and why he is in the financial services industry today. He wants to make sure he encourages and assists others in planning for the best while helping them to protect against the worst. He has earned his Certified Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) certifications from the American College. These programs typically require an average of 400 hours of study and a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
Scott Schmailzl, ChFC®, CFP®, CLU®
Partner
Scott began his background in finance at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business management with a focus in finance in 2003. Upon graduating, Scott immediately entered the insurance and investment industry and began to build his practice.
Scott quickly achieved several prestigious certifications within the financial services industry including that of a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and finally CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional (CFP®), perhaps the most advanced certification the industry offers. Each of these programs requires approximately 400 hours of study and a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
In 2014, Scott co-founded R² Financial Strategies, an independent financial advisory firm. His business is based on holistic financial planning for individuals, families, and business owners. The scope of his advisory services includes insurance planning, wealth management, retirement income planning, and estate planning.
Outside of the office, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife, Abby, and their two daughters, Cora and Lola. He enjoys golfing, boating, traveling, and is an avid college sports fan, always cheering on his Cornhuskers.
Joshua R. Ervasti
Partner
Josh has been in the financial services industry, serving his clients in the areas of insurance planning, investment planning, estate planning, and business owner strategies since 1996. He joined R² Financial Strategies in 2019, and specializes in planning for veterinarians and veterinary practice owners.
Josh was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, and graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, IA, with a degree in finance. He then spent nine years in Arizona, where he began his career in financial services. He moved back to Des Moines in 2005 to be closer to family. In addition to his professional work, Josh enjoys serving his local community through his involvement with his sons’ Scouting groups and as an active member of Lutheran Church of Hope, where he serves with the hospitality ministry, the Men of Hope ministry, and the special events team.
Josh lives in West Des Moines with his wife, Chrissy, their sons, James and John, and their mini-Ausidoodles, Jack and Java.
Carter Mallett
Advisor
Carter entered the insurance and finance industry in 2017 as an intern for R² Financial Strategies, where he learned to build his practice as a financial advisor. After completing his internship, Carter furthered his industry knowledge by joining Charles Schwab and serving their high-net-worth clients for nearly two years. In 2021, Carter rejoined the R² team as a financial advisor and is actively building his own practice.
Carter was raised and currently resides in Norwalk, Iowa. Carter enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, and snowboarding.
Jaynie Sweeney
Office Manager
Jaynie is originally from Wisconsin, attended Oshkosh University, and transferred to Milwaukee Area Technical College to finish a degree in applied sciences, surgical technology. She currently lives in Urbandale with her husband, Colin, and three boys: Jack, Julian, and Jonah.
Jaynie spends her free time attending her boys’ sporting events and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.
Chrissy Ervasti
Client Relations Manager
Chrissy grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Upon graduating from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, she relocated to the Des Moines area where she spent time in education, the mortgage industry, and youth ministry.
After nine years as a stay-at-home mom, Chrissy joined R² Financial Strategies in 2020 and focuses on client relations and marketing for the firm. A lifelong gymnast, Chrissy is also a USAG Certified Level 10 and Xcel judge and serves as a judge for youth gymnastics and at the collegiate level. Chrissy is an active member of Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, serving on the worship ministry, HopeKids ministry, and special events team.
