Our Team

Erickson Braund is the Founder and Chief Financial Officer at Black Walnut Wealth Management. He is a Certified Financial Planner® professional and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®. Eric brings over 20 years’ experience working with high net-worth individuals and families, helping them achieve their goals of protecting and growing their wealth for retirement and for generations to come. Because Eric is a CFP® professional, he adheres to the high ethical standards and engages in at least 30 hours of approved continuing education in the financial industry each year.

Eric is passionate about financial management and made his first investment at the age of 14. By reading the Wall Street Journal, and studying financial publications and investment papers, he became knowledgeable in the financial markets. His interest continued through high school and college where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Hillsdale College. In 1994 Eric received job offers from companies in the big cities of Detroit and Chicago but chose instead to start his financial management career in Traverse City. He has a uniquely diverse background in financial and investment management bringing to you his collective experiences of handling wealth at a regional brokerage firm, national bank, and an accounting firm. Eventually, he followed his dream and formed his own firm, Black Walnut Wealth Management, in order to provide independent coordinated solutions for clients without the conflicts typically found at financial firms. Eric is a trusted financial planner and fiduciary investment advisor—grateful for all the wonderful clients who have put their trust in him over the years.

As a native of the area, Eric enjoys all that Northern Michigan offers including hiking, biking, skiing, volleyball, and boating. He is passionate about spending time with his family and maintaining a balanced life. Eric and his wife, Jodi, have two children and live in Traverse City.

Hannah Near has joined Black Walnut Wealth Management as a Wealth Management Advisor. As a Certified Financial Planner® professional and Certified Public Accountant, she brings over a decade of experience in the accounting and financial planning industry. Hannah earned her Master’s degree in Accounting from The College of William and Mary. She is dedicated to partnering with clients to help them achieve their financial goals and make confident, informed decisions about their financial future.

Hannah is a Michigan native but relocated to Northern Michigan in 2019. She volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Friends of the Antrim County Natural Area. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, crafting, puzzles, and spending time outdoors with her pets, family, and friends.

Jill Nordin has joined Black Walnut Wealth Management in the role of Operations Supervisor, where she will oversee all operations and administration management.

With a bachelor’s degree in business administration, five years in banking, and 20 years in accounting, she has served in every capacity from support to client services to branch operations. Jill’s experience is an invaluable asset to the effectiveness and productivity of our office.

A Northern Michigan native, Jill volunteers with the Grand Traverse Hiking Club and sits on her homeowner’s association board. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her friends and family, traveling, hiking and camping, music, and gardening.

Jodi Braund is the Business Manager at Black Walnut Wealth Management.

She brings numerous years of experience in banking and trust operations handling personal trusts and estates. Jodi is working toward the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, which covers laws, regulations, ethics, and topics such as retirement planning, portfolio management strategies, and fiduciary responsibilities.

Jodi is active in the school and the community volunteering countless hours. Her personal values of volunteering in the community and balancing family life are paramount. She enjoys hiking, biking, and competing in triathlons.