Our Team

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, 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.

Josh Ervasti, CFP®, CEPA®

Partner - Financial Planner for Veterinary, Dental & Private‑Practice Medical Owners

Josh Ervasti helps veterinary, dental, and private‑practice medical professionals make confident, values‑aligned decisions at every stage of practice ownership. As a Financial Planner and Exit Planning Advisor, he focuses on the personal and financial side of ownership — the part that determines whether a practice truly supports the life an owner wants to live.

Josh is the creator of S.E.C.U.R.E. OWNER™, a values‑driven planning framework that guides clients from associate to owner to exit and legacy. His approach is straightforward: help people get clear about what they want, understand how ownership fits into that vision, and build a financial foundation that gives them options — today and in the future.

His work includes helping clients:

• Get clear on their financial picture and the life they want their practice to support

• Build a personal balance sheet that creates flexibility for ownership, growth, or transition

• Manage investments in a way that supports their long‑term goals, not just the markets

• Navigate debt, cash flow, and risk with confidence

• Prepare personally and financially for ownership opportunities

• Plan for retirement, financial independence, and life after practice

• Coordinate with CPAs, attorneys, lenders, and valuation experts when decisions cross into tax, legal, or business‑specific territory

Josh’s role is to help practice owners make decisions that feel aligned, intentional, and grounded — and to ensure the financial side of their life supports the work they love and the future they’re building.

He works with clients nationwide and is known for making complex decisions feel clear, approachable, and aligned with each client’s values and long‑term vision.

Josh lives in West Des Moines with his wife, Chrissy, their sons John and James, and their rescue mini Aussiedoodles, Jack and Java. Outside of work, he enjoys family travel, camping, fishing, and discovering local ice cream shops. He’s active in F3 Des Moines, runs off‑road obstacle races, and has recently taken up blacksmithing as a hands‑on creative hobby.

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 National and Xcel Rated 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, Production, HopeKids ministry, and special events team.

Caley Oliphint

Assistant to Josh Ervasti

Caley lives the life of a military spouse, calling home wherever the Air Force takes her. She enjoys scuba diving, gardening, spending time outdoors with her husband and dogs, and learning new skills.

Caley has been working as an executive assistant for the past 3 years and is proactive and detail-focused. With a background in teaching and office management, she supports business owners, like Josh, by problem-solving their needs and completing tasks with meticulous attention to detail.

Caley's dedication to helping clients achieve their goals drives her to relieve them of the burden of administrative responsibilities, allowing them to focus on their core duties. Caley is committed to professionalism and confidentiality, ensuring that sensitive information is handled with the utmost care. As a reliable and trustworthy partner, Caley strives to drive success for her clients through proactive support and efficient task management.

With a strong work ethic and a client-centric approach, Caley is passionate about contributing to the growth and success of the professionals and businesses she supports.