Get to Know LifePlan Financial Design

Our History

Bruce Van Hal

Founder | 1956 – 2021

Bruce D. Van Hal founded LifePlan Financial Design, LLC, in 2009 in a rented law firm conference room. His desire was to bring creativity, integrity, and quality to the financial planning process. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in the insurance and annuity industry, Bruce grew the firm steadily over the years, first adding part-time staff, then full-time. Eventually, he was able to purchase a building in Okemos, now the headquarters for LifePlan. In 2013, Bruce created and launched a Registered Investment Advisory firm to offer his clients fiduciary level care and servicing. In 2014, the Howell location was launched and has grown to be a fully self-sustaining satellite office. The team has grown from Bruce alone to several employees working between the Okemos and Howell locations. Even after his passing, his legacy will endure as LifePlan strives to provide value, confidence, and financial peace for the future.

Our President

Mike Douglas

President and Advisor

Mike Douglas specializes in wealth management and retirement planning at LifePlan Financial Design. Previously, he spent many years in the service industry, focusing on account management and business-to-business relationships. He combines those experiences with his life, health, and Series 65 securities licenses and training to help families pursue their financial goals. His CFP® certification and MBA round out his unique insight. Mike and his wife, Kimberly, live in Howell, Michigan, with their four young children: Gavin, Zachary, Kaleb, and Emmalyn, along with two Shorkies (Shih Tzu/Yorkie), Rowdy Jack and Satchmo. He enjoys doing anything with his family – sports, gardening, cooking, fishing, and more. Mike plays the piano and several other instruments at church and also enjoys golf and running. A former college football and tennis athlete, he completed his first marathon in 2017 at Walt Disney World.

Lifeplan Financial Design Support Staff

Click below to learn more about our staff

Brian Pugh

Marketing Director and Advisor Assistant

Brian Pugh

Marketing Director and Advisor Assistant

Brian Pugh

Marketing Director and Advisor Assistant

Brian manages all the branding and marketing of LifePlan. Through clear and consistent communication, he strengthens the relationships between LifePlan and our clients. He also assists our clients with numerous services and supports the advisors by helping prepare and plan all appointments. Brian and his wife, Brooke, have three young children, Graham, Olivia, and Eli, and a dog named Nova. They love to spend their time camping.

Dan Kangas

Director of Operations

Dan directly manages all the operations behind the scenes at LifePlan Financial, processing new applications and overseeing existing client services. His attentiveness to detail and experience in the business allows him to ensure that our clients stay on course to achieve their retirement goals. Dan loves spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their three kids: Jillian, Emma, and Jack. In his free time, Dan enjoys coaching his daughter’s basketball team, traveling up north with his family, and watching football.

Katie Anibal

Events Coordinator

Katie organizes and promotes all of LifePlan’s events, from dinner seminars to client appreciation events. Her detail-oriented personality allows for every event to run smoothly and efficiently. Katie and her husband, Steven, have two sons, Ezekiel and Gabriel. They enjoy being active as a family.

Melissa Prince

Executive Assistant and Client Services ­

Melissa joined the LifePlan team in 2018. She works as an assistant for Mike while also helping to assist with our client servicing and support. Melissa is responsible for implementing processes that strengthen the relationships with our clients. She helps to keep the office running smoothly. Melissa and her husband, Jason, keep busy with their five kids, Maya, Corbin, Damin, Isak, and Avery, and two dogs, JoJo and Bear. They enjoy homeschooling, playing card games, and summer road trips.

Meet with LifePlan Financial Design’s friendly staff today!

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