Our Advisors
For more than three decades Prout Financial Design has been a leading voice of financial guidance in the community. We believe that empowering clients begins with education, truth telling and building strong relationships as we work together to help you realize your retirement goals. Experience, integrity and partnership – that’s what sets us apart.
Dennis Prout
CFP®, CPWA®,
Master Elite Advisor℠
Founder & President
With over 30 years of experience in the retirement planning industry, Dennis Prout is driven by a clear mission: to empower clients through education. Dennis founded Prout Financial Design in 1990 with the belief that informed clients make confident decisions, a principle that continues to guide every aspect of his practice.
Dennis builds strong, direct relationships with each client, offering thoughtful guidance, financial perspective, and tailored recommendations to help them pursue their goals. Backed by a dedicated and experienced team, Dennis ensures every client receives collaborative, high-quality service.
A passionate educator, Dennis hosts an annual financial seminar and monthly retirement classes. Unable to make a class? You can hear Dennis every Thursday at 10am as he shares expert insights and addresses the current financial climate on Prout Financial Design’s weekly program New Retirement Radio on WTCM’s “New Talk 580.”
Dennis holds a business degree from Central Michigan University and is a Master Elite Advisor℠ with Ed Slott and Company. Dennis and his wife, Jill, moved to Traverse City to start their family and have called it home ever since. They are active members of Sojourn Church. Outside the office, Dennis enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family.
Memberships and Affiliations
Economic Club of Traverse City
TC Connect
Better Business Bureau Accredited Member
Heidi Cartwright
RICP®, Master Elite Advisor℠,
Financial Advisor
Heidi Cartwright brings over 15 years of experience and a deep commitment to client service as Visionary and Financial Advisor at Prout Financial Design. Since joining the firm in 2009, Heidi has played a key role in shaping client strategy, operations, and policy implementation, turning vision into measurable results.
With a background as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Analyst in Chicago, Heidi offers clients a solid foundation in finance. She works closely with clients to align their investment strategy with their retirement lifestyle goals and financial priorities.
Heidi is a Master Elite Advisor℠ with Ed Slott and Company, giving her exclusive access to the latest IRA planning strategies. She holds Series 6*, 7*, 63*, 65, and insurance licenses, enabling her to provide comprehensive advice on retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and annuities.
A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Finance, Heidi has deep family roots in Traverse City. She moved here in 2004 to raise her three daughters and continue her family’s legacy of civic involvement reflected in local landmarks like Gilbert Park and Gilbert Lodge.
Outside of work, Heidi enjoys life on the lake, exploring hidden Michigan gems and spending time with family.
Memberships and Affiliations
Impact100
Single MOMM
Leadership Lunch Club
Economic Club Traverse City
*Series 6 – Investment Company and Variable Contract Products Representative
*Series 7 -General Securities
*Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State LawRepresentative
Nathan PROUT
Financial Advisor, Master Elite Advisor℠
Managing Director
Nathan Prout, Financial Advisor, Master Elite Advisor℠
Managing Director
Since joining Prout Financial Design in 2014, Nathan Prout has emerged as a key player in the firm’s growth and innovation. A licensed Financial Advisor and Master Elite Advisor℠ with Ed Slott and Company, Nathan combines deep industry knowledge with a strong command of modern financial technology to deliver personalized, future-focused solutions.
Nathan earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance from Davenport University and holds his Series 65. Certified in Life and Health Insurance since 2017, he leads Prout’s annuities and insurance planning strategies with precision and care. From digital planning platforms to data-driven portfolio analysis, he leverages cutting-edge systems to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and ensure clients have real-time insight into their financial health.
A lifelong Traverse City resident, Nathan enjoys Northern Michigan living with his wife, Sarah, and their two children. Outside the office, you’ll find him spending time with family, exploring Michigan hotspots, and hosting backyard barbecues with friends.
