A Steady Hand: Wealth Advisor's Commitment to Reliability Changes Lives

Sandy Korbel approaches her work with the mindset of a dedicated problem solver. To her, a complex financial portfolio is not just a collection of assets. It is a puzzle that, when solved correctly, provides a family with the security to enjoy their life’s work. This year, Minnesota State Moorhead is proud to recognize her three decades of service and leadership with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Korbel currently serves as a Senior Wealth Advisor at Alerus Financial. She manages over a billion dollars in assets, but she defines her success by the personal impact she has on her clients.

“I am a helper by nature,” Korbel says. “I get so much joy in helping people navigate their financial lives.”

A Foundation in Hard Work

Korbel’s drive to help others was shaped by her own experience as a first-generation college student. Growing up on a family farm, she understood the value of hard work. To fund her education at Moorhead, she worked nearly full time, balancing a demanding schedule with her studies.

“I depended on the income from working and the scholarships I received,” Korbel recalls.

A fateful conversation with a local banker helped Korbel pivot from economics to an accounting degree. Korbel realized the skillset of an accountant would provide a strong, rounded foundation for a career in finance. At Moorhead, Korbel found a community of educators who reinforced this practical approach. She points to professors George and Marlane Sanderson as well as Maggie Jorgenson for providing the real-world mentorship she needed to succeed.

“The professors knew you and they supported you,” Korbel says. “They wanted you to succeed and were very helpful along the way. The personal aspect was impressive.”

Navigating Life’s Transitions

After graduating in 1993, Korbel began her career with First National Bank of North Dakota, now know as Alerus Financial. She has remained there for more than 30 years, building a reputation for reliability and ethical leadership. Her longevity with the firm has allowed her to witness the full cycle of her clients' financial lives. She has discovered that the most difficult problems she solves often extend beyond the financial.

This commitment to steady, reliable guidance has resulted in an exceptionally high client retention rate. Korbel believes that being a helper means looking out for a client's best interests above all else.

Creating a Lasting Impact

Korbel’s desire to solve problems extends into the community. While raising three children and maintaining a successful career, she consistently sought out ways to give back. She served as the President of the Fargo Rotary Club and was heavily involved in the PTA and numerous boards over the years. In 2016, she and her husband Brian, a fellow Moorhead accounting graduate, established an endowed scholarship to help current students overcome the same financial hurdles she once faced.

“I know how hard it was to work while trying to attend school,” Korbel says. “Being able to give back to students is very important to us. We understand the importance of this support and we chose accounting as the area of focus because it has provided us both a solid foundation for our successful careers.”

Her children have gone on to achieve their own goals in oral surgery, engineering, and nursing. Korbel views the balance of raising a family while remaining deeply connected to her community as her proudest accomplishment.

The Strength of Reliability

Even in her personal time, Korbel embraces challenges that test her endurance. She has completed the Fargo Marathon and recently finished a rim to river to rim hike of the Grand Canyon in a single day. These physical achievements mirror her professional philosophy of persistence and disciplined preparation.

Sandy Korbel poses with husband Brian Korbel on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

When asked what advice she would give to young professionals, Korbel returns to the values of integrity and accountability. Korbel places a lot of value in continued growth and learning toward one’s potential.

“Do what you do and do it very well,” Korbel says. “That builds your reputation. Be reliable. If you put the interest of the client ahead of your own pride, your reputation will promote itself.”

Through her decades of service and her commitment to helping others, Sandy Korbel has proven to be a steady hand for her clients and a powerful example for the Moorhead community. Her legacy is one of empowerment, proving that a career built on service is a roadmap to success.