Ali Rud Financial Services office makes move to Mondovi’s four corners

by Beth Kraft

The building at 104 West Main Street welcomed another new business recently, but this one just might have some staying power.

Looking to expand the 10-year-old business into a space of its own, Ali and Branden Rud, of Mondovi, bought the building on the northwest corner of Main and Eau Claire streets at the end of April.

Rud had operated her business, Ali Rud Financial Services, out of the Adams Accounting office at 110 South Eau Claire Street since 2004. But as both businesses grew, tax season at Adams Accounting and Rud’s busy time of health insurance plan renewals were beginning to hit at the same time.

“[Ed] was outgrowing me and I was definitely outgrowing that space, but I wanted to stay downtown,” Rud explained.

While looking for an office space to rent, Rud learned the corner building was for sale and bought it from Hair It Iz owner Lisa Amidon and Kendra Edwards.

But before Rud could cart her filing cabinets across Mondovi’s four corners intersection, there was some major work to be done inside the space. Two pizza shops, a deli and a bakery have all taken their turns inside the storefront in recent years.

That’s where Rud’s husband, Branden, and his 16 years of experience in the construction trades came in handy.

Branden, who has operated his own company, Rud Home Improvements, for the past five years, started the renovation project by completely gutting the building’s interior.

“All the walls and the flooring—everything just went,” he said.

Out came the front counter and food prep areas in favor of a new office for Ali and a roomy reception area. The building’s exterior also received a fresh coat of paint, new signage and snappy stone accents.

Constructed in 1908, the building also revealed its character during the rehab process. While removing the drop ceiling, Branden Rud located leaded glass panels that had been covered over. 

The glass pieces now serve as unique wall art in the reception area manned by Barb Allemann, who has worked for Ali Rud Financial Services since 2012.

Two more employees, Caitlyn Brantner and Shirley Conrad, were also added to the business recently to help service customers.

To showcase the changes made to the new Ali Rud Financial Services office and to introduce its new staff, an open house will be held next Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 2 - 7 p.m.

Rud, who officially moved into her new office July 14, is excited to offer her customers steady business hours during the week from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

“We needed the space,” she said. “Just to have your own spot—it’s nice.”

Rud acknowledges that the many changes to health insurance coverage due to ObamaCare and Medicare Part D updates in recent years have resulted in an increased number of clients for her business.

“People needed someone to show them, and I’m the only one in town that does that,” she said of the health care exchange.

Ali Rud Financial Services specializes in retirement planning and health, life and disability insurance, representing many major carriers. Rud’s office can also help clients with Medicare plans, supplements and prescription drug plans.

Ali and Branden Rud reside in Mondovi with their children, Julia, 12, Andrew, 10, and Joey, 18 months.

The Ali Rud Financial Services office can be reached at (715) 926-6003.