OUR STORY
What's Behind the Name
In 1936, my grandfather, Isadore Crystal, began a career in the life insurance business. He sold 10-cent policies to families who could afford the protection. While insurance premiums are no longer 10 cents per week, the values and things he shared with his clients—personal responsibility, mutual respect, providing knowledgeable advice, and delivering prompt, polite service— are still important today.
It was during a visit to his early home at 111 Garden Street in Duluth, Minnesota, that the inspiration of incorporating his history and memory into my business model came to me. With that, Garden Street Financial Group LLC was formed. Those same core values continue to guide me throughout my life.
Meet Our Team
Steve Kastrul, ChFC®, CLU®
Owner and Investment Adviser Representative
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Steve’s career began in 1990, helping clients and other advisors. He founded Garden Street Financial in 2001.
Licenses and Credentials
- Chartered Financial Consultant®
- Chartered Life Underwriter®
- FINRA Series 7 & 66 securities registrations
- Life and Health insurance licensed
- LTC Partnership Certification
Steve is a current member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and he has previously been involved with the Society of Financial Service Professionals, the LTC Alliance, the North Denver Coalition for Seniors, and the Southwest Denver Coalition on Aging.
He and his family live in Denver, where they stay active by running, biking, and helping build a stronger community.
Taylor Pieper
Analyst and Client Service Assistant
Taylor assists with our independent fund research, evaluating our portfolio designs, updating our retirement plans, and supporting all aspects of serving our clients.
Taylor grew up in a small town in Indiana, receiving her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Butler University in 2017. Previously, she worked for an investment management company, helping manage portfolios of corporate stocks and bonds before moving to Colorado in January 2020.
Outside of the office, Taylor spends most of her time hiking in the mountains or exploring Denver.
Kim Kastrul
Office Manager and Director of Client Engagement
Kim wears multiple hats at Garden Street Financial Group, serving as our Office Manager and as our Director of Client Engagement. Kim joined Garden Street Financial Group after a 30-year career as a dental hygienist.
When not working and parenting two boys, Kim trains for triathlons. She also enjoys traveling and being outdoors. Kim grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and has been proud to call Colorado home since 1989.
