We’re excited to introduce the dedicated individuals behind the voices you hear every day. Our team is proud to support ESI advisors and registered representatives with world-class service — but when we’re not on the phones or solving problems, we’re out living full and interesting lives!
Keep reading to meet the team and discover some of our favorite hobbies, passions, and fun facts.
Nate Cahoon
Don’t let the serious face fool you — Nate keeps the team laughing. Known for his sense of humor and quick wit, he brings energy and positivity to everything he does. Outside of work, Nate volunteers at a local nature center, cares for his charismatic cat Kenny, and occasionally bartends at the world-famous Charlie-O’s dive bar. If you’re ever in town, you just might catch him behind the bar!
Sten Jostrand
Fun Fact: The only continent Sten hasn’t been to is… Australia! (Here he is pictured in Antarctica.)
Before settling in Vermont with his wife of nearly 20 years (yes, someone really has put up with him that long) and their now-teenage kids—a 16-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter—Sten spent 15 years on Wall Street. His career began as a financial futures trader for an international hedge fund focused on the Pacific Rim. He later joined an institutional bond trading firm, where he rose through the ranks as Principal, Convertible Bond Trader, and ultimately Head of NASDAQ Trading.
Sten is a passionate traveler, having visited over 30 countries across six continents—and he’s still counting. When not cheering from the sidelines at his kids’ soccer games somewhere in New England, Sten can be found skiing, biking, sailing, playing guitar, or painting.
Augie Stevens
When he’s not supporting our representatives, you’ll often find Augie on stage or behind the scenes with Northern Vermont’s local theater community. This summer, he’s taking on the role of Warren Sheffield in Meet Me in St. Louis, followed by a turn in The 39 Steps, a fast-paced play full of international intrigue. While Broadway might not be calling just yet (never say never!), Augie finds deep joy in the way community theater brings people together from across the state to share stories and creativity.
Ben Goldstein
Ben is one of the newest members of the ESI Brokerage Operations Team, joining us in March 2025. If you haven’t spoken with him yet, you’ll likely hear his voice on the service line soon! Outside of work, Ben enjoys golfing, hiking, diving into history, playing video games, and following the fast-paced world of Formula One. He lives in Barre, Vermont with his partner and their two cats.
Bart Bechard
Bart is an avid runner and cyclist with a deep appreciation for music and the natural world. He clocked ESI’s fastest time in Vermont’s 2025 Corporate Cup 5K — no small feat! When he’s not on the move, Bart enjoys life at home with his wife Elizabeth and their 9-year-old twins (a boy and a girl), two cats, and a tank of tropical fish.
Craig Lawver
Craig joined Equity Services in the fall of 2022, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in mortgage finance. A native of central Pennsylvania and a graduate of Susquehanna University, he spent two decades building his career in Maryland before relocating to Vermont in 2021 — a move that perfectly complements his love for the outdoors. Craig is an avid trail runner, mountain and gravel biker, and a dedicated skier who hits the slopes over 100 days each winter. He’s also a board member of the Mansfield Backcountry Alliance, supporting sustainable access to backcountry terrain. Craig lives in Stowe with his wife of 19 years, Angie, and their 17-year-old twins, Axel and Mady.
Aidan Costello
If there’s one thing Aidan loves, it’s tennis — and if there’s a second thing, it’s probably more tennis. He also enjoys golf, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and traveling whenever he gets the chance. Aidan joined the ESI Advisory Team in the fall of 2023 and quickly became known for his energy, enthusiasm, and appreciation for all things spicy (yes, that is a bottle of Sriracha on his desk). In the winter months, he keeps things versatile — Aidan is both a skier and a snowboarder.
Kristen Stearns
Kristen is a proud equal-opportunity animal lover — she sees no need to choose between cats and dogs! Outside of work, she enjoys reading, watercolor painting, and vintage shopping with her twin sister (yes, even more twins on our team!). Kristen also loves swimming with her dog and often adds a splash of color to life — sometimes literally, with bright hair dye. A dedicated foster volunteer, she regularly cares for kittens from her local animal shelter.
Abram Nunes
Abram Nunes has been a dedicated member of Equity Services, Inc. (ESI) and National Life Group since 2012. Over the years, he has held a variety of roles, but finds the greatest fulfillment in his current position leading ESI’s talented Brokerage and Advisory Operations teams.
Abram is passionate about building strong, personal relationships with stakeholders and is driven by a commitment to simplifying operational processes that empower financial advisors to thrive.
He lives in Montpelier, Vermont with his wife, Meghan, their adventurous six-year-old son, Cameron, and their beloved yellow lab, Berkley. Outside the office, Abram makes the most of Vermont’s natural beauty year-round, often exploring the Green Mountains with his family. Each summer, the Nunes crew takes to the road in a camper van to explore America’s National Parks — with the goal of visiting them all. This summer’s adventure includes Coastal Redwoods, Lassen Volcanic, and Crater Lake National Parks.
Greg Black
Greg is the newest member of the Brokerage Team and has been with ESI for nearly two years as part of the Direct Business Team. Growing up on the Delaware River, Greg developed an immediate love for the water and began competitive swimming at the age 5. He swam at Seton Hall University on full scholarship and coached for several years as an NCAA Division I assistant swimming coach before starting a career in the financial services industry. Besides swimming, Greg loves all kinds of water sports – fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Most importantly, he can still swim one lap faster than any of his family members.
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