Gradient Wealth Management, an independent, privately owned financial services company located in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, was launched at the beginning of the year, Gradient announced Wednesday.

The firm is lead by David Johnson, who serves as managing director. Johnson has been working in the financial services industry since 2000, and specializes in asset allocation, retirement income planning, legacy planning and building financial plans. Johnson is joined by industry veteran Dennis “Oscar” Hansen.

The firm will be part of the Gradient Financial Group, a company that offers its member firms financial products and services that include insurance, investment advisory, asset management, securities and mortgage banking.