Richard M. Hartian-Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership
Mortgage lender · Fort Atkinson, WI · reviewed since 2019
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%98+67.8Reliability 31%97+29.8Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.98SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#9 of 26 financial advisorsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 68%
5.0★★★★★22 Google reviews · 8 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Richard M. Hartian-Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership at a glance
Google reviewers rate this Fort Atkinson mortgage lender five stars based on twenty-two reviews, with the owner responding to forty-one percent of them. Customers consistently praise the loan officer's patience, thoroughness, and ability to explain complex steps clearly. Recurring themes highlight rapid communication, responsiveness to questions, and successful navigation of complex scenarios like FHA loans or tight closing deadlines. No common criticisms appear in the provided excerpts, which exclusively describe positive experiences with the service.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 22 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 22 Google reviews (22 with written comments, 1 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 41% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 16, 2026.
Service: Financial Advisor serving Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other financial advisors
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: reliability.
This companyFinancial Advisors median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Richard M. Hartian-Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
98
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Richard M. Hartian-Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
97
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Richard M. Hartian-Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 45.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
22 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars22100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 22 written reviews
96%praise
Praise5096%
Complaints24%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude1325%
Communication1121%
Would recommend1019%
Quality & results713%
Speed & response612%
Honesty & trust510%
What customers talk about
We read 22 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“…f the biggest financial decisions a person makes, and having someone knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely invested in the process is invaluable.…”
“First-class communication, exceeds expectations, and never any issues!”
“If you're looking for a mortgage loan officer, I highly recommend Rich Hartian at Cardinal Financial.”
“…tions regarding the current market, finances, and security that Rich did a great job in answering.…”
“My loan officer, Richard Hartian, was responsive, always available to answer my questions whether it was by phone or email.”
“…a person makes, and having someone knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely invested in the process is invaluable.…”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Paul4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 4 months ago★★★★★
First-class communication, exceeds expectations, and never any issues! Every time I see Richard and Cardinal on a transaction, I know it will be a smooth transaction.
KristieLocal Guide · 171 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
We had a wonderful experience working with Rich at Cardinal Financial to secure a mortgage for our home. Rich explained every step of the process to us and kept us informed regularly. The online application process was very convenient and so easy to use. Rich is calm, sincere, caring and extremely knowledgeable and we highly recommend him!
Erik4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
Richard and his team were exceptional. This was my fifth home closing. Richard and his crew made the experience effortless. We even closed a week early! Highly recommend Mr. Hartian!
MandyLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
I just finished working on a deal in Crystal Lake where Richard was the lender. I found him to be professional, highly communicative, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend him to buyers!
Dan3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★
Very thorough, great communication every step of the way, patient, and kind. Highly recommended!!
Mr,Joshua99Local Guide · 13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
I never dealt with a group of people more understanding of my needs and caring of my future endeavors as I did with cardinal financial and Mr Richard m. Hartian. They helped me thru financial process in great detail and assured me that everything would be taking care of according to my family needs and where precise…
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Rich Hartian at Cardinal Financial!
My homebuying journey was anything but ordinary. Between unexpected property issues, city inspection requirements, closing delays, and the stress of an expiring interest rate lock, there were plenty of moments when the process felt overwhelming.
What made a difference was having Rich as my mortgage loan officer. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person makes, and having someone knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely invested in the process is invaluable.
What I especially appreciate is that this wasn't a simple, textbook transaction. There were unexpected challenges and moving pieces, and experiences like this remind you how important it is to have the right people in your corner.
Rich, thank you for your guidance, patience, and dedication throughout this journey. Your efforts did not go unnoticed, and I truly appreciate everything you did.
If you're looking for a mortgage loan officer, I highly recommend Rich Hartian at Cardinal Financial. Five stars, without hesitation!
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Patty thank you so much for such a nice review! And we did it - Yahoo!
I truly do wish you and your family a wonderful new beginnings in this new home. May God bless you and keep you.
Rich
Melissa GensonLocal Guide · 41 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Melissa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Rich was incremental in our success in not only financing our new home together, but also with selling Wes's original home. We gave Rich a lot to have on his plate with what we needed - he was helping Melissa with finances as a widow, he was helping Wesley with finances as a single dad, and our new combined income and households.
We needed to purchase a home in a strict timeframe due to a lease ending with Melissa in June, getting married in July, and Wesley selling his home somewhere in the midst of it all - all with 6 children that needed a home in a particular school district! Richard was there every step of the way - he helped us with a mortgage that was not just feasible - but sets us and our children up for success for the future with great financial goals. This was Melissa's first time buying a home so as a "newbie" Richard put her at ease, but even with a more experienced home buyer like Wes, there were a lot of questions regarding the current market, finances, and security that Rich did a great job in answering.
Even though we set things up for everything to go smoothly, there were some bumps along the road and Rich helped us navigate them very well and the least amount of worry or anxiety as possible. We couldn't more highly recommend going with Richard at Cardinal Financial! - From Melissa and Wes
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Melissa and Wes, thank you so much for the kind words. It really means a lot.
It was an honor to be a part of such an important chapter for your family. I know there were a lot of moving parts, a tight timeline, and plenty of questions along the way, but you both handled it so well. I’m grateful you trusted me to help guide you through the process and find a mortgage that made sense for your future.
I’m so happy for you both and your kids. Congratulations again on the new home and this exciting next chapter!
Paul Haske4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Paul has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
First-class communication, exceeds expectations, and never any issues! Every time I see Richard and Cardinal on a transaction, I know it will be a smooth transaction.
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Paul, thank you. I truly appreciate your kind words and continued trust. It means a lot to hear that you know what to expect when working with me.
Kristie BrettmanLocal Guide · 171 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kristie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had a wonderful experience working with Rich at Cardinal Financial to secure a mortgage for our home. Rich explained every step of the process to us and kept us informed regularly. The online application process was very convenient and so easy to use. Rich is calm, sincere, caring and extremely knowledgeable and we highly recommend him!
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you Kristie! You were a pleasure to work with 🙂 - I hope you enjoy that beautiful home of yours!
Erik Eide4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Erik has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Richard and his team were exceptional. This was my fifth home closing. Richard and his crew made the experience effortless. We even closed a week early! Highly recommend Mr. Hartian!
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you Erik - it was a blessing to get to k now you!
Mandy MontfordLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mandy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I just finished working on a deal in Crystal Lake where Richard was the lender. I found him to be professional, highly communicative, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend him to buyers!
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you Mandy!
Dan Sourile3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Choosing a mortgage lender is a huge decision, and I'm so glad I chose Richard Hartian of Cardinal Financial, for my recent home purchase. From start to finish, the experience was truly outstanding.
What really set them apart was their exceptional communication and transparency. My loan officer, Richard Hartian, was responsive, always available to answer my questions whether it was by phone or email.
I'm forever grateful for him. As a first-time homeowner, Richard patiently walked me through every step of the process.
Beyond the clear communication, I was so impressed with their professionalism, efficiency, and expertise.
I wholeheartedly recommend Richard Hartian to anyone looking for a mortgage. His professionalism, dedication, and genuine commitment to me as his client, make him a top-tier choice. He made what could have been a daunting process feel straightforward and even enjoyable. Thank you, Richard Hartian for helping me achieve my dream of homeownership!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you Lasonya! Such kind words...you made my day and week :-)
So happy for you.
Mr,Joshua99Local Guide · 13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mr,Joshua99 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I never dealt with a group of people more understanding of my needs and caring of my future endeavors as I did with cardinal financial and Mr Richard m. Hartian. They helped me thru financial process in great detail and assured me that everything would be taking care of according to my family needs and where precise with my outcome, nothing short of amazing service! Thank you all!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this great feedback! At Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership we value your input and pride ourselves in providing the highest level of service.
Heather Scafidi2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Heather has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Richard was amazing & answered all my questions & was very patient with me. He returned my calls immediately. He helped me throughout the whole process and anything that came up unexpected. I’m so thankful for having him with the purchase of my new home!