Dec. 9, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Parker Hanson-Harden, a financial adviser with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and motivational speaker.

Name: Parker Hanson-Harden

Age: 28

Hometown: Hawley, Minnesota

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was recruited to Augustana to play college baseball and pursue my master’s degree.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

The overall community, my church, my friends and my career. In college, my prosthetics — I was born without my left hand — were stolen from my car, and the way the community rallied around me, I knew this was now my “home.” My wife and I welcomed our first child in April, and we are excited to raise our family here!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Making a positive impact in the lives of the clients I work with. Finances can be a stressful topic, so helping educate and simplify that can make a huge difference for someone.

How did you get connected to your industry?

My partner, Dan Morrison, is an Augie baseball alum and was a volunteer coach when I was playing. When COVID canceled the 2020 season, I asked for an internship so I could return to play my senior year in 2021.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Fun, energetic, genuine.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I somewhat gave it away earlier, but I was born without my left hand. Despite that, I became the second-ever professional baseball player born without a hand. I played for the Sioux Falls Canaries in the summer of 2021 after graduating college. Unfortunately, I reinjured my surgically repaired elbow and had to “retire” after my second outing, so it didn’t last super-long. Now, outside of my career, I travel the country sharing my message of “Rise Above, No Excuses.”

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Finding ways to serve others, whether mentoring kids with disabilities, serving at The Banquet or being a volunteer diplomat for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. Lots of people poured into me over the years that helped shape my life; it’s only right to return the favor.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Cosm, a sports bar that uses a 180-degree LED screen to provide the feel of being at all of your favorite sporting events, paired with your favorite stadium foods and drinks!