About Us

With three decades in the financial services industry, I have had the privilege of managing relationships with our larger clients and guiding our team in setting the direction for portfolio decisions and marketing. I find great fulfillment in a career where current events play a significant role, allowing me to continuously learn about people and how they achieve financial success. My passion for history and its impact on our financial landscape fuels my commitment to helping clients navigate their financial decisions.

My journey into financial services began with a book I read many years ago, "What Color is Your Parachute?" It helped me discover my calling and led me to a career where I could assist clients in adapting to changes and finding complex solutions that suit their needs.

I grew up in the small town of Wapella, Illinois, with just 500 residents. My parents were wonderful role models, always there to help others, and they instilled in me the value of hard work and achieving goals. My first wife, Clare, who passed away from pancreatic cancer nine years ago, was a significant influence on my life. Last year, I remarried Jill, and I am grateful to have someone special in my life again. My family means the world to me, and we are very close, often traveling together.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and finding ways to help others. My involvement with St. Michael Catholic Church, the Yes We CAN Foundation (started in Clare's honor), and Outreach Community Ministries allows me to live my faith and support young people and those striving to get ahead.

I am so grateful that my job allows me to help people achieve their goals. Meeting with clients and learning their stories is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Each client is unique, with their own aspirations and plans for their wealth, and I find immense satisfaction in crafting strategies that reflect their individual journeys.

My career began as a fixed income derivatives trader on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, where I spent two decades honing my skills. This experience laid the foundation for my understanding of financial markets and the importance of strategic planning. I later co-founded a real estate development firm, which deepened my appreciation for financial literacy, tax strategy, and risk management.

To expand my technical expertise, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Accountancy from DePaul University. My journey continued at BDO’s Private Client Services Group, advising high-net-worth individuals and families on tax-aware planning strategies. In 2021, I joined Great Lakes Asset Management, where I help clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence.

I hold the Certified Private Wealth Advisor^® (CPWA^®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor^® (CEPA^®) designations, reflecting my dedication to serving ultra-high-net-worth clients and business owners preparing for succession or liquidity events.

I live in Wheaton, Illinois, with my wife Vanessa, where we raised our two grown children. Outside the office, I enjoy Formula One racing, golf, working out, and spending time with our dog, Dugan. My family supports me in every way possible, and I am grateful for their encouragement and love.

I began my career in Financial Services more than 20 years ago with a deep commitment to serving my community and delivering proper financial guidance to those in need. Having watched family and friends receive poor advice in my youth, I was inspired to take a different path—one built on integrity, education, and a genuine desire to help others. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding individuals and families through their financial journeys, and I take great pride in the meaningful, lasting relationships I’ve built along the way.

I grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and after earning my bachelor’s degree in Economics from Northern Illinois University, I entered the financial industry with MetLife Securities in 2005. Two years later, I relocated to Naperville, IL, where I joined the Great Lakes Asset Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors—the practice where I continue to serve my clients today. Early in my career, I earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® certification through Northwestern University, a credential widely recognized as the gold standard in wealth planning and a reflection of my commitment to providing the highest level of service. What I value most about this profession is the opportunity to keep learning every day—not just about finance, but also from the experiences and achievements of the people I work with.

Outside the office, I enjoy time with family and friends, staying active through sports, and pursuing my lifelong passion for music. For more than 25 years, I’ve been an active musician in the Chicago area, both performing and teaching, and I continue to find joy in sharing music with others in the community.

My journey began with a bachelor's degree from Loyola University, and I've since gained extensive experience across various roles, including accounting, annuity investing, and research. I've earned my FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 registrations, which have equipped me to provide personalized care and maintain a high level of professionalism.

My career started at a UIT firm, then named Nike Securities, where I worked in multiple departments. I later joined Wachovia Securities as a Registered Account Administrator, where the knowledge I acquired and the relationships I formed made a lasting impact. My commitment to excellence and delivering the best customer service has always been my driving force. I further honed my skills at Advisors Asset Management, assisting in the selection of closed-end funds, and later as a UIT/Structured Investments Trader at First Trust Portfolios.

I thrive on the dynamic nature of the market, which keeps my work exciting. My primary motivation is ensuring that both clients and advisors are satisfied, and I strive to make their experience seamless while getting to know them better each day. I enjoy speaking with clients, learning about their stories, and constantly expanding my knowledge of processing different account types. Working with a great team at Great Lakes Asset Management is a privilege, and I feel lucky to be part of it.

I grew up in Aurora, and the diverse community there has given me an appreciation for different cultures and an open-minded approach to life. I now live in Oswego with my daughter Olivia, who is almost 10 and my world. As a single parent, balancing family and career can be challenging, but I cherish our time together, whether it's biking, attending Cubs games, or enjoying Girl Scout activities. We love spending weekends in Lake Geneva and hanging out with our cats, Mia and Sophia.

With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, I am proud to serve as a Senior Registered Client Associate at Great Lakes Asset Management. I oversee day-to-day operations and specialize in providing exceptional white glove service, assisting clients with an elevated standard of care both locally and nationwide. My role involves handling client onboarding, asset transfers, maintaining client records, and spearheading marketing initiatives, among many other responsibilities. Having worked alongside Don since 2003, I hold the Series 7 and 66 registrations, which enable me to provide comprehensive support and expertise.

Clients appreciate my responsiveness and efficient resolutions to their requests. My consistency, passion, and thoroughness reflect my commitment to maintaining long-term client relationships.

I am dedicated to fostering strong client connections and ensuring that each client receives the highest level of service and attention. My goal is to make every interaction seamless and meaningful, contributing to the success and satisfaction of our clients.