PROFESSIONAL WEALTH ADVISORS - Key Persons
Adam Skotnicki joined Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC in January 2023 as a Partner and Wealth Advisor. With close to 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Adam's passion is helping his clients pursue their personal, professional, and financial goals, while providing white glove customer service. Prior to PWA, Adam served as the Senior Vice President Private Client Advisor at JP Morgan Chase. He strongly believes in building client relationships off trust, knowledge, and expertise, as he supports and guides his clients through all significant stages of their lives.
Adam graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 2003, and later obtained his MBA from Benedictine University while working full time. Adam holds FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 66 licenses with LPL Financial, as well as his life and health insurance licenses. With both of his parents emigrating from Poland, Adam also speaks fluent Polish, giving him the ability to assist many clients in the Polish community.
Adam lives in Mokena, IL with his 10 year old daughter and 9 year old son. He stays busy attending his son's sports games as well as his daughter's musicals and recitals. In his free time, Adam and his kids love to catch Cubs, Blackhawks, Bears, and Illini games. He also is an avid reader and is a big fan of John Grisham books.
Allie Weir has been serving as Administrative Assistant since 2015. In her role, Allie enjoys the opportunity she has to help clients and put their needs first each and every day. She is the friendly voice you hear at the other end of the line when you call into the office, and she manages all of the daily tasks that are essential in ensuring smooth operations in a busy and successful environment. Allie has the gift of positivity, and she maintains an upbeat attitude in all her interactions with clients and advisors.
She holds her Health and Life Insurance licenses in the state of Kentucky, and she has also earned her bachelor's degree in Business Management. She enjoys learning the ropes of the financial planning industry as well as becoming an integral part of the family business.
Job Titles:
- LPL Registered Client Service Associate
Allison Schuller joined the Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC team in the spring of 2021. With over 10 years of experience within the financial services industry, Allison strives to make client experiences as efficient and seamless as possible. She is a natural problem-solver and enjoys helping clients find the answers they need.
Allison provides clients with attentive and personalized assistance. With a degree in Communications from Truman State University, she brings a variety of skills to the team and looks forward to assisting clients as they grow.
She holds the Series 6, 63, 7, and 66 through LPL Financial as well as Life and Health Insurance licenses.
Allison resides in Frankfort. Outside of the office, she spends many hours at the gym with her daughter, who is a competitive gymnast. Allison loves to travel both internationally and stateside with her daughter. She also enjoys gardening, yard work, and working out.
Allison's favorite quote: "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Angela James is the Director of Marketing at Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC. Angela is a graduate from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Marketing. She holds her Life & Health as well as Property & Casualty licenses and has worked in the financial services industry for the past 10 years.
Angela enjoys working out, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Business Consulting
Ann earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University and maintains Series 7,63,65 & 24 securities registrations with LPL Financial. She joined PWA in 2019 after more than 25 years in the financial services industry which included work at the Chicago Board of Trade and two broker dealers. Before joining PWA, Ann was Vice President of an independent investment advisory firm in the Chicago area.
Ann's favorite aspect of her position is the emphasis on teamwork at PWA. She focuses on successfully utilizing the various talent at the firm with the needs of PWA clients. Effective processes, a culture of compliance and a focus on comprehensive financial planning creates a great work environment.
She is an avid reader, enjoys writing, travel and spending time with her family.
For over a decade Ann has held a leadership role in women's bible studies and related public speaking. In the past she has been a board member for a village historical preservation society and taught children's faith formation classes.
Barry joined Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC in 2019 as a Partner and Wealth Advisor. He joined us after a lengthy career in the wealth advisory division at JPMorgan Chase where he developed a reputation for delivering logical and actionable retirement planning and tax efficient investing advice to the families he worked with. Barry moved to PWA to care for his clients and help them pursue their financial goals, while specializing in building comprehensive wealth management strategies.
Barry graduated from the University of Illinois in 1990 and holds several securities licenses including Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 through LPL Financial, as well as Life and Health Insurance.
Barry and his wife, Lisa, are residents of Batavia where they raised their three college-age sons. In his free-time, he loves spending time with his family and friends, coaching baseball, and cheering on his beloved Cubs and Fighting Illini.
Ben Searer joined the Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC in December of 2021. He brings with him over 12 years in banking, with the last 6 years spent as a financial advisor.
Prior to joining PWA, Ben served as a Financial Solutions Advisor at Merrill Edge, where he provided complete financial reviews for clients with diverse goals in every stage of their financial lives.
Ben Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from Illinois State University. He holds the FINRA Series 7 and 66 through LPL Financial and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.
Ben and his wife, Stephanie, live in Scottsdale, Arizona. They enjoy devoting time to their daughter, driving across the country to see the sights and visit family, and outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing. Ben also enjoys relaxing with a good book and games with friends.
Job Titles:
- LPL Registered Client Service Associate
Bob Keenan is an LPL Registered Client Service Associate at Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC. He joined PWA in March of 2022 with over a decade of experience. Bob enjoys building and maintaining relationships, professionally and on a personal level.
Bob graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and Administration. Bob currently holds his registrations for FINRA Series 6 and 63 (both held through LPL Financial) as well as Life and Health Insurance licenses.
Bob lives in Tinley Park with his wife and two children and is a diehard Chicago Blackhawks fan.
Bob Robertson joined Professional Wealth Advisors in May 2024. He comes to us from Equitable and is a graduate of Augustana College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Finance and a minor in Accounting. Bob holds his FINRA Series 7 and 66 with LPL Financial, as well as Life and Health Licenses.
Bob currently resides in his hometown of Elmhurst, IL. In his free time, he enjoys coaching and playing lacrosse, golfing, and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Director of RIA Operations Transitions
Brett Pawelkiewicz joined Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC as an Advisor Transition Specialist/Project Manager. Brett brings over 7 years of experience in the financial field and holds the Series 7 and Series 24 registrations with LPL Financial. Prior to joining PWA, Brett was a Compliance and Operations Assistant for HighPoint Advisor Group and was part of a two-person team responsible for the development and implementation of the firm's compliance oversight program as it pertained to the local office as well as the 22 external offices and 127 associated persons. During his tenure in this position, he attended and assisted in branch exams conducted in more than half of the HighPoint external offices.
Brett believes that entering the financial field as a compliance professional has supported his commitment to the highest level of integrity in client service and in the establishment of operational policies and procedures for the firm.
Brett is the second oldest of eight kids, and he enjoys spending time with his family. As an avid hockey fan, he supports both the Chicago Blackhawks as well as his brother's sled hockey team, the Chicago Hornets.
Brian Bellot joined the Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC team in April of 2021 as a Partner and Wealth Advisor. He brings with him over 22 years of experience in comprehensive financial planning. Brian provides clients with guidance and individualized attention and develops actionable plans to help them pursue their financial goals - now and as they evolve in the future.
Prior to joining PWA, Brian served as a Private Client Advisor at JPMorgan Chase where he led clients through all stages of the financial planning process.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Brian earned a B.S. in Administrative Management. He holds the Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 through LPL Financial as well as Life, Health, and Variable Insurance licenses.
Brian and his wife, Cindy, reside in Wheaton and have three daughters. He enjoys spending time with family and biking along the Illinois Prairie Path.
Bruce is a 1975 graduate of the University of Colorado, with M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in life sciences from the University of North Dakota. After being an entrepreneur in environmental business, he followed his passion into the financial industry with 21 years of uninterrupted service. Eighteen years were spent with JPMorgan Chase in Willowbrook where he cared for his clients with an emphasis on risk control, diversification, product knowledge and financial planning.
Bruce and his wife Karen reside in Wheaton, IL. Their four children and eleven grandchildren enjoy scuba and water themed vacations. Bruce is an avid scuba diver, underwater photographer, and loves swimming.
Bryan Schneider joined Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC in 2020 as a Partner and Wealth Advisor. He brings with him decades of experience honed during his time at JPMorgan Chase as a Private Client Advisor while also receiving top scores in customer satisfaction. Bryan prides himself on helping his clients pursue their financial goals through personalized plans and strategies. He is excited about the ability to offer comprehensive elements of wealth management and services at PWA.
Bryan graduated from Wheaton College in 1994 with a degree in Business/Economics. He holds several registrations, including Series 7, 63 and 66 through LPL Financial, as well as Variable, Health, and Life Insurance licenses.
Bryan resides in Winfield with his wife, Alissa, and their two boys. He is rarely found at home, as he spends meaningful time helping with his church and children's school activities. When he is not working, he is transporting his boys to and from sports practice or traveling to weekend tournaments. He also enjoys biking, golfing, and travel.
Calvin Rowland joined Professional Wealth Advisors in December 2024 as Director of Compliance. Calvin brings 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, with over 20 years being in Compliance. Calvin has dedicated his career to educate and assist financial professionals in navigating the complexities of compliance and operational procedures. He recently served as Director of Sales Support and Oversight at Prudential Financial for eight years. In that role, he partnered closely with the Managing Director to ensure effective supervision across the firm.
Calvin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Monmouth College, and holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 53, 63, and 65 through LPL Financial.
He resides in Naperville, IL with his fiancé Jennifer and his two children. Calvin enjoys camping, hiking, and visiting National Parks. He is part of Scouts BSA and an active member of New Life Lutheran Church.
Favorite quote: "Do our best."
Job Titles:
- LPL Registered Client Service Associate
Christine Walker is an LPL Registered Client Service Associate at Professional Wealth Advisors. She is an assistant to Wealth Advisor and Partner Bryan Schneider. Christine has been in the financial services industry for many years and enjoys building relationships. She holds the Series 7 and 66 through LPL Financial as well as Life and Health Insurance licenses.
Christine lives in Wheaton with her husband and two college-aged children. Before coming back to her hometown, she moved several times with her husband during his time in the military and developed a fondness for travel and new experiences. When she is not in the office, you can find her outside soaking up the sunshine and appreciating nature.
Christine's favorite quote: "The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away." -Picasso
Craig Ibrahim began his Financial Services Career with Dreher and Associates in 2000. He worked in various departments with that firm up through their merger with Waterstone Financial Group in 2003 and was the Director of their RIA when that firm was acquired by LPL Financial in 2009. In September of that year he started Service 1 Financial Group an OSJ of LPL Financial. He was a partner in that firm up until their merger with HighPoint Advisor Group LLC in 2016 where he resides in his current role as a Managing Partner.
Craig received a B.S. from Western Illinois University in 1999 and currently holds FINRA registrations 4, 7, 24 53, and 66 through LPL Financial..
He resides in Plainfield, IL with his wife and 3 children.
Crystal Kolcz is the Managing Director at Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC. She brings over 20 years of financial industry experience in leadership, estate and financial planning, and banking.
Crystal is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at the University of Nebraska. Crystal currently holds FINRA licenses including Series 24, 7, and 66 with LPL Financial as well as Illinois Life, Health and Property and Casualty licenses.
Crystal resides in Elmhurst with her husband Bob. Together they enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, and taking on any adventure.
Job Titles:
- Client Service Associate
- Member of Kingswood United Methodist Church
Dawn is a graduate of University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where she earned her BS in Computer Science Engineering. Her business experience includes positions with: Anu Financial Group, Accenture, Arthur Anderson and Andersen Consulting.
Dawn is an active member of Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove. She enjoys reading and is an exercise enthusiast. Dawn is married with three children.
Deanna Chiapete brings over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Deanna graduated from Edgewood college where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She enjoys serving clients, being part of a team and finding ways to help the team work more efficiently.
Deanna lives in Raymond, WI with her husband, son and goldendoodle. She enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors with her son and vacationing with her family.
Job Titles:
- LPL Registered Client Service Associate
Donna Callahan is a LPL Registered Client Service Associate at Professional Wealth Advisors. She brings over 30 years experience in retail banking. Prior to joining PWA, she was a relationship banker at JP Morgan Chase. Donna is passionate about growing and strengthening relationships with clients.
Donna attended Daytona State and University of Central Florida. She currently holds the Series 6 and 63 through LPL Financial as well as Life Insurance.
She resides in Wheaton and has two grown daughters. In her free time she enjoys spending time at the beach, doing yoga, and bike riding.
Donna draws inspiration from the following quote "The way to get started is to quit talking, and begin doing." - Walt Disney
Donna joined PWA in December 2020. Her background in administration and friendly spirit makes her the perfect fit to our team. Donna welcomes clients to our office and assists in various aspects of operations.
Donna, and her husband, Dave, have 2 grown children and live in Elmhurst. Donna is very involved in her church and enjoys volunteering for Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network.
Drew Koleno joined Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC, in November of 2023 as a Partner and Wealth Advisor. He spent 18 years as an Investment Advisor Representative at J.P. Morgan Securities prior to joining PWA.
Drew earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University. He holds his FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 through LPL Financial, along with his Life and Health Insurance licenses.
Drew resides in Mokena, IL with his wife, Nicole, and their four children. He enjoys cooking, attending concerts, coaching his kids' sports teams, and going on family vacations.
Favorite quote: "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abe Lincoln
Drew Sezonov joined Professional Wealth Advisors in September 2024 as a Client Service Associate. He comes to us from Heritage Wealth, and is a graduate of Taylor University in Upland, IN where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management.
Drew resides in West Chicago, IL with his wife Bella. In his free time, he enjoys coaching high school soccer, golfing, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant / Reception
Heather Mayer is an Administrative Assistant at Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC. Heather joined the team in December 2021 and brings over 20 years of experience in the Mortgage Banking industry.
Heather currently resides in her hometown of Naperville. During her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with her dog, Jack, playing tennis, and being with friends and family.
Helene Haynes joined the Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC team in the fall of 2015. Helene has worked in professional service environments throughout her career and understands the value of delivering a great client experience. With a degree in Business Administration from DePaul University, she brings a variety of skills to the team and looks forward to assisting all our clients as they grow.
Helene, a Chicago native, lived in Southern California for seven years where she met her husband, James. They have a son, Brian, who teaches them more than they ever wanted to know about animals and sea creatures. Helene loves to travel and looks forward to introducing her son to many new cultures and countries. She enjoys reading historical fiction and family trips to the zoo.
Helene's favorite quote: "If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough." - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Job Titles:
- Director of Trading / Wealth Advisor
Jim Davids has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and earned his MBA of Finance and Accounting. Jim acts as Portfolio Manager for the firm's advisory models and is also the Chief Financial Officer.
With 20 years of experience in the financial services business, Jim understands the need for the company to possess a clear vision and direction for its future. In addition to Jim's role involving portfolio investment strategies, he encourages teamwork to provide the best service possible to our clients.
Jim's many hobbies include golf, downhill skiing, endurance sports and mainly spending time with his family. Jim has completed several marathons and triathlons with the most notable being the Madison ‘Iron Man' in 2013. He recently finished the Muncie half-Ironman and ran the Boston Marathon in 2017. Jim and his wife Lisa reside in Anthem, AZ with their five children.
Job Titles:
- Director, PWA Private Client Group
Joel Feiger brings over 25 years of experience in the insurance, investment and financial services industries. He has significant involvement with selected clients, including family offices and high net worth individuals. Joel is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) and is dedicated to helping clients pursue their goals, dreams, and aspirations.
Joel developed his high net worth and family office client base by providing sound guidance and planning, including challenging and coaching clients through a myriad of market and personal circumstances. Clients enjoy Joel's frankness, seasoning, and years of perspective.
Prior to joining PWA, Joel worked at The Bensman Group, Arthur Andersen, Allstate Insurance Company, and Capital Resource Management. In his various positions with these organizations, Joel provided institutional, business and financial consulting. He was also instrumental in developing investment policy and strategies for these companies and their clients.
Joel earned his B.A. degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the College of Liberal Arts as an Economics major. In addition, while in college, Joel completed the course requirements to become a CPA, which he became shortly thereafter. Joel was also Phi Beta Kappa.
Joel holds Series 7, 63, and 65 registrations through LPL Financial. He is also a member of AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and Illinois CPA Society.
Joel has three children and lives in Northbrook with his wife, Randi. He is a big Cubs, Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks fan.
Watch this video to learn more about Joel's "Why" and how he helps his clients.
John Goblet, Jr., joined Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC in 2021 as a Partner and Wealth Advisor. He brings with him 17 years of experience from his time at JPMorgan Chase as a Senior Private Client Advisor. John works passionately with each of his clients to fulfill their unique financial needs. His knowledge of the investment field and his ability to understand the financial market, together with the care he provides every client, is his trademark.
John graduated from Aurora University in 2004 with a degree in Business Administration. He holds several registrations, including Series 7, 63 and 66 through LPL Financial, as well as Variable, Health and Life Insurance licenses.
John resides in Wheaton with his fabulous wife, Jen, and two marvelous children. Behind the suit, he enjoys cycling, cooking, cars, the great outdoors, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.
John Searer joined the Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC team in April of 2021 as a Partner and Wealth Advisor. He brings with him over 40 years of experience in the banking industry, with the last 15 years spent on wealth management. Through careful listening and attention to detail, John is devoted to developing and implementing comprehensive financial planning strategies to help clients pursue their immediate and long-term financial goals.
Prior to joining PWA, John served as a Private Client Advisor at JPMorgan Chase, where he provided personalized strategies and guidance to help clients grow and preserve their wealth.
John earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College. He holds the Series 7 and 66 through LPL Financial as well as Life and Health Insurance licenses.
John and his wife, Sarah, split their time between Villa Park and North Carolina. They love spending time with their three grown children and grandkids. John also enjoys hiking, canoeing, and volunteering at church.
Julie Mayer joined Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC in May 2021. She graduated from Benedictine University in 2003 where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Julie has worked in the financial industry for over 20 years. Prior to PWA, she had been a Branch Manager for 14 years. She was responsible for overseeing and coordinating all operations within the branch, including managing her staff, meeting productivity/sales goals, and helping elevate the client experience.
Julie's favorite quote: "Success is found outside your comfort zone."
Karen Nau joined Professional Wealth Advisors in September 2024 as a Client Service Associate. Karen comes to us from HighPoint Planning Partners where she was a Branch Operations Manager since 2019. Prior to HighPoint, Karen spent nearly a decade working as a legal assistant in a law firm whose primary clients were financial institutions. Karen's experience over the years has been fast paced with deadline sensitive tasks. She is passionate about being prepared and working hard so that transactions go quick and smooth for all parties involved. Karen is aware that communication is the key to success with clients.
Karen resides in Lockport, IL with her husband, Phil. They have three grown children - two boys and one girl. Karen is a wine enthusiast and in her free time, she enjoys family fun, crafting, reading, and traveling.
Favorite quote: "Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody." - Brad Montague
Kimberly O'Gorman joined the Professional Wealth Advisors, LLC team in April of 2022 as a Partner and Wealth Advisor. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Kimberly has a proven track record of successfully developing deep and personal relationships with clients while helping them pursue their financial goals.
Prior to joining PWA, Kimberly served as Vice President and Financial Advisor for nine years in Hinsdale, IL.
A graduate of Lewis University, Ms. O'Gorman earned a B.S. in Business Administration.
Kimberly completed The Financial Planning Certification Program from DePaul University. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and holds FINRA licenses Series 7 and 66 through LPL Financial and Life and Health Insurance licenses.
Kimberly is a mother of two wonderful children, whom she has raised on her own in Frankfort, IL. She is serving as First Vice President on the Auxiliary Board of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago for the past 2 years and is an active member of the Hinsdale Chapter for over 5 years. Kimberly is member of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association of the Chicago Metro and Manatee County Chapters. In her spare time Kimberly loves to golf, travel, cook, and entertain family and friends.
Job Titles:
- LPL Registered Client Service Associate
Job Titles:
- LPL Registered Client Service Associate
Job Titles:
- Director of Investment Operations
Job Titles:
- LPL Registered Client Service Associate
Job Titles:
- LPL Registered Client Service Associate