Franz Merkendorfer is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with nine years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has worked at various J.P. Morgan entities since 2017. His prior work includes a role at Mickeys Linen in 2017. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to plan sponsors, corporations, endowments, and other institutional clients, focusing on non-discretionary asset allocation advice, investment manager searches, and customized performance reporting. The firm’s advisory process combines quantitative and qualitative research supported by a central manager solutions team and incorporates an ESG eligibility framework.

Patricia Penrod is a financial advisor at Merrill with six years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has previously worked at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, U.S. Bancorp Investments, U.S. Bank, and JP Morgan in various capacities. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, offers managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, providing model-based and discretionary investment strategies for a diverse client base including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Roger Nelson is a financial advisor with Primerica Advisors in Naperville, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and having seven years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at PFS Investments Inc and Larsen MFG. Outside of advisory services, he is involved in sales of loan products and home-related services through Primerica Mortgage, LLC and Primerica Client Services, Inc. Primerica Advisors provides discretionary asset management through its Lifetime Investment Program, serving individual and high-net-worth clients with model-delivery strategies and separately managed account options under a wrap-fee structure. The firm curates third-party asset managers and uses BNY Mellon Advisors for trading implementation.

Thomas Bongiorno is a financial advisor with MassMutual Investors Services, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 31 years of industry experience. He has worked at MassMutual Investors Services since 2017 and previously spent two years with Metlife Securities. Outside of his advisory work, he is a drummer in a local 80's cover band that performs at special events. MassMutual Investors Services provides financial planning and asset management to individuals, business owners, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and employers. The firm offers collaborative, annual planning engagements using firm-approved tools and supports a range of investment strategies without discretionary authority.

Ryan Ford is a financial advisor with Cetera, holding CFP® and PFS™ designations and a Series 66 license, and has two years of industry experience. He has worked at several firms, including Sequoia Advisors LLC and Forvis, LLP. Outside of his advisory role, he is a managing member and part owner of Sequoia Advisors LLC, where he prepares tax returns. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving a broad client base including individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable clients, and institutional accounts. The firm offers a multi-manager platform with discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and access to third-party money managers.

Neil Harnen is a CFP® with 19 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with Cetera in Wheaton, IL. His career includes roles at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, National Securities Corp, B. Riley Wealth Advisors, LPL Financial, and TrustBank. He serves as a board member and co-chair of the finance committee for Mutual Ground, where he is involved in budget recommendations and audit approvals. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC operates a large nationwide network of independent advisors, serving individuals, retirement plans, corporate and charitable clients, and institutional accounts. The firm offers a range of portfolio management, financial planning, and consulting services through a multi-manager platform with discretionary and non-discretionary program options.

Sandra Nasby is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Naperville, IL, holding Series 65 and Series 63 designations and three years of industry experience. Her prior work includes roles at BMO Bank NA and Helzberg Diamonds. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and other institutions. The firm offers a range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning, model portfolios, third-party asset management, and institutional platforms.

Edward Snoble is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Naperville, Illinois, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 23 years of industry experience. He has worked at LPL Financial since 2021 and has been associated with BMO Bank NA since 2018, including four years at BMO Harris Financial Advisors. Outside of his financial advisory work, Snoble operates Penguin Guitar Co, LLC, a personal business unrelated to investment services. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm offers a broad range of advisory and brokerage services, utilizing model portfolios, third-party subadvisors, and various strategic investment approaches, supported by advanced operational tools.

Maria Perea is a Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a position she has held since 2026. She has been with Fidelity Investments since 2024, initially serving as a Financial Representative before advancing to her current role. Prior to joining Fidelity, Maria worked as a Relationship Banker at JPMorgan Chase from 2017 to 2024. With many years of experience in the financial industry, Maria focuses on understanding each client's goals and supporting their financial planning efforts through thoughtful guidance, organization, and consistent follow-through. She emphasizes building strong client relationships based on trust, clear communication, and genuine care, aiming to help clients feel informed and supported over time. Outside of her professional career, Maria enjoys attending concerts, participating in family activities, fitness, social events with friends, playing tennis, and traveling.

Darrel Swienton is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Clearing with 18 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has worked at Wells Fargo Clearing since 2019, following eight years at UBS Financial Services Inc. Wells Fargo Clearing provides retirement plan consulting to qualified ERISA plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary services. The firm’s advisory process is IPS-driven and based on modern portfolio theory, tailoring services to plan objectives and risk tolerances while acting as an ERISA fiduciary.

Louis Piccione is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, based in Lisle, Illinois, and has 18 years of industry experience. He has been affiliated with Morgan Stanley and its related entities since 2007. He also serves as a trustee and co-trustee for a trust in Orland Park, Illinois. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management provides a range of advisory programs and financial planning services to individual and institutional clients, managing approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets. The firm emphasizes a structured financial planning process using firm‑approved tools and offers both direct client services and Corporate Financial Planning agreements.

Nicholas Ferraro is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Aurora, IL, holding a Series 66 designation with eight years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2017 and was previously employed at Scott's Service Place from 2014 to 2017. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment strategies supported by a nationwide network of more than 23,700 advisors and 15,000 branch offices. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and provides both discretionary and non-discretionary solutions under a fiduciary standard.

John Weber is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 30 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Wells Fargo Advisors, Wells Fargo Clearing, Ameriprise Advisor Services, Inc., and Choreo, LLC. Outside of his advisory work, he coaches soccer for the Wheaton United Soccer Club in Illinois. LPL Financial is a national broker‑dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and other institutions. The firm offers a range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning, model portfolio programs, and institutional platforms, supported by extensive operational tools and a network of over 22,800 advisors.

Bryan Kavanaugh is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Elburn, IL, holding a Series 66 designation and five years of industry experience. Prior to joining Edward Jones in 2025, he worked at Park Avenue Securities and Guardian Life Insurance Company from 2020 to 2025, and spent twelve years with The White Chocolate Grill - Slatebridge Restaurant Group. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients, offering a range of advisory programs and investment solutions supported by a large national network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Lawrence Chaon is a CFP® professional with 38 years of industry experience, currently serving as an advisor at LPL Financial since 2009. He has operated Larry Chaon Ltd since 1981. Outside of his advisory work, he dedicates most of his time to accounting and tax services for individuals and small businesses through his involvement with Accounting & Tax Services Inc. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser that provides advisory and brokerage services to individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm offers a range of financial planning and investment solutions, including model portfolios, third-party asset management, and institutional platforms.

Tyler Wielgos is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Geneva, Illinois, and has two years of industry experience. Before joining Morgan Stanley in 2025, he worked at CoinFlip, Bank of America, Merrill, and NinjaTrader. Outside of financial services, he owns and operates JustStank LLC, a retail and online store based in Wheaton, Illinois. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management serves individual and institutional clients with a broad range of advisory programs and financial planning services, managing approximately $2.74 trillion in client assets. The firm’s planning process involves structured discovery conversations and modeling tools, offering advisory services across various investment and planning needs.

Pragna Rohman is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in St. Charles, Illinois, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 26 years of industry experience. She previously worked at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and Merrill. Rohman serves on the board of the Sizzle Foundation and owns a business called Royal Foods & Flavors. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser that serves individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm offers a range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning and third-party asset management, supported by research-driven and technology-enabled tools.

Joseph Backlund is a financial advisor with J.P. Morgan Securities in Yorkville, IL, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 13 years of industry experience. His background includes roles at Connor Group and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Outside of his advisory work, he is involved in a sports collectibles venture, planning to sell items through trade shows and online platforms. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to plan sponsors, corporations, endowments, and other institutional clients, focusing on written asset allocation advice, investment manager searches, and customized performance reporting. The firm’s advisory process combines quantitative and qualitative research to build model allocations and incorporates broader derivatives and commodities capabilities.

Mohamad Nasir is a financial advisor at Mass Mutual Investors Services with 10 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and has worked previously at Allied Asset Advisors, Guidance Investments, and related firms. Nasir is also a member of the Illinois State Employees Retirement System, attending meetings on retirement benefits. Mass Mutual Investors Services is a broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, business owners, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and employers. The firm offers financial planning, asset management, and educational seminars, using collaborative, software-assisted planning processes that focus on investment categories and strategies.

Douglas Carr is a CFP® and ChFC® with 31 years of industry experience. He is currently with Cetera and previously worked at VOYA Financial Advisors. In addition to his advisory roles, he has operated as an independent insurance agent specializing in fixed insurance products for over three decades. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC distributes its services through a nationwide network of independent advisors, serving individual, retirement plan, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients. The firm offers a multi-manager platform with a range of portfolio management and financial planning services.