Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors
We navigate the complexities of wealth management, offering a “one-stop” solution that coordinates investment management with tax and estate planning strategies, providing you with the peace of mind that your plan is aligned with your goals. Our philosophy is as follows:
We're Invested Alongside You. We take pride in the fact that we own the same securities as our clients, and we’d never ask clients to endure market volatility that we aren't experiencing ourselves. We believe that is the best way to obtain true objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest.
We Aren’t About the “Next Big Thing”. We do not believe in market timing – instead we believe in “time in the market,” which means that good returns come from buying good investments and holding them for the long-term.
Your Goals are Most Important. We are goal-focused, versus market-focused. That’s why we provide more than just investment management, focusing on clients’ personal “big picture” and the strategies that are right for them.
Rick Wholey, CFP®
Managing Director
Rick concentrates on portfolio investment management as well as tax, estate, and wealth protection strategies, and leverages both his early years in equity research and his passion for the stock market to manage the equity investments within client portfolios. Rick joined Baird in 2006. Previously, he served as a Principal at a Chicago-based investment firm, where he managed the sales team and started the firm’s research department, in addition to his role as a financial advisor. Rick lives with his family in the Chicagoland area, where he is actively involved with Midtown Educational Foundation, which manages after-school programs for at-risk youth. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.
David Poitras, CFP®
Managing Director
David concentrates on portfolio management and advanced financial planning strategies, and brings his career of fixed income experience and knowledge to clients’ portfolios. Prior to joining Baird in 2006, David was a Principal at a Chicago-based investment firm where his responsibilities were focused on fixed income portfolio management for two mutual funds and several institutional bond portfolios. Earlier in his career, David managed a five-trader Bond Department. David graduated from Northern Illinois University and lives in Wheaton with his family. A private pilot, Dave is involved with Angel Flight, a group dedicated to providing free air transportation for those in need of medical care.
Megan Wholey
Financial Advisor
Megan leads business development and client communications, and supports equity research and investing, with a focus on advising the next generation of investors. Megan is a graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. She received her M.B.A. from Loyola University of Chicago, and her certification in Wealth Management Theory and Practice from Yale. Megan contributes articles on finance and investing for the online publication, The Everygirl, and coordinates the “Women & Wealth” group for the organization, The Wing. She also serves as a Director at Large for the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She has served on the Affiliates Board of Start Early (formerly The Ounce of Prevention) since 2016.
Michael Krecek, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Michael joined us following 15 months in Baird’s Financial Advisor Foundations Program, and an internship with our team in 2017. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a finance major from the University of Notre Dame, as well as minors in actuarial science and studio art. Originally from LaGrange, IL, he currently resides in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. In his free time, Michael enjoys restoring old vehicles and fishing.
Nick Boi, CFP
Associate Financial Advisor
Nick joined the team in 2013, bringing expanded offerings to the Group, including insurance. Prior to Baird, he worked at AXA Equitable, developeng his skills in client relations and earning his certification as an Investment Advisor Representative. Nick graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. At Illinois, Nick was an avid participant on the school’s club rugby team.
Stevie Hochenberger
Client Specialist
Stevie is a graduate of James Madison University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs: European Politics with a Minor in German. Stevie most recently spent time at Lenox Advisors as a Client Service Associate. Prior to that, she was a Senior Sales Executive at Naseba and also spent time as an Investment Operations Assistant with McTigue Financial Group. Stevie resides in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, and in her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking, and fishing at Belmont Harbor.
James Clarke
Client Assistant
James is a graduate of DePauw University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies and played on the DePauw Men’s Basketball team. James has spent time at Summit Trail Advisors as a Client Service Analyst and most recently at Winnemac Properties as an Acquisition Analyst/Property Manager. James is completing his MBA in finance through the weekend program at DePaul University. He resides in Chicago's River North neighborhood and in his free time he enjoys playing golf and basketball.
