Insights

Many people have several separate individuals or companies helping them with various aspects of their financial life: a CPA for their taxes, an attorney for their estate plan, an agent or broker for insurance, and an investment adviser or broker for their investments. Then the client is left to synthesize the different pieces of information from these various sources in order to manage their own financial picture. We built Spotlight so that we could provide our clients with total wealth management, an approach that aims to manage all the aspects of our clients’ financial lives so our clients can spend their time doing what they love. Our team-based approach helps us ensure that nothing is missed in the preparation and execution of your total wealth management plan.

We feel that it is essential to provide best-in-class technology to our clients and our wealth managers to ensure that we are delivering a world-class client experience. Therefore, we provide a robust client portal that allows our clients to view all their financial accounts in one place, even the ones we don’t manage. As a Spotlight client, your accounts and financial plan update daily, so you always know where you stand. After all, it is your money and life is too short to spend your time chasing down your financial advisor every time you want an updated plan. At Spotlight, that information is available 24/7/365. We also provide your wealth manager and the rest of our team with the best tools available, so they can work more efficiently and effectively in providing the services you expect and deserve.

At Spotlight, we aim to give our clients all the relevant information they need to be comfortable with the way we are managing their money and the investment decisions we make on their behalf. We want to partner with our clients to ensure a happy and successful relationship, and the only way for that partnership to be effective is to make sure we are on the same page regarding the fees we charge, our investment performance, and any conflicts that may come up. We believe we create significant value for our clients, and we aren’t afraid to provide them with the information and tools they need to hold us accountable.

Jessica is the Office Manager for Spotlight Asset Group’s Chicagoland headquarters, keeping the office running smoothly and providing crucial support for Spotlight’s team members.

With more than fifteen years of experience managing small businesses, including running various facets of her family’s restaurant and a related catering enterprise, Jessica is especially helpful to Spotlight’s operations, accounting, and finance teams. Jessica has a degree in Business Administration and lives in Lombard with her husband and three daughters.

Natasha is a Research Assistant in Spotlight Asset Group’s Chicago office and works exclusively with the company’s Investment Committee. Natasha recently graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) with a major in Finance from the UIC College of Business and a double minor in Business Analytics and International Business.

Prior to joining Spotlight, Natasha worked for a publicly traded company in Bangkok, Thailand as a Corporate Finance Intern, working closely with the accounting and finance department. More recently, Natasha worked for a CFTC-registered Commodity Trading Advisor located in downtown Chicago as a Finance Intern, conducting market research and expanding her knowledge on trading commodities, fixed-income securities, and bonds. Originally born and raised in Thailand, Natasha moved to Chicago in search of new experiences and to attend UIC. While she occasionally travels back to Asia to visit family and friends, Natasha now resides full-time in Chicago where she spends her free time reading and exploring new restaurants.

As Spotlight’s Chief Financial Officer, Bethany is responsible for the company’s financial operations, including financial planning and analysis, capital management, accounting operations, and financial reporting.

Prior to joining Spotlight, she was Vice President of Accounting for the Options Clearing Corporation, the world’s largest equity derivatives clearing organization. At OCC, she led a team focused on financial reporting, tax compliance, and accounting operations, including payroll, billing and accounts payable. During her time at OCC, she was also responsible for liquidity planning and capital management. Prior to OCC, Bethany spent five years at Deloitte & Touche, LLP.

Bethany received a Bachelor of Business Administration, as well as a Master of Science in Accountancy degree from the Mendoza School of Business at the University of Notre Dame. Bethany is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and belongs to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. Bethany resides in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband and daughter.

Diane is the Operations Manager for Spotlight Asset Group’s Los Angeles branch office, providing clients with administrative support and coordinating operations with the Chicago headquarters. Diane was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and has worked in the financial services industry since 2005. Her favorite part of working at Spotlight Asset Group is interacting with and helping clients.

Diane lives in West Hills with her husband Jarrod and daughters Charlotte and Mia. She is the MVP of her American Pool Players Association team and also loves crochet, days at the beach, and spending time with her extended family.

As Managing Director of Spotlight Asset Group’s Los Angeles branch office, Aaron is responsible for developing and implementing clients’ personalized financial plans. Aaron is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtm professional with extensive training in financial planning, estate planning, insurance, investments, taxes, employee benefits, and retirement planning. Aaron directs his passion for financial planning towards helping clients clarify what is most important to them, invest in their future, and achieve their goals. Aaron became a financial advisor in 2001 after a nine-year career in the motion picture industry. Prior to joining Spotlight, Aaron spent eight years as the owner of Kirsch Wealth Management, an independent investment advisory form.

Aaron graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Television from UCLA. A native of Southern California, Aaron lives in West Hills with his wife Miriam and children Dani and Sammy. He enjoys photography, cycling, playing bass guitar, and spending time with his family.

As a Managing Director of Spotlight’s Ann Arbor office, Daniel is responsible for developing and implementing clients’ personalized financial plans. With more than eleven years of experience in the financial services industry, Daniel expertly guides his clients during the development and implementation of their customized financial plans, offering specialized insight into the use of fixed income products to enhance client portfolios. Prior to joining Spotlight, Daniel worked for one of the world’s largest financial services companies, delivering personalized financial advice, reviewing and updating his clients’ retirement plans, and positioning clients into appropriate, managed investment solutions.

Daniel earned his B.A. from Centre College, holds the CFP(r) certification, and is a 2019 CFA Level III Candidate. Daniel grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan with his wife Katie and their daughter Lily. While not in the office, Daniel is an avid baseball and soccer fan and enjoys Michigan’s numerous outdoor activities.

As a Managing Director for Spotlight, Tony manages the onboarding of new advisors and clients. He also provides the leadership team with invaluable strategic insight into developing a world-class client experience. Tony brings more than 19 years of experience in the investment industry to Spotlight, having spent his career working with families and businesses to solve their complex financial challenges and help them realize their dreams. Prior to joining Spotlight, Tony worked with clients at five of the biggest financial services companies in the world. Most recently, Tony worked at a nationwide, dually registered broker-dealer and investment adviser where he provided leadership, guidance, and coaching to the firm’s investment advisory personnel.

Tony lives in St. Louis, Missouri and is the proud father of two sons, Jake and Josh. An avid sports fan and outdoorsman, Tony also serves his community as a youth soccer club technical director, which allows him to connect with families and give back to a game that is special to him.

As Managing Director of Spotlight’s Chicago office, Brendan is responsible for developing and implementing clients’ personalized financial plans. Brendan serves as the primary point-of-contact for clients regarding planning and investment management. With over a decade advising clients, Brendan acts as a fiduciary and, true to Spotlight’s commitment to transparency, always puts his clients’ interests first. Prior to joining Spotlight, Brendan was a vice president at one of the country’s largest investment firms, helping affluent investors develop financial plans and manage various investments.

Brendan earned his B.A. from Loyola University Chicago in 2007 and is a 2018 CFP candidate. Brendan, his wife Kate and their three children reside in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago.

As Managing Director for Spotlight Asset Group, Brendan is responsible for developing and implementing clients’ personalized financial plans. Brendan serves as the primary point-of-contact for clients regarding planning and investment management. With over a decade advising clients, Brendan acts as a fiduciary and true to Spotlight’s commitment to transparency, always puts clients’ interests first.

Prior to joining Spotlight, Brendan was a vice president at one of the world’s largest financial services companies, helping affluent investors develop financial plans and manage various investments. Brendan earned his B.A. from Loyola University Chicago in 2007 and is a 2018 CFP candidate. Brendan, his wife Kate and their three children reside in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago.

As Spotlight’s Talent Acquisition Specialist, Bethen works with the leadership team to identify strong, like-minded advisors to partner with Spotlight as the company grows its nationwide operations. Bethen’s extensive experience in both marketing and recruiting makes her an essential part of our growth strategy, and her professionalism and dedication ensure a smooth integration process.

Originally from England, Bethen spent several years living in South Africa before moving to the United States. Bethen now resides in downtown Chicago where she spends her time enjoying city life, watching sports, and occasionally travelling back to England to visit family and friends.

Beth Chandler entered the financial services industry in 2011. Previously, she worked as a news anchor and reporter for the ABC affiliate in Jackson, Tennessee, before becoming the Director of Annual Giving at her alma mater, Freed-Hardeman University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and is currently working towards her CFP® certification.

Beth has worked in various client service and operational roles. Her passion lies in ensuring all the “i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed.” Beth is very involved in her local church and enjoys reading, writing, playing tennis, and spending time with her family. Beth grew up in Memphis and currently resides in the Nashville area with her husband and two young children.

As Spotlight’s Director of Operations, Geneva works closely with our COO and our branch office managers to ensure that all aspects of Spotlight’s business are operating smoothly and efficiently. With more than ten years of experience in various management positions, and after playing a key role in establishing Spotlight’s processes from the company’s inception and through its first year of existence, Geneva is well-suited to ensure that Spotlight is delivering world-class customer service to all of our clients across the country.

After an exciting stint living and working in Paris, Geneva now lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband and daughter.

Jon is Spotlight’s Director of Trading, executing the company’s investment strategies on behalf of our clients and continuously monitoring and rebalancing our portfolios. Jon began his career in the financial industry during his freshman year of college at DePaul University. Jon worked as a clerk and later floor broker for R. J. O’Brien and Associates at the Chicago Board of Trade. From there, he moved on to a trade desk that specialized in options execution. Immediately prior to joining Spotlight, Jon worked as a broker and market strategist, vetting traders and managing portfolios.

Jon holds a Master of Science in Finance Degree from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. Jon grew up on Chicago’s north side and currently resides in the city with his wife and daughter. Jon is a classically trained cook, an avid golfer, and a life-long fan of the World Champion Chicago Cubs.

John Hinely is the Senior Wealth Manager for Spotlight’s Nashville office. He is tasked with ensuring client needs and objectives are met throughout the planning and wealth management process. He holds both a bachelor and master’s degree from the University of Alabama. Previously, Mr. Hinely worked in management for a nationally ranked home restoration firm before transitioning to Wealth Management.

John was raised in Birmingham and Tampa before spending the first decade of his professional career in the Washington D.C. area. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Jillian, and their three energetic boys. Additionally, John is an extreme fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide (but he asks that you not hold that against him).

As Spotlight’s Chief Operating Officer, Mike oversees the company’s day-to-day operations to ensure that we are delivering a high-end, efficient, and consistent client experience across all phases of the wealth management relationship. To do so, Mike works closely with the other members of Spotlight’s leadership team, the company’s managing directors, and administrative personnel to develop and implement systems and processes designed to accomplish Spotlight’s strategic goals. Mike also serves as Spotlight’s Director of Financial Planning. With over ten years of experience as a financial planner, Mike has provided investment, tax, and estate planning services to numerous high net worth individuals and their families. By working alongside his clients to tailor custom financial planning strategies, Mike knows how to help clients achieve and exceed their individual goals. Mike advocates for a hands-on, personal approach to financial planning, encouraging our advisors to get to know their clients personally and provide a high level of customer service and professional support.

Mike graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and a concentration focus in Finance. His hobbies include golfing, traveling, and avidly supporting the Chicago Blackhawks. He resides in the Chicagoland area with his wife and daughter.

As Spotlight Asset Group’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jason is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s policies and procedures and ensuring that they keep pace with an ever-changing regulatory environment. As General Counsel, Jason advises Spotlight’s leadership team on a variety of legal matters that impact the company and its clients. True to Spotlight’s commitment to transparency and our fiduciary duty to our clients, Jason is an integral part of the leadership team. Prior to joining Spotlight, Jason was a Senior Attorney at the Securities and Exchange Commission, serving 13 years in the SEC’s Chicago Regional Office as part of the Division of Enforcement. While at the SEC, Jason investigated and prosecuted cases involving, among other things, broker-dealer misconduct, investment adviser fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, insider trading, market manipulation, and money laundering. During his last three years at the SEC, Jason was a member of the Division of Enforcement’s Public Finance Abuse Unit where, in addition to bringing cutting edge cases, he led the unit’s law enforcement outreach initiative, working closely with federal prosecutors and FBI field offices to increase awareness of public corruption involving the municipal bond market and public pensions.

Jason earned his Juris Doctor degree (JD), cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2004 and his Bachelor of Arts, with honors, from the University of Kansas in 2000. Jason lives in Chicago with his wife and two daughters.

Steve is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Spotlight Asset Group. After spending the first fifteen years of his career helping clients in both the broker-dealer and registered investment adviser channels, Steve started Spotlight in 2017 because he wanted to create a wealth management firm that leverages the latest technology and operates with complete transparency in order to deliver a client experience that is second to none in the financial services industry.Early in his career, Steve gained invaluable insight and experience working with clients at some of the largest and most established companies in the industry, including Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab, and TD Ameritrade. Immediately prior to founding Spotlight, Steve served as the Director of Wealth Management for a top-ranked independent financial adviser, where he helped the wealth management group grow both its assets under management and its number of wealth managers by over 200%, served on the firm’s investment committee, and created a group to manage several hundred million dollars in client accounts that utilized option strategies. In addition to leading the team at Spotlight, Steve has a strong passion for mentoring and often counsels people on breaking into the financial services industry.

Steve grew up in Western New York and currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife and son. In his free time he enjoys fishing, skiing, and traveling with his family.