Chris Winkler
Founder | Principal
My earliest inspirations came from my own family. My mother and my grandparents immigrated to the US from war-torn Lebanon when she was 6. I watched my grandfather work two full-time jobs, one in a Pullman rail car foundry and another pursuing his own American dream as a corner grocer. My young single mom worked two jobs to give me access to opportunities she did not have with the hope to provide an easier path. I had a front-row seat to their selfless sacrifice.
My grandparents and mom never attained what many would recognize as wealth—materially. They did, however, leave quite a legacy within me—one of hard work, personal sacrifice and great compassion for others. They also quietly ignited the dreams of greater possibility within me.
My profession provides within it many sources of inspiration. I am moved by the journeys our clients have taken to build their own financial security and wealth—their stories are ones of long-term discipline, hard work and temperance. Most of our firm’s clients are self-made, having built their wealth inside of their own lifetimes. Each of their stories are unique, but I am always fascinated to see the common threads of success. I am also inspired by the dynamic life experiences of our team members. You will see many common values we share with our clients, those of humility and altruism, as you get to know our firm’s culture.
After attending Purdue University, I was recruited by a large privately-held wealth management firm that ultimately was sold to Transamerica. My time there was an exciting period of dynamic growth and challenge. I had many diverse roles over my 12 years: advisor development, practice management and senior leadership. I was fortunate to have great mentors, many of whom I still have close relationships with today. Ultimately, I discovered my greatest fulfillment came from working closely with clients, which led to my resigning to form our firm in 2009.
Our team has a strong belief in evidence-based planning. We believe financial advice should be rooted in objectivity and tested with academic rigor, not speculation or impulse. With this standard, our team is inspired to create a meaningful impact in the lives of the clients we are fortunate to serve. Our objective is to help our clients aspire to live fuller, more purpose-driven lives, knowing they are in very trusted and capable hands.
We are private and boutique by design. For several reasons, we limit the number of clients we take on each year. The clients we do work with become long-term partnerships, and often great friendships. It is hard for me to imagine more fulfilling work. We work in a conflict-free culture serving on behalf of people we have great regard for.
On a day-to-day basis, my activities are widely varied, which I could not enjoy more. Each day brings with it an opportunity to connect with someone or to solve a complex problem. I am regularly in meetings—with clients, team members or with one of our strategic partners to create even greater outcomes.
Like many, the priority for me away from the office is family. My wife Lauren and I have twins, Audri and Camden, who are the joys of our life and have become our own greatest teachers.
I enjoy living an active lifestyle which in its current form has me training for triathlons, hiking, playing golf, gardening, wine collecting and organic cooking.
I also consider myself a fervent, lifelong student, always finding inspiration in a new relationship, a great book or podcast.
We love to travel globally as often as our schedules allow with favorite spots in Maui, coastal/wine country in California, the Baja of Mexico and Italy.
