Who We Are

A steady partner through every step

At the Vander Leest & Wenzel Group, each member of our team chose to pursue financial services with two traits in mind: a passion for serving others and an aptitude for problem solving. We are proud to make a difference in our clients’ lives by leveraging this combination of compassion and expert advice.

Yes, we are hard workers who hold ourselves to high standards- but just as important, we believe financial conversations should be approachable, not overwhelming. We strive to create a welcome environment where clients feel comfortable, supported, and understood. We feel our expertise is best served by a close relationship with you, so we can create personalized solutions that truly benefit your situation. At the end of the day, strong financial guidance starts with a strong relationship.

With over 100 years of collective experience, we’ve walked alongside clients through countless life changes – and we’ve evolved right alongside them. Our commitment to progress and personalization shapes everything we do. Here are a few of the ways we’ve intentionally structured our team to bring you the best experience:

A Multigenerational Makeup

In our practice, we prioritize creating longstanding relationships with our clients and their families – so naturally, we’ve come to know not only our clients but also their children and grandchildren. As we guide our clients through succession planning within their own families, we also want them to know that there is a succession plan within our team – ensuring the guidance you trust continues seamlessly through the next generation of advisors.

However, succession planning is just one benefit of a multigenerational team. As a team that believes in the value of connection, we know that working with someone who is in a similar stage of life can help build a strong relationship. Our younger advisors often bring a fresh perspective, relatability, and energy to the table – making it easier for young professionals to engage with financial planning in a meaningful way.

Whether you’re planning for retirement or just starting to build wealth, we’re here for every phase of life. We also encourage clients to include their children in meetings – fostering financial literacy and creating a wealth management experience shared by your whole family.

A Drive For Continued Education

One thing we’re sure of in this industry is that the only constant is change. For us, staying informed isn’t optional – it’s essential. Tax laws, regulations and best practices are constantly shifting, and we make it a priority to stay ahead of the curve. Our team embraces continuous learning with enthusiasm.

As a team, we are never satisfied with enough information and are always eager to learn more. A prime example of this are the five advisors and associate advisors (that’s all of them!) that hold designations, including the:

Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) – Widely considered the gold standard in financial planning, this designation represents deep expertise, rigorous training and a strong ethical foundation.

Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) – The highest level of advanced investment education for client-facing professionals, emphasizing sophisticated portfolio construction and risk management.
With these certifications, we’re able to create and implement investment management and financial planning strategies with even more precision. And we won’t stop there – we are always looking for more learning opportunities that dive even deeper into important financial concepts.