Glenn Stears

Reason you got into this business?
My fascination with market psychology began with a stock selection assignment in a high school business class.  After college I realized I had a personal need for financial advice I could trust.  In my search for answers I discovered the field of financial planning and became involved professionally. Even with increased technology and the information explosion, the need for trusted advice still remains today.  

Primary way of advancing my career knowledge:
I am committed to lifelong continuous learning. Early in my career I completed my Certified Financial Planner designation, and have earned numerous other investment related designations over the years.  I particularly enjoy the language of finance, accounting, and economics.

One thing I’m doing to help the planet:
Over a period of time, my son and I have adapted our backyard garden to native plant species. We are doing our small part to help preserve biodiversity, thereby supporting the birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects losing habitat.  Each year we introduce additional plants into this chemical-free ecosystem. We have learned that the attraction of insects to native plants is based on centuries of ecological evolution.

One goal I’m saving for:
While helping clients succeed financially, and having raised six children, my wife and I continue to save for our own financial future.

Favorite Quotes
“The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein

One project I worked on recently that I am really proud of:
I am proud of the transformation of our financial planning practice to an open architecture product platform. Offering a full spectrum of investment choices with sophisticated allocation methodologies is an added benefit to clientele.

Hobbies / Passions
I have always had a passion for language and culture. I first realized this back in high school when I won the top award in the Illinois State Latin Contest.  Over the years I have also learned Spanish and some Mandarin.

What’s your biggest accomplishment? I earned a third degree black belt in the ancient Japanese martial art form of Aiki as an adult. This training developed my self-discipline, balance, and respect for others.

Who is your ideal client and why they should connect with you? Within a team concept, I work best in collaboration with successful people who are open to new ideas, committed to their financial future, and who recognize the value we offer. Clients say they choose to work with us because they feel comfortable, they trust us, and they see us as different in a good way.