Team Name: Oberlander Timmerwilke Group
Firm: Merrill Wealth Management
Senior Members: Sharon Oberlander, Andy Timmerwilke, Thomas Ratos
Location: Chicago, IL
Team Custodied Assets: $2.2 billion
In the thriving city of Chicago, a compelling tale of two financial trailblazers emerges. Sharon Oberlander, hailing from the vast and vibrant landscapes of Canada, initially nurtured dreams of becoming a social worker, dedicating her academic pursuits to psychology and sociology at the University of Manitoba. However, a twist of fate led her to the realm of banking in the United States—an unexpected yet fortuitous detour that ignited her passion for client relationships. In the transformative year of 1978, she ventured into the financial advisory sphere at Merrill, becoming one of the pioneering women to carve a niche in this competitive industry.
Her counterpart, Andy Timmerwilke, found himself mesmerized by the financial world after merely stepping into a Merrill office following his college graduation. The result? A serendipitous journey that brought him into the fold in 2000. For years, Timmerwilke and Oberlander navigated their individual paths, yet in 2019, they united their talents and resources, forming a formidable alliance. The team, now boasting 14 dedicated employees—including six brilliant advisors—proudly attends to the financial aspirations of around 250 clients, including high-net-worth families, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives.
Sharon Oberlander eloquently captures their ethos regarding client relationships: “It doesn’t matter how many zeros a client may have; everyone requires time.” The duo fosters an innovative ‘startup culture’ within their operations, continuously seeking ways to enhance their offerings. Monthly virtual luncheons serve as platforms for meaningful discussions, tackling diverse topics from market forecasts to the intricacies of cybersecurity. “We are very proactive in eliciting feedback from our clients—not just for these educational events but also regarding how they wish to be served,” Timmerwilke emphasizes.
What sets the Oberlander Timmerwilke Group apart is their distinctly tailored approach to financial advisement. Oberlander reflects, “I’ve had the privilege of working with families across four generations. Our commitment to personalization gives us a competitive edge.” Unlike teams that cater to scale, their dedication to investing significant time into each client’s needs solidifies their position in the financial landscape.
When it comes to investing, the team shines a spotlight on long-term perspectives, guiding their clients to filter out the perpetual distractions of market noise. “What our families typically seek is guidance towards the long term,” Timmerwilke states, affirming their focus on consistent income generation across market cycles—whether from dividends, interest, or municipal bonds. Balancing growth and value in their equity selections, they maintain a robust posture in U.S. stocks while keenly emphasizing retirement income strategies.
“The way I explain it to clients is that dividends and interest function like rent: regardless of shifts in real estate values, rental income remains a constant,” Oberlander informatively reveals. Acknowledging the complexities of modern investing, many of their clients also explore alternative investments, venturing into spheres such as private equity, real estate, and private credit.
Looking ahead, the team approaches market forecasts with tempered optimism, buoyed by strong corporate profits. “We anticipate market participation extending beyond just the Magnificent 7 stocks,” Timmerwilke posits with conviction. The prospect of lower interest rates invigorating small and mid-cap stocks, along with a potential resurgence in mergers and acquisitions invigorating private markets, paints a hopeful tableau for investors. Additionally, the dynamic nature of trends such as artificial intelligence promises to stimulate specific sectors. “Historically, remaining positive tends to yield greater rewards for investors; this scenario is no different,” Timmerwilke asserts, deftly encapsulating their forward-thinking philosophy.
