What does Private Vista mean to you? For Private Vista LLC, a wealth management firm with offices in Chicago and Oak Brook and serving clients in 49 states, your Private Vista is your view of an enriched and fulfilling life, whether this is hobbies and travel or providing for your family or loved ones. 

Private Vista works with individuals, families, and business owners to help them define their Private Vista – or life goals – and then help them achieve them using a wide range of financial planning and investment tools. Private Vista is not your run-of-the-mill financial planning firm. They don’t simply invest their clients’ money; rather, they invest in their clients themselves, forming strong bonds and lasting relationships. They do this in a few ways. 

Evolved Experience℠

The Evolved Experience℠ is a four-step process that helps Private Vista and potential clients determine if they are the right fit for one another. Here’s what the process looks like:

 

Private Vista’s 30 Fundamentals – or what they call “The Private Vista Way” – defines their culture. First on the list is “Put clients first, always.” The fundamentals also include values like “Care like it’s your family” and “Keep things fun.” 

One thing that sets Private Vista apart is that they work in teams with their clients. This ensures that if someone is on vacation or retires, your relationship will continue seamlessly. 

They also recognize that more and more often, women are the breadwinners or are handling personal and/or business finances, whether single, married, or managing the finances of aging loved ones. They aim to meet people where they are by reflecting this current trend. Financial planning is a traditionally male-dominated industry, but Private Vista is breaking the mold. Nationally, only 25% of advisors are females. At Private Vista, that number jumps to 32%. Some of Private Vista’s top leaders include Mary Beth McLean, partner; Nicole Romito, partner; Stephanie Nanney, partner; Delaney Orozco, senior advisor; Colleen Dwyer, senior advisor; and Sean Julian, senior advisor. 

Mary Beth started her career in nursing but said financial planning isn’t all that different when it comes down to it. “I’m a financial caregiver now. I figure out what’s wrong, what’s needed, and I help support them through it,” she said. 

She identified her niche working with women when she had a client come in upset. She handed her a Kleenex and simply listened. 

Nicole began her career in banking in 1992 before changing gears to financial planning 21 years ago. She gets especially jazzed up about working with women in transition. 

“Meeting people at some of the lowest points in their lives, helping them make life-changing decisions, and seeing them flourish on the other side is so rewarding,” she said.

Helping young girls be strong and confident is also where she shines. She’s currently on the board of Girls in the Game, which exposes girls in grades 3-12 to different sports and gets them moving to help with their physical and social-emotional development. The organization also offers leadership positions and scholarships to high school students. She is also a Big Sister with the Metropolitan Chicago chapter.    

Mary Beth and Nicole took their combined passions and co-founded Divorce Resource and Suddenly Single, groups aimed at helping divorcees and widows and widowers. Nicole is divorced, and despite handling the finances during their marriage, the breakup still sent her on an emotional rollercoaster. She said it’s gratifying to be able to help walk people through similar situations.

Both partners are also big on education. Nicole launched Private Vista’s podcast, Dollar$ and $ense: Creating Your Fulfilled Life, which educates the public on various topics such as how to prepare for college, and Sean now serves as an executive producer. They all pride themselves on being able to talk about finances “in plain English.” 

Stephanie was determined not to work in financial management like her father, who retired from Private Vista, so she earned a marketing degree and worked in supply chain management before finally making her way into the industry after all. 

“I’m very much a people person so love the relationship side of the industry and being able to educate people and help them through the tricky parts of life,” she said. 

Historically women have wanted less to do with finances than men. Stephanie said it’s crucial that both partners in a marriage understand and are involved in their finances. 

“We are good at being able to speak the language of two different people. You never know when life events will happen and one or the other may need to take control of the finances,” she said.  

Delaney majored in applied economic management at Virginia Tech where she also played volleyball. That’s when she got the bug to coach, so she approached her advisor in college who suggested she combine her two loves and complete the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) program. She sat for her exam after her junior year and is now thankful to be able to put her coaching skills to use at work helping those with their financial futures as well as outside of work by coaching volleyball.

Colleen received her bachelor’s from the University of Notre Dame in pre-health studies and English and began her career as a health and benefits specialist. After three years in the industry, she decided she needed a change. She was keenly aware of the world of finance thanks to her father being the founder of a financial firm, so in 2018, she joined Private Vista as an advisor. Today, she is a Senior Advisor with a CFP certification. Beyond work, she serves as a mentor for Horizons for Youth, a community committed to helping children recognize and achieve their full potential. In partnership with dedicated families, they provide academic support, one-on-one mentoring and enrichment programs.   

Colleen is currently on maternity leave after having her first child, showcasing how Private Vista’s team-based approach provides seamless transitions and helps their customers succeed financially. 

Sean’s dad instilled in her from a young age the importance of saving money and making wise use of your finances. She recognized it as an area that people needed help with so she always knew that she would make her living dealing with money in some way. 

Whether you’re looking for assistance with planning in these areas: estate and legacy, financial independence, business succession or investment management, contact Private Vista at 312.831.4370 (Chicago office) or 630.455.0600 (Oak Brook office) to find your version of a fulfilling life. You can also visit myprivatevista.com where you can find their blog and podcast, and like and follow them on social media.