The Oberlander Timmerwilke Group at Merrill Wealth Management in Chicago, IL, stands out with their team of senior members Sharon Oberlander, Andy Timmerwilke, and Thomas Ratos. With custodied assets of $2.2 billion, the team has a rich history of serving high net worth families, entrepreneurs, business owners, and corporate executives. Sharon Oberlander, who originally aspired to be a social worker, found her niche in banking and eventually transitioned to becoming a financial advisor at Merrill in 1978. Andy Timmerwilke, on the other hand, discovered his passion for the industry shortly after college and joined Merrill in 2000. The team, which was formed in 2019 after years of independent operations, now has 14 employees, including six advisors, who cater to around 250 clients.
The Oberlander Timmerwilke Group prides itself on their strong client relationships, believing that every client deserves individualized attention regardless of their financial standing. They adopt a proactive approach by hosting monthly virtual luncheons to discuss various topics such as market outlooks, investments, cybersecurity, and cognitive decline with their clients. The team values client feedback and constantly seeks ways to improve and cater to their clients’ needs. Sharon Oberlander’s ability to cultivate relationships that span multiple generations has been a key factor in the team’s success, with clients appreciating their personalized and tailored approach.
The team’s investment philosophy revolves around focusing on long-term strategies and helping clients navigate market volatility by emphasizing income-generating investments. They maintain a balanced portfolio between growth and value, with a preference for U.S. stocks and retirement income strategies like dividend-paying stocks. In addition, many clients have tactical allocations to alternative investments such as private credit, private equity, and real estate. This diversified approach aims to provide stability and consistent returns for their clients, especially during uncertain market conditions.
Looking ahead, the team remains optimistic about market performance in the near term, largely due to strong corporate profits. They anticipate broader participation in markets beyond the dominant stocks and expect lower interest rates to benefit small and mid-cap stocks. Furthermore, the normalization of the yield curve and ongoing trends in areas like artificial intelligence are seen as positive drivers for certain segments of the market. Andy Timmerwilke emphasizes the historical trend of investors being rewarded for maintaining a positive outlook, reinforcing their confidence in the market’s potential for growth and stability.
Overall, the Oberlander Timmerwilke Group’s commitment to providing personalized service, a tailored investment approach, and a forward-looking investment strategy sets them apart in the competitive landscape of wealth management. With a focus on long-term relationships and client satisfaction, the team continues to thrive and adapt to changing market conditions while delivering value to their diverse client base. Their dedication to excellence and continuous improvement positions them as a trusted partner for high net worth individuals and families seeking comprehensive wealth management solutions.
