About AJ
A.J. is relationship-driven and takes pride in delivering objective advice to the people who trust him to guide their wealth. He works with high net worth individuals, families, and charitable organizations to help them achieve their long-term financial objectives. He does this using a comprehensive approach that considers a client’s distinct financial resources, tolerance for risk, and personal goals. And while investment management is certainly a focus of this work, A.J. gets the most satisfaction from helping people simplify their financial lives, optimize their long-term strategy, and feel more confident about their legacy.
A.J. joined Focus Partners Wealth in 2026, having previously worked at Strategic Wealth Partners (SWP), where he had been since 2018. He started his career with the Business Risk Services division of Grant Thornton LLC. In this role he provided independent reviews of corporate financials and risk controls. This understanding of balance sheets and income statements— “the language of business” —now forms the foundation of his work with clients, and this experience allows him to make strategic tax planning and guidance a central part of his work. After his time at Grant Thornton LLC, A.J. spent time as a financial planner at the nationwide advisory firm, Creative Planning.
Outside of the office, A.J. is an avid Chicago Bears, White Sox, and Fighting Illini fan who can be found by his wood-fired smoker most weekends, cooking brisket, chicken wings, and ribs for friends and family. In addition, he serves as a board member at Keshet, an organization that helps individuals with disabilities from early childhood through adulthood. He also enjoys personal aviation and international travel.
Education and Professional Milestones
-University of Illinois –bachelor’s degree in accountancy
A.J. is relationship-driven and takes pride in delivering objective advice to the people who trust him to guide their wealth. He works with high net worth individuals, families, and charitable organizations to help them achieve their long-term financial objectives. He does this using a comprehensive approach that considers a client’s distinct financial resources, tolerance for risk, and personal goals. And while investment management is certainly a focus of this work, A.J. gets the most satisfaction from helping people simplify their financial lives, optimize their long-term strategy, and feel more confident about their legacy.
A.J. joined Focus Partners Wealth in 2026, having previously worked at Strategic Wealth Partners (SWP), where he had been since 2018. He started his career with the Business Risk Services division of Grant Thornton LLC. In this role he provided independent reviews of corporate financials and risk controls. This understanding of balance sheets and income statements— “the language of business” —now forms the foundation of his work with clients, and this experience allows him to make strategic tax planning and guidance a central part of his work. After his time at Grant Thornton LLC, A.J. spent time as a financial planner at the nationwide advisory firm, Creative Planning.
Outside of the office, A.J. is an avid Chicago Bears, White Sox, and Fighting Illini fan who can be found by his wood-fired smoker most weekends, cooking brisket, chicken wings, and ribs for friends and family. In addition, he serves as a board member at Keshet, an organization that helps individuals with disabilities from early childhood through adulthood. He also enjoys personal aviation and international travel.
Education and Professional Milestones
-University of Illinois –bachelor’s degree in accountancy