Meet Our Financial Advisors

At Executive Wealth Management, we have an experienced, compassionate team that is dedicated to helping our clients reach their current and future financial goals.

Our work of stewardship is considered an honor and guarded privilege.
EWM team members focus on developing and sustaining enduring relationships by providing clients with personal, compassionate service. We believe that true wealth is the value inherent in people.

The EWM Team is passionate about educating and guiding people through their wealth-building journey because building wealth requires a long-term plan with a focused and steady vision for their future. That is why EWM Private Wealth Advisors can say that we are in the business of building, defending, and advancing relationships as we work toward every client’s wealth-building goals.

Albert P. Herzog III, CFP®, MBA, ChFC®

Founder and Director

Private Wealth Advisor

Registered Representative - Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

Since 1981, Bert has been pioneering and developing multidisciplinary wealth management approaches and platforms, including the Protactical™ Investment Process both as an entrepreneur and innovative leader. Bert is the founder of Executive Financial Planning, Executive Wealth Management, Fortunatus Investments, and EWM's 401K GPS.

He has been married for over thirty years to his wife Judy and blessed with three children and two grandkids. He plays an active role in his Michigan and Florida communities; volunteering and supporting many charities including The Brighton Rotary, LACASA, WorkSkills, The American Cancer Society, Gleaners Food Bank, and Thomas M. Herzog Educational Foundation CC Scholarship Fund.

Michael R. Chechel, Jr.

Director

Private Wealth Advisor

Registered Representative - Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

Michael R. Chechel, Jr. brings a Wall Street background to Main Street America helping individuals, families and businesses devise and implement investment plans to help secure their financial future. After his tenure on Wall Street, Mr. Chechel moved to Michigan and began serving on Fifth Third Securities investment team. While at Fifth Third Securities he quickly rose to become the top revenue producing wealth advisor and was crowned with the prestigious Fifth Third Top Investment Consultant Award in 2006. In 2007, he joined the Executive Wealth Management team and soon became partner in the firm. Residing in Milford with his wife and three children, Mike enjoys coaching youth sports programs, staying active and spending time with his family and friends. As an active leader in his community his preferred charities are Gleaners Food Bank, The Red Cross and Make a Wish Foundation.

Adam R. Kulesza CFP®, MBA, ChFC®, CLU®

Director
Private Wealth Advisor
Registered Representative – Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

A member of the Executive Wealth Management since 2005 and eventually becoming partner in 2009. Adam is a consummate professional; his experience combined with researching the ever-changing financial markets, delivers a disciplined approach to wealth management. With his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional designation, Adam understands the diverse financial planning needs of high net-worth individuals and families. He is the Co-founder of Fortunatus Investments and EWM's 401K GPS.

Adam is a devoted husband and father. Proud to be born, raised and educated in Michigan, he plays an active role within his community; when not on the court or field as a volunteer coach for his kid’s teams. Adam supports many charities including, The Red Cross, The American Cancer Society, Gleaners Food Bank, The Connection, and LACASA.

Gregory J. Barber

MANAGING Director

Private Wealth Advisor

Registered Representative – Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Northville • Schedule an Appointment

Greg has been advising on the financial needs of clients for over 25 years, and is quite pleased to be an owner with the EWM team. He spear-headed and currently oversees the Northville, Michigan branch. While he has clients across the country his primary focus continues to be growing our presence in Northville, Plymouth and surrounding suburban areas. Greg has a wealth of knowledge in a wide array of tax and accounting areas, including the ever more complex area of qualified and non-qualified retirement plans. Greg has been happily married for over 25 years and currently resides in Northville with his wife and two sons. Greg is also active within his community, primarily supporting children’s-based charities.

James A. Plaskey, Jr., CFP®

director

Private Wealth Advisor

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

Jimmie, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) Professional, is passionate about educating and inspiring his clients to make informed financial decisions. His collegiate career included athletic coaches who created a clear vision and brought the best from their teams. Jimmie believes that financial coaching can do the same for individuals and families.

Jimmie is passionate about working to inspire people to take the initiative on financial strategies for themselves and their loved ones. It is especially rewarding for him to help clients create paths toward reducing debt like student loans, having proper insurance coverage, building wealth, and experience the thrill of helping their wealth-building goals become a reality leading up to and while in retirement.

In the financial services industry and a member of the Executive Wealth Management team since 2011, his goal is to educate his clients on the markets, strategies to maximize what they have saved already, and work toward helping them become and remain financially sound. With that vital foundation, his clients are positioned to work towards achieving their goals, both quantitatively and qualitatively. This foundation of educating, inspiring, and equipping is what his clients can expect from Jimmie.

On April 4, 2020, Jimmie was married to his best friend, Sydney, and they enjoy living in New Hudson, MI, with their Cavapoo puppy, Chief. Jimmie enjoys all sports and being outside; fishing, hunting, hiking, bike riding, and free time with a continually expanding group of family members and friends.

ASSOCIATIONS:

2018 Brighton Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year
Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, Board Member
Team Suzy Non-Profit, Co-Founder
Brighton Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
Greater Brighton Young Professionals, Chair
Brother Rice Alumni Association
Hillsdale College Alumni Association and Mentor Program

Educational Speaking Engagements:

Brighton Chamber of Commerce
St. John’s Hospital Residents
Kent State Podiatry School
Cleary University
Brother Rice High School
Detroit Catholic Central High School

Albert Herzog IV, CFP®, CRPC®, CLU®

director

Private Wealth Advisor

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

Albert, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, joins Executive Wealth Management with experience from two of the larger financial services firms in the industry, Merrill Lynch & Wells Fargo Advisors. Albert learned discipline and leadership as a graduate of, and captain student-athlete at, both Detroit Catholic Central and Hillsdale College. As a Private Wealth Advisor, he strives to provide wise investing for everyone with their own goals in mind to help build, manage, preserve and transition their wealth. His mission is to provide every client with targeted, comprehensive financial advice and wealth management strategies.

Held to a fiduciary standard, Albert strives to help each client plan for a financial future that best meets his or her goals. It is his objective to exceed your service expectations and his responsibility to put your best interests first. Albert welcomes the opportunity to meet with you personally.

Robert B. Larsen, Jr., CFP®

Robert Larsen

Director

Private Wealth Advisor

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

Working in the banking industry for 10 years, Robert built a passion for the markets. Being a young professional during the financial crisis of ‘08, Robert realized that he wanted to pursue a career as an Investment Advisor Representative to study the markets and help individuals and businesses position their investments in an allocation with appropriate risk and diversity to help advance in stronger market cycles and defend during a down market. Knowing the importance of client’s peace of mind, he strives to make sure his clients understand their investments and their position in the markets. Robert's roles in his career have included lending, banking, bank management, and now a Private Wealth Advisor, where he feels he can help his clients the most.

Zachary Messina

Director

Private Wealth Advisor

Location: Northville • Schedule an Appointment

Zachary takes pride in helping people reach and maintain what’s important to them. He treats his clients like family and is deeply passionate about educating and directing them towards their financial goals. Zachary started his career with Chase Bank in 1999, as a Personal Banker for high net worth clients. He then pursued financial services and wealth management with Chase Bank and J.P. Morgan where he was a top producer, achieving national accolades.

Zachary joined Executive Wealth Management, LLC in 2013, dedicated to building, defending and advancing his clients wealth through proactive wealth solutions.

Zachary is a family man, married and blessed with five wonderful children. When not working, you can find him spending quality time with his family or enjoying a game a soccer.

Todd Perry, CFP ®, CIMA®, CPWA®

Private Wealth Advisor

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

Todd, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, joined Executive Wealth Management in 2019. Prior to joining EWM, he worked as a Senior Financial Planner for an independent wealth management firm gaining extensive experience in financial planning and portfolio management. Todd’s background also includes tax planning and preparation after having prepared returns for over ten years. He believes the integration between taxes and investments, and the proactive planning work involved, are a vital part of the wealth management process and has been previously quoted in the Wall Street Journal discussing the subject in an article titled, "Advisors Focus on 2013 Tax Plans.

Todd is a graduate of Central Michigan University and started in the financial services industry in 2005. In addition to the CFP certification, he has also earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst and Certified Private Wealth Advisor designations. He currently resides in Brighton with his wife, Kristen. When not spending time with their three children, Todd enjoys hockey, golf and being involved in the Brighton community.

Kevin Cross, CFP®

Private Wealth Advisor

Registered Assistant - Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

A graduate of Purdue University with a bachelors degree in Financial Counseling and Planning, Kevin brings over 15 years of industry experience to EWM. The different roles he has served throughout his career have given him valuable exposure to many different sides of the financial services industry including banking, discount brokerage, and wealth management. Kevin can rely on this experience to deliver service to clients and help them with their financial goals, concerns, and questions. Kevin believes that the client always comes first, and it is his responsibility to be the trusted professional clients can come to with any of their financial questions. Kevin is a resident of Chelsea, MI with his wife and two young daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his extended family throughout the state of Michigan, golfing, and cheering for Purdue and Detroit athletic teams. Kevin is actively involved in the community supporting the American Cancer Society as well as various Chelsea High School athletic programs.

Duane Johnson

Private Wealth Advisor

Registered Representative – Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

Duane brings more than 20 years of wealth management experience to Executive Wealth Management. He has served in credit unions, broker dealers and banking institutions with individuals and institutions.

Duane believes that his success lays with creating meaningful relationships; discovering clients goals and hopes, creating a plan together and taking action to reach those goals. This is part of the EWM foundation of Build Defend Advance.

Duane enjoys working on his property and creating an environment to support and attract our local plant and animal life. He is the youngest of twelve children and a native of Southeastern Michigan. He lives in Howell with his wife of 23 years and 3 children.

Duane is delighted to be working locally, to focus more time on doing the things he already supports in our community; Gleaners, Special Olympics, and Brighton Bands!

Jennifer Ralston, ChFC®

PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR & PROCESSING MANAGER

Jennifer joined Executive Wealth Management in 2015 as a Client Associate and is teamed with Adam Kulesza. She specializes in client service and account maintenance requests. She joined EWM with 18 years of industry experience, previously working with Victory Capital Management (formerly Munder Capital Management) out of Birmingham, Michigan. Jennifer resides in White Lake, Michigan with her husband and two daughters and in her free time, enjoys gardening.

Michael R. Barber

Private Wealth Advisor

Location: Northville • Schedule an Appointment

Mike received his first dose of professional education working at his father's CPA firm. His role included accounting, bookkeeping for businesses, and preparing both personal and business tax returns. Working at the CPA firm provided him a unique experience on tax implications within investments.

During his college years, he applied that knowledge as an intern at EWM's Brighton Headquarters, learning the ins and outs of financial services.

In 2018, after graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Mike joined the EWM team full-time in the Northville office. He continued his education by obtaining his Series 65 Uniform Investment Advisor Law License.

Mike is committed to using the firm's most technical tools to identify and incorporate financial planning and portfolio techniques to best position the clients. A true "believer" in a formal planning process, Mike believes that proper planning can make all the difference.

Mike resides in Northville and is newly married to his wife, Jessica. They enjoy spending time outdoors, often with their Portuguese Water Dog, Ruby, and traveling to Northern Michigan.

Chris Hopkins

PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR

Chris Hopkins joined the EWM team as a Private Wealth advisor in March 2022, bringing in 20 years of industry experience.

As a passionate professional, Chris aims to provide the best possible experience for his clients by learning to understand their needs. He emphasizes the importance of working together to build a customized, comprehensive financial plan and investment strategy that helps achieve the goals that matter most to his clients and their loved ones. Chris previously held leadership positions at TD Ameritrade, served as an investment specialist at Charles Schwab, and owned his own wealth advisory business.

Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, cooking, and all things outdoors – especially golf. When not spending time with friends or family, he is active with various local projects and charities in his community. He volunteers for Junior Achievement, helping younger people understand financial and entrepreneurial skills to make smart academic and economic choices in their adult lives. Chris welcomes a chance to get to know you and your family, helping you Live with Confidence!

He is reachable at 941.946.1028

John L. Barbrick

Private Wealth Advisor

Registered Representative – Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Ludington • Schedule an Appointment

Married for over twenty five years to his wife Raina and blessed with four children, John began his career in Financial Services in 2002 after eight years in elementary education in Fairbanks, Alaska. The full financial plan John and the Ludington team work up with each client involves planning for their life goals including college savings, retirement accounts and protection from catastrophic events utilizing insurances when necessary. John has found the independent channel of financial service delivery is his preferred way to offer unbiased advice to meet the changing needs of our clientele.

William Barker

Private Wealth Advisor

Registered Representative – Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Jackson • Schedule an Appointment

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Bill has been in the securities industry for nearly 50 years. He and his partner created the Barker Weber Insurance Agency in 1982 which he operates in addition to the financial advisory side of the business. Through the years Bill has been active in his church and has supported various organizations in the community including Jackson Christian Schools; Center for Women, various 4H Clubs, and other local charities. Bill and his wife live in Jackson, MI and he enjoys the time he is able to spend on the golf course and with his grown children and young grandchildren.

Susan Busch

Private Wealth Advisor

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

Susan graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder. As an active mother, she enjoys ski racing with her family. Her husband is a ski coach at Mount Brighton in addition to his day job. With over 24 years in the investment and banking industry, Susan is committed to assisting individuals, families, and organizations by providing personalized financial planning for those in pursuit of their financial goals.

Shawn Lawson, AAMS

PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR

Location: Colorado • Schedule an Appointment

Grounded in a belief that investing has the power to transform lives, Shawn is driven to serve others, and have a meaningful impact on their lives.

With his Accredited Asset Management Specialist® professional designation and over 20 years of industry experience Shawn understands the diverse wealth planning needs of high net-worth individuals and families. As a Private Wealth Advisor, he leverages his passion and expertise to develop meaningful relationships, build actionable plans, as well as customized portfolios. This allows you to both protect and grow your wealth as you navigate complex markets and transitions in life. Shawn takes great pride in his unique ability to apply logic and knowledge to any situation that you might be facing. His experience allows him to develop a solution that can help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Working with Shawn is also working with the whole team at Executive Wealth Management, a rm that has been managing wealth for families since the early 1980’s with emphasis on a Build, Defend, Advance approach to the investing experience.

Shawn enjoys spending time with his wife Kim and their three kids, traveling together, and fly fishing. Family and community are very important to Shawn; he is a volunteer youth sports coach year around, an active board member with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Co-Founder of the Cardboard sign project.

Julee R. Sarto, AIF®

Private Wealth Advisor

Registered Representative – Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Ludington • Schedule an Appointment

Julee is a native of Michigan and graduate of Ludington High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Hope College in 1992 and began her career in the financial services industry with a large regional firm in Detroit. Julee moved back to the Ludington community in the year 2000 and has been a financial advisor and active community member since. Julee and her husband Dan have 6 wonderful kids ranging from the age of 12 to 23. In addition to working with her clients and spending time with her very busy family Julee loves cooking and working in her garden.

Through the team at Executive Wealth Management Julee can continue to offer the personal service to her clients she is so proud of. The resources at EWM enhance these services through the unique approach to asset management, financial planning tools and support team of advisors and client associates. Julee became an Accredited Investment Fiduciary in 2015 which allows her to work with employer sponsored business plans a specialized capacity to assist them in maneuvering the ever increasing complex world of regulations.

Daniel Weaver

Private Wealth Advisor

Registered Representative – Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Jackson • Schedule an Appointment

Born and raised in the Jackson, MI area, Dan has been helping people map their financial futures since 2007. In 2011, he joined the Executive Wealth Management team. Dan’s experience coupled with his team at EWM allow him to offer a disciplined approach to wealth management. Specializing in businesses and 401k plans, Dan has developed a network of national and local retirement planning resources. Dan plays an active role in the Jackson area and surrounding communities, volunteering and supporting organizations such as 4-H, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Area Manufacturing Association, Home Builders Association, Rise Above, and other local charities. Dan resides in Horton with his wife and enjoys golf, coaching and playing basketball, time on the lake, hunting, and fishing.

Andrew Zehnder

Private Wealth Advisor

Registered Representative – Private Client Services (PCS)

Location: Brighton • Schedule an Appointment

Andrew Zehnder is a lifelong resident of Frankenmuth, Michigan and a graduate of Northwood University. With over 25 years of experience, Andrew prides himself on the relationship he builds with his clients. In his spare time, Andrew is an avid outdoorsman and cultivator of great memories on the family farm in Cedar, MI. Together with his wife, Sarah, they have two sons and a rambunctious daughter.

Andrew R. Szewc

Private Wealth Advisor

Location: Brighton

Andrew Szewc has been a member of Executive Wealth Management since the beginning of 2023.

Andrew strives to provide the highest levels of service and looks forward to building long-term relationships with his clients. He brings to the EWM team a variety of knowledge and experience from a fast-paced, independent firm within the Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network. Andrew will shortly begin studying for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification examination.

Andrew is a proud graduate of Hillsdale College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Financial Management and International Business. When he is not working, he can be found somewhere in the rough on the golf course, taking care of his fitness and boating with family and friends. Andrew is actively involved with his alma mater and community, supporting many charitable organizations, including the Children’s Foundation, JDRF, and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

David Lawrence

Private Wealth Advisor

Location: Northville

David joined Executive Wealth Management in 2023 as a Private Wealth Advisor.

David is a dedicated professional with a decade of industry experience. He is driven to discover each client’s unique needs and builds a tailored plan to help achieve their financial goals.David started his career at UBS Financial Services in 2013, where he built the foundation necessary to deliver a comprehensive experience to his clients. David resides in Ann Arbor, where he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Erika. Both are active members of the Northville Chamber of Commerce.

David welcomes the opportunity to meet with you!

Megan Hurches

Private Wealth Advisor

Location: Northville

Megan Hurches has been a member of the Executive Wealth Management team since early 2023.

Megan's mission and passion lie in helping clients feel empowered by their finances by equipping them with the necessary tools and processes to help bring long-term financial success. Her expertise and dedication help them in achieving this success and living their best lives. Her previous nursing career has given her the unique ability to form genuine and trusting relationships during critical moments in clients' lives. This trait serves her well as a financial advisor.

As a devoted wife and mother of two daughters, Megan enjoys spending time with her family in the kitchen or traveling anywhere they can hike and be outdoors. Megan holds a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and nursing.

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