Puzzle Wealth Solutions

Bios

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  John E. Klass, Jr.

  CEO & Founder

  John’s career began in 1988 on the anniversary of one of the equity market’s most tumultuous days, and in the years since, he has helped clients manage their wealth through 10 market corrections and three recessions. His dedication to his clients and to always doing the right thing led him to founding Puzzle Wealth and an independent practice. “We never forget who we work for or what is important. People value their family, faith, health and finances. We are in the position where somebody will rely on us with one of these topics.” John believes in delivering holistic wealth management solutions to clients. He enjoys partnering with them on asset allocation and total portfolio management with a focus on charitable giving and estate planning. He believes opportunities to make a major impact in the markets are rare, but is prepared for them every day. Before Puzzle, John was Senior Vice President of The Klaas Group at UBS for 14 years. Prior to that he spent 18 years at Morgan Stanley and a tenure at Burton and Associates. He has distinguished himself by completing the Senior Financial Advisor Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he holds his Series 7, 31, 63 and 65 securities licenses and insurance licenses. John lives in Barrington Hills and is happily married with three children. Passionate about child safety and children’s rights, he has been actively involved with the KlaasKids Foundation since its inception. John Klaas is a registered representative with, and securities offered through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA / SIPC. Gladstone Wealth Partners is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

  Link: John E. Klass, Jr.

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  Karoline O’Connor

  Senior Director of Business Development

  Karoline has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined John in 1993 and they’ve remained a solid team ever since. As Senior Director of Business Development, a few of the things she is responsible for include, business development and marketing, leading the client services team, and assisting clients with their wealth planning process. Karoline has experience as a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate for UBS from 2007 to 2021, an associate wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley from 1995 to 2007, and as an assistant to the vice president of investments at Parkway Bank and Trust Company from 1989 to 1995. She graduated from Elmhurst College with a B.S. in finance. Karoline is actively involved in the PTA and multiple sports while raising three sons with her husband of 27 years. Karoline O’Connor is a registered assistant with, and securities offered through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA / SIPC. Gladstone Wealth Partners is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

  Link: Karoline O’Connor

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  Steven Connolly CFP®

  CIO, CCO & Controller

  Steve firmly believes that by getting to know his clients’ complete financial situation, from their investment holdings to their liabilities to their short-term and long-term goals, he is able to deliver not just a singular investment solution, but a long-range strategy to help them meet their personal objectives and goals. As a Certified Financial Planner™ and Senior Portfolio Manager, Steve enjoys advising a wide range of clients on their unique financial strategy and guiding them through allocation and investment decisions. Steve’s background is in business management and is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He lives in the Barrington area with his wife, Cathy, and two daughters. In his free time, he is an avid golfer, wine collector and college football fan. Steven Connolly is a registered representative with, and securities offered through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA / SIPC. Gladstone Wealth Partners is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

  Certifications:

  Link: Steven Connolly CFP®

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  David Millington CFP®, CEPA®

  President & COO

  David prides himself on advising clients with the intention of reducing or eliminating financial stress. David has worked with John, Karoline, and Steve since 2003. He has taken a passion to the investment world ever since he built his first stock portfolio in 7th grade. His tenacious work ethic stems back to his days as a newspaper delivery boy—his first paycheck at the age of 8 still hangs on his wall. As a Certified Financial Planner™ David enjoys being able to offer fiduciary advice to the clients he partners with. His experience with mergers and acquisitions makes him a vital asset to business owners as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor®. He heads Puzzle’s Business Development committee and serves on the Investment Committee as a Senior Portfolio Manager. David is honored to be included in the Forbes Best-in-State list of top advisors for 2021. Prior to joining The Klaas Group, David was a Founding Partner of Arcis Trading in Chicago, IL. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in finance in 1999. He and his family reside in Inverness, IL. His passions include watching his boys compete in several sports, cheering on Chicago sports teams, and working on lowering his golf handicap. David Millington is a registered representative with, and securities offered through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA / SIPC. Gladstone Wealth Partners is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

  Certifications:

  Link: David Millington CFP®, CEPA®

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  Robert A. Davit, CIMA®

  Managing Director

  Bob has been providing multigenerational wealth solutions for over 25 years. As a Certified Investment Management Analyst®, he enjoys helping clients achieve their short- and long-term financial goals by using portfolio architecture as the driving force in client outcome. Prior to joining the team in 2018, Bob spent 12 years at UBS and 13 years with Merrill Lynch as an investment vice president. Bob graduated from Bradley University with a degree in engineering. Bob and his family are residents of Barrington and are active in youth sports. He is a past Rotarian of the Year with the Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club and is a proud contributor to the Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout. In his free time, Bob refurbishes farm equipment and farms hay. Robert A. Davit is a registered representative with, and securities offered through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA / SIPC. Gladstone Wealth Partners is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

  Certifications:

  Link: Robert A. Davit, CIMA®

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  Kathleen A. Miller

  Director, Operations

  Kathleen joined the team in 2014. She has 25 years of experience in the investment industry. Her background as a Financial Advisor, Trading Supervisor, and Operation Supervisor while at Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab and BMO Harris Bank make her a vital asset to the team. She enjoys interacting with clients and providing exceptional service to ensure clients have a positive long term relationship with our team. Kathleen graduated with a BS degree in Finance from Southern Illinois University. She has been married to her husband, Jeff, for 29 years and they are the proud parents of three children. Kathleen Miller is a registered representative with, and securities offered through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA / SIPC. Gladstone Wealth Partners is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

  Link: Kathleen A. Miller

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  Alexander William Klaas

  Wealth Advisor

  Alex joined the team in 2014. He enjoys being able to advise a wide variety of clients on everything from efficient investment practices to client acquisition and retention, and focuses on creating a customized goals analysis in each one of his clients financial plans. As a fiduciary, he believes it’s his responsibility to educate clients throughout their financial journey with the intention of helping them be better prepared for what lies ahead. After graduating from the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University with a B.S. in finance, he obtained his Series 7, 66, and 9 securities licenses. He is licensed to sell life, health, and variable life insurance as well as variable annuities. Outside of work, Alex and his wife, Hannah, spend time volunteering at organizations such as the KlaasKids Foundation and the Oklahoma State Child Development Laboratory, which focus on child safety and mentorship. Alexander Klaas is a registered representative with, and securities offered through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA / SIPC. Gladstone Wealth Partners is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

  Link: Alexander William Klaas

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  Christopher John Sagan, CFP®

  Wealth Advisor

  Chris joined the team in 2017. As a Certified Financial Planner™, Chris enjoys working with clients, planning for their future through comprehensive, coordinated and holistic financial planning. He helps clients work towards their financial goals by identifying opportunities and addressing risks, presenting solutions to maximize the impact of his recommendations, as well as building and maintaining tailored investment portfolios. Chris graduated from Purdue University in 2002 where he entered into a trading career. He left the options trading industry after 12 years to focus on helping people with their financial decisions. Outside of his professional life, he sits on the Next Generation Board at the DuPage Children’s Museum. He has been married for 12 years and is the proud father of two boys. Christopher Sagan is a registered representative with, and securities offered through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA / SIPC. Gladstone Wealth Partners is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

  Certifications:

  Link: Christopher John Sagan, CFP®

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  Mark Gorman

  Director, Trading

  Mark joined the team in 2018 with nearly a decade of experience in the financial services industry. He is responsible for assisting the team’s efforts in managing client investments through portfolio construction, research and trade execution. Mark’s input enables the team to make informed investment decisions designed to preserve and grow family assets for current and future generations. A knowledgeable and efficient problem-solver, Mark is deeply committed to serving the complex financial needs of the team’s clients. Previously, Mark spent several years as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch and as a sales consultant at Deutsche Asset Management. He began his career at UBS working within Private Wealth Management as part of The Klaas Group. He graduated with a B.S. in finance and marketing from Marquette University and earned his M.B.A., with honors, in financial analysis from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

  Link: Mark Gorman

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  Nicholas Joseph Shealy

  Operations

  Nick joined the team in 2019 after working as an advisor associate for three years with Bayshore Wealth Advisors in Miami, FL. Nick graduated from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University with a B.S. in finance. He holds his Series 65 securities license. Nick is an avid Buckeye and lives in Palatine with his dog, Frankie.

  Link: Nicholas Joseph Shealy