We exist to serve our clients. We do this by bringing our expertise in investment management and financial planning to bear on your unique circumstances.
Client Focused
Our starting point is you. We work hard at asking the right questions and being careful listeners. Cookie cutter advice and the quick fix won't help us reach our goalxwhich is helping you reach your goals while turning you into a long-term, enthusiastic client.
That means we'll be asking of you some time, some thought, and some feedback. What better investment could you make in your future?
Experienced Professionals
Knowledge is important, but have you considered the "know how factor?" Yes, we have credentials, attend conferences, read widely in our field, and engage in ongoing continuing education. But it's what we've learned through years of hands-on experience working with people just like you that really pays dividends. Whether you're contemplating retirement, are looking for better results from your investment portfolio or need to sort out the financial implications of a major life change, we've already successfully guided dozens of others through similar challenges.
Investment Management
Our clients look to us for prudent management of their "serious" money. We start by helping you assess your tolerance for investment risk and developing a personal investment policy statement. We then begin crafting an overall strategy and specific investment recommendations tailored to your needs. Your questions and feedback are encouraged as we work toward finalizing and then implementing your investment portfolio. Results are reported to you at least quarterly, and face-to-face reviews are held at least once every 12 months.
Gregory De Jong, CFP
(630) 357-2224
greg.dejong@paragonadvisors.com
Greg is president of Paragon Advisors, LLC, which he co-founded in 1995. He serves as one of Paragon's lead financial planners. Greg began his financial planning and investment practice in the Chicago area in 1990. Prior to that, he held marketing management positions with major financial services firms in California and in the Northeast.
Greg is a graduate of Calvin College; in furthering his education, Greg has attained numerous financial services industry credentials, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).
Greg says he enjoys his work because he has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in his clients' lives. He also notes that, with a father and wife who are educators, it comes quite naturally that he enjoys educating clients about the many financial choices they face.
While not at the office, Greg devotes much of his time to his wife, Kathy, and their three children. Greg is an aviation enthusiast and an occasional woodworker. He is also actively involved in his local church.
Bryan Holstrom, JD, CFP
(630) 357-2437
bryan.holstrom@paragonadvisors.com
Bryan joined Paragon Advisors in 2005, coming to the firm with nearly 20 years of investment industry experience. Most recently, he held the position of Regional Marketing Director for a large private money manager.
Bryan is a graduate of the University of Mississippi (BBA), the University of Memphis (MBA), DePaul University (JD), and the Wheaton College Graduate School (MA).
Bryan enjoys working with individuals and families to find comprehensive solutions to all of their financial needs. He seeks to build personal relationships with each of his clients based upon a sincere desire to improve the overall quality of their lives.
When not busy helping clients achieve their financial goals, Bryan spends time with his wife Meredith and their four children.
Bethany Voss
(630) 718-1248
beth.voss@paragonadvisors.com
Bethany Voss joined Paragon Advisors in 2005. While she has a number of administrative duties assigned to her, Beth is primarily responsible for insuring that all client account paperwork is processed in a timely and efficient manner. In this role she has become a valuable assistant to the Director of Client Services (and her aunt) Trudy Voss.
Beth enjoys a variety of sports, both as participant and as spectator. She also cultivates an interest in art, and takes pleasure in reading, movie watching, and spending time with friends and family.
Trudy Voss
(630) 357-1746
trudy.voss@paragonadvisors.com
Trudy began working with Greg De Jong as an administrative assistant in 1993. Her role has expanded over the years, and today she is a key resource for the firm's clients as Director of Client Services. Trudy's organizational skills help ensure that clients are provided timely and accurate service.
She is also a skilled problem solver who thrives on the challenge of executing complex transactions for clients. In her free time, Trudy can often be found enjoying her grandchildren.
Julie Crull
(630) 357-2224
julie.crull@paragonadvisors.com
Julie joined Paragon Advisors in 2007 on a part-time basis. She handles a variety of administrative and clerical duties, and also serves as our morning receptionist.
Julie is a 2007 graduate of Wheaton College, where she earned a BA in Music History & Literature. In addition to her duties at Paragon, she also teaches piano at a local music school. Julie and her husband Brett live in Wheaton.
Sharon Sterenberg
(630) 357-2224
sharon.sterenberg@paragonadvisors.com
Sharon joined Paragon Advisors in 2001 and is responsible for all bookkeeping functions of the firm, as well as the planning and coordinating of special client events.
Sharon and her husband Paul have three sons. In her spare time she enjoys travel, cooking, and gardening.
Kerry Rider
kerry.rider@paragonadvisors.com
Kerry joined Paragon Advisors in 2008 as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. She is responsible for ensuring that the firm’s practices and procedures are in full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
Although Kerry’s formal employment with Paragon did not begin until 2008, she has served as a compliance consultant to the firm for nearly a decade, through the company she founded in 1999, Assured Compliance Advisors. She also recently served as the Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Compliance for Transamerica Financial Advisors.
Kerry is a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles. She and her husband Sebastian and their three children are avid sports fans, and much of their spare time is devoted to numerous athletic activities, both as spectators and participants.
Richard Sackett, CPA
(630) 466-3801
rsackett@tfamail.com
Dick has served as vice-president of Paragon Advisors, LLC, since its inception in 1995. Prior to that he was involved with individuals and small businesses in various management and consulting roles, including portfolio management.
He is a graduate of Iowa State College, and holds the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. The aspect of his work he finds particularly satisfying is assisting people who may not normally have access to financial counsel.
Dick is active at his local church and is treasurer of his homeowner’s association. In addition, he occasionally teaches a class on investing at a nearby community college, as part of a program for senior citizens. Dick and his wife, Carolyn, live in the western suburbs of Chicago, and enjoy traveling in their leisure time.