Firm Profile
Overview
Blue Sky Investment Partners is a registered investment advisor located in Evanston, Illinois. We provide wealth management and investment consulting services to individuals, families and institutions. We pride ourselves on our client-centered approach to investment management. We work collaboratively with clients to build, manage, and preserve wealth. Blue Sky Investment Partners is 100% independent, employee-owned and fee-based.
Our Mission
Blue Sky’s mission is to provide our clients a supportive financial framework so they can live a rewarding and meaningful life. We accomplish our mission by first identifying how a client's assets connect to meaning and purpose in the client's life goals. We then work with our clients to create a financial action plan and craft a custom portfolio designed specifically for each client.
Our Approach
Most wealth management firms treat the portfolio and not the person. At Blue Sky, you are the client, not your money. Our main focus is the personal connection we have with our clients. After first exploring a client's life and financial goals, we will then have an open discussion about obstacles, concerns, problems and beliefs about money and investing. We then help our clients construct a pathway to their goals. We are diligent about monitoring progress towards goals and also helping clients set new goals as changes in life occur.
Our Competitive Edge
Portfolio Management - We have a unique and successful approach to portfolio management and portfolio construction that has been developed and refined over the past 14 years. In addition to our deep knowledge of traditional investments like stocks, bonds, mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs), we also have extensive experience using many alternative investment strategies including hedge funds, private equity, commodities, oil and gas, timber and real estate. These strategies are excellent diversifiers and can reduce the overall risk level of a portfolio creating a smoother pathway through rocky markets.
Independence - We are 100% independent and 100% employee-owned. We have no affiliations with brokerage firms, mutual fund companies, banks or insurance companies. We are, therefore, open to recommend any investment without conflict. Our advice to you is completely unbiased and objective. We are willing to consider any investment that passes our rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis. In comparison, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and banks often have incentives to only use their in-house funds which may or may not be the best and most cost effective choice for you.
Fee Based - We are a 100% fee-based firm. Unlike brokerage firms, many banks and many investment advisors, we do not earn any fees from our clients by charging commissions. There is no pressure from us to purchase specific products and there are no hidden commissions. Since Blue Sky does not sell products or receive any commissions or other compensation from third parties, you can feel completely confident that our recommendations are impartial and unbiased.
Fiduciary Duty - We are fiduciaries. A fiduciary duty is the highest standard of care imposed by law. A fiduciary is required to place the interests of their clients first. They must not put their personal interests before their fiduciary duty, and must not profit from their position as a fiduciary. Stockbrokers, Financial Advisors, Account Executives and Financial Consultants are not fiduciaries. They are only obligated to give "suitable advice" to clients. A stockbroker is required to place the interests of their respective brokerage firm first, not their client's interests.
Professional Experience and Credentials - Michael Willman, President, has both a B.S. and an M.B.A. in Finance from DePaul University with a focus on investments. In addition, Mr. Willman has over 16 years of experience conducting investment research, constructing investment portfolios and an expertise in advising clients on complex investment matters. Mr. Willman has counseled and designed investment strategies for wealthy individuals and families, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, professional athletes, charitable foundations and retirement plan sponsors with combined assets of over $600 million. Mr. Willman also has key experience as a teacher and corporate trainer.
Proactive Investors - We are forward thinking, proactive investors. Our goal is to tilt portfolios toward the areas of greatest opportunity. We stay abreast of economic and market trends by reading newspapers, other periodicals, Wall Street research, investment newsletters and websites and by talking to numerous industry experts. We make great use of our vast network of investment contacts built over the past 13 years.
Cost Focus - We have a laser sharp focus on controlling investment fees, reducing taxes and helping our clients save money in all financial areas.
Communication - Our communication and advice to clients is clear and direct. We pride ourselves on "telling it like it is". Our only agenda is to help our clients reach their goals. We also make sure our clients clearly understand any communications we present or send to them. We know that personal finance may not be your first language, so we will educate and communicate with patience and sensitivity.
Service - When you contact us you will always speak to an owner of the firm. We pride ourselves on returning all client communications within 24 hours or sooner.
Open Door Policy - Our office, located in downtown Evanston, has an open door policy. Our clients are always welcome to stop by to ask questions, have their concerns addressed or to update us on life changes that may affect their goals.
Listening Skills - It may seem today like everyone has their own agenda. Our focus is on getting to know you, discovering what is important to you and then helping you achieve your goals.