It all just makes sense—an inclusive and diverse wealth management firm providing comprehensive planning for financial, estate, business, and tax services customized for each client.

While we have noted before about the problems with customer service (Service Stinks) and structurally how we combat it with our four-member service team (Socrates), we wanted to introduce you to the lead members of that team in one place. That's because these members of Members' Wealth form the foundation of how we serve our clients. 

Having a four-member professional, experienced service team is very important for the Members’ Wealth service model. The team-based approach distinguishes Members’ Wealth from many organizations where clients are only serviced by one individual. 

The team-based approach is more costly to deliver, but we believe strongly that it is what is best for each of our clients.  

The 4-Person Service Team

Financial Advisor 

The advisor role is a mile wide, and they really get to know the family or individual with whom they're working. They bring together the team for the benefit of the family; they drive the overall process.  

Advisor - Timothy Macarak, CFP® 

The Advisor Designation - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

For more than 30 years, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification (CFP®) has been the standard of excellence for financial planners. CFP® professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements, and commit to the CFP® Board's ethical standards that require them to put their clients' interests first. That's why partnering with a CFP® professional gives consumers confidence today and a more secure tomorrow. 

Portfolio Manager 

The portfolio manager is an investment specialist. They are the person that can go a mile deep and focus heavily on the investments. The portfolio manager works with the advisor and the family to design a custom investment plan for the family based on their needs. 

Portfolio Manager - Dane Czaplicki, CFA 

The Portfolio Manager Designation - CFA®

Earning the CFA® charter is a highly selective process. Fewer than one in five candidates become a CFA charterholder. It takes an average of 1,000+ hours of rigorous study, along with four years of professional experience and successful completion of the CFA® Program exam, to earn the distinction of being called a Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder.  All CFA charterholders are required to annually attest to their compliance with the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. 

The CFA® credential is the professional standard of choice for more than 31,000 investment firms worldwide.  

Estate & Tax Planning Specialists 

The estate planner and tax planning specialists have a depth of knowledge in both estate and tax law. And when working in conjunction with the advisor and the investment professional, they craft and implement a plan for the family that is coordinated, full of asset protection and very tax efficient.

Planning Specialist – Marie Feindt, J.D.

Estate Planning Background

Estate planning is a complex and highly specialized area of law, and an estate attorney with a JD is a legal professional who has undergone extensive training and education to provide expert counsel in this field. Estate attorneys help individuals and families plan for the management and transfer of their assets and wealth, while minimizing tax liabilities and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. 

To become an estate attorney with a JD, one must first obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. After graduation, they must pass the bar exam in their state and gain professional experience in the field of estate planning. This experience typically involves working with clients to create wills, trusts, and other legal instruments designed to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out. 

Estate attorneys with a JD are also required to adhere to strict ethical standards and guidelines established by their state bar association. They must demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in all their dealings with clients and uphold the highest ethical standards. With their extensive knowledge and experience in estate planning, they can help clients navigate complex legal and financial issues and create a comprehensive plan for the management and transfer of their wealth. 

Client Service Specialists

Client Service is really the glue that holds the whole team together. They are there for the client when nobody else is. When you call into dedicated service lines, you get an actual person answering that you know and trust and can help coordinate with others to get the answer you need. And you can know it is the correct answer. 

Client Experience - Colleen Mahoney

A client service representative is a professional who serves as a primary point of contact between a company and its clients. While there is no formal degree or designation required, empathy, years of experience, and a passion for service are essential attributes that make a client service representative a professional in their field. 

Client service representatives are responsible for providing prompt and courteous support to clients, addressing their inquiries, and resolving any issues they may encounter. They must possess strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and have a solid understanding of the products or services offered by their company. 

Successful client service representatives demonstrate a deep sense of empathy and a willingness to go the extra mile to help clients meet their needs. They must also have excellent problem-solving skills, be able to think on their feet, and work well under pressure. 

While not required, many client service representatives have several years of experience in customer service-related roles. They may have also completed training programs or courses to enhance their skills and knowledge in customer service.

Partnering with a client service representative who possesses the above qualities can greatly enhance the customer experience and build a strong and loyal client base for the company. With their expertise, they can provide valuable insights and recommendations to the company on how to better serve its clients and improve its products or services. 

Operational Support

Now while these outward-facing roles are all key elements of our service offering here at Members’ Wealth, it would be a large oversight to not recognize the importance of operational support. And not just any operational support. Our Director of Operations scores high on the tenacity for efficiency side, showing no mercy on wringing out inefficiencies coupled with a ridiculous drive to make everything better. But most importantly for Members’ Wealth, Tim blends this dedication to operations with a true passion for service and drive to help families achieve their financial goals. He doubles as an advisor to a growing number of families that know and trust Tim to do what’s right for their families, including introducing those families to Members’ Wealth.  

Director of Operations - Tim Thomas

The Director of Operations is a critical role in any organization, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. While not always client-facing, the importance of the role cannot be overlooked, as the Director of Operations provides vital support to the CFP®, CFA Charterholder, JD, and Client Service team. 

The Director of Operations is responsible for ensuring that all operational activities are conducted efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. They must possess a broad range of skills, including project management, financial analysis, process improvement, and personnel management. 

To excel in this role, a Director of Operations typically has several years of experience in a management position and a proven track record of success in leading teams and achieving business objectives. They may also hold a degree in a related field, such as business administration or management. 

The Director of Operations works closely with the CFP®, CFA Charter holder, JD, and Client Service team to identify areas of improvement and implement solutions that enhance the client experience. Through their leadership, strategic thinking, and operational expertise, they help to ensure the organization's success and provide a strong foundation for delivering exceptional service to clients. 

Why Our Service Model Matters to Clients

Members' Wealth strongly believes that its team-based approach to client servicing is what sets it apart from other organizations. Its four-member service team comprising a CFP® advisor, a CFA charterholder portfolio manager, an estate planning specialist, and a client service representative, provides clients with a coordinated, personalized, and tax-efficient wealth management solution. With their extensive training and experience, the team can help clients navigate complex legal and financial issues while adhering to the highest ethical standards. By partnering with Members' Wealth, clients can receive prompt and courteous support, addressing their inquiries and resolving any issues they may encounter. 

About the Author – Dane Czaplicki, CFA®

Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane thrives on satisfying his clients by creating a financial plan that offers peace and confidence. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.

Dane received his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and his MBA from The Wharton School. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.

To get in touch with the Members’ Wealth team today, I invite you to email info@memberswealthllc.com or call (267) 367-5453. 

You can learn more about how we serve our clients by tapping the button below.

Alternative investments, including hedge funds, involve risks that may not be suitable for all investors. These risks include (but are not limited to), the possibility that the investment may not be liquid, speculative investment practices may increase the risk of investment loss and higher fees may offset any potential gains. Investors should consider the tax consequences, costs, and fees associated with these products before investing.

CS Planning Corp., doing business as, Members’ Wealth LLC provides investment advisory, wealth management, and other services to individuals, families, and institutional clients. Advisory services are offered through CS Planning Corp., an SEC-registered investment advisor. Members’ Wealth does not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisors before taking any action that may have tax consequences.

Copyright © 2023 Members' Wealth LLC

Advisory services are offered through CS Planning Corp., an SEC-registered investment advisor.