"Rich is a rare find in this business. Besides having the prerequisite deep expertise that I would expect out of any top wealth manager and insurance advisor, Rich stays ten steps ahead of my family’s needs, delivers every time with comprehensive and tailored plans to meet those needs and is always incredibly responsive, client-focused and service-oriented. He has been an impact player for us from day one."

— Jason Quintana, Client, Partner - Mayer Brown

 

"I’ve worked with Rich now for nearly a decade and can’t say enough good things about him and his team. His financial acumen and overall guidance has not only helped me to build my personal wealth, but also to put in place the guiderails needed to ensure it stays protected for me and my family for years to come. Rich has also gone out of his way to help me network throughout the city and always has time for a quick check in."

— Tom Welch, Client, Private Equity Professional

"Rich and Joe are my valued financial advisers, and would recommend them with high confidence to anyone. They hooked me when they went the extraordinary step to visit family members, which were some distance away from their office. They obviously will take the extra step to fulfill needs."

— Brian A. Sytsma, CFO, Client

"We moved to using Joe for our financial needs in 2017 after having had a disappointing experience with a previous advisor. He and his team are professional, extremely knowledgeable, and always looking out for our best interest. Joe has been able to talk my husband off the cliff several times (which I am very thankful for!). Joe always has an appropriate solution for any questions or issues we may have. We enjoy our check-ins with Joe. He is a kind and lovely man."

— Maureen Clark, Client

"Rich lives with more passion for contributing and helping people than probably anyone I know. His life is a living, breathing example of service. Whether he is serving on the Board of Directors for GRIP Youth Outreach an inner city youth program aimed at providing mentoring and encouragement for at risk youth in the Cabrini Green area or contributing to countless other non-profit endeavors focused on giving back or servicing his hundreds of clients inside his personal financial advisory practice. His heart is in the same place with them all. One of the most unique talents Rich has is how much he refers business to the many people in his life. He is not only prospecting himself to grow his network but it's almost like he is constantly looking for ways to bless the people he is closest to with customers. He is as much on the lookout for that type of stuff as he is for himself! It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of how business should be conducted. It's almost revolutionary in theory and could be the very piece of the puzzle that many miss which is spurred from his selflessness. In fact selfless is a perfect word to describe Rich. You’ll love knowing him in whatever the capacity because more than likely they will all be combined eventually…Friend, client, mentor, student, etc."

— Dave Brown, Client, Founding Partner

"I met Joe in the fall of 2007 after a friend suggested that I speak to him about my financial planning needs. Quite frankly, I thought I was all set before I met him, but I decided to meet with him as a courtesy. Wow.... a few months after our initial meeting, I realized it was a life changing event. I was a young, successful recently divorced mother of twin boys. Joe suggested financial planning products and strategies that would be useful for me at the time, and products/services that would be beneficial for my family in the future. He wasn't pushy, but was quite tenacious and persistent in explaining why certain products were necessary for my security. Joe is incredibly ethical and honest. He candidly advised me that some products were not necessary or beneficial to my financial goals. His integrity instilled my complete confidence in him, as he put my interests ahead of his own. All I can say is thank goodness Joe didn't give up on me. A month after our initial meeting, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It was a life-changing and potentially financially devastating diagnosis. However, because of Joe's skill and knowledge I had a financial plan in place which allowed me and my family to remain financially intact. I can't thank Joe enough for all of his help, his kindness and most importantly his financial planning acumen. I am forever grateful! I highly recommend Joe to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and ethical financial advisor. He truly is the best!!"

- Stephanie Bass

"Rich has a tremendous handle on all things related to wealth management, financial advising, and insurance. I am confident whenever I refer clients to Rich that he will exceed expectations and provide holistic advice and planning strategy."

— Ryan Gardner, Client

"I have worked with Joe Smith for my personal financial issues and with him for client’s matters. His integrity, professionalism and expertise make him my go to insurance and financial advisor."

— Joel N. Goldblatt, Client

"I started working with Joe prior to the Great Recession in 2007. His breadth of knowledge of financial planning along with his genuine interest in protecting his client's financial interests are the qualities that make me continue this partnership."

— Dr. Margaret Nettleton, Client, Physician

"Rich is an invaluable Chicago-based superconnector. Beyond helping me understand and navigate various insurance strategies for my business and personal needs, he continues to provide enriching introductions to some of the most fascinating and quality people."

— Thomas Kim, Client, Entrepreneur and Early Stage Investor

"I have been Mr. Woo’s client for over ten years. I chose to consolidate my investments into accounts managed by him because I receive thoughtful guidance and no pressure. He takes time to learn about my financial needs, plans, and concerns. I appreciate his calm demeanor and commitment to transparency. He and his team are responsive, provide clear information, and follow-up as promised. I referred two close friends to Mr. Woo in the past six months, and both have reported to me that they had positive experiences and they look forward to working with him."

— George A., Client

"Joe has a sincere interest in meeting his client’s goal and objectives. He takes the time to listen to what those goals and objectives are and is open to constructive feedback to ensure the financial plan designed is in tune with them."

— John Roberts, Client

"Rich's best talent is listening, which is a lost art form. His ability to ask insightful questions and take copious mental notes has been impressive. These traits, in my opinion, are the foundation for building tremendous relationships and providing specific value for his friends, associates and clients. Lastly and most importantly, Rich has continued to remain grounded and humble as he continues to succeed in his career."

— Amir Syed, Client, SVP Mortgage Lending