Firm Profile


Overview

Blue Sky Investment Partners, Inc. is a registered investment advisor located in Evanston, Illinois. We provide comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services to individuals and families in Chicago, on the North Shore and beyond. 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 Investment Partners’ 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 Investment Partners, 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 30 plus 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 with alternative investment strategies including hedge funds, private equity, commodities 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.

Financial Planning - We conduct a comprehensive review of all areas of your personal finances including investments, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning, college planning and mortgages. Our goal is to help you make the most intelligent and cost effective decisions in all areas of your personal finances.

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 30 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, retirees, professional athletes, charitable foundations and retirement plan sponsors. 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 30 plus 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 – Your investment advisor and main point of contact is always an owner of the firm. We will never engage you as a client and pass your portfolio off to a junior staff member. We pride ourselves on returning all client communications within 24 hours or sooner.

Open Door Policy - Our office, located in 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 you work with has their own agenda that does not always meet your needs. Our focus is on getting to know you, discovering what is important to you and then helping you achieve your goals.

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 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, banks and many investment advisors, we do not earn any fees from our clients by charging commissions to buy or sell an investment. There is no pressure from us to purchase specific products and there are no hidden commissions. Since Blue Sky Investment Partners does not sell products or receive any commissions or other compensation from third parties, you can feel completely confident that our recommendations are impartial, unbiased and always in your best interest.

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, often called “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.