Helping You Pursue Your Financial Goals
Meet the Team
The Heartland Group
Zachary J. Birkey
CFP
CFP
Vice President/Investments; Branch Manager
8156145760
Zach utilizes a consultative wealth management process to help his clients prioritize and pursue the goals that matter most.
Zach’s passion for helping improve the futures of others, combined with his knowledge of the markets and wealth planning process, serves him well as a financial advisor. He works closely with successful professionals, business owners, and retirees who are often focused on the demands of their busy lives and seek a highly personal financial advisor to identify their unique concerns and motivations. Zach has periodic review discussions with clients and helps them make adjustments as changes occur. Whether the desired outcome is an early retirement, purchase of a second home, education planning, or charitable giving, Zach develops customized strategies to help his clients pursue those goals.
Zach has worked with clients to create comprehensive wealth management plans for more than 16 years. He earned the Certified Financial Planner™ certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., which identifies those individuals who have met the experience requirements of the CFP® Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework, and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics/Finance from Olivet Nazarene University.
Zach is an outgoing person who enjoys staying busy. He and his wife, Briley, have two young boys, Creighton and Maddon, and a girl, Scotlyn Jo, that all attend Southwest Chicago Christian School at the Tinley Park campus. They love to travel, visit friends and family, and are active in Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, Illinois. Their favorite trip their family has taken was a tour of the Holy Land in Israel, and their favorite local place to spend time as a family is downtown Frankfort. Zach is also a sports fan, having played basketball throughout college, and is an avid Chicago Bulls and Cubs fan. In addition to volunteering at his church, he shares his time and leadership skills coaching little league baseball and youth basketball, as well as serving as treasurer for Phi Delta Lambda Alumni at Olivet Nazarene University.
Zach’s passion for helping improve the futures of others, combined with his knowledge of the markets and wealth planning process, serves him well as a financial advisor. He works closely with successful professionals, business owners, and retirees who are often focused on the demands of their busy lives and seek a highly personal financial advisor to identify their unique concerns and motivations. Zach has periodic review discussions with clients and helps them make adjustments as changes occur. Whether the desired outcome is an early retirement, purchase of a second home, education planning, or charitable giving, Zach develops customized strategies to help his clients pursue those goals.
Zach has worked with clients to create comprehensive wealth management plans for more than 16 years. He earned the Certified Financial Planner™ certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., which identifies those individuals who have met the experience requirements of the CFP® Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework, and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics/Finance from Olivet Nazarene University.
Zach is an outgoing person who enjoys staying busy. He and his wife, Briley, have two young boys, Creighton and Maddon, and a girl, Scotlyn Jo, that all attend Southwest Chicago Christian School at the Tinley Park campus. They love to travel, visit friends and family, and are active in Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, Illinois. Their favorite trip their family has taken was a tour of the Holy Land in Israel, and their favorite local place to spend time as a family is downtown Frankfort. Zach is also a sports fan, having played basketball throughout college, and is an avid Chicago Bulls and Cubs fan. In addition to volunteering at his church, he shares his time and leadership skills coaching little league baseball and youth basketball, as well as serving as treasurer for Phi Delta Lambda Alumni at Olivet Nazarene University.
Ronald S. Ouwenga
CFP
CFP
Senior Vice President/Investments
8156145760
Ronald develops and helps his clients manage their investment plans using risk management strategies while seeking to generate wealth throughout multiple generations. For more than 20 years, he has been a committed and vital financial advisor to individuals and families seeking a professional to help them pursue their financial goals. Understanding that each client is unique, he takes the time to create detailed wealth management plans for his clients that are tailored to their goals and needs.
Drawing upon his vast experience and ongoing education, Ronald creates customized strategies for a broad array of clients. This includes younger clients, who may require an investment plan designed to build wealth, and clients nearing or in retirement, who may require a comprehensive plan designed to guide them from the accumulation to distribution phase of their financial life. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, Ronald and his family spent 14 years building a successful food service business, which was ultimately sold to a publicly traded company. His experience as a business owner provides a unique perspective and strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by small business owners.
Ronald earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., which identifies those individuals who have met the experience requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework, and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination. He also earned a B.S. in Agricultural Sales and Marketing from Purdue University.
Ronald, a lifelong resident of Kankakee County, and his wife have six children and six beautiful grandchildren. He is a well-known leader in the community and has actively volunteered his time and leadership skills by coaching youth sports and served on the board of directors for the International Fresh-Cut Processors Association, Youth for Christ, and the Bible League International.
Drawing upon his vast experience and ongoing education, Ronald creates customized strategies for a broad array of clients. This includes younger clients, who may require an investment plan designed to build wealth, and clients nearing or in retirement, who may require a comprehensive plan designed to guide them from the accumulation to distribution phase of their financial life. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, Ronald and his family spent 14 years building a successful food service business, which was ultimately sold to a publicly traded company. His experience as a business owner provides a unique perspective and strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by small business owners.
Ronald earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., which identifies those individuals who have met the experience requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework, and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination. He also earned a B.S. in Agricultural Sales and Marketing from Purdue University.
Ronald, a lifelong resident of Kankakee County, and his wife have six children and six beautiful grandchildren. He is a well-known leader in the community and has actively volunteered his time and leadership skills by coaching youth sports and served on the board of directors for the International Fresh-Cut Processors Association, Youth for Christ, and the Bible League International.
Jeff F. Schimmelpfennig
MBA
MBA
Vice President/Investments
8156145760
Jeff works closely with his clients in developing investment strategies for their retirement and to provide a legacy for future generations.
Jeff is passionate about being a financial advisor and is gratified by coaching clients to implement a disciplined approach to investing. With a diverse client base of individuals preparing for or in retirement, he takes a personalized approach to planning and takes the time to gain a strong understanding of his clients and their families. As a result, he delivers customized plans that align with his clients’ goals, aspirations, and needs. Whether it’s to help manage his clients’ wealth, develop retirement income or charitable giving strategies, or help leave a lasting legacy to the next generation, he will design a plan with a focus on balancing the appropriate amount of risk and return for his clients’ needs.
Prior to joining Stifel, Jeff worked at Morgan Stanley from 2009 to 2018. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, he spent 13 years with Olivet Nazarene University serving in several leadership roles, including Director of Financial Aid, Athletic Director, and faculty member. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA from Olivet Nazarene University.
Outside the office, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, Carla (Reno), a registered physical therapist, and their three adult children, Daley, Bennet, and Carson and their spouses. He is highly active in his local church and believes his lifelong journey has helped shape his decisions and family values and prioritize his time. The discipline of faith and athletics has helped him build a solid foundation in his long-term approach to wealth management.
Jeff is passionate about being a financial advisor and is gratified by coaching clients to implement a disciplined approach to investing. With a diverse client base of individuals preparing for or in retirement, he takes a personalized approach to planning and takes the time to gain a strong understanding of his clients and their families. As a result, he delivers customized plans that align with his clients’ goals, aspirations, and needs. Whether it’s to help manage his clients’ wealth, develop retirement income or charitable giving strategies, or help leave a lasting legacy to the next generation, he will design a plan with a focus on balancing the appropriate amount of risk and return for his clients’ needs.
Prior to joining Stifel, Jeff worked at Morgan Stanley from 2009 to 2018. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, he spent 13 years with Olivet Nazarene University serving in several leadership roles, including Director of Financial Aid, Athletic Director, and faculty member. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA from Olivet Nazarene University.
Outside the office, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, Carla (Reno), a registered physical therapist, and their three adult children, Daley, Bennet, and Carson and their spouses. He is highly active in his local church and believes his lifelong journey has helped shape his decisions and family values and prioritize his time. The discipline of faith and athletics has helped him build a solid foundation in his long-term approach to wealth management.
Michael J. Bruner
Vice President/Investments
8156145760
Michael has been helping clients pursue their short- and long-term goals for more than 35 years. Prior to joining Stifel in 2018, he served as Branch Manager of Morgan Stanley’s Bourbonnais office from 2001 to 2012. His ability and desire to build strong client relationships and deliver an outstanding client experience are core reasons he continually strives to be a trusted financial advisor to his clients. He earned a B.S. from Illinois State University.
Michael serves a diverse group of clients, including foundations and endowments, successful professionals, and affluent families with substantial and complex assets. Combining his wisdom and experience, Michael works with his clients to craft a plan that aligns their needs and intentions with their investments. Whether it’s helping a retiree develop customized retirement income strategies or assisting a nonprofit organization in managing their spending requirements and commitments, Michael will design a plan with a focus on balancing the appropriate amount of risk and return for his clients’ needs.
Outside the office, Michael volunteers with several organizations that improve his local community. He serves as a trustee for the Village of Herscher and as a member of the Herscher Lions and Herscher Chamber of Commerce. He is also the president of Herscher Townhouse, a non-profit organization that provides housing for low-income seniors, and treasurer of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Herscher. An avid sports enthusiast, he was also president of the local youth football league from 1998 to 2005. Michael and his wife, Sue, have two children, Dara and Philip. They also have five grandchildren.
Michael serves a diverse group of clients, including foundations and endowments, successful professionals, and affluent families with substantial and complex assets. Combining his wisdom and experience, Michael works with his clients to craft a plan that aligns their needs and intentions with their investments. Whether it’s helping a retiree develop customized retirement income strategies or assisting a nonprofit organization in managing their spending requirements and commitments, Michael will design a plan with a focus on balancing the appropriate amount of risk and return for his clients’ needs.
Outside the office, Michael volunteers with several organizations that improve his local community. He serves as a trustee for the Village of Herscher and as a member of the Herscher Lions and Herscher Chamber of Commerce. He is also the president of Herscher Townhouse, a non-profit organization that provides housing for low-income seniors, and treasurer of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Herscher. An avid sports enthusiast, he was also president of the local youth football league from 1998 to 2005. Michael and his wife, Sue, have two children, Dara and Philip. They also have five grandchildren.
Brian P. Thomas
First Vice President/Investments
8156145760
Although you may catch him wearing jeans in the office, don’t let the attire fool you. Brian brings nearly 35 years of diverse investment experience and knowledge to the table. Prior to joining Stifel in 2018, he worked at Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firms since 1990.
Brian believes in a personalized, consultative approach and strong attention to detail in earning your trust and business. Whether it’s guidance on how to potentially attain higher returns or developing and coordinating tax-advantaged withdrawal strategies for your retirement income needs, Brian seeks to find the right balance of portfolio returns and risk necessary in pursuing your investment and retirement goals.
In addition, Brian leverages his extensive experience in discussing and understanding the challenges faced by endowment and foundation boards. He works with committees on developing investment and spending policies, selecting asset allocations and investments, and conducting periodic portfolio reviews with them, all while helping them keep a keen eye on portfolio risk and expenses.
Brian is a lifelong resident of Kankakee County and is the youngest of seven brothers and has one sister. He worked his way through college, graduating from Olivet Nazarene University, where he attained a B.S. in Business Administration. He maintains a strong faith-based approach to life and enjoys spending time with his family, outdoors, and traveling.
Brian believes in a personalized, consultative approach and strong attention to detail in earning your trust and business. Whether it’s guidance on how to potentially attain higher returns or developing and coordinating tax-advantaged withdrawal strategies for your retirement income needs, Brian seeks to find the right balance of portfolio returns and risk necessary in pursuing your investment and retirement goals.
In addition, Brian leverages his extensive experience in discussing and understanding the challenges faced by endowment and foundation boards. He works with committees on developing investment and spending policies, selecting asset allocations and investments, and conducting periodic portfolio reviews with them, all while helping them keep a keen eye on portfolio risk and expenses.
Brian is a lifelong resident of Kankakee County and is the youngest of seven brothers and has one sister. He worked his way through college, graduating from Olivet Nazarene University, where he attained a B.S. in Business Administration. He maintains a strong faith-based approach to life and enjoys spending time with his family, outdoors, and traveling.
Myron L. Hendrix
First Vice President/Investments
8156145760
Myron has been providing wealth management and investment services for more than 40 years. Prior to joining Stifel in 2018, he worked at Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firms. He earned a B.S. in Agricultural from the University of Illinois.
Throughout his extensive investment industry experience, Myron has developed a passion for helping individuals, families, and business owners develop customized wealth management strategies. He also focuses on providing personalized financial guidance to families across multiple generations as they navigate each stage of their lives.
Throughout his extensive investment industry experience, Myron has developed a passion for helping individuals, families, and business owners develop customized wealth management strategies. He also focuses on providing personalized financial guidance to families across multiple generations as they navigate each stage of their lives.
Joseph P. Sikma
Financial Advisor
8156145760
Joe was raised to make it a priority to help others, which is why he decided to become a Financial Advisor. As part of The Heartland Group, he focuses on developing wealth management and retirement planning strategies that align with his clients’ goals. Recognizing that each client has different needs, Joe dedicates himself to appreciate their situation before creating a plan. He will help simplify, coordinate, implement, and periodically review his clients’ wealth management plans with them to help them pursue their goals.
Joe earned a B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois-Champaign and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. Outside the office, Joe and his wife, Abigail, enjoy spending time with their young son, Rhett. They are active in their local church and enjoy spending time with their dog, Thunder, and their family and friends. He is also an avid Chicago White Sox fan.
Joe earned a B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois-Champaign and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses. Outside the office, Joe and his wife, Abigail, enjoy spending time with their young son, Rhett. They are active in their local church and enjoy spending time with their dog, Thunder, and their family and friends. He is also an avid Chicago White Sox fan.
Krystal Tambling
Registered Client Service Associate
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Krystal has been in the financial services industry for more than 10 years and leads our client service support team. Prior to joining Stifel, she served as a Registered Client Service Associate at Morgan Stanley. She earned a B.A. in Business Administration with a Minor in Communications, major concentration in Marketing, from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She also holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Outside the office, Krystal enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. Her two daughters, Harper and Briar, keep her and her and her husband busy. Her oldest daughter, Harper, stays active with travel soccer and volleyball teams. When they’re not on the go, Krystal and her family enjoy relaxing at their farm with their horses.
Outside the office, Krystal enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. Her two daughters, Harper and Briar, keep her and her and her husband busy. Her oldest daughter, Harper, stays active with travel soccer and volleyball teams. When they’re not on the go, Krystal and her family enjoy relaxing at their farm with their horses.
Andrea Heffelfinger
Client Service Associate
8156145760
Andrea began her financial services career at Stifel in 2022. Her main priority is building strong client relationships while delivering responsive, top-tier service. Andrea is one of the team’s first points of contact and is committed to ensuring clients’ account-related needs are handled promptly.
Andrea earned an A.S. from Kankakee Community College and a B.S. in Accounting from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Outside of the office, she serves on the board of trustees as secretary/treasurer for the Martinton Fire Protection District.
Andrea earned an A.S. from Kankakee Community College and a B.S. in Accounting from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Outside of the office, she serves on the board of trustees as secretary/treasurer for the Martinton Fire Protection District.
Jamie Osborne
Client Service Associate
8156145760
Jamie began her financial services career in 2006 and joined Stifel in 2023. She is a great asset to the office with her ability to assist clients with their account-related needs while delivering a top-tier service experience. Outside the office, Jamie has a son, Cambrian, who plays soccer and is in the band, and a daughter, Sophia, who plays softball and soccer.