For Scott Zagurski, being a financial advisor is much more than a career. It’s a calling to help people succeed and make a true impact in the lives of his clients. In his role as Managing Partner – Senior Financial Advisor, Scott is committed to being a positive influence to both the advisors and the clients at Great Lakes Asset Management. He strives to deliver positive performance with trustworthy plans that help clients to achieve their most closely held goals.

After building a successful 35+ year career at places like Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, and Wells Fargo, Scott helped pioneer Great Lakes Asset Management to deliver an investment philosophy and partnership that lifts clients up during the good times – and helps them maintain long-term perspective during uncertain moments. As a family-focused practice built in part by a family, his mission is to alleviate financial anxiety so his clients can focus on the truly important things in life.

A lifelong resident of the western suburbs of Chicago with a deep faith, it’s always been an important value of Scott’s to make a difference in his community. He is an avid supporter of his Church, Tunnels to Towers, St. Jude’s Hospital, Shriners, and many similar organizations. Family is at the center of everything for Scott, which is why he loves spending time with his extended family and friends who all live in the area. When he does get some free time, you’ll find him outdoors either on the pickleball court, the bike trail, or hitting the links!

Since 1993, Don Nelson has offered his clients a distinctive blend of professional guidance and personal service.  This client centered approach has allowed Don to not only deliver timely customized investment solutions, but has also created unique, long-lasting relationships with his clients and their families.  This "Client First" philosophy continues to be the cornerstone of his practice.

After receiving his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana, Don went on to complete the Certified Investment Management Analyst ® program at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business.  Along with obtaining several applicable securities registrations and insurance licenses throughout the years, Don has also enjoyed spending time giving back to his local community.  Don has served as a member the Jubilee Foundation of Outreach Community Ministries after school program, served on the St. Michael's Parish Council in Wheaton and has also served as a member of the Dupage Area Association.

As of 2009, Don was honored to be among Barron's top 1,000 financial advisors in the country.*

*2009 Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: Awarded February 2009; Data Compiled by Barron's based on the time period from Oct. 2007 - Sept. 2008 (Source: Barrons.com). The Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors ratings are based on the previous year’s assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices. Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

Chuck Nunley is a seasoned Financial Advisor committed to helping individuals, families, and business owners develop customized financial and investment strategies tailored to their unique goals, risk tolerance, and long-term vision. Known for his high- touch approach and deep integrity, Chuck delivers comprehensive wealth management and wealth planning solutions with a focus on building lasting relationships. Chuck began his career as a fixed income derivatives trader on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, where he spent two decades as a member. He later co-founded a real estate development firm specializing in commercial and industrial land projects. This entrepreneurial experience deepened his appreciation for the critical role financial literacy, tax strategy, and risk management play in long-term success. To expand his technical expertise, Chuck earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and later a Master of Accountancy from DePaul University. He joined BDO’s Private Client Services Group, where he advised high-net-worth individuals and families on tax-aware planning strategies. In 2021, he brought his diverse background to Great Lakes Asset Management to help clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence.

Chuck holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®) designations, reflecting his commitment to serving ultra-high-net-worth clients and business owners preparing for succession or liquidity events. He and his wife, Vanessa, reside in Wheaton, Illinois, where they raised their two adult children. Outside the office, Chuck enjoys auto racing, golf, cycling, and staying active with his dog, Dugan.

I began my career in Financial Services more than 20 years ago with a deep commitment to serving my community and delivering proper financial guidance to those in need. Having watched family and friends receive poor advice in my youth, I was inspired to take a different path—one built on integrity, education, and a genuine desire to help others. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding individuals and families through their financial journeys, and I take great pride in the meaningful, lasting relationships I’ve built along the way.

I grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and after earning my bachelor’s degree in Economics from Northern Illinois University, I entered the financial industry with MetLife Securities in 2005. Two years later, I relocated to Naperville, IL, where I joined the Great Lakes Asset Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors—the practice where I continue to serve my clients today. Early in my career, I earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification through Northwestern University, a credential widely recognized as the gold standard in wealth planning and a reflection of my commitment to providing the highest level of service. What I value most about this profession is the opportunity to keep learning every day—not just about finance, but also from the experiences and achievements of the people I work with.

Outside the office, I enjoy time with family and friends, staying active through sports, and pursuing my lifelong passion for music. For more than 25 years, I’ve been an active musician in the Chicago area, both performing and teaching, and I continue to find joy in sharing music with others in the community.

Throughout his 30-plus years of being a dependable financial steward for his clients, there is little Jason Stallmann hasn’t faced – or overcome. As Managing Director – Investment Officer at Great Lakes Asset Management of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Jason pairs his industry expertise with a friendly approach designed to help his clients seek their happiness in life. His goal is to help clients get the most out of every day by showing them how to effectively manage their finances both before and during retirement.

After building his professional acumen in investment and income planning at places like Merril Lynch, Smith Barney, and Wells Fargo Advisors, Jason and his established team built Great Lakes Asset Management under the Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network umbrella to better serve their clients and take control of day-to-day operations. He fulfilled the extensive educational requirements to earn the PIM Portfolio Manager designation, which grants him discretionary control for clients who seek to entrust him with portfolio-related buying & selling decisions. Jason backs this all up with a BS from the University of Kansas.

A fun-loving family man before all else, Jason spends time and energy in his personal life lifting his loved ones up. Having both a father and son affected by the disease, he is an avid supporter of the JDRF and its vision of a world without diabetes. Second only to his family, Jason’s great love in life is golfing - you’ll often find him on the links with his clients, friends, and loved ones when he’s not in the office.

The PIM program is not designed for excessively traded or inactive accounts and is not appropriate for all investors. Please carefully review the Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network advisory disclosure document for a full description of our services. The minimum account size for this program is $50,000.00.

CA Insurance License Number: 0F85895. Resident State IL.

Thoughtful Investment Planning

For over 30 years I have dedicated my career to delivering the personalized and thoughtful investment planning services that my clients deserve. During major shifts in the markets, when my clients may be feeling unsure or unsettled I am available, responsive and empathetic to my client's needs and concerns. After all, I'm an investor too! I know what it feels like to be concerned about volatility.

Since 1996

In 1996, I began my career as a Financial Advisor with AG.Edwards (a predecessor firm of Wells Fargo Advisors) in Naperville. In 2001, I earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification. Maintaining the certification requires annual continuing education credits.

Personalized Planning

I believe that many people spend more time planning for a vacation than they spend planning for their financial future! To plan a vacation, we need to know which direction and when to go, what to bring and how to get there. Most importantly, we need to know what it will cost. My objective is to help you plan for what could be the longest vacation of your life by using tools such as our Emoney Process® to identify your specific financial goals, address your individual concerns, and develop personalized strategies while focusing on your specific needs.

A Little About Me

I have always lived in Chicago's western suburbs and I've been married to my high school sweetheart for over 40 years. Our family includes 3 grown children, their spouses, and 4 grandchildren who all live nearby in the Chicagoland area. When I'm not helping clients, I'm outside hiking, cycling, or playing tennis. We also enjoy adventure travel which has taken us up mountains and across oceans. We enjoy exploring modern cities as well as ancient ruins.

Mission Statement

My mission is to continue to help each of my clients live the one life they have, the best way they can, without taking undue risk. I look forward to many more years of dedicated service to my clients.


CA Insurance License Number: 0C11186. Resident State IL

As the Managing Director – Investments at Great Lakes Asset Management, Todd Zagurski infuses friendliness with expertise when creating wealth management plans tailored to his client’s exacting needs. As an independent advisor with the power of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network’s vast resources, Todd takes joy in partnering with his clients for the entire financial journey.

With over 30 years of experience in investment planning, Todd has the wherewithal and knowledge to help guide his clients through any market situation. He built his proficiencies at places like Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo Advisors before pioneering Great Lakes Asset Management to serve his clients and their families on a much deeper level.

Always wanting to do better for his clients, Todd went through the rigorous requirements to become a PIM Portfolio Manager. Upon building trusting relationships with his clients, this means he can take discretionary control of their portfolios in an effort to truly streamline & simplify their investment planning.

The PIM program is not designed for excessively traded or inactive accounts and is not appropriate for all investors. Please carefully review the advisory disclosure documents for a full description of our services. The minimum account size for this program is $50,000.

 

CA Insurance License Number: 0K30342. Resident State IL.

Mary “Biz” Currie helps enforce the golden rule as Assistant Vice President & Senior Client Service Associate at Great Lakes Asset Management. Be it optimizing day-to-day operations, bolstering communications, or preparing for meetings and events, Biz strives to deliver the high level of service she would want herself. Having been with the team since 1999, she’s become a true friend to many of those she serves. When Biz is involved, quick questions from clients will often turn into heart-to-heart conversations about the deepest aspects of this life!

A nearly-40 year veteran of the industry, Biz started at a predecessor firm to Smith Barney before eventually joining the firm that would become Wells Fargo Advisors. In addition to developing talents for almost all aspects of financial services throughout that time, she became known for always seeking the goodness in people and bringing bright smiles to the faces of both advisors and clients alike. As an integral part of the group that built Great Lakes Asset Management, Biz’s extensive knowledge of both the team’s history and the industry provides consistency and comfort to those she serves.

Family is at the center of everything for Biz. She cherishes spending time with her loved ones, especially trying new ice cream, shopping, playing cards, and watching movies with her siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family. Outside of that, you’ll either find Biz in the crowd at local and professional sporting events or out with friends dancing to live music!

With over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Jennifer has recently joined the Great Lakes Asset Management Group. Jennifer believes her previous experience can provide clients with personalized customer care as well as maintain a high level of professionalism.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Loyola University, Jennifer started her financial career at a UIT (Unit Investment Trust) firm, then named Nike Securities where she worked in several departments which included accounting, annuity investing and research. During this time, she earned her FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 registrations. Next, she went on to work as a Registered Account Administrator at what would become Wachovia Securities. The knowledge she acquired and the relationships she formed with clients made a lasting impact on her as she always wants to strive for excellence and give clients the best customer service possible.  Jennifer then went on to work at Advisors Asset Management, another UIT firm, where she assisted in the selection of closed-end funds to be deposited into their closed-end portfolios. After 11 years, she returned to what is now First Trust Portfolios and worked as a UIT/Structured Investments Trader for the last 7 years.

Jennifer lives with her 9-year-old daughter Olivia in Oswego along with their cats Sophia and Mia. She is a diehard fan of the Cubs and enjoys cycling, Zumba, watching live music and weekend getaways with her daughter to Lake Geneva.

With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Amy is an integral part of the Great Lakes Asset Management Group. Amy believes in providing clients with the highest level of professionalism and personal service they deserve. Amy researches client inquires and leads the client services team with an enthusiastic attitude and a detail-oriented approach to creatively solving problems.

Emily Stallmann is a client service assistant who helps manage account onboarding, client communication, paperwork and daily operations. She works closely with the advisory team to keep processes running smoothly and to make sure clients feel informed and taken care of.

She joined the team full time after earning her Bachelor of Business Administration from North Central College, where she also worked part time during her final semesters. Emily is known for her organization, follow-through and ability to take initiative. She’s detail-oriented, responsive and focused on making each client experience as seamless as possible.
 
Emily is currently working toward becoming a licensed financial advisor. Inspired by her father’s career in the industry, she values the trust clients place in their advisors and is motivated to grow into a role where she can make an even greater impact.

Outside of work, Emily is passionate about fitness, wellness and creative expression. She played volleyball in college and now enjoys weightlifting, drawing and design. She also values mental health awareness and has supported related programs throughout her college years. Time with her close-knit family remains a priority, and she brings a steady, goal-oriented mindset to everything she does. Inspired by her father’s dedication to his clients and his craft, she’s driven to uphold those same standards as she carves out her own place in the industry. 

Jack Stallmann is a Client Service Assistant who provides comprehensive support across
client service operations and daily account administration. He is committed to delivering a
consistently high standard of service, ensuring clients receive timely, accurate, and
professional support in every interaction.

After Graduating from North Central College with his BA in Sports Management tied with a
minor in Business Administration, Jack held a role with Tour Edge Golf, gaining foundational experience in sales, client management, and service delivery. This background strengthened his client-first mindset and reinforced his ability to communicate effectively in fast-paced, performance-driven settings.

Jack joined Great Lakes Asset Management in pursuit of a professional career as a
Financial Advisor. He is determined to continuously strengthen his skills and contribute to
a high performance, client-focused environment. Jack is committed to growing within the
organization, positioning himself as a reliable, forward-thinking member of the team.
Outside of the office, you can find Jack on the golf course. Jack is a skilled golfer and has
been a part of numerous tournaments and fundraisers within the community. He values
the time spent with his friends, family, and his three dachshunds.

While her title is Senior Client Service Associate, Cindi Tarran is more like a ringleader at Great Lakes Asset Management. In addition to streamlining the day-to-day operations for advisors while balancing branch management responsibilities, Cindi is a reliable, trusted professional who connects with those she serves to help them meet their financial goals.

One thing to know about Cindi is that she loves growing by learning something new every day. As she built her talents in client service at places like E F Hutton, JP Morgan Chase, and Wachovia Securities, she never stopped striving to improve her capabilities. As part of Great Lakes Asset Management’s independent team, Cindi is the vanguard who upholds the practice’s high standards when delivering for clients.

Family is everything to Cindi. Whether they’re going on adventures kayaking, grilling out, or connecting around the bonfire, she’s at her best when spending time with her loved ones. Her heart for others goes beyond that though, as she helps support the mission of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Born and raised in Aurora before moving to Montgomery, IL upon getting married, Cindi enjoys simple pleasures like long walks outdoors, puttering in the garden, and humming along to a good country song. Having recently purchased a quiet little cabin in the woods, you’ll find her spending her weekends there finding peace in the tranquil beauty of nature.

Katie Walker is an Administrative Assistant at Great Lakes Asset Management, where she plays a vital role in supporting the practice’s financial advisors and client service associates. With a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Professional Sales, Katie brings both strategic insight and operational excellence to her work—managing reports, coordinating compliance, handling client service tasks, and keeping the practice running smoothly behind the scenes.

Katie began her professional journey in the insurance industry in 2015, building nearly a decade of experience in roles ranging from agent to adjuster. She developed a reputation for guiding clients through complex and often emotional situations, such as property losses and injury claims, and was consistently recognized as a top performer. Her passion for mentorship also led her to serve as a trainer and coach for new hires—a role she found deeply rewarding.

In 2024, Katie made a meaningful career shift into finance, inspired by her father’s legacy as a financial advisor and her desire to apply her skills in a new and impactful way.

Outside the office, Katie is devoted to her family. She and her husband, Brian, are proud parents to two energetic young sons and a lovable mini goldendoodle. She enjoys bike rides, travel, and practicing mindfulness through meditation. A lifelong learner, Katie is especially passionate about health and wellness, often exploring new ideas in functional medicine and holistic living.