About Us

Brad is a Principal and Chairman of Schaper, Benz & Wise. Brad began working at the firm, in partnership with Jerry Schaper, in 1994.  In addition to managing client relationships and portfolios, he actively participates in the firm’s research process.  Brad also provides strategic counsel to the firm’s principals, assists with new business development, and is a mentor to the firm’s investment professionals.

Brad’s investment management career began at Associated Bank as a Research Analyst in the trust department.  After two years, he became a Trust Investment Officer and was responsible for the management of client portfolios and the Associated Bank Capital Appreciation fund.

Brad is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Milwaukee and the CFA Institute.  In 1986, he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a BBA degree in General Business.

Outside of the office, Brad can often be found at the family cottage in northern Wisconsin. He enjoys hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing – locally, up north, and at many beautiful destinations throughout North America. He also likes to read about business, economics, and investing. Brad is married (Penny) and has two boys (Garrett and Isaac).

Christi is a Principal of Schaper, Benz and Wise Investment Counsel, Inc. and serves as Vice-President and Investment Officer. She manages relationships and portfolios for the firm’s clients. She also performs fundamental investment research on companies held within client portfolios and on prospective investment ideas.

Christi joined the firm in 2003. Prior to that, she served as both a Small-Cap Associate Portfolio Manager and a Senior Equity Healthcare Analyst at Thrivent Financial in Appleton. Preceding Thrivent, she worked as a Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst at Merrill Lynch Private Client Services. Christi started her career at Associated Bank in Neenah, where she had been Assistant Vice President — Trust Investment Officer and performed fundamental security analysis, managed client portfolios, and managed equity collective funds.

Christi is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Milwaukee. In 1994, Christi received her BBA degree with majors in Finance, Investment & Banking and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin.

In her spare time, Christi enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and can often be found at a football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis or equestrian event. She is also active in the community, presently serving as an Executive Board Member for the Appleton Youth Football Association (AYFA).

Tom is a Principal of Schaper, Benz & Wise Investment Counsel, Inc. He manages client portfolios and is also responsible for fundamental research on current holdings as well as prospective investment ideas.

Tom joined the firm in 2002, authored the quarterly Economic and Market Summary letter from 2011 to 2016, and directly managed the Information Technology function for the firm from 2006 to 2017.

Tom is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Milwaukee, where he previously served as a Director, Vice-President, and President over a three-year period. In 2002, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a double-major in Finance and Accounting from the University of Colorado.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children as well as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, bicycling, and tennis.

Tony is a Principal and President of Schaper, Benz and Wise Investment Counsel, Inc.  He manages relationships and portfolios for the firm’s clients and performs fundamental investment research on companies held within client portfolios and on prospective new ideas.  Tony also manages the day-to-day operations and the long-term strategic planning of the firm. Tony joined the firm in 2012 as an Investment Analyst.

Tony obtained his B.B.A in Accounting and Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2012.  Before pursuing his dual degrees, he served in the United States Army as an Infantry squad leader.  Tony’s military background provides him with a unique and diverse skill set complementing his collegiate learnings and experiences.

Outside of work, you will find Tony spending time with his Wife (Julie) and three boys (Anthony, Jeffrey, and Gavin).  He enjoys sitting poolside in the summer months, road trips, gardening, hiking and attending the boys sporting activities.

Mark is Chief Compliance Officer and an Investment Officer at Schaper, Benz & Wise. As the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer, Mark handles all regulatory and legal issues for the firm. Mark also manages client portfolios, performs fundamental research analysis, and authors the firm’s economic letter.

Prior to joining the firm in 2014, Mark was a Trade Desk Specialist at Associated Bank. Before that, he was a Private Client Advisor at Appleton Group Wealth Management, LLC.

Mark is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Milwaukee and CFA Institute. In June, 2010, he graduated cum laude from Lawrence University with a B.A. in Economics. At Lawrence, Mark was a Cross Country team captain for three years and a Track and Field team Captain for two years.

In his spare time, Mark enjoys running competitively, reading, and spending time with his wife Laura and their children Jackson and Julia.

Blake is a Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst at Schaper, Benz & Wise. Blake manages client portfolios and generates comprehensive fundamental research and analysis on current working list companies as well as prospective new investment ideas. Blake also coordinates the information technology function of the firm.

Prior to joining Schaper, Benz & Wise in 2019, Blake was an Alternative Investment Administrator at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.  There, he produced monthly valuations for hedge funds and private equity funds.

Blake is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Milwaukee and CFA Institute. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a BBA in Finance in May 2018. At Whitewater, Blake participated in the Applied Investment Program as an Equity Research Analyst. He was responsible for following numerous companies owned by the university’s endowment fund. Blake also participated in the 2018 CFA Institute Research Challenge.

Blake resides in Oshkosh where he lives with his wife, Amanda, and their dog, Ashe. In his spare time, Blake enjoys collecting everything from LEGOs to autographs, playing chess, and spending time with his wife and dog.

Dan is an Investment Analyst at Schaper, Benz & Wise. His primary role is to generate comprehensive fundamental research and analysis on current working list companies and potential new investment ideas. Dan also leads the proxy voting responsibilities of the firm.

Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Dan worked for Monona Bank, a community bank in the Madison Area. Additionally, he served in the United States Air Force from 2010 to 2016 as a Vehicle Mechanic at multiple locations, including South Dakota and Alaska.

In the Spring of 2020, Dan graduated summa cum laude from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a BBA in Finance. While attending Whitewater, he participated in the Applied Investment Program as an equity analyst.

Dan is currently pursuing his CFA designation (CFA Level II Candidate).

In his free time, Dan enjoys fishing, playing board games with his wife and friends, and fostering animals (specifically special needs animals).

Michelle is an Investment Operations and Administrative Specialist at Schaper, Benz & Wise. Her role is to manage the firm’s Operations Team including oversight of the firm’s portfolio management system and other operational support systems, administrative and client communications support to portfolio managers, and support to the Chief Compliance Officer in administering the firm’s compliance and SEC reporting and examination requirements.

Prior to joining the firm in 2022, Michelle worked as an Equity Stock Trader at Thrivent where she was employed for 22 years. Prior to that, Michelle worked at Associated Bank as a Lead in the Trust Operations area for a year and half.

In her free time, Michelle works with American Brittany Rescue, and Unforgettable Underdogs with fostering, fundraising, local events, home visits and transporting to help dogs find their forever homes. She lives in Appleton with her husband and two fur babies. She enjoys spending time walking her dogs, doing puzzles and reading.

Trish joined Schaper, Benz & Wise in 2022 as an Investment Administrative Support Specialist.  Trish provides support for the firm’s portfolio management and other systems.  She also provides administrative and client communications support to portfolio managers.

Prior to joining the firm in 2022, Trish was a stay-at-home mom. Prior to becoming a mother, she was a paraplanner with Ameriprise Financial. Her expertise is in financial planning, retirement accounts, complex cases, and trading.

In her free time, Trish enjoys working out, helping others become healthy, going to dirt track races with her husband, and relaxing at home with her family. Trish is an avid learner and always learning about personal development and helping others to be the best version of themselves.

Brooke joined Schaper, Benz & Wise in 2024 as an Investment Administrative Support Specialist. Brooke provides support for the firm’s portfolio management and other systems. She also provides administrative and client communications support to portfolio managers.

Prior to joining the firm in 2024, Brooke was a substitute teacher in the Appleton Area School District for 3 years. She then taught 6^th-8^th grade in the Little Chute Area School District for 4 years before deciding to step away from the classroom.

In her free time, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband Matt, daughter Paisley, and son Wesley. Some of her favorite things include iced coffee, reading a good book series, being outside, and logic puzzles.

Laura is the Founder, Past President and currently serves as Vice President of Schaper, Benz & Wise Family Wealth Counsel, a division of Schaper, Benz & Wise Investment Counsel, Inc.  She provides wealth management counsel in income and estate tax, retirement, insurance, and trust and foundation administration.  She also provides and manages other family financial services for clients.  Laura joined the firm in 2000.

Her past experience includes positions as Vice President and Trust Officer for Associated Bank and Associated Trust Company as well as an Estate Planning Attorney for Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in 1983 from Marquette University, Laura received a J.D. degree in 1986 from the University of Wisconsin and is also a graduate of the National Trust School at Northwestern University.  Laura is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar Association.

Laura lives with her husband and “best friend” Willie in the middle of 10 acres of wildflowers and enjoys spending time with her three grown children.  She is also new to beekeeping and looks forward to some “home grown” honey in her future.

Kim is President of Schaper, Benz & Wise Family Wealth Counsel, a division of Schaper, Benz & Wise Investment Counsel, Inc.  In this role, Kim helps clients navigate complex tax and estate planning matters, often coordinating with the client’s legal, tax, and wealth advisors.  Kim also helps clients articulate and implement plans for supporting loved ones and favorite causes.

Kim joined the firm in September of 2013.  She previously practiced law with Ropes & Gray (Boston) and Godfrey & Kahn (Appleton), where she specialized in tax, estate, and charitable planning.  Kim also served as Vice President of Gift Planning for the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.  A graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School, Kim is a member in good standing of the Wisconsin and Massachusetts bars.

Trevor is Vice President of Schaper, Benz & Wise Family Wealth Counsel, a division of Schaper, Benz & Wise Investment Counsel, Inc. He saves time and hassle for his clients by focusing on estate issues, transfer and income taxes, gifting strategies, planning for significant financial events such as retirement, and assisting with day-to-day cash needs.

Trevor joined the firm in July of 2017. He previously worked as a Business Banking Officer at Bank First National in Appleton. Trevor earned his bachelor’s degrees (finance & accounting) and MBA from UW – Oshkosh. He is a licensed certified public accountant and serves as President of the board of directors for Youth Go.

Trevor lives in Neenah with his wife, two children, and two pugs. He enjoys spending his free time boating on Little Lake Butte des Morts, golfing, snowboarding, and weightlifting.

Karen joined Schaper, Benz & Wise in 2015 as an Administrative Assistant.  Her primary role is supporting the daily functions of the Family Wealth Counsel division.  Her organizational skills and attention to detail keep their projects on target.

She earned her B.A. in Accounting from the University of South Florida, Tampa.  In 1991, Karen earned her CPA certification and started her career in public accounting before moving into the private sector.

In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks with their dog, running, and playing cards.  She is active within her community and particularly likes to volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program.