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 and his wife Penny have two sons, Garrett (Maggie) and Isaac, as well as a granddaughter, Gemma.

Tom is a Managing Director and Treasurer of Schaper, Benz & Wise Investment Counsel, Inc. Tom contributes to portfolio management, client advisory, investment research, and business development. His fundamental investment research encompasses both companies currently held in client portfolios and prospective investment opportunities.

As a member of the firm’s leadership team, Tom helps shape the firm’s strategic direction and long-term growth and was instrumental in the expansion from approximately $300 million to over $1.7 billion in assets under management. He also plays an active role in mentoring and developing the firm’s next generation of analysts and portfolio managers, helping them build the analytical rigor, investment judgment, and intellectual curiosity needed to become successful long-term investors.

Tom joined the firm in 2002, authored the quarterly Economic and Market Summary letter from 2011 to 2016, directly managed the Information Technology function for the firm from 2006 to 2017, joined the Board of Directors in 2017, and became Treasurer in 2020.

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.

As a Principal and Managing Director of Schaper, Benz and Wise Investment Counsel (SBW), Christi contributes to portfolio management, client advisory, investment research, and business development. Her fundamental investment research spans both existing portfolio holdings and prospective investments.

As a member of the firm’s leadership team, Christi helps shape SBW’s strategic direction and long-term growth and was instrumental in the firm’s expansion from approximately $300 million to over $1.7 billion in assets under management. She also plays an active role in mentoring and developing the firm’s next generation of analysts and portfolio managers, helping them build the analytical rigor, investment judgment, and intellectual curiosity needed to become successful long-term investors.

Christi joined the firm in 2003. Prior to joining SBW, she served as a Small-Cap Associate Portfolio Manager and Senior Equity Healthcare Analyst at Thrivent Financial in Appleton. Before Thrivent, she was a Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst at Merrill Lynch Private Client Services, where she led the team’s investment strategy. Christi began her career at Associated Bank in Neenah as an Assistant Vice President and Trust Investment Officer, where she conducted fundamental security analysis, oversaw client portfolios, and managed equity collective funds.

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

Outside of work, Christi devotes much of her time to family, friends, and community. Most recently, she served on the executive board of the Appleton Youth Football Association, holding the roles of Secretary and Treasurer.

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 Vice President – 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.

In his spare time, Mark enjoys running, triathlons, reading, and spending time with his wife Laura and their two children.

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 a Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst at Schaper, Benz & Wise. Dan manages client portfolios and generates comprehensive fundamental research and analysis on current working list companies and potential new investment ideas.

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 (passed CFA Level II exam).

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

Shane 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 prospective new investment ideas.

Prior to joining the firm in 2025, Shane was an Equities Graduate Summer Associate at Principal Asset Management, completing equity research across three different rotations. He also interned with U.S. Venture, Inc. in its treasury department.

In 2023, Shane graduated summa cum laude from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a BBA in Finance and Business Analytics. While attending UW-Whitewater, he participated in the Applied Investment Program as an Equity Research Analyst. Following undergrad, Shane attended the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where he completed his MBA and a certificate in Investment Management in May 2025. He was an active participant in the Investment Management Certificate Program (IMCP), a student-managed investment fund, where he covered U.S. fixed income and global equities.

Shane is pursuing his CFA designation and is a CFA Level III candidate.

Outside of work, Shane enjoys playing basketball, golf, and softball; spending time outdoors; and being with family and friends.

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Spencer 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 prospective new investment ideas. He also assists with coordinating the information technology function of the firm.

Prior to joining the firm in 2026, Spencer interned at Schaper, Benz & Wise as an Investment Analyst and previously held a finance internship at Plexus Corp.

In May 2026, Spencer graduated summa cum laude from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a BBA in Finance with an emphasis in Investments. While attending UW-Whitewater, he participated in the Applied Investment Program as an Equity Research Analyst, where he covered equities held within the student-managed fund. He also participated in the CFA Institute Research Challenge and held a leadership role in the Financial Management Association.

Spencer is pursuing his CFA designation.

Outside of work, Spencer enjoys spending time on the golf course, staying active outdoors, fishing, and being with family and friends.

Michelle is an Investment Operations and Administrative Specialist at Schaper, Benz & Wise, where she manages the firm’s Operations Team. Her responsibilities include overseeing the firm’s portfolio management system and other operational support platforms, as well as providing administrative and client communication support to portfolio managers.

Prior to joining the firm in 2022, Michelle served as a Lead in the Trust Operations area at Associated Bank for a year and a half. Before that, she spent 22 years at Thrivent, including 17 years as an Equity Stock Trader.

Outside of work, Michelle volunteers with American Brittany Rescue. She lives in Appleton with her husband and their two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys 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 Investment Counsel in 2024 as an Administrative Support Specialist. In her role, she provides administrative support for the firm’s portfolio management systems, assists with client communications, and supports the firm’s portfolio managers. She also oversees the firm’s marketing initiatives.

Prior to joining the firm in 2024, Brooke spent seven years in education. She served as a substitute teacher in the Appleton Area School District for three years before teaching sixth through eighth grades in the Little Chute Area School District for four years. She ultimately decided to transition from the classroom to pursue a career in the financial services industry.

Outside of the office, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband Matt and their two children. She loves reading a good book series, exploring the outdoors, tackling logic puzzles, and never passes up a great iced coffee.

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 and granddaughter. She also attempts to be a beekeeper and has the stings to show for it.

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.

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.

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

Jack joined Schaper, Benz & Wise (SBW) Family Wealth Counsel—a division of SBW Investment Counsel, Inc.—in 2026.  He began his financial services career after graduating with a double major in Business and Spanish from UW–Eau Claire.

Jack brings a diverse wealth management background to the firm.  Prior to joining SBW, he gained valuable industry experience as a Credit Analyst at Bank First, an Associate Financial Advisor at Johnson Financial Group, and an Associate Regional Director at Russell Investments, a global investment firm.

In his role as Wealth Counselor, Jack streamlines wealth management for SBW clients.  He focuses on comprehensive planning, gifting strategies, and daily cash flow management.

Jack is currently pursuing the Certified Trust Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation.

Jack lives in Appleton with his fiancée.  Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.

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.