Who We Are

Mark Schwartz is a well respected investment advisor and wealth manager in Chicago. Mark has 25 years of experience providing investment, retirement and estate planning advice to business owners and affluent families. He founded Estate & Trust Advisors in 1997 as a boutique Registered Investment Advisor.

Prior to founding Estate & Trust Advisors (ETA), Mark was President of Practice Management Advisors providing financial planning/investment training to accountants and attorneys across the U.S. to serve their high net-worth clients. Mark consulted for the private wealth management group at Arthur Andersen & Co. He also served as National Director of Financial Services for Practice Development Institute (PDI), the country’s leading practice management firm for CPAs.

Mark graduated from the University of Michigan in 1980 with a B.A. in Economics. He then earned his Masters from Northwestern University in 1982. Mark received further professional training from the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA) with a focus on managing retirement portfolios.

Mark is an SEC registered Investment advisor. Mark is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the Estate Planning Council of Chicago. He has been quoted in several publications including the Wall Street Journal, Financial Planning magazine and Investment News.

Mark is proud to be an Eagle Scout and support the Boy Scouts of America.

Mark and his wife Jill are active in their community’s schools and non-profits including JUF Federation of Chicago, AJC/Chicago, and the University of Michigan student scholarship fund. They live on the north shore with their two sons, Corey and Jason.

Jordan Jacobs is a leading wealth manager on the North Shore, bringing nearly 20 years of wealth management experience to his position as the firm’s Senior Vice-President and Chief Strategist. He has received many industry awards and recognition, including being featured in Chicago Magazine as a Five Star Wealth Manager and being nominated for Advisor of the Year by Plan Sponsor Magazine. Jordan is a member of the Advisor council and editorial panel for WealthMangement.com and a former Divisional Speaker for the Association of Financial Educators. Jordan is also the area’s leading expert on IRA tax planning. Jordan Jacobs is a former America’s Tax Solutions’ Wealth Preservation Consultant who specializes in retirement distribution planning, Roth IRA conversions, rollovers for qualified plans, and the emerging arena of Multi-Generational IRAs. Jordan regularly speaks on various market and wealth management topics for companies, retirement plans, unions and other various outlets. Jordan also brings management and leadership experience as he serves/served on a number of local Not-For-Profit Board of Trustees and advisory councils.

Jordan’s approach to wealth management is very comprehensive and sophisticated, ensuring every recommendation considers his clients' complete financial picture and is mindful of their many moving parts. He works closely with his clients to develop a long-term financial plan and strategy that addresses many of the risks they will face, such as inflation, taxation, market risk, interest rate risk and longevity and long-term care needs. Jordan believes in a client relationship that is ALWAYS free from all conflicts of interest and gladly serves as a fiduciary. Jordan is honored and humbled that his practice has been built strictly by way of referral from clients and other trusted advisors.

Jordan resides in the north suburbs with his wife Alison, son Trevor and his two dogs (both rescues), he enjoys travelling, music, wine and spending time with his family.

David Madison is a Financial Planner, Investment Advisor and the Vice President of Estate & Trust Advisors. He attended Georgetown and Elmhurst University graduating with a B.S. David works with his clients and their families helping them design and manage a strategy to successfully navigate their path to and through retirement. He takes a wholistic approach, helping them understand how all their assets can work in concert to meet their short- and long-term needs. Among other accolades, David has been featured in Chicago Magazine as a Five Star Wealth Manager for several years. David earned his Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2018. Prior to joining ETA, David worked for BMO Harris Bank helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. He spends his free time with his wife, son, and dog enjoying as much outdoor activity that the Chicago weather allows.

Melissa Gaier is a financial planner and investment advisor at Estate & Trust Advisors.  Heading up the financial planning efforts for the firm, she helps determine each client's needs and coordinates strategies to reach their goals as they relate to retirement planning, insurance, taxes, estate planning, Social Security planning, education funding, long term care issues, and charitable giving. Melissa collaborates with her fellow advisors and each client to identify their concerns and aspirations, then crafts a comprehensive financial plan to address their individual needs. Melissa also assists in the investment research and retirement plan servicing areas.

Melissa graduated from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business with a B.S. in Finance. At Miami, she was part of both the University Honors and Business Honors programs. Prior to joining Estate & Trust Advisors in 2011, Melissa worked as a registered representative and financial advisor for a national broker/dealer. A native of the north shore, Melissa now lives in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago and enjoys being involved in her community, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Cubs.

As the Office Manager for Estate & Trust Advisors, Kelly Dushane works hand-in-hand to support the Advisors of the firm. To ensure client satisfaction, her primary responsibilities include servicing and reconciling accounts, reporting of portfolios, and client communication. After graduating from North Park University in 2018 with a B.A. in Communications, she joined the ETA team. Kelly lives just over the border of Illinois in Wisconsin. In her free time, she loves to take her goldendoodle on walks, read books, and enjoy the outdoors.