2026 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams - Illinois
Puzzle Wealth proudly earned the #49 spot in the 2026 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams for Illinois, distinguishing us as the highest-ranked team at LPL in the state for the second year in a row. This recognition highlights our continued growth, strong assets under management, and clean regulatory record.
In 2026, we are proud to share that Puzzle Wealth moved up seven spots among all Illinois advisor teams, further reflecting the strength of our team and our commitment to delivering sophisticated service to the clients we serve. These recognitions motivate us to continue raising the bar, strengthening our relationships, and providing the thoughtful guidance our clients rely on.
2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams - Illinois
Puzzle Wealth proudly holds the #56 spot in the 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams for Illinois, distinguishing us as the highest ranked team at LPL within the state. This recognition, awarded on our first application, honors our expansive growth, significant assets under management, and clean regulatory record. It serves as a driving force for our team to further improve our ranking and continue providing sophisticated service.
David Millington, CFP®, CEPA®, SE-AWMA®
Credentials:
CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) - David is a Certified Financial Planner, an elite designation requiring rigorous education, examination, and a fiduciary commitment to act in the best interest of his clients. His expertise spans investment, tax, estate planning, and retirement strategies.
CEPA® (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) - With the CEPA designation, David specializes in helping business owners plan their exit strategies, ensuring a seamless transition that maximizes value and aligns personal, business, and financial goals.
SE-AWMA® (Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor) - David has extensive experience guiding high-net-worth clients in the sports and entertainment industries, assisting them with wealth management strategies tailored to their unique financial challenges.
- CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst) -David holds the CIMA® designation, focusing on advanced investment management. His expertise includes asset allocation, risk management, and portfolio construction, making him an invaluable resource for high-net-worth clients.
Steven Connolly, CFP®
Credentials:
- CFP® (Certified Financial Planner)
Steven is a trusted CFP® professional, providing clients with holistic financial advice, including tax planning, investment strategies, and estate planning. His focus on comprehensive wealth management ensures clients’ financial goals are achieved.
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- LPL Masters Club Member* (2024)
Steven’s customized client service and business performance earned him this prestigious recognition. - LPL Directors Club Member* (2023)
A reflection of his dedication to helping clients reach their financial objectives.
*based on annual production
Robert Davit, CIMA®
Credentials:
- CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst)
Robert holds the CIMA® designation, focusing on advanced investment management. His expertise includes asset allocation, risk management, and portfolio construction, making him an invaluable resource for high-net-worth clients.
Alexander Klaas
Credentials:
- Master of Science
Alex's MS degree epitomizes his professional concentration in cohesive Family Financial Planning for his clients. - PPC® (Professional Plan Consultant)
Awards:
- AdvisorHub 50 Next Gen Advisors to Watch (2024)
Alexander’s inclusion in this exclusive list highlights his rapid rise and success in wealth management early in his career.- Nominees are required to have a minimum of seven years experience, $100m minimum AUM, and a clean regulatory record. Using data on assets, households, and production, advisors are ranked on three categories: scale, growth, and professionalism. The list is broken into several sublists: RIAs (fee-only), Over $1b, Under $1b, Next Gen, Women, Solo, and Fast-Growing. Please note that participation in this ranking is free, and AdvisorHub receives no compensation from the participating advisors.
Christopher Sagan, CFP®, AWMA®
Credentials:
- CFP® (Certified Financial Planner)
Christopher’s CFP® certification represents his dedication to providing comprehensive financial planning, from tax strategies to retirement solutions. - AWMA® (Accredited Wealth Management Advisor)
Christopher specializes in serving high-net-worth clients, with a focus on asset management, equity compensation, retirement, and estate planning. - LPL Ascent Club Member* (2026)
Chris’ comprehensive client service and business performance earned him this prestigious recognition. - *Based on Annual Production
John Klaas
Awards:
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor (2021 – Illinois)
John’s recognition as one of the top advisors in Illinois demonstrates his unwavering commitment to client success and his expertise in wealth management.
The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated from their firms. Portfolio audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.
De Eshelman, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP, CRPC
Credentials:
CFP® (Certified Financial Planner)
De’s CFP® certification represents her dedication to providing comprehensive financial planning, from tax strategies to retirement solutions.
ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant)
De holds the ChFC® designation, reflecting advanced knowledge in comprehensive, client-centered financial planning and the ability to develop tailored strategies for individuals, families, and business owners.
RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional)
De holds the RICP® designation from The American College of Financial Services, reflecting specialized training in creating sustainable retirement income, managing income-related risks, and developing customized strategies to support clients throughout retirement.
CRPC® (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor)
De holds the CRPC® designation, reflecting specialized knowledge in retirement planning and the ability to guide clients through key decisions such as timing retirement, generating income, and managing risks throughout retirement.
We’re Here For You!
At Puzzle Wealth, our clients benefit from a team with sophisticated expertise and a commitment to excellence. With a wide array of credentials and awards, we’re confident in our ability to help you work toward building, preserving, and managing your wealth for the future. Give us a call and set up a consultation with one of our talented and accomplished advisors–see the difference we can make!