Charles Schaeffer

John Larson is a Wealth Management Advisor and First Vice President with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since beginning his financial services career in 2000, John has focused on helping clients build comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to their individual needs. His client expertise includes college education planning, managing new wealth, portfolio management services, socially responsible and ESG investing, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Northern Illinois University. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Born and raised in the Rockford community, John attended Guilford High School. He is actively involved locally, having served on the board of The First Tee of Rockford, as Chair of the Finance Committee and board member of the OSF College of Nursing, and participating in the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. John is married to his wife Chris and they have two children. His personal interests include golfing, running, and spending time with his family.

Stephen Knutson is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, offering over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He provides expertise in areas including investing, retirement planning, family wealth management, institutional consulting, small business strategies, philanthropic planning, and tax mitigation strategies. Additionally, Stephen supports clients with specialized services encompassing banking, credit, financing, retirement options, and trust services. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from DePaul University and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) professional designation. Stephen emphasizes building lasting client relationships based on trust, transparency, and tailored financial advice that aligns with individual priorities and goals. His professional philosophy centers on helping clients identify what is most important and offering guidance on efficiently supporting those values. Outside of his professional role, Stephen is involved with organizations such as the Aurora Sportsmen's Club and contributes to community groups including 21st Century Game Film at Harlem High School, Carlson Ice Arena, and First Covenant Church. His personal interests include boating, hunting, ice hockey, music, running, scuba diving, swimming, tennis, woodworking, and spending time with his family.

Alec Gober is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, serving as a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor. In this role, he works closely with clients to understand their priorities and develop strategies aimed at achieving their short-, mid-, and long-term financial goals. Alec provides guidance on a range of financial topics, including general investing, retirement planning, and preparing for unexpected expenses. He also offers access to Bank of America specialists for services related to banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions. Alec holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. His educational background includes a High School Diploma from Polo Community High School, an Associate's Degree from Sauk Valley Community College, and a Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University, where he also attended prior without degree conferment. Alec emphasizes building ongoing relationships with clients to provide continuous advice and guidance as their financial needs evolve.

Peter Junor is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He joined the CSMJ group of Merrill in 2016, where he collaborates with a team to assist clients in identifying their primary financial goals and developing tailored wealth management strategies. His services include asset allocation, education funding, retirement planning, tax minimization strategies, estate planning, and ongoing implementation and maintenance of these plans. Peter holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., as well as Series 7 and 66 FINRA registrations. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Economics and Finance from Illinois State University in Normal, IL. His areas of focus encompass college education planning, divorce transition planning, employee benefits planning, family wealth management strategies, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and retirement income. Outside of his professional work, Peter's personal interests include camping, golfing, and traveling.