Our Team
Founder / CEO
Sean has over 25 years of experience in the financial planning and investment management industries. His diverse background and experience, ranging from the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to a Global Consultancy in Andersen Consulting, provide a unique vantage on wealth management. By focusing on the distinct needs of business owners, leaders and their families, Sean is able to guide the client through life decisions that bridge the gap between wealth and quality of life.
Sean, a strong believer that education and knowledge provide value, is a part of a small group of advisors that have earned both the CFP® certification and the CFA Charter. Both designations are the highest level of certification in their respective field. (Less than 3% of all advisors in the country hold both designations.) His formal education began with a BA in English from Villanova University. He completed his CFP® education at the College for Financial Planning and went on to obtain an MBA with majors in Finance, International Business and Marketing from Northwestern University's Kellogg School.
Sean is actively involved as a member of the Legislative Committee for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Board of Hesed House. He is a past-president and past-chairman of the Financial Planning Association of Illinois, the largest FPA chapter in the country. After serving at the state level, Sean chaired the Financial Planning Association's National Pro Bono Advisory Committee. He also served on the Illinois State Treasurer's Advisory Council on Financial Education and Literacy.
Sean's unique philosophy of financial planning has been quoted in many articles, most prominently in The Wall Street Journal, AARP Magazine, Crain's Chicago Business, CFA Magazine, Financial Advisor Magazine, USAA Magazine and the Chicago Tribune. He has made presentations at the Kane County Bar Association, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, the CFA Institute of Chicago, and at the Financial Planning Association meetings. He has been a guest on WTTW's Chicago Tonight with Phil Ponce as well as ABC's Sunday Morning “NewsViews” with Alan Krashesky and Fox News.
When not working, Sean spends his time with his wife, four children, and three dogs. He enjoys golfing, tennis, sailing and reading.
NICK NIEMI CFP®
Associate Advisor
Nick joined Sebold Capital in February 2023. Prior to his time with the firm, he was a Financial Advisor with a large bank-owned wealth manager. A lifelong learner, Nick worked to obtain the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®), and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) designations. Nick's knowledge of exit planning, ensures that business owners are able to plan strategically the selling of their business, by navigating the complexities that may be involved. Consideration is given to personal, financial and goal objectives, to obtain maximum benefits. Nick enjoys assisting our clients to increase their wealth through data, tax, legal, and/or insurance analysis.
Nick is married with two children. He enjoys cooking, spending time with family and any sort of physical activity (especially outdoors).
Associate Advisor
Shae joined Sebold Capital in January 2024. His dedication to constantly evolving as a planner has earned Shae his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designations. Shae works to analyze client situations and develop strategies to maximize their goals.
In his spare time Shae is an avid sports fan, enjoys golfing with friends and traveling to new places with his girlfriend.
ADAM KRIES
Financial Analyst
Adam joined Sebold Capital in July 2024 to assist the Financial Planning team with retirement analysis and client reports. He will also assist the Client Operations team with custodian applications and client requests. Adam graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens with a concentration in Finance in May of 2024.
Adam enjoys being active with his girlfriend, family and friends by hiking, traveling, and playing many sports including pickle ball, basketball, golf, and baseball.
Client Operations Manager
Mary joined Sebold Capital in November 2010. She has come to us from a financial and college planning firm and has 25 years operations experience in the financial and securities industry. Mary is responsible for scheduling meetings and working with custodians to complete client account transactions including opening accounts, distributions, and move money requests. She works closely with the Financial Planning team assisting with financial plans and other client deliverables. In addition, she provides compliance and marketing support.
Mary works remotely and resides in Colorado. During her free time, she loves spending time in her garden, fishing, SUP, and taking the dog on mountain hikes.
Administrative Assistant
As a founding member of Sebold Capital, Kelly joined Sebold Capital in 1998 after spending 15 years at Firstar Bank as an Investment Specialist and then VP of Private Banking. Kelly provides administrative and office support. She is the friendly voice you hear when you call the office and provides assistance with client transactions.
Kelly is married with four children. Her hobbies include art and enjoying time spent with her grandchildren.
Emma Villacorte
Office Administrator
Emma joined Sebold Capital as our Office Administrator in November 2024. With a background spanning marketing, sales, and healthcare, Emma brings a wealth of experience to everything she does. Her career journey includes roles as a real estate agent, marketing manager, and client relations, where she’s known for her ability to build strong relationships and drive results. Organized and highly skilled in time management, Emma thrives on tackling new challenges and finding creative solutions to meet business goals.
Outside of work, she’s a busy mom of four, wife, and dog lover with two furry companions. When she’s not on the go, you can find her enjoying family time, or diving into a good book!
Mia Rose Ortega
Digital Marketing Intern
Mia joined Sebold Capital as a Digital Marketing Intern in November 2024. She is currently a student at North Central College, where she studies Marketing and Spanish. Mia focuses on developing the Sebold's social media strategies and promoting the firm brand.
When Mia isn’t working, she enjoys cooking new dishes, traveling, practicing Spanish, and spending time with her family.