Success is only the beginning. Let’s build Significance.

Entrepreneurial individuals and families come to us because they know we have both a sharp focus on the financial success of their business, and we take them far beyond that success.

We are passionate about helping them turn their success into a life of significance.

Our clients value making a difference in the world around them, and we help them see the impact they are truly capable of making- in the legacy of their business, in the lives of their families, and in the greater world at large.

But if you are like many of our clients when they first come to us - whether you’re a family-owned business, an individual entrepreneur, or an executive with equity in the company- your level of success in business has brought with it many complex decisions that need to be made for your wealth, your business, and your legacy.

For our business owners, you want to be confident that when the right opportunity arises, you’re fully prepared to sell and can achieve top value. But what decisions need to be made to increase your business valuation? How do you sell in the most tax-efficient manner? And who is the best buyer to carry forward the business?

If you’re a family-owned business, succession planning can at times seem overwhelming, with both the financial decisions that need to be made along with the delicate family dynamics involved. Every decision must be made with care to ensure the success of both the business and family legacy.

As an executive, while you may not own the company outright, you have a sense of ownership in that you’ve spent years building the business and even have acquired equity in the company. Having a lot of equity can require making the right decisions that can help you minimize unnecessary taxes and maximize what you’re capable of building for your retirement and your legacy.

And, if you are already wondering what business venture may be next after exiting, you may be asking yourself, “Should I buy another company as an investment? And am I financially capable of doing that? Or, would it be better for my retirement to put my focus elsewhere?”

These are just some of the business and life questions we take great care in helping you answer.

We understand the complexity of your situation, and we specialize in creating more possibilities and resources for shaping the success of your business exit or succession than you may have ever been aware of and helping you maintain that success going forward.

But we don’t stop there.

For many of our clients approaching retirement, they can begin to wonder, “Where will my purpose lie after I exit the work I’ve done for so long?”

This is the core of our mission. We are committed to helping you see what you are truly capable of when it comes to building a life of significance.

There is more possible for the impact you can make in the legacy of your business, in the causes you care about, and in the lives of those you love for generations to come; we are dedicated to helping you make that impact.

We believe more than anything that if you are devoted and intentional, you will realize what you are truly capable of- in your finances, in your business, and in the legacy you leave behind.

But it will not happen by accident.

Developed by Matt Geesman and inspired by his family’s legacy of coaching others into their best possibilities, our team will use our Significance Playbook™ to coach you step by step and provide you with impactful resources to help you prepare for your exit, sell or retire with success, and live an amazing life of significance.

We will be with you every step of the way, helping you carve an unprecedented path for generations to come.

  • Matthew Geesman Profile Photo

    C. Matthew Geesman, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CEPA, CRPC®

    Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

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    • CA
    • CO
    • DC
    • DE
    • FL
    • GA
    • IL
    • IN
    • MI
    • MN
    • MT
    • NC
    • NV
    • NY
    • OH
    • PA
    • SC
    • TX
    • WA
    • WI

     If you’re devoted and intentional, you will realize your full potential. That’s not theory—that’s my own story. I was raised by incredible, passionate parents who showed me the roadmap not to just success, but more importantly, to significance. My mother was a science teacher who inspired driven kids to chase their calling. My father was a legendary high school football coach who knew how to get the best out of his players, even more than they ever thought possible. Their example and wisdom inspired so many of my friends and others in our community to see what was truly possible. They provided the leadership, encouragement, and tools to help you reach your full potential. That ignited a fire in me to serve my clients with that same chase for significance beyond financial success. For me, being a financial advisor isn’t a career - it’s my DNA. I’m called to serve those who need more out of life than a large account size. That’s who I choose to help realize what’s truly possible in life. It’s what we at The Geesman Group work to live out every day because life is too short to stop at financial success. If you’re capable of so much more, isn’t it worth it to see what’s truly possible?

    Matt lives in Chicago with his wife Tonya, two children and beloved French bulldog. He enjoys skiing, fishing, music, sports, contemporary art and the culinary arts. His civic involvements include mentorship of underrepresented founders through the UBS VC Pathways program, facilitating art acquisition as a member of the Collection Committee and chairing Emerge at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and aligning tuition support for children as Director of Corporate and Philanthropic Giving at Friends of Bennett Day School. He supports business owners through the Exit Planning Institute and works closely with UBS leadership to drive local culture through the Financial Advisor Advisory Committee. 

      Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

      • Hillsdale College , B.A.
      • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
      • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
      • Certified Investment Management Analyst®
      • Certified Private Wealth Advisor®
      • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor
      One North Wacker Drive
      Chicago, IL 60606
      matt.geesman@ubs.com
      C. Matthew Geesman, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CEPA, CRPC®
      One North Wacker Drive,Chicago,IL,60606
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      Clare Prendergast

      Client Associate

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      • AZ
      • CA
      • CO
      • CT
      • DC
      • DE
      • FL
      • GA
      • IA
      • IL
      • IN
      • LA
      • MA
      • MD
      • ME
      • MI
      • MN
      • MO
      • MT
      • NC
      • NJ
      • NM
      • NV
      • NY
      • OH
      • OR
      • PA
      • SC
      • TN
      • TX
      • UT
      • VA
      • WA
      • WI
      • WY

      Clare joined UBS Financial Services, Inc. in 2017. She specializes in anticipating client needs, providing solutions, and delivering proactive concierge-level services tailored to our clients' individual wealth management situations. Clare graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a BS in Agriculture and Consumer Economics, with a concentration In Financial Planning. She holds the FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. When not in the office, she enjoys running, dance, and spending time with family.

        Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

            One North Wacker Drive
            Chicago, IL 60606
            clare.prendergast@ubs.com
            Clare Prendergast
            One North Wacker Drive,Chicago,IL,60606
          • Peter Headshot

            Peter Karalekas, CFA®

            Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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            • IL

            Peter earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering and MBA from The University of Alabama. He is also a CFA Charterholder and member of the CFA Society Chicago. In his prior role, Peter was an Investment Analyst at an institutional investment consulting firm where he conducted investment research as well as managed rebalancing, restructuring, and liquidity operations of client portfolios. A lifelong resident of the western suburbs, Peter lives in Elmhurst, Illinois. In his free time, he enjoys working out, watching college football, smoking meats, and playing golf with friends.

             

              Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

                • Chartered Financial Analyst®
                One North Wacker Drive
                Chicago, IL 60606
                peter.karalekas@ubs.com
                Peter Karalekas, CFA®
                One North Wacker Drive,Chicago,IL,60606
              • Titus Song

                Executive Director

                Alternative Investments Consultant

                Titus Song is an Executive Director of Alternative Investments covering various markets in the Central and West Divisions for UBS Financial Services. His role is to oversee distribution of alternative investments (hedge funds, private equity and private real estate) by helping financial advisors and clients understand how these offerings function and their effect on investment portfolios.

                Professional History
                Titus joined UBS in 2007 working with the Structured Solutions group. In late 2008, Titus moved to the Alternative Investments group where he has covered a wide swath of the country helping clients and financial advisors understand alternative investments and how they can enhance portfolio efficiency and help clients reach their financial goals.

                In his 32-year career in financial services, Titus has worked at various large financial services firms and banks where he held roles in small and large cap equity trading, as well as in product management. Titus also served as the head of investments and product management at a large regional registered investment advisor prior to joining UBS.


                Education
                Titus earned a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Political Economy at Carleton College in Northfield MN. He also received an M.B.A. from the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota.

                Licenses and Certifications
                Titus holds Series 7, 31 and 66 licenses.
              • Sarah J. Salomon , CAP®

                Executive Director

                Head – Family Advisory and Philanthropy

                Sarah leads a team of Senior Strategists who work with families on understanding money, values and philanthropic intent. Family Advisory and Philanthropy Services serves as thought partners to advisors and their exceptional client families on wealth transitions, family governance, family office strategies, and philanthropy as families seek guidance on cohesive dialogue between generations to perpetuate their legacy.
              • Matthew Morris, CFA

                Executive Director

                Head, Portfolio Advisory Group Midwest, New York and Northeast Division

                Matthew Morris is the Midwest Division Head of the Portfolio Advisory Group (PAG), leading a regional team of experienced investment professionals dedicated to providing asset allocation, portfolio construction, and investment management guidance and education to UBS' Ultra High Net Worth clients. Matthew and his team specialize in developing multi-asset, customized investment strategies and portfolios for sophisticated individuals, families, and institutions.
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                David Mietty

                Executive Director

                Senior Wealth Planning Strategist

              • Daniel

                Daniel DeMichael

                NMLS #947868

                Senior Wealth Management Banker, UBS Bank USA

                Current role and areas of expertise

                Daniel DeMichael joined UBS Bank USA as a Senior Wealth Management banker in 2016. He currently leads a team of 2 bankers covering the Chicago area Wealth Management and Midwest Private Wealth markets.

                Traditionally, clients primarily concentrated on their assets when considering their financial situation. However, the use of strategic financing, liquidity management or other banking solutions may be an important component of a client’s overall wealth management plan. That’s where we come in. Wealth Management Bankers are responsible for providing Financial Advisors and their clients with banking solutions that complement a client's overall wealth management objectives.

                Professional history

                Daniel has an extensive background in relationship banking with over 22 years of experience in Financial and Real Estate services. In addition to his role as Senior Wealth Management Banker Dan has past experience as a Realtor®, Mortgage Originator, Private Banking Client Manager and UHNW Banking Advisor.

                Education and personal information

                In Daniel’s role as a Senior Wealth Management Banker his NMLS # is 652578. He holds his Series 7, 6 and 63 securities licenses and has his BA from Michigan State University.

                A lifelong Chicago resident, Daniel lives in the West Loop with his wife Sarah and their 2 children Marcus and Jolene. He enjoys traveling in his spare time.

                Senior Wealth Management Bankers are employees of UBS Bank USA. UBS Bank USA is a subsidiary of UBS Group AG. UBS Bank USA, Member FDIC, NMLS No. 947868. Equal Housing Lender.

              Private Wealth Management

              As a team within the exclusive Private Wealth Management division at UBS, we connect you to the dynamic presence of one of the world‘s leading wealth managers. Private Wealth Advisors serve many of the firm‘s largest relationships, providing extensive reach and the distinct advantage of the firm‘s global perspective, insights and resources.

              Three generations on beach

              From success to succession

              business

              Pre- and post-sale planning for business owners

              Insights

              two men planning

              Ready to sell your business?

              The five hallmarks of a successful sale

              Move forward with confidence in possibly the biggest venture of your life. We can help advise and orchestrate your entire team of experts throughout the sale process and beyond.

              A leader in wealth management

              Backed by the strength of our parent company, UBS AG

              $5.9+ trn

              UBS Group invested assets
              As of 06/30/2024

              51 countries

              Our global footprint

              Global leader

              UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager