Jeff LaBedz

We are living in unprecedented times full of uncertainty, but uncertainty may beget opportunity. I understand that many people don't enjoy talking about finances, but I also understand that many people enjoy having money. I'm a financial advisor because I want to see people enjoy the fruits of their labor and help them achieve their financial goals.

My family moved to Johnsburg when I was young, and my parents bought five acres of a farmland where my father built our home with his own two hands. We didn't have crops or livestock, but we did build a barn! My childhood was like a reality show on the DIY Network, only without the cameras. As soon as I could swing a hammer, my parents put me to work, and to this day I still have the child-sized toolbelt my parents got me so I could emulate my dad.

From a young age, I understood that success doesn't happen overnight and requires hard work, careful planning and commitment. Watching my dad build our home taught me the importance of patience and that you can achieve great things over time if you have a clear goal and appropriate strategy.

My family influenced my work ethic, but also the importance of balancing work and play. I enjoy the outdoors, traveling, working with my hands and action movies, and I am an avid Chicago sports fan.

I got lucky and convinced my wonderful wife (Amy) to marry me in 2014, and along with our beautiful boys (Roman, 5, and Elias, 1) we made McHenry our home. All alliteration aside, we truly love our community and going out to social events... Especially when it's warm. My oldest son (Roman) is a social butterfly and will talk your ear off, and his little brother (Elias) just started walking so he is a little tornado.

I'm proud that, through my work, I can have a positive impact on the same community that was so influential in my upbringing. My goal is to help individuals and businesses in the area realize their financial goals and provide a complimentary opinion.