Meet the professionals who can help you Pursue Your Goals
We help individuals and families work toward achieving their ideal retirements.
Reviewers are not compensated for this testimony. Each client's experience will differ and past performance may not be indicative of future results. All investing involves risks,
including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.
Meet The Team
The team behind Rooted Wealth Advisors is made up of qualified financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their ideal retirements.
Zach Gray, CRPC®, LACP Founder
Zach grew up in a blue-collar family on a farm just outside a small, blue-collar town. That hard-working mentality and those roots are what he brings to the office each day. “I loved the farm life and showed cows as a kid, and still own a cattle farm to this day,” Zach says. “My parents worked extremely hard and those values are what I try to bring to work every day."
Zach earned a scholarship to play football for the Fighting Illini at the University of Illinois. He received a bachelor’s degree in education there but soon decided he couldn’t see himself teaching in a classroom setting.
Instead, Zach went to work for a large financial services firm, where he served as a financial representative and company leader for more than a decade. As his passion for helping those in retirement grew, so did his desire to be an independent financial planner, helping people through a firm of his own built around his values, expertise and roots. Industry accolades include MDRT Top of the Table qualification and Forum 400 recognition. Most recently, Zach was the recipient of NAIFA's 4 Under 40 from advisors across the nation.
Zach and his wife, Jenna, have four children. Daughters Roh, 6, and Wynstin, 4, and a set of fraternal twins, brother Kinch and sister Archee, 2. "Four kids keeps us on our toes, but we wouldn't have it any other way," Zach says.
Jenna Gray Vice President of Strategy & Growth
As Vice President of Strategy & Growth, Jenna helps run the business functions of Rooted Wealth Advisors.
Jenna was born and raised on a small family grain and livestock farm just outside of Cullom, IL. Growing up a great work ethic was instilled in her at an early age by her hard-working parents. Jenna began showing livestock at a young age and continued throughout her childhood which is a passion she shared with Zach, after being introduced by friends and family.
Zach and Jenna were married in May of 2014. Their passion for helping others has been something they have shared since first meeting. Jenna has been a registered nurse for over a decade now and takes immense pride in putting a smile on one’s face despite any circumstance. After the birth of their twins, Kinch and Archee, she decided to stay at home for a period of time. Four kids under four was a big commitment, but now as they grow a bit older, Jenna holds that same passion for helping others and provides that to the amazing clients of Rooted Wealth Advisors.
Financial Advisors
John L. Savarino
INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE
John L. Savarino
INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE
John helps unpack the value you’ve created by incorporating your personal and business interests into a holistic planning process we call The Rooted Retirement Process. He helps bring transparency and clarity to comprehensive financial planning and carefully constructed wealth management strategies. With a focus on your best interests, the goal is to streamline and simplify your ongoing financial lifestyle.
John first worked for Zach on his show cattle farm back in 2010. He attended Illinois State University shortly thereafter studying Business Administration & Finance. He has several years of experience in the financial services industry, including time in Atlanta, Georgia with a focus on wealth management & tax planning. Outside of the office, John enjoys drag racing across the Midwest, spending time with his family & friends, and golfing as a member of the Kankakee Elks Country Club.
Jackson Sheputis
PORTFOLIO ADVISOR
Jackson Sheputis
PORTFOLIO ADVISOR
Jackson specializes in client service processes. A few of his key responsibilities include preparation of financial plans, portfolio administration, investment research and analysis, and planning of client service needs for quarterly reviews. Jackson graduated with a bachelor’s in finance from Valparaiso University and recently passed the Series 65 exam. In his spare time, Jackson enjoys golfing and practicing his tennis skills, exploring new places and watching White Sox baseball.
Joseph Mateja
INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE
Joseph Mateja
Investment Adviser Representative
Joe specializes in life insurance, retirement planning, and business 401k's. Joe has 12 years of experience working in the financial industry with background in insurance, mortgages, and financial services. He has a passion for discovering each person's unique goals and dreams in order to create an individualized plan for achieving those goals and dreams.
Before joining Rooted Wealth Advisors, Joe worked as a Financial Representative and an Agency Manager. Prior to that, Joe attended De La Salle Institute. His qualifications include certifications from the Series 6, 26, 63, and 65 exams.
When he's not meeting with clients, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife (Sarah), daughter (Avery) and their two dogs Bentley and Titan. He also frequents the golf course and loves to travel.
Operations and Client Services Team
Hilda Miranda
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Hilda Miranda
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Rooted Wealth Advisors Director of Operations, Hilda Miranda has been a key part of the team since the beginning. With over 8 years in the Financial Services industry, Hilda provides guidance and leadership to the team at Rooted Wealth Advisors. She oversees day to day operations within the office, manages complex compliance cases, and leads the team through major initiatives. Hilda loves to be surrounded by friends and family, traveling to new places, and curling up with a good book.
Kinch O'Kelley
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Kinch O'Kelley
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
For over 15 years, Kinch has been a professional in the Cinematography industry. He started at Iowa State University, where he had his own cable sports show, before moving on to becoming a sports anchor for the CBS affiliate station in Topeka, Kansas. Later, Kinch joined Advisors Excel as a Cinematographer, and is now the Creative Director at Rooted Wealth Advisors. As an award-winning Journalist and Filmmaker, Kinch leads content creation and videography, manages branding and design initiatives, advertising campaigns, learning events and other creative projects. Kinch is always seeking out adventure and laughter with his
family and friends.
Logan Gigl
Service Advisor
Logan Gigl
Service Advisor
Logan expedites transfers of assets and provides solutions in implementation and optimization of allocation strategies for our clients. In addition, he assists new clients throughout the entire onboarding process from start to finish ensuring a smooth, efficient, and pleasant transition to the Rooted Wealth Advisor family. He helps educate new clients, solve technical problems, and ensures smooth adoption of our recommendations and services.
In his spare time, Logan enjoys improving his physical and mental health by lifting and running, playing strategy games and renovating his home or helping at other properties.
Jessica Zemaitis
CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Jessica Zemaitis
CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Rooted in central Illinois, Jessica brings her passion for the best client experience and engaging personality to the role of Client Relationship Manager. Jessica welcomes all guests with an infectious smile and beaming personality, making all guests feel right at home when they walk through the door at Rooted. Jessica takes responsibility for coordinating communication with our clients, whether it's complex financial questions or taking RSVPs to one of our many client exclusive events. When she has free time, Jess enjoys playing slow pitch softball, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
Megan Berry
CLIENT CONCIERGE SPECIALIST
Megan Berry
CLIENT CONCIERGE SPECIALIST
Hailing from Silicon Valley, Megan brings an intentional focus on providing communication and a supreme level of service to high value clients to the Rooted Wealth Advisors team. Megan is responsible for all client correspondence and your day is sure to be brighter after speaking with her. Quick on her feet, Megan studied Dance and Liberal Arts & Sciences at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz. A true California kid, Megan loves spending time in the sunshine with her husband Jake and her son Ryan, fishing, hiking, dancing, and all things Disney.
Carly Hamilton
OPERATIONS SERVICE CONSULTANT
Carly Hamilton
OPERATIONS SERVICE CONSULTANT
Always keen to lend a helping hand, Carly stands ready to assist new clients through the onboarding process here at Rooted Wealth Advisors, ensuring that they are confident and satisfied from start to finish. Carly also services existing client needs and helps resolve any technical issues that may arise. Originally from Bloomington, IL, Carly loves spending time with her two Mini Australian Shepherds, Stella & Bo, hanging out with family and friends, and when the sun is out she can be found at the Leroy Country Club working on her golf game.
Ready to Take The Next Step?
For more information about any of our products and services, schedule a meeting today or register to attend a seminar.
