From Vision to Trust: Our Firm’s Journey

The Beginning of a Vision

Skinner Copper and Ehmen’s story starts back in 2000, when Jim Copper and Ryan Ehmen left Northwestern Mutual to merge with the Schwartz Group to form Schwartz Copper Financial focusing more on financial and retirement planning. In 2007, Jim and Ryan approached Doug Skinner, who managed advisory services for the Bank of Springfield to gauge if there were any avenues where the three could work together. Through these discussions, Doug saw the opportunity to join forces in a way that allowed him to concentrate on planning and problem-solving. Doug left the bank in 2007 and brought his trusted colleague, Melanie Lesko, with him. Jim, Doug, Ryan, and Melanie found they worked together well, each bringing a unique outlook and passion for helping clients achieve their goals.

Strengthening Our Focus

In 2009, Doug and Ryan became partners in the newly formed Skinner Copper and Ehmen Wealth Management, LLC right when the global financial crisis was in full swing. Working through these turbulent times together strengthened their resolve to provide not just nuts and bolts advice, but to become wealth counselors to their clients and guide them through market rollercoasters and the challenges of life.

A Trusted Future

Noah Skinner came on board in 2022 as a next generation advisor to complete the current team. We look forward to growing this team in the future and continuing to earn the faith and trust that centers our cherished client relationships.