Our Team

Gary Harris has been helping clients navigate their investments, tax strategies, and legal planning since the early 2000s. His dedication to philanthropy has led him to serve on multiple charitable boards, including Catholic Charities and his own Private Supporting Foundation, a cause close to his heart. Currently, he is actively involved with KIBIR in Ethiopia, working in private equity and mission-based initiatives. Gary has been married to his wife, Jill, for 28 years, and they are proud empty nesters with their son, Xavier, 23, and daughter, Maria, 21. While they don’t have grandchildren yet, he is certainly looking forward to that chapter in the future.

Shane Hemphill began his career in the financial industry after graduating cum laude from Northwood University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He joined Vertis Wealth in 2011 and became a partner in 2012. Shane is passionate about empowering his clients with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions and is committed to supporting them throughout their financial journeys. He lives in Freeland, Michigan, with his wife, Amanda, and their two children, William and Eleanor. Shane credits his success and happiness to his strong family values and faith. In his free time, he enjoys coaching his children in basketball, baseball, and football.

Justin Pippert has been drawn to the financial services industry since a young age, which led him to earn a degree in Finance in 2012. Shortly after, he joined Vertis Wealth, where he has played a key role in the company’s growth. Now serving as CIO and Managing Partner. Justin specializes in aligning the company’s vision and direction, ensuring all branches of Vertis work together efficiently. Justin also handles compliance and the firm’s internal financials. He finds great fulfillment in seeing his clients thrive through a comprehensive approach to wealth management. Outside of work, Justin is a dedicated family man, an avid Detroit sports fan, and has a deep passion for the automotive performance industry.

With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Jason DeRosa has worked at SunTrust Wealth Management and Morgan Stanley. He is a graduate of University of Florida, holds an MBA in finance, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Allan Peil is a financial Advisor with a decade of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners pursue their financial goals through personalized planning and investment guidance. He holds a degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and has earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation, demonstrating specialized expertise in retirement income planning. Allan is committed to building lasting relationships and helping clients make informed financial decisions with confidence. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, staying active, and traveling.

An Investment Adviser Representative and insurance professional, Stan Eden has nearly three decades of experience assisting retirees and pre-retirees. He founded Eden Financial Group, Inc. before joining Vertis Wealth in January 2017.

Taylor Hemphill graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications and minors in French and Japanese before joining Vertis Wealth in 2019. She enjoys writing, boxing, gardening, and playing musical instruments. In her free time, she loves exploring new places and experiences with her friends and her husband, Nick.

Kimberly Roy is originally from Texas but has been in the Windy City since 2020. This gave her a diverse perspective both personally and professionally. With five years of experience as an executive assistant, she has developed strong organizational, communication, and client support skills that she is eager to bring into her next chapter. She is excited to begin a new career in wealth management, where she can combine her professional expertise with her passion for helping others, delivering white-glove service with a smile.

With over 30 years in the financial industry, Sue Jacobson is deeply committed to client relationships and personalized service. Since joining Vertis Wealth in 2017, she has taken great joy in truly caring for each client she works with. A lifelong resident of Tacoma, Washington, she values time spent with family and friends. She lives by the quote, “Be someone who makes everybody feel like somebody.”

Christian Look first joined Vertis Wealth as an intern in March 2024. He then became an account manager in June 2025 after his graduation from Aquinas College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and minors in economics and clinical exercise science. His background in athletics instilled strong leadership and teamwork skills, driving his passion for helping others achieve their financial goals. Outside of the office, Christian enjoys golfing, working out, and watching Detroit sports.

Jack Fredericks is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics with minors in Resource Management and Business. His interest in finance stems from a passion for financial literacy, investing, and helping others work toward greater financial freedom. Jack is self motivated and values continuous growth, always looking for opportunities to learn and improve. Outside of work, Jack enjoys golfing, working out, spending time with friends and family, exploring Chicago, and following Spartan athletics.

Deb Harris leads healthcare workshops covering essential topics and providing updates on the latest changes. She helps clients navigate Medicare and find the best plans suited to their needs.

Taylor Schanz’s journey has taken her from Ohio to Los Angeles to Michigan and now to Chicago. She earned degrees from Ohio University, UCLA, and Michigan State College of Law. Before joining Vertis Wealth, she gained experience across a variety of legal areas, including working for a district court judge and interning at the SEC. In her free time, Taylor enjoys traveling, reading and discovering new places to eat.

Ryleigh has been a part of the Vertis Wealth team since May 2023 and stepped into the role of Operations Manager in August 2025. She focuses on supporting the firm’s day-to-day operations, ensuring processes run efficiently and the team is well-supported. She especially enjoys the problem-solving side of her role and finding ways to improve processes that enhance both team efficiency and client experience. Outside of work, Ryleigh enjoys golfing, reading, working out, and spending time with friends.

Jill Harris has been a part of Vertis Wealth since its earliest days, having been married to its founder, Gary Harris, since its inception. As the Controller, she has a passion for details and project management. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, being outdoors in nature, and spending time with family and friends. She lives by the quote, “If you want to do something good in life, live, don’t just get by. Live!” – Pope Francis.

Kelly Kras is the founder and owner of Accessible Accounting Inc. She is a 1993 graduate of Lake Central High School and also attended St. Michael’s School in Schererville. She graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1996 and received her CPA License in 2007. Since 1996, she has worked, in the accounting support of several industries, including construction, personal care, logistics, and medical care.

After retiring early in 2001 from a successful career as a systems analyst, Laura Sklow discovered a passion for tax preparation while taking courses to better understand her own returns. What began as a personal education quickly grew into a rewarding career helping clients navigate the tax process with confidence and ease. With experience handling complex returns—including trusts, estates, and business entities— she founded her own firm, Laura’s Way, committed to delivering honest, accurate tax services. Outside of the office she enjoys volunteering to help homeless animals, traveling, and photography.

Jacob Higley is an intern at Vertis Wealth, joining the team in March of 2026. Jacob is currently a Marketing student at Saginaw Valley State University. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outside, traveling, golfing and watching sports.