There's nothing Strategic Wealth Partners CEO Mark Tepper loves more in this world than winning. What constitutes a win for Mark? Successfully developing financial strategies for clients that get results. Since founding SWP in 2008, Mark put his competitive nature and years of experience to work putting points on the board for clients looking for sophisticated and comprehensive wealth management solutions. Mark works with a broad spectrum of high-net-worth individuals, from business owners to professional athletes, and crafts strategies tailored to their specific goals.
As much as Mark loves winning, he also enjoys educating others on how they can take charge of their financial futures. Mark is an especially effective communicator whose expertise is sought by national media outlets. You might recognize him from his regular appearances as a co-host on Fox Business's Mornings with Maria and Varney & Co. Along with his eBook Tilting the Odds, Mark has authored three Amazon bestsellers: Walk Away Wealthy: The Entrepreneur's Exit-Planning Playbook, Exceptional Wealth, and The Money Playbook: The Professional Athlete's Guide to Building Lifelong Wealth. Additionally, Mark's an NFLPA Registered Player Financial Advisor.
Under Mark's leadership, SWP has been named on Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 list for four consecutive years. In 2015, he was featured on the Forty Under 40 list by Crain's Cleveland Business. Mark is an active member of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). Mark donates his time to various philanthropic endeavors as a Board Member for Make-A-Wish. He is also a loyal contributor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and is an active proponent for The Innocence Project.
Mark earned his BSBA in finance from John Carroll University and holds a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. He lives in Richfield, Ohio with his wife, Jamie, three children, and dog Brody (a Cane Corso). In his downtime, Mark enjoys fitness, golf, softball, skiing, and coaching his kids' sports teams.
We provide professional and objective financial advice, all under one roof. Strategic Wealth Partners helps you get more from your investment portfolio, fund your children's education, plan for retirement, and minimize your tax exposure. If you're a business owner, we help you plan and execute your exit strategy. Helping people across the full spectrum of financial services is what we do, and it's what drives us, every day.
Tony Zabiegala
CRPC | Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operations Officer and Senior Wealth Advisor with Strategic Wealth Partners, Tony manages two highly important roles. He draws from his diverse array of skills to help clients achieve their financial goals while also making sure SWP runs like a smoothly functioning, client-centric advisory firm. He strives to provide clients with superior service, while advising them on comprehensive, proactive wealth management. In his role as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) Tony thrives on helping clients realize their retirement goals.
Tony began his career as a civil engineer, displaying exceptional ease with numbers and technical details. His transition to the more customer-focused, collaborative wealth management sector was therefore an easy one. Here, Tony found his true calling: assisting people achieve their retirement goals and helping them eliminate financial stress.
Always seeking ways to improve SWP, Tony is an active member of Vistage's Key Executive Program, where he's exposed to the latest trends in leadership and client servicing.
Tony earned his B.S. in civil engineering at Cleveland State University. In his downtime, Tony can be found golfing, cheering on all the local Cleveland sports teams, and spending time with wife, Melissa, and daughter, Emma, at their home in Cleveland.
Nate Fischer
CFA, CMT | Chief Investment Officer
As Chief Investment Officer, Nate is the architect for SWP's overall investment strategy. He oversees the firm's investment committee, research personnel, and proprietary strategies. Nate's extensive experience helping high-net worth and institutional clients meet their investment goals makes him an indispensable asset. He is highly respected for crafting solutions to some of the most complex financial situations.
Nate comes to SWP from a regional bank where he served as a portfolio manager for trust, investment management, and employee benefits accounts. Earlier in his career, Nate conducted investment research across a long/short equity strategy. Additional prior experience includes portfolio management at an institutional investment consultant, where he focused on structuring portfolios across traditional and alternative assets.
As marks of his deeply technical knowledge, Nate holds two of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession: he is both a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Market Technician (CMT). Nate graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in Financial Economics.
When he is not analyzing financial markets, Nate can be found in the kitchen of his Chagrin Falls, Ohio home flexing his culinary muscle. He also enjoys golf, travel, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Peter Brunton
CFA | Chief Investment Strategist, Senior Wealth Advisor
As Chief Investment Strategist, Peter manages a nationwide roster of SWP's largest clients. He is particularly skilled at creating custom built financial plans designed to maximize retirement income, increase investment performance, and decrease the lifetime tax bill. In short; Peter thrives on removing the stress of financial planning by helping clients retire on their terms. In addition to his client responsibilities, Peter oversees the strategic direction and implementation of SWP's alternative investment platform.
As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), the highest level of professional recognition in the financial industry, Peter has 15 years of experience in portfolio management, investment research, and planning strategy. He has served in various senior VP roles as a portfolio manager in the asset management, banking, and family-office industries.
Peter earned his BA in history from the University of California Santa Barbara and his MBA in finance from San Francisco State University. When he's not in the office, Peter can be found spending time with his family, traveling, appreciating global cuisines, hiking, and working on the tennis game.
Matt Bures
Chief Compliance Officer & Director of Operations
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Matt brings a depth of knowledge and insight to his role as Director of Operations & Chief Compliance Officer at Strategic Wealth Partners. Matt excels in optimizing operations to improve efficiency and productivity.
As a member of the compliance team, Matt ensures that all regulatory policies and procedures are in place. With a focus on automation, Matt is constantly looking for ways to improve the quality and productivity of the firm, with an eye on optimizing the client onboarding process. Along with Matt's wealth of experience, he's an attentive listener who knows that collaboration helps the team thrive.
Prior to joining SWP, Matt spent over five years as chief compliance officer at First Fiduciary, where he streamlined operations and built a robust compliance program. He also spent time as manager of investment operations and chief portfolio administrator for two other Cleveland-based firms. Matt holds a bachelor's degree from Myers University.
When he's not working, Matt can be found coaching his children's soccer teams, cooking Sunday dinner for the family, or rooting for Cleveland sports teams. He lives in Strongsville, Ohio, with his wife, Sheryl, two daughters, and two dogs.
Steve DiMichele
CPA, MSA | Director of Tax Services
As the Director of Tax at Strategic Wealth Partners (SWP), Steve brings over 8 years of expertise. In the complex world of tax, he spearheads the corporate finance function and offers invaluable tax planning, consulting, and annual income tax return services. By holding a firm belief in under-promising and over-delivering, Steve provides an approach that ensures unmatched client satisfaction.
Since 2016, Steve is an active Ohio CPA License holder and boasts a Master of Science in Accounting from New England College and a B.A. in Business with a specialization in Entrepreneurship from Baldwin-Wallace College.
Before joining SWP, Steve invested over a decade with Signet Jewelers where he served in multifaceted roles ranging from a Business Analyst to Senior Tax Accountant.
If you were to ask Steve about his favorite aspect of his job, he'll passionately talk about helping clients navigate tax efficiency and helping optimize their tax planning objectives. For Steve, excellence lies in precision. This is why proofreading and ensuring absolute accuracy in numbers are integral to his work ethic - a signature touch that defines his professionalism.
Outside the office, Steve is an avid traveler, an enthusiast of local sports, and never misses an Ohio State Buckeyes game. Growing up in Northeast Ohio, he currently resides in Macedonia with his loving wife Alicia, their adorable Cavapoo, Zoey, and a Bengal Cat named Miley.
Rick Eicheldinger
CFP, EA, CLU | Director of Financial Planning
Rick Eicheldinger brings over a decade of financial planning experience to his role as Director of Financial Planning at Strategic Wealth Partners. With a client-first mindset, Rick partners with advisors and specialists to craft customized strategies that help clients move confidently from where they are today to where they want to be tomorrow.
Rick's journey into financial planning began after a career as a teacher and coach, driven by a personal desire to create financial security for his own family. Since then, he has worked at several respected firms with diverse planning philosophies. Prior to joining SWP, Rick led a team of 12 planners at Facet Wealth, helping deliver advice to more than 2,100 clients.
His credentials include CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, Enrolled Agent with the IRS, and Chartered Life Underwriter. He's currently pursuing his MBA at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business to further elevate the client experience.
Rick's planning style blends education with action. He's known for using storytelling to make financial plans relatable and inspire follow-through whether the goal is buying a dream home, selling a business, or retiring with confidence.
Outside of work, Rick enjoys musicals and takes pride in being a hands-on dad, finding joy in watching his kids grow and discover their passions.
His philosophy is simple: "The client always comes first, and our company works tirelessly to position them for success while mitigating risks along the way".
Dave Abate
CFP | Senior Wealth Advisor
David Abate deeply values the trust clients place in him. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, David designs comprehensive financial roadmaps to help clients reach their retirement and wealth-building goals. With his deep experience and knack for breaking complex concepts down into easy-to-understand terms, David educates clients on each step of the process and empowers them to make informed decisions.
More importantly, David's skills and compassionate, approachable demeanor offer clients the one thing they crave most when planning for their financial future: peace of mind.
Prior to joining Strategic Wealth Partners, David advised clients through all phases of the personal finance planning cycle - with a focus on asset management and optimized risk-and-return trade-off strategies - at a leading Northeast Ohio wealth management firm. David developed his considerable technical skills at NCR Corporation where he worked as a financial software engineer for global solutions.
David earned a BS in business administration from Miami University and an MBA with a concentration in finance from Georgia State University. When he's not at the office, David can be found coaching his son's travel soccer team and getting his heart broken by the local Cleveland sports teams.
Derek Gabrielsen
CRPC | Senior Wealth Advisor
Derek Gabrielsen delights in forging personal relationships with clients and putting them at ease about their financial future. Derek knows that retirement is a huge milestone in a clients' life, and he's honored to be a part of that journey, empowering clients with the confidence and tools they need to retire comfortably.
As a wealth advisor and A Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Derek specializes in the advanced planning aspects of wealth management, including risk management, retirement planning, and wealth transfer. Above all else, Derek believes that establishing a deep, personal relationship with a client is the bedrock to building a strong financial plan.
Derek's financial career began in tax accounting before moving on to work in a variety of advisory and management roles. Before joining Strategic Wealth Partners over a decade ago, he worked with a wide range of businesses, including manufacturing firms, third-party logistics companies, and large eCommerce sites.
Derek earned his BSBA and MBA from John Carroll University. When he's not in the office, Derek can be found cheering local sports teams, refining his golf game, or playing his guitar. Ever the foodie, Derek enjoys checking out local restaurants and considers himself an amateur BBQ Pitmaster. He resides in Chagrin Falls, Ohio with his wife, Melissa, and two children.
Matthew Geary
CFA | Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst
Matthew Geary brings over 20 years of in-depth equity analysis to Strategic Wealth Partners as a portfolio manager. With a passion for investing and research, Matthew excels at providing value to clients and managing relationships. Detail oriented and analytical, he's committed to learning about and evaluating new companies and industries.
Matthew prides himself on thoughtful team-oriented performance and seeks to elevate SWP's investment research and provide valuable strategies to clients. His prior experience as a Senior Equity Analyst provides SWP with the fundamental skills and an approach to generate investment opportunities across a wide range of sectors and companies.
As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Matthew retains one of the highest distinctions in the craft of investment management. He earned his B.S. in Finance from Villanova University and holds an MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. When not in the office, Matthew remains active by hiking, practicing yoga, and cheering on Philadelphia sports teams.
Robert Lambert
CFA, CMT | Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst
Robert Lambert is Strategic Wealth Partners' triple threat in investments. Along with being a portfolio manager and trader for SWP's multi-asset strategies, Rob is also an equity analyst on individual stock strategies, covering a range of sectors and companies.
Rob works alongside SWP's CIO developing the strategy, management, and implementation of the firm's multi-asset portfolios. As an Investment Strategist and a member of SWP's investment committee, Rob uses his keen mind for numbers to dive into macroeconomic research and market and security analysis, and to design customized investment strategies for high-net worth clients.
Rob earned his BA in business economics and finance from Ohio University and joined SWP upon graduation. Rob is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), one of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession.
When he's not at work, Rob can be found cheering on the Cleveland sports teams at his home in Lakewood. He also enjoys golfing, skiing, and scuba diving.
Brian Martin
CFP | Senior Wealth Advisor
With 30 years of experience as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Brian Martin has established himself as a trusted advisor known for providing expertise and commitment to his client's financial planning needs. Part of his unique background has dealt with the coordination of investment, tax and estate planning issues as the Director of Financial Services with a leading estate planning law firm. As a commitment to his profession, Brian has twice served as President of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Greater Indiana, the national trade association for certified financial planner practitioners.
As a Senior Wealth Advisor with SWP, Brian is passionate about creating advanced planning strategies while educating his clients on how implementing recommendations will impact their personal situation. Beyond providing unparalleled client service and follow through, Brian feels his signature touch is creating deep and abiding relationships built on trust; and he has enjoyed a long track record of such.
Outside of the office, he has served as president of his alma mater's alumni association and as a trustee at the University of Indianapolis. Brian enjoys many sports, with a special passion for college football as he is a former college athlete (tight end) and youth football coach. He also likes to stay physically active through weightlifting, boating, water sports, golf, and deep-sea scuba diving. At home his wife Mary Ann, daughter Danielle and son Trevor, rave about his grilling skills and enjoy their "Dad Brunches".
Ken Sable
JD | Estate Planner
Ken Sable is passionate about helping clients achieve financial success through thoughtful, customized planning. As an Estate Planner at Strategic Wealth Partners, he leverages more than 20 years of experience and a deep background in law, accounting, and finance to guide high-net-worth individuals and business owners through income and estate tax planning, retirement preparation, and business succession strategies.
Ken takes pride in being an attentive listener and tailoring each strategy to fit the unique needs of his clients. In addition to his role at SWP, Ken owns and operates both Sable Group LLC (accounting) and Sable Law LLC in Beachwood, Ohio.
A recognized leader in his field, Ken holds the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designation reserved for professionals with extensive experience in estate, financial, and tax planning. He is an active member of the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, the Financial Planning Association of Cleveland, the Ohio Bar Association, and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.
Prior to joining SWP, Ken practiced estate and business succession law and held positions at two Big Four accounting firms, along with several respected regional firms.
He earned his BS in Accounting from Hiram College, his JD from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, and his MBA from Cleveland State University.
Ken lives in Hunting Valley, Ohio, with his wife, four children, and two dogs. Outside of work, he enjoys running, playing hockey, and gardening.
Sam Petitjean
Associate Wealth Advisor
Sam Petitjean brings a client-first mindset and high energy to his role as an Associate Wealth Advisor at Strategic Wealth Partners. With a background in both banking and financial planning, Sam is passionate about helping clients take control of their financial future with clarity and confidence.
Before joining SWP, Sam served as a Private Client Banker at KeyBank, working directly with high-net-worth individuals to uncover personalized planning opportunities. He also gained hands-on experience as a paraplanning intern at Wealth Advocate Group, where he supported advisors with data analysis, eMoney modeling, and client interaction.
Sam earned his degree in Financial Planning and Wealth Management from John Carroll University, completing a CFP Board Registered Program. He holds the SIE, Series 7, Series 66, and New York Life & Health insurance licenses.
At SWP, Sam supports senior advisors in building comprehensive financial plans and delivering high-quality client service. He thrives in client-facing roles, bringing a competitive spirit, sharp attention to detail, and deep commitment to each interaction.
Originally from New Orleans, Sam and his family relocated to Buffalo, NY after Hurricane Katrina, but his Southern roots remain strong, especially during Mardi Gras and Saints season. Outside of work, he stays active through basketball leagues, strength training, and prioritizing physical and mental wellness.
Brittany Halsey
Office Manager
With her effervescent personality and acute attention to detail, Brittany Halsey excels in her role as Strategic Wealth Partners Director of First Impressions. Brittany serves as the face of SWP, building strong relationships with clients and enhancing their experience with an unparalleled personal touch. She delights in guiding every client through their SWP journey and works tirelessly to ensure each client is satisfied with their experience. Always with a smile on her face, Brittany brings a can-do attitude and vast customer service skills to attend to clients' needs.
In addition to maintaining client relationships, Brittany deftly handles the administrative duties inherent in both her front and back office responsibilities.
Prior to joining the finance world, Brittany worked in private aviation in a client relations role. She also honed her communications skills during her stint as an event and marketing communications assistant at Walt Disney World Resorts.
Brittany earned her B.S. in project coordination and business management from Full Sail University. She is pursuing her Master's Degree in Law and Management and is a proud member of the Cleveland Women's Leadership Program.
When she's not in the office, Brittany enjoys outdoor summer activities, especially boating on the shores of Lake Erie. Otherwise, you can find her immersed in art projects, listening to George Michael, or spending time with her close knit family.
General Information |
Firm Start Year: | 2003 | |
No. of Employees: | 20-49 | |
Name of Custodial Firm: | Charles Schwab & Fidelity |
Number of Years with Current Firm: | 15 |
Work with the following types of clients: | Individual Investors, Businesses |
Advisory Services Provided: | Retirement Planning, Portfolio Management, Financial Planning, Insurance Products & Annuities, Estate Planning & Trusts, Investment Advice & Management, Financial Advice & Consulting, 401K Rollovers, Money Management, Risk Management, Education Funding and Planning, Financial Planning for Individuals, Financial Planning for Businesses, Tax Advice and Services, Legal Advice and Services, Wealth Management |
Services |
Investment Types: | Options & Futures, Bonds, Stocks, Annuities, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Alternative Investments |
Can meet clients in the following ways: | Phone, Email, Our Office, Video Conference |
Firm Information |
Firm's Number of Clients: | 1,800 |
Assets Managed by Firm: | $1,500,000,000 |
Advisor's Number of Clients: | 1,800 |
Assets Managed by Advisor: | $1,500,000,000 |
Compensation and Fees |
Fee Structure: | Fee-Based |
Minimum Portfolio Size for New Managed Accounts: | $1,000,000 |
Compensation Methods: | Based on Assets |
Board Positions |
Organization : | Strategic Wealth Partners, Independence, OH |
Position : | Chief Executive Officer |
Duration : | 01/01/2008-Present |
Education |
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Finance | John Carroll University - Cleveland, OH 09/01/1998-05/01/2002 |
Financial Services |
Portfolio Management
As a SWP client, you benefit from personalized, sound guidance backed by professional integrity and robust experience. We have a strong pulse on what's happening in all markets: public equity and debt, as well as alternative investments including hedge funds, private equity, private real estate, and more. It's because of this keen knowledge that our founder, Mark Tepper, is so frequently called upon by the media for financial commentary. Get started with our Portfolio X-Ray tool, an easy-to-use but eye-opening look at the strength of your current portfolio - portfolioxray.com |
Retirement Planning
Working forever is rarely anyone's gameplan. When you're ready to retire, you want financial security to live life on your terms. Our unified team works closely with you to address goals, timing, and risk tolerance. Together we develop a roadmap that's personalized and adjusts as factors change. Our touchpoints: easy to understand reports, real-time digital dashboards, and one-to-one meetings keep you informed and respect you as an active participant. |
Estate Planning & Trusts
Transferring wealth to your spouse, children and grandchildren creates a lasting legacy. We've helped countless families maintain wealth designated for loved ones with smart strategies that factor in timing, taxes, and goals. We apply the combined expertise of our legal and tax accounting professionals to create a thoughtful plan that looks out for the best interests of current and future generations. |
Tax Advice and Services
When you work hard to build your wealth, you want someone on your side working just as hard to protect it. Without careful, strategic planning, taxes can wear away your funds, and who wants that? Our certified tax accounting professionals provide trusted guidance to minimize all aspects of a tax burden including income tax, capital gains, estate tax, retirement income, and 1031 exchanges. |
Registered Investment Advisor:
Yes
Registered Representative:
Yes
Investment Advisor Representative:
Yes
Acknowledged fiduciary:
Yes
Compliance Disclosures in Last 5 years:
I have a clean record
Criminal Disclosures in Last 5 years:
I have a clean record
Mon. | 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
Tue. | 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
Wed. | 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
Thu. | 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
Fri. | 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
Nationwide |
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