Meet the Team
Bridget Sullivan Mermel
CFP® CPA
NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor™
Founder
Ever since I was growing up in Mequon, Wisconsin, I have been fascinated with money and how people earn it, invest it, and spend it. Nothing got my attention like the stock market contest my econ teacher ran.
​
When I went to college, I wanted to learn as much about money and business as I could, so I majored in accounting and marketing. I had to take a writing class; creative writing was supposed to be an “easy A, ” so I signed up. Unlike the other business majors in the class, I loved it. My avocation was born.
​
Bart Leake
CFP® CMT®
Financial Planner
Bart joined SMI as a Financial Planner in 2023. He brings over 20 years of experience in the financial markets. Prior to joining SMI, Bart spent 5+ years with Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade working with High-Net-Worth clients and individual investors educating them on option trading, portfolio hedging, and risk management strategies. Having successfully navigated the financial markets for many years, he recognized the need for fiduciary advice and assisting clients in separating their emotions from financial decisions to achieve long-term success.
Luke Van de Loo
Operations Manager
Luke serves as the Operations Manager at Sullivan Mermel. He provides leadership to the firm’s client service team and manages our systems.
​
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Luke worked at a Registered Investment Advisor firm located in Wisconsin. He then moved to Chicago and joined Sullivan Mermel in 2019.
Outside of work, Luke enjoys spending time with his wife, Annika, and his son, Viktor. He also likes board games, basketball, and connecting with family and friends in the area.
OUR MISSION
Connecting money and meaning to create fulfilling lives.
OUR VALUES
Authentic
Collaborative
Learning, Growing & Improving
Grateful
Pledge to Clients
As ACP members, in our dealings with clients, we pledge to be:
Holistic in outlook.
​
We will consider everything we know about your relevant circumstances, family needs, goals, values, and aspirations when making comprehensive planning recommendations.
​
Professional in conduct.
​
We will strive to maintain the highest ethical standards possible in work and life. We will enhance our skills and credentials through ongoing continuing education, and will refer you to other professionals when you need help in an area outside our expertise.
​
Educational in nature.
​
We will guide you through your options and explain them clearly to help you make the best choices. We will always take the time to help you understand our advice.
Independent in compensation.
We will never sell you a product other than holistic financial planning, nor take a commission or a referral fee from another professional. You will receive objective, unbiased advice.
​
Committed to your success.
​
Holistic financial planning is a process, not an event, and we commit to adjusting your plan as your life goals and circumstances change.
Professional Affiliations
