Who We Are
We are committed listeners, problem-solvers, and partners in planning for a life well-lived, centered on what you value most.

Our Story
Years ago, two recent grads and a pharmaceutical sales rep began new careers in finance, starting like many did at the time—in an insurance-centric company.
There, they discovered a passion for guiding individuals and families through key financial decisions and planning for life's uncertainties. Over time, it became clear that their clients needed more than just insurance solutions; they needed guidance on their entire financial picture.
In the basement of their office—over countless rounds of putt-putt—Chris, Brian, and Ryan began dreaming of building something different: a company founded on relationships first. They dubbed their early discussions the "Bat Phone" meetings, where big ideas started turning into steps to create a firm rooted in three core pillars:
Independence
Free from affiliations or sales quotas, they would offer advice that truly served their clients' best interests.
Lifelong Learning
Recognizing the ever-evolving financial landscape, they committed to investing in people and technology to deliver the best client experience.
Long-Term Relationships
They aimed to design a model focused on ongoing guidance and support, not one-off transactions.
The dream became reality in 2006, when the trio signed their first office lease as 'Argus Financial Consultants.' Ryan, fittingly, arrived straight from the hospital after welcoming his daughter, Claire, into the world—a reminder of why they started this journey: to help families build an independent and meaningful future.
Since that day, the team has grown, the office has moved, and the firm has rebranded as 'Growtrust Partners,' intentionally choosing 'Partners' to better reflect their commitment to a collaborative approach, where it is not about them but their clients.
Nearly two decades later, their mission remains the same: to help clients plan a life well-lived. And while the future is sure to bring new changes, their dedication to building lasting relationships and empowering clients to pursue their goals will never waver.
Meet the Team
Brian C. Sandberg, ChFC®, AEP®
Ryan P. Smith, ChFC®, CASL™, CFP®, AEP®
A. Christopher Engle, LUTCF, CFP®, ChFC®, AEP®
Rachel Dick, MS, CFP®, AWMA®
LPL Financial Planner
Michael Steinebach CRPC®, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
877-696-1919
Timothy T. Sullivan, MBA
Peter M. Smith
Lisa M. May
Client Services Manager
Hi, I’m Lisa! I’ve been with Growtrust Partners since May 2013. I graduated from Aquinas College in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Accounting. As a Client Service Manager, I strive to offer...
Monica J. Zweedyk
Client Services Associate