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Whealthy Empowerment Network
Iâve always believed that true wealth is about aligning your money with your heart. As a financial advisor, mentor, and firm leader, I believe that wealth planning should be a collaborative and deeply meaningful experience. Additionally, as the Chief Operating Officer and co-owner of WHealthy Empowerment Network (WHEN), I work alongside my dedicated business partner, Lizz Schneider, to lead a growing collective of advisory firms with a mission to reshape the way we talk about â and plan for â wealth, choosing to focus on authenticity, purpose, and connection.
In 2021, I founded Kona Financial Planning with a heartfelt mission to help my clients feel confident and empowered in their financial lives, especially during lifeâs big transitions. Whether itâs a career change, a new family milestone, or a shift in priorities, I love guiding clients through these moments. My approach is centered around building genuine relationships and sparking conversations rooted in trust, clarity, and your unique values. I meet my clients where they are, and together, we craft a financial path that feels secure and meaningful for the long haul.
I have worked with clients across the country since 2009, bringing a blend of both technical expertise and emotional insight to our work, together. Before launching Kona, I held positions as a senior wealth advisor along with operational roles at several independent RIAs where I advised clients, developed advisor training programs, and built back-office systems to support firm growth. My CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER⢠designation, Accredited Investment FiduciaryŽ (AIFŽ) designation, and MBA focused on ethical, client-first financial management shape my work, but it is my belief in putting people first that drives me every day.
At WHEN, Lizz and I are building a mission-driven network that prioritizes connection over complexity. We believe wealth isnât just about numbers; itâs a tool for creating a life that truly fits you.
Originally from Toledo, Ohio, my husband, Garret, and I, along with our rescue pup, Jackson, now call the Chicago area our home. When Iâm not working, youâll likely find me hiking, exploring new trails, or enjoying time outdoors with my family as we continue discovering all the natural beauty Illinois and Wisconsin have to offer. Those moments in nature recharge me and remind me why I do this work â to help others find their own sense of balance and freedom.
What I believe:
That line has quietly guided me through every chapter of my life. Growing up in a big, close-knit family taught me resilience, independence, and the value of showing up for others â even when things werenât perfect. Those early lessons shaped both who I am and how I lead today.
I started my career over 30 years ago in banking â answering phones, solving everyday financial puzzles, and listening closely to what people really needed. From there, I moved into lending, brokerage, and eventually wealth management, earning my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER⢠designation and going on to work as an Investment Advisor Representative at a top-10 accounting firm.
In 2018, I left the corporate world to join a small, values-driven firm based in Los Angeles. That experience opened my eyes to whatâs possible when a firm truly operates with integrity. Every team member was treated with respect and kindness, and every advisor was encouraged to make a difference. It gave me a glimpse into the kind of firm I wanted to help build â and the confidence to one day do it myself.
In 2020, I founded Infinity Wealth Company, an independent wealth management and financial planning firm that reflects a more relatable and purpose-led perspective on money. What began as a desire to serve clients more authentically has grown into something much larger.
Today, I also serve as CEO and co-owner of WHealthy Empowerment Network (WHEN) â a growing collective of advisory firms and a community-based platform committed to reshaping how people engage with financial planning. WHEN exists to challenge outdated norms, expand access, and bring more clarity, balance, and purpose into the wealth conversation.
As a visionary and intentional disruptor, Iâm committed to shifting the narrative:Â financial planning isnât just for the ultra-wealthy â itâs for everyone. I believe that when people feel personally responsible, informed, and empowered, they make better choices for their lives and futures. Through WHEN, weâre building something bigger than just a firm â weâre creating a movement fueled by communication, balance, and shared success.
Together with my business partner, Erin Zylka, and our growing advisor network, we offer personalized, judgment-free planning for clients navigating all stages of life. Whether through Infinity or WHEN, our clients receive thoughtful strategies, holistic support, and a steady partner through lifeâs changes.
Iâm especially passionate about working with women, creating space for honest conversations â often in the spirit of informal âfireside chatsâ â that help break down the barriers around money and self-worth. These conversations build confidence, clarity, and connection that extend far beyond the numbers.
As a wife and mom, I understand what it means to juggle priorities while still planning for the future. My husband Steve and I have been married for over three decades, and weâre raising two extraordinary daughters, Chloe and Isabelle, who are my greatest inspiration and motivation.
What I believe:
âBehind every great plan is someone making sure the pieces come together.â
Iâm Gabby Feifarek, Executive Administrative and Marketing Assistant at WHealthy Empowerment Network. I bring a unique blend of structure, creativity, and heart to my roleâalong with a deep desire to support those who are reshaping the financial planning experience from the inside out.
Before joining WHEN, I spent time as an elementary school teacherâan experience that strengthened my communication skills, honed my ability to manage details in high-energy environments, and deepened my passion for helping others grow. Whether I was guiding students through lessons or cheering them on during milestones, I learned how powerful encouragement, clarity, and patience can be.
Now, I channel that same energy into helping our advisors stay focused on what matters most. I coordinate logistics, manage internal systems, and support our marketing efforts through content planning, social media, event preparation, and presentation design. I love bringing ideas to life in a way thatâs thoughtful, organized, and aligned with our mission.
I was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and shortly thereafter my family moved to Arizona, where I grew up with three siblings. With that kind of household, I learned early on how to embrace a little chaosâwith humor, flexibility, and a good dose of patience. A pivotal moment for me was attending a rigorous three-day leadership boot camp in my teensâit fueled my commitment to excellence and reminded me that success comes from showing up, stretching yourself, and staying open to learning.
What I believe:
No role is too small to make a big impactâand that growth is most powerful when itâs shared.
As the Operations Manager for WHealthy Empowerment Network (WHEN), I take pride in bringing structure, consistency, and heart to a mission-driven business rooted in clarity, purpose, and connection. In my role, I support WHENâs growth by keeping our team running smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring our ability to shine when serving our clients and community.
My career has spanned various industries, including banking, real estate, and financial services, with specific experience in customer relations, operations coordination, and even AI training. Iâve worked in both traditional office settings and modern, flexible environmentsâbut found my true rhythm when I left behind a more material-driven lifestyle to embrace one grounded in simplicity and freedom.
In 2022, my husband, Tim, and I, sold our home in Ohio, bought an RV, and began traveling the country full-time with our youngest daughter, Presley. Together, weâve explored ten statesâŚso far, immersing ourselves in new cultures, connecting with people from all walks of life, and prioritizing what matters most: family, freedom, and meaningful work.
Iâm passionate about supporting a business built on integrity. I find deep fulfillment in helping expand WHENâs reach and impact, knowing that every process I streamline or initiative I organize helps others step into their own financial confidence. Whether Iâm refining operations, leading team efforts, or cheering on my colleagues, I strive to lead with kindness, empathy, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing.
Originally from Findlay, Ohio, I am a proud wife, mom, and stepmom to a beautifully blended family. Tim and I have been married for 12 years and are parents to four childrenâRaine, Paige, McKenna, and Presleyâas well as proud grandparents to our 8-month-old grandson. In my free time, youâll find me hiking, exploring national parks, or enjoying quiet moments of reflection with my family somewhere under an open sky.
What I believe:
