About Us
What We Do
A Partner On Your
Life Journey.
At Midway Wealth Partners, we serve our clients by providing independent, holistic solutions designed to meet your financial goals. We are planners first and foremost. We get to know your unique situation before providing recommendations. In addition, we aren’t tied to any proprietary products or services and only serve in your best interest.
About Us
A Team That
Understands
You
We are passionate about simplifying the complex for our clients and serve as their financial quarterback, counselor, and guide. We build long-lasting relationships with our clients and their families and often work with them for multiple generations. Because we are a team of advisors with over 40 years of collective experience, we know how to navigate the many ups and downs of the market and will be here for you for life.
Meet The Team
Who You’ll Be Working With
- Meet The Team
- Summit Team
Our Team
Dennis P. Ryan, JD, MBA
Financial Advisor
Mr. Ryan is an investment advisor representative with Summit Financial. He advises clients on all aspects of their financial portfolios including investment asset allocation and risk management, cash flow management, retirement income planning, business planning, college planning, insurance needs and estate planning. Denny works on a team of advisors so there is always someone available to provide guidance and financial assistance.
Denny received his MBA from the University of Notre Dame, law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California/Berkeley. Prior to joining World Equity Group, he worked as General Counsel / Senior Vice President for a financial consulting firm and in private legal practice.
His expertise has allowed him to instruct at many local colleges and adult education programs in the Chicagoland area. Currently he teaches retirement planning classes every Spring and Fall at the College of Lake County. Denny has also been published and/or quoted in various venues, both in print and online, including in the Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and Kiplinger’s.
Trust, integrity and excellence in service are the cornerstones of Denny’s practice and his professional commitment to every client. Active in his local community, he previously served on the Board of Directors of the Lake County Haven and as a representative of the Alumni Schools Committee for the University of Notre Dame Club of Lake County. In addition, he is a former member of the Estate Planning Council of Lake County and the Greater North Shore Estate and Financial Planning Council. Denny and his wife, Kelly, live in Libertyville and they are the proud parents of Emma, Annie, John and Jake. His interests include reading, travel, and fitness.
Jamie Buffa
Administrative Assistant
As the newest member of our team, Jamie comes to us with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from Illinois State University. She has spent the last decade living in Florida working at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment training domestic and exotic animals. Moving home to be near family, she found Midway Wealth Partners. She genuinely enjoys connecting with the clients and is always curious to learn more about the financial industry. She has become an asset to our team and we enjoy her positive energy in the office.
Jamie has an identical twin sister that teaches first grade and enjoys taking care of her cat named Mouse and her two cockatiels. For the first time in 10 years, she is excited to be home for the holidays.
Kelley Belmonte
Registered Assistant
Kelley has been in the financial services industry for over 13 years. She has been with our team just over 3 years. She prides herself in handling the day-to-day operations and dedicated for resolving client issues with a high level of efficiency and attention to detail.
Kelley received her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Illinois University majoring in Finance. She holds her FINRA 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Kelley is married with 2 children, Ashley and Joey. She enjoys walking, swimming, bike riding and outside activities. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Richard S. Babjak, ChFc, CLU, CFS, MBA, RFC
Financial Advisor
Richard is a well-known Financial Advisor in the Chicago land area. As an owner and Financial Counselor with Midway Wealth Partners, Rich meets the needs of individuals, successful professionals, business owners and retirees. His areas of expertise include wealth creation and preservation utilizing tax advantaged investments, and retirement and estate planning strategies. Upon determining his client’s goals and objectives, Rich will develop a comprehensive program, tailored to achieve the client’s individual needs. His expertise in retirement planning, money management, and estate planning has allowed him to instruct at Concordia University, College of Lake County, and William Rainey Harper College.
Rich has been assisting people for 30 years in ways to protect their assets and invest wisely. Prior to that, Rich had an extensive background in marketing, finance, and management. He graduated with a double major in marketing and psychology from North Central College and received his master’s degree in marketing and finance from Wayne State University. He holds the professional designations of Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Life Underwriter, Certified Fund Specialist, and Registered Financial Consultant, testimony to his in-depth knowledge and background in the retirement planning, insurance, and estate planning fields.
Trust, integrity and excellence in service are the cornerstones of Rich’s practice and his professional commitment to every client. Rich is a member of various professional organizations, including the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants, the Northwest Suburban Estate Planning Council, the American Society of Chartered Financial Consultants. Rich served on various boards including The United Way of Lake County, the Libertyville Township Soccer Complex, and on the Board of the College of Lake County Foundation. Rich is also active with Misericordia and the Libertyville Sunrise Rotary.
Rich is listed in Who’s Who in the Midwest, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, and Who’s Who in Executives and Business. Rich has also published two books through Palisade Press titled “Educated Investing” and “Tactical Asset Allocation for Serious Investors.” Rich has been recognized in Chicago Magazine as a 5-star wealth manager.
Terry Kania
Client Service Manager
Terry has been a part of our team since 2014. As our Client Service Manager, Terry focuses on the smooth transition of new client’s into Midway Wealth Partners as well as their ongoing client experience. She is the kind voice you hear when scheduling appointments and the friendly face you see when you arrive.
Terry has a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and an M.S. in Computer Science, with an extensive customer service and training background. She provides our clients with a high level of customer service through the creation and processing of account paperwork and necessary follow-up.
The relationships she has built over the years with our clients are the most valued aspects of her time. She truly enjoys interacting with our clients and assisting them in those life events that involve Midway Wealth Partners.
Terry has been married to her husband Keith for over 25 years, and is the mother of two wonderful young men, Alex and Adam.
Summit Team
Barbara Hawkesworth
CLO, Summit
Brandon Smith
Director of Integrated Planning Group, Summit
David Porro
Director Of Insurance, Summit
Dennis P. Ryan, JD, MBA
Financial Advisor
Ed Friedman
Director of Growth and Business Development, Summit
Jack Long
Associate
James Rabasca
Senior Tax Specialist, Summit
Jamie Buffa
Administrative Assistant
Keith Soltis
Co-General Agent, Managing Director, Summit
Kelley Belmonte
Registered Assistant
Mara Stempler
CFO, Summit
Michael Bremer
COO, Summit
Noreen Brown
Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Summit
Richard S. Babjak, ChFc, CLU, CFS, MBA, RFC
Financial Advisor
Sarah Rich
CAO, Summit
Stan Gregor
CEO, Summit
Steven Weinman
President, Summit
Steven Melnick
Associate Director Investment Management, Summit
Tara Pizzutillo
Director of Investment Operations, Summit
Terry Kania
Client Service Manager