There is a quiet confidence that follows Sanford "Sandy" Schmidt when he walks into a room. He doesn't need to prove his credibility with flashy numbers or boastful titles. His decades of experience speak for themselves. But what speaks loudest is the calm steadiness with which he approaches everything, especially his clients' futures.

His firm was founded with a simple philosophy: serve well, stay ahead, and build relationships that last generations. More than 30 years later, that mindset has become the cornerstone of Schmidt Financial Group (SFG), a boutique wealth planning firm based in Northbrook, Illinois.

"I've always believed that if it is to be, it is up to me," Schmidt says, quoting the personal mantra that has guided both his career and his company. "You have to show up. You have to put in the time. There are no shortcuts when you're helping someone steward a lifetime of work and legacy."

Founded by Sanford Schmidt, SFG caters to affluent families, entrepreneurs, and executives, helping them protect, transfer, and grow their wealth. However, unlike the large firms, Schmidt chose a more intimate path, building a practice founded on integrity and long-term trust. 

His focus extends beyond investments, offering deep strategic insight into estate planning, insurance structuring, and legacy protection.

"We're not just wealth managers. We're advocates, problem-solvers, and sometimes even mediators," Schmidt says. "Especially when you're dealing with family wealth. You need more than spreadsheets. You need wisdom."

One of Schmidt’s most innovative contributions to the industry is the development of the Wealth Enrichment Process. This proprietary planning strategy enables clients to donate their taxes to charity without disinheriting their children or heirs. The process empowers families to retain control of both their personal and social capital, and has become a sought-after strategy among the affluent and philanthropic.

“Our clients want to be intentional with their giving, but they don’t want to compromise their legacy,” Schmidt explains. “With the right planning, they don’t have to. That’s where our Wealth Enrichment Process comes in.”

Rooted in Relationships, Not Just Returns

Long before algorithms and AI entered the conversation, Sanford Schmidt was focusing on what mattered most – relationships.

"I grew up in the Chicago area. My education, my friendships, my business roots, they're all here," he says. "That longevity makes a difference. People know they can count on me, and that means everything."

Northbrook, Illinois, isn't just where SFG is located. It's home. That deep local grounding has given Schmidt something few in the financial world can boast: generational trust. Many of his clients' children and grandchildren are now part of his advisory network.

Even within his own family, Schmidt has seen this continuity firsthand. "An accomplishment I'm proud of is being a role model to my children. Two out of three have entered this industry and taken it seriously," he shares. "They’ve invested in their education, earned post-graduate degrees, and become true students of the field. That kind of legacy means more to me than any award."

For Schmidt, relationship-building is not just a soft skill – it’s a business imperative. “You can have the sharpest investment strategy in the world, but if clients don’t trust your guidance or feel heard, it won’t matter. We are here to serve people, not just portfolios.”

He begins each day early, often responding to client emails by 6:30 a.m., and fills his calendar with one-on-one meetings, internal team strategy sessions, and consistent follow-up. His team knows that communication is key. “Client communication is a priority. Without that, even the best planning loses impact,” he says.

Innovating Without Losing the Human Touch

As the industry evolves, so has Schmidt. While some advisors resist change, he has leaned into it, particularly in the area of technology.

"Technology is making it easier to monitor and manage money efficiently. We can now grow portfolios with more precision and generate more alpha," he explains. "We're also using AI to help construct financial plans and asset allocation models. That frees us up to spend more time on strategy and relationship-building."

A key asset in staying ahead has been Schmidt’s involvement in First Financial Resources, a national producer group that supports firms with branding, industry knowledge, and operational efficiencies. "Being part of a group like this gives us access to ongoing education and the tools we need to thrive in a fast-changing landscape," he notes.

And when complex cases arise, such as clients needing life insurance coverage with challenging health profiles, Schmidt and his team rely on in-house expertise to vet medical records before submitting them to underwriters. “Having an insurance underwriter on staff has allowed us to achieve a 90% success rate in securing best-class pricing, even when the odds seemed stacked against us,” he says.

He is also a firm believer in the power of creative design in estate planning. “Our firm specializes in designing and implementing innovative financial and estate planning strategies. We integrate insurance solutions directly into the wealth transfer process, and that integration allows for incredible flexibility and protection,” Schmidt explains.

Over the last 39 years, those strategies have been adopted by affluent families and respected professional firms across the country. “Clients come to us for knowledge, creativity, and simplicity,” he adds. “But they stay because of our commitment to personalized service.”

Advice From a Seasoned Trailblazer

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Sanford Schmidt doesn’t sugarcoat the path.

"This business takes about three years to get your footing," he says. "You have to wear multiple hats – advisor, business owner, strategist. That’s why I tell people, find a mentor who is willing to invest in you. That support early on makes all the difference."

He shares how client relationship management software became a personal learning curve. “It was something I had to teach myself. However, having instant access to key financial data enabled us to deliver better service. So I made it part of my daily work routine.”

Reflecting on his own journey, he says if he could do one thing differently, it would be this: "I would have hired an operations officer earlier. That would have freed up more time to grow the business."

Still, he doesn’t dwell on regrets. His focus is forward. “Planning opportunities close, and new ones open. Staying current is what motivates me. There’s always value to be added."

He also speaks candidly about difficult decisions. “Sometimes, we have to walk away from prospective clients when the fit isn’t right. Not everyone has the ability – or willingness – to make the hard financial decisions. And that’s OK. But we owe it to ourselves and them to be honest when alignment isn’t there.”

A Balanced Life Built on Discipline

Outside the office, Schmidt lives intentionally. His discipline in finance mirrors his approach to health and wellness.

"Since I was 16, nutrition and fitness have been a part of my daily life," he says. "I’ve eaten the same breakfast for 50 years. I study nutrition, work out regularly, and stay active playing racket sports. Treat your food as your medicine or your medicine will become your food."

That level of consistency isn’t just about personal health. It’s about leadership. Clients notice it. Employees respect it. His children emulate it.

He believes the same energy that drives good investing also supports a meaningful life. 

“We’re in a high-stakes business. You need clarity and stamina. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership skill.”

He’s also found joy in mentorship, something he plans to do more of as his firm continues to grow. “The more people I can equip, the more impact we have. That’s how you multiply good work.”

Planning for What Comes Next

As for the future of Schmidt Financial Group, Schmidt envisions steady evolution, rather than rapid disruption. "Technology is a tool, but wisdom is still the foundation. We’ll keep using innovation to enhance our service, but our values will stay the same."

His focus remains on deepening relationships, delivering value, and mentoring future advisors. “Knowledge and relationships are our edge. Without them, we don’t have the privilege of doing what we do.”

And when asked what still motivates him after more than three decades in the business?

He smiles. "It’s seeing a plan come full circle. When clients tell me their kids are set up, their retirement is secure, and they feel at peace, I know we’ve done our job. That never gets old."

With so much of the financial world chasing scale, Sandy Schmidt remains a voice of calm, clarity, and conviction. He has proven that boutique doesn’t mean small. It means focused. It means personal. And it means lasting impact.