Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Wealth Management Partner in Grand Rapids, MI
Midwest Capital Advisors is an independent, Michigan-based, SEC-registered investment advisor founded in 2003 on the principle of always prioritizing client interests. As a fee-only fiduciary, we specialize in wealth management and retirement planning for individuals, families, and businesses. Our team-based approach combines strategic portfolio management, personalized financial planning, and fiduciary responsibility to help clients navigate complex financial decisions. We operate with full transparency, charging fees solely based on assets under management without commissions or hidden costs. Our commitment to education empowers clients to make informed decisions about retirement, tax strategies, and wealth preservation.With decades of collective experience, our certified financial planners and advisors deliver tailored solutions aligned with each client's unique goals. We serve successful individuals within 10-15 years of retirement, business owners with complex assets, and educational institutions managing retirement programs. Our four-step wealth management process includes discovery meetings, collaborative planning, implementation, and ongoing reviews to adapt to life changes. We maintain strong community ties through partnerships with Michigan public and private schools, offering specialized retirement plans for educators.
Services
Wealth Management
Retirement Plans
Portfolio Management
Financial Planning
School Retirement Programs
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We are SEC-registered investment advisors operating under strict fiduciary standards
- Our fee-only structure eliminates conflicts of interest and hidden fees
- Team-based approach combines expertise from multiple certified financial planners
- Specialized retirement planning for business owners and educators in Michigan
- Transparent asset-based fee schedule with no minimum investment requirements
Associations and certifications
- SEC-Registered Investment Advisor
Services
Wealth Management
Our wealth management services combine strategic portfolio construction with comprehensive financial planning. We create customized investment strategies using active and passive vehicles while managing risk through technology-driven monitoring. Our team works with successful individuals and business owners to develop long-term wealth preservation plans that adapt to changing market conditions and life transitions. This service includes regular portfolio reviews and adjustments based on evolving client needs and market dynamics.
Retirement Planning
We specialize in designing retirement solutions for businesses and individuals. Our services include 401(k) profit sharing plans, 403(b) and 457 plans, and cash balance plans. For businesses, we provide fiduciary education, investment due diligence, and plan fee analysis. For individuals, we develop tax-efficient withdrawal strategies and coordinate estate planning to ensure financial security during retirement years while minimizing tax liabilities.
Portfolio Management
Our portfolio management approach begins with strategic benchmarks aligned with long-term market views. We implement both active and passive investment strategies while continuously monitoring risk exposure. The process includes tactical adjustments based on short- and medium-term market analysis, using quantitative measures to optimize returns. We focus on cost-effective solutions that target specific market segments while maintaining diversification across asset classes.
Financial Planning
Our financial planning services encompass retirement income planning, tax optimization, cash flow analysis, and estate planning coordination. We help clients understand their current financial position and develop actionable plans to achieve both short-term and long-term objectives. The process includes creating withdrawal strategies for retirees and integrating business owners' personal wealth goals with their company's retirement programs.
School Retirement Programs
We provide specialized retirement solutions for Michigan's public and private educational institutions. Our services include managing 403(b) and 457(b) plans through the Michigan Retirement Investment Consortium (MRIC) and Christian Schools Retirement Investment Consortium (CSRIC). We offer participant education, online account access, and personalized guidance to help educators plan for retirement while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
People
Mike DeSmyter
Managing Principal
Mike DeSmyter, AIF, joined Midwest Capital Advisors in 2009 and now serves as Managing Principal. With an MBA from Western Michigan University, he specializes in retirement plans and family wealth management. He enjoys finding appropriate investment solutions for clients while balancing his family life and college sports fandom.
Mark Satkoski
Principal
Mark Satkoski, AIF, CFP, has over 15 years of financial advisory experience. He helps clients reduce financial stress through clear communication and personalized planning. A Grand Valley State University graduate, he enjoys outdoor activities with his family and teaching financial concepts in an accessible way.
Jack N. Tunge
Principal
Jack Tunge, CFP, CRPC, focuses on tax-efficient retirement strategies. With a BSBA from Central Michigan University, he assists retirees with complex financial needs. He volunteers with Make-A-Wish Michigan and enjoys golfing while balancing family life with his wife and daughter.
Jennifer Tompkins
Client & Administrative Services
Jennifer Tompkins brings over 20 years of customer service experience to Midwest Capital Advisors. She builds strong client relationships while managing office operations. A history enthusiast, she has conducted extensive research on Grand Rapids' Asian communities and contributes to local heritage initiatives.
Jason Aubuchon
Director of Operations
Jason Aubuchon leads operations with a decade of financial services experience. A former Army Combat Engineer, he optimizes technology and processes to enhance client service. He enjoys outdoor activities with his dog and applies his diverse background to improve operational efficiency for advisory teams.
Questions
What services does Midwest Capital Advisors offer?
We provide wealth management, retirement planning, portfolio management, and financial planning services for individuals, families, and businesses in Michigan.
What does being a fiduciary mean for clients?
As fiduciaries, we legally must prioritize client interests over our own, avoiding conflicts of interest and providing transparent, objective financial advice.
How are your fees structured?
We charge asset-based fees quarterly (0.50%-0.90% annually) with no hidden costs or commissions, ensuring complete transparency in our fee-only arrangement.
Do you work with educators?
Yes, we manage retirement programs for Michigan public and private school employees through MRIC and CSRIC plans with specialized participant support.
What career opportunities exist at Midwest Capital Advisors?
We offer competitive benefits, professional development, and a collaborative culture for financial professionals aligned with our core values.
