Telemus is pleased to announce its continued growth and expanded service offerings with four new additions to our talented team.
Matt Heckler
Please join us in welcoming Matt Heckler as Director of Corporate Executive Services, based in Chicago. He is leading a new division of the firm, providing comprehensive financial planning and implementation for senior-level management from income tax and estate planning to insurance, benefits, investments, and everything in between.
Matt previously served in the Chicago office of Cerity Partners. Earlier in his career, he worked at the Goldman Sachs Family Office in New York City, eventually transferring to the Chicago office of their subsidiary, The Ayco Company, as an Account Manager.
“Developing new lines of business as we grow is an important part of our strategy at Telemus,” company Chairman and CEO Gary Ran said. “Matt has a unique skill set and business model we think will further broaden the solutions and services we offer to clients.”
Matt is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University. He holds Life Insurance and Health & Disability Insurance and Investment Licenses. He began his new role at Telemus in August.
Alex Simmons
Alex Simmons joins as Manager, Private Investments. During this time of uncertainty when the stock market remains unstable, Alex will focus on less traditional investment opportunities in areas like real estate, private equity and hedge funds that are not typically open to the public.
“I think there’s a really big opportunity right now and our client base is interested in these offerings,” Simmons said. “I’m excited to work in an entrepreneurial environment with the Telemus team and formalize our structures and processes.”
Alex earned an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business; he also has a bachelor’s degree in economics from U-M. He previously served as a Private Equity Senior Associate with Huron Capital Partners and worked in investment banking and as an accountant. His wife, Karlee, is a metro Detroit dermatologist.
“We are committed to building out our private investing activities and hiring Alex is an important step in that direction,” Ran said. “He brings all the right experience and will make a great addition to our Telemus team.”
Rob Culver
Rob Culver returns to Telemus as IT Manager, having formerly worked as the firm’s Network Administrator. More recently, Rob managed the server environment for Soave Enterprises locations across North America.
In his new role, Rob will be responsible for project planning, budgeting, purchasing, vendor management, disaster recovery and business continuity planning and testing, risk analysis and other high-level technology duties.
"We are excited to welcome Rob back to the Telemus team," company COO and Partner Matt Ran said. "We look forward to him determining company IT needs and assisting others to do their jobs more efficiently."
Rob was born and raised in Canada and has worked in IT in the Detroit area since 1999.
“The Telemus team is a hardworking group of truly good people,” he said. “I’m glad to be back.”
Taylor Ivey
Telemus is also pleased to welcome Taylor Ivey, our new Receptionist and Client Service Associate. She is responsible for supporting Client Service Mangers with scanning, periodic payments and other operational duties while also overseeing administrative needs.
“Once you speak with Taylor, it is clear she is a great fit for Telemus and our clients will love interacting with her,” said Johannah Schiffer, Director, People and Places. “She is very personable, eager to learn, and understands the importance of enriching our clients.”
Taylor is a recent graduate of Kent State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising with a concentration in fashion media. She brings a background in retail, culinary arts, performing arts and corporate fashion to her new role.
“Being a Telemus team member means joining a group of welcoming and talented individuals that have a common goal,” Taylor says.
Please join us in welcoming these four amazing new members of our growing team.