Building Community and Expanding Leadership Through NAPFA

Garrett Chmiola, CFP^®, is passionate about creating meaningful connections—with both clients and fellow financial planners. As the Local Groups Director on the Midwest Region Board, Garrett supports member engagement by helping organize in-person events and local networking opportunities. In September, he’ll take on a new leadership role as President of the Midwest Region Board, continuing his commitment to strengthening NAPFA’s member community. 

One of Garrett’s proudest contributions has been launching the region’s new “Experiences” initiative. “We started the idea last summer to offer fun, in-person events that encourage networking and deeper connection among members,” he shares. “They’ve been incredibly successful with everything from a whiskey distillery tour and a tasting to an MLB game and interactive museum experience.” These gatherings have helped create a welcoming and engaged environment for NAPFA members across the Midwest. 

From Student Volunteer to Firm Builder

Garrett’s journey into financial planning was sparked at an early age through conversations with his dad about the stock market. However, it was his time at Western Carolina University that turned curiosity into a career. 

“Grace Allen, who led the financial planning program, was incredibly devoted to her students’ professional development,” Garrett recalls. “She encouraged me to travel across the country to attend NAPFA and other conferences as a student volunteer. Her mentorship made a lasting impact on me.” 

Since joining Valeo in 2022, Garrett has channeled that same mentorship-driven approach to firm building. After spending a year at the firm’s Indianapolis headquarters, he co-launched the Valeo Chicago office in 2023. “We’ve already seen strong growth, and I expect that momentum to continue as we expand our footprint in the region,” he says.

Garrett works with a diverse range of clients, including business owners, doctors, executives, and entrepreneurs—many of whom value Valeo’s net worth-based model for its transparency and conflict-free structure. “New clients come to us looking for a high-touch personal relationship with a trusted partner who understands their entire financial world,” he explains. “Our model gives us the time and space to do just that.”

That dedication to personal connection also drives the firm’s growth. “Each advisor works with no more than 40 clients, which allows us to meet quarterly and build meaningful, long-lasting relationships,” Garrett says. “Word-of-mouth referrals are our best marketing strategy because people can sense when you’re truly invested in their lives.”

Encouraging the Next Generation

Garrett joined NAPFA in 2023 and has found tremendous value in the community and leadership opportunities it provides. “It’s helped me grow as a leader and expand my network with other Fee-Only advisors who put clients first,” he says. For those considering getting involved, his advice is simple: “Volunteering is a powerful way to make an impact and surround yourself with people who care about growing this profession the right way.”