Lisle financial adviser fine tunes business operation

Jeffery Harper's mission is to assist in orchestrating the financial future of the clients through his business, Opus Wealth Management.

The name of the growing Lisle firm comes from the popular movie, "Mr. Holland's Opus," he explains.

"An opus is your life's work - your purpose in life," said Harper, who admits he is not musically inclined himself. "My family is very music oriented. I play the radio," he said with a laugh. His son, Kyle, works with him at the wealth management company.

The eight advisers who work at the firm are "skillfully orchestrating" the needs of the clients, from taxes to legal to retirement or education, said Harper, 57. "We pick up the baton and point to what the clients need," said Harper, a senior financial adviser and founder of the firm.

He launched his original company, Harper Wealth Management Group, on his own in 1989 in Downers Grove. Over the years, he changed the name of the company and transitioned to the current business model that he says is "solutions oriented." The company now has a fee based business model instead of the commission approach.

"We focus on low-cost institutional money management," Harper said. He believes clients have a better chance to succeed if they can reduce their costs and get better advice that is aligned with their goals.

Most of his clients are really busy and want assistance in delegating their portfolio.

He stresses that it's crucial to find an adviser who cares about what is important to you. He realizes many are hesitant about talking with an adviser. "People need to get started and develop a plan and gain some discipline," he added.

Harper believes that many people have lost focus in saving money and instead, live day to day. "They want to buy the best car, the biggest house and the newest iPhone," he said. Harper tells people to hold the line on expenses, such as dining out. He says saving is key. "We need to set aside some of the best of today to pay for tomorrow."

When Harper has free time, he enjoys spending it with his wife and three grandchildren. He also enjoys traveling and baseball. "I especially love the Chicago Cubs," he added.