Our
Team
Dedication. Experience. Service.
At Mendel Money Management, we go above and beyond for our clients. By working together, we ensure an exceptional client experience. Our boutique size and commitment to client service allows us to serve you well.
Barry Mendel, CFA
Chief Investment Officer
Barry is our President and Chief Investment Officer at Mendel Money Management. He grew up in the West Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago and inherited his father’s interest in the stock market. After 15 years in the business, his passion for the capital markets led him to break out on his own. In 1989, he formed Mendel Money Management.
He has a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.B.A. in Finance from California State University, San Francisco. In 2018, he celebrated his 40th anniversary as a Charter Financial Analyst (CFA®).
Barry currently serves as a director of The Lodge of Northbrook since 2021, a senior living center, and has served as a board member of Northbrook Baseball since 1993. Barry is an avid golfer, tennis player, concert goer, and still plays softball during the summer. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Caryn, and spending time with his four grandchildren.
Bradley Mendel, CFP®
Wealth Adviser
Brad joined Mendel Money Management in 2013 and is a Wealth Adviser. He graduated from Boston University in 2014 with a B.A. in Computer Science. He began his career as a small business consultant with a focus on their Information Technology infrastructure.
In 2006, Brad accepted a position as an actuary at Shore Tompkins Actuarial Resources. He consulted with small business owners on the design and administration of their defined benefit and defined contribution plans. In 2012, Brad passed his final exam to become an Enrolled Actuary (EA).
Since joining Mendel Money Management, Brad earned his M.B.A. in Finance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. While at Kellogg, he participated in the Kellogg Asset Management Practicum where students manage a portion of the endowment fund portfolio. He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®).
Brad grew up in Northbrook, Illinois and currently lives with his wife Kim and daughter Madison. He has a love for cooking, and recently found a passion for baking with his daughter, learning how to make delicious cookies and cupcakes. He played college golf for Boston University and continues to enjoy the game with clients and friends during the summer. Brad is an avid sports fan, especially of all Chicago teams. He is passionate about personal and professional improvement for both himself, his team, and his clients.
Mark B. Burka, CFA
Wealth Adviser
Mark joined Mendel Money Management in 2022 and is currently a Principal and Wealth Adviser. He is a 1972 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a double major in Philosophy and Economics. In 1974 Mark earned his Master of Business Administration from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He began his career as an Investment Analyst at Northern Trust Company and then Burton J. Vincent Chesley & Co.
In 1977 Mark began a 27-year tenure at Aon Corporation rising to Vice President of Investments as head of Equity Investment operations where he managed separate accounts, mutual funds, capital and surplus accounts, and qualified retirement plans assets. Upon Aon’s exit from the investment management business, Mark then joined Burnham, Sullivan, Andelbratt which was subsequently acquired by Ziegler Capital Management, where he continued to manage a growing Aon Pension Plan equity investment assignment for another 15 years. At Zeigler, he developed a passion for serving high net worth individuals and built a strong clientele over his 18-year career at ZCM. Mark has served on four corporate Boards including Indian Peaks Brewing Company and in several philanthropic capacities.
After determining that he needed a succession plan for himself and his clients, he found Mendel Money Management to be a great fit. His personal relationship with Barry for over 45 years helped make the decision easy. At Mendel Money Management, he continues to advance his career working on a proven, and capable, multigenerational service team with similar investment management capabilities and customized approach to financial planning.
When Mark is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife Margaret, his two daughters and six grandchildren. His hobbies include collecting coins, cooking, and sports. He has been a Cub fan for 40 years and has been a part of a season ticket group for decades. He views investments as a personal endeavor, which is something you will notice when working with Mark. His passion for his clients and the investment business shines through!
Alex Wasiunec
Wealth Management Associate
Alex graduated from Saint Xavier University in 2015 with a B.A in Business Administration. He began his career working for a technology startup focused in marketing analytics, where he held roles ranging from client services to accounting. Additionally, he held the position of Market Data Analyst at Stepan Company, a large chemical manufacturer, where he provided business solutions for internal stakeholders based on the needs of their markets. In October 2021, Alex completed his MBA at Indiana Wesleyan University with a finance degree focused in Personal Financial Planning.
Alex grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago and currently lives in Palatine. He played competitive soccer throughout his life and more recently developed a passion for golf. Alex speaks Ukrainian fluently and is heavily involved in the Ukrainian American community throughout Chicagoland. He believes in giving back to the community and serves as a board member of the American Ukrainian Youth Association.
Alex is passionate about helping others and is excited to help clients exceed their financial goals.
Bridget Veenema
Director of Client Service
Bridget Veenema is our Director of Client Service providing detailed oversight and operational support to ensure our clients receive optimal service. Bridget is an accomplished financial professional with an extensive background in client relationship management, working with executives, family offices, and retirees. She brings 15 years of experience in stock and options trading, commercial real estate management, and private equity.
Bridget joined Mendel Money Management in 2022 from Schechter Wealth where she was a Senior Client Service Advisor. Her previous experience includes roles at Coe Capital Management, Bixby Bridge Capital, Bright Trading, and the International Trading Institute of Chicago.
Bridget is a graduate and two-sport (softball and basketball) varsity athlete from the University of Michigan with a BSE in Industrial Engineering. She also holds an MBA in International Business from DePaul University. Her community and charitable contributions include USA and Major League Baseball, the University of Michigan Letterwinners Club, and the Modenese Society.
Outside of the office, Bridget enjoys traveling and playing and watching sports – especially Michigan Football.
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