Our Team

Jim's lifelong passion for financial markets ignited early, leading him to earn a degree in Finance from Northern Illinois University. He launched his career at Charles Schwab as a stockbroker, where he gained a deep understanding of the industry and discovered his true calling: guiding individuals through personal financial planning and investment strategies.

In 2015, Jim made the bold move to join a boutique wealth management firm to support a retiring veteran advisor. This pivotal experience unveiled the profound impact of sophisticated financial planning on clients' lives.

Driven to deepen his expertise, he achieved the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation in 2017.

By 2023, Jim's entrepreneurial drive led him to establish Fortified Wealth Management following the acquisition of his previous firm. Today, he delivers tailored, value-driven advice, empowering clients with personalized strategies for lasting financial security.

Mark joined Fortified Wealth Management in 2024 after a career working with high-net-worth clients, navigating wealth management, tax, and complex financial planning issues. He has helped manage hundreds of millions in client assets and worked alongside Jim and Belinda for over six years at their previous firm.

As a Wealth Advisor and Director of Financial Planning, Mark works with clients to develop and implement financial plans and provides guidance on complex tax, estate planning, and investment strategy issues. He is passionate about helping clients achieve and maintain financial peace of mind so they can enjoy other aspects of their lives.

Mark is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)® professional and earned the Certified Public Accountant designation. He received a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Finance from the Purdue Krannert School of Management.

Mark is a diehard Chicago sports fan and enjoys staying active by playing golf, lifting weights, and running competitively. He lives in Elmhurst and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Belinda Lusk and her husband Rich worked together for over 20 years to build their own financial services business while raising their family. Before joining Fortified Wealth Management she had a wide variety of responsibilities including managing client service requests, overseeing insurance and investment-related processes, providing advisor support and assisting in office management. Belinda's favorite part of her work is engaging with the firm's clients while helping them achieve their financial goals. 

Belinda earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University. She is an active member of her parish and enjoys golfing, reading and traveling in her spare time. Belinda and Rich split their time between Chicago IL and Naples FL.