Oak Partners kicks off 2026 March Madness tournament with client celebration at Culinary Misfits

March Madness has officially begun, and Oak Partners celebrated the tournament tip-off with partners and clients at Culinary Misfits in Crown Point. The annual March Madness watchalong provides a perfect opportunity for Oak Partners’ advisors to connect on a more personal level with the clients they serve.

Oak Partners has hosted its opening day watch party for nearly 15 years. It’s one of the many ways the wealth management service provides more than just financial expertise to its clients.

This year’s celebration saw nearly 200 clients join Oak Partners at Culinary Misfits for the beginning of the most-watched basketball tournament of the year. Many clients appreciate the chance to spend time with wealth advisors outside of the office.

“It’s important that our clients know us as people,” Wealth Advisor Michael Barenie said. “Events like this put us in an environment where people are able to open up about their interests, hobbies, and passions. Being able to talk about and enjoy different aspects of life outside of traditional finance is a good thing.”

For an advisor like Barenie, who joined the Oak Partners team less than a year ago, events like this help him get familiar with longtime clients and his fellow advisors in a casual environment.

“Coming on less than a year ago, I’ve been able to meet most of our clients face-to-face through these events, outside of the office,” he said. 

In addition to clients, Oak Partners’ advisors got to meet the friends and families of the folks they serve. It’s an excellent introduction to the services Oak Partners can provide without the business atmosphere of the office. Money is a very personal subject, and giving potential clients a chance to meet the person before meeting the advisor helps build a relationship before they ever start talking finance.

Many of Oak Partners’ longtime clients attend multiple Oak Partners events because of how much fun they have.

“I go to a lot of Oak Partners’ events, and it definitely builds confidence in their advice,” said Ryan Vrabel, a 15-year client of Oak Partners. “We’ve been very happy with Oak Partners.”

The March Madness celebration is a favorite annual event for Oak Partners, and it’s always growing. It’s just one of the ways that the wealth management service stays connected to the community.

“Oak Partners does a ton of events,” Barenie said. “We do some significant events in the summer and fall, but large or small, there’s always something going on.”

Clients can expect invitations to several events this year, including the annual golf outing and a festival at Bulldog Park. Follow Oak Partners on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest events hosted by the wealth management service as well as education resources and advice.

Ready to begin your investment or retirement journey? Visit oakpartners.com or call 219-795-1000 to learn more about what Oak Partners can do for you.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.