Oak Partners’ Mario and Will Ruiz continue a multigenerational legacy of financial planning and mentorship

For many businesses, growth is measured in numbers — expanding offices, increasing assets or adding new clients. At Oak Partners, growth is also measured through relationships, mentorship, and the generations of families who continue building the company’s legacy.

That legacy is especially visible in the relationship between Mario Ruiz and his son, Will Ruiz, who now work side-by-side at the independent financial planning and wealth management firm.

For Mario Ruiz, seeing his son begin a career in financial services has brought a sense of familiarity and perspective. He understands both the challenges and rewards that come with entering the profession.

“Seeing Will get started, going through the testing and learning the financial planning language – it brings back memories,” Mario Ruiz said. “There is so much to grasp. I always try to tie things into the big picture so the nuances of the industry don’t get confusing or frustrating.”

The family connection to the profession spans across decades. Mario Ruiz notes that financial planning was something that both he and his son were exposed to from an early age, helping shape their understanding of the industry’s deeper purpose beyond the numbers and investments.

“I’m a second-generation financial advisor, so Will is third-generation,” Mario Ruiz said. “We both grew up around the financial planning industry, so we got to hear about the rewarding nature of helping people achieve their financial goals and see how important and enriching the relationship with our clients can be.”

That emphasis on relationships and long-term trust reflects the culture that Oak Partners has worked to cultivate over the years.

For Will Ruiz, joining Oak Partners represented both a professional opportunity and a chance to continue a family tradition rooted in service and connection. He has already accumulated plenty of experience in the classroom, the financial industry, and beyond.

“My experience includes internships in aviation business and logistics, along with part-time roles at Oak Partners dating back to high school,” Will Ruiz said. “I graduated from Purdue University last December.”

Throughout his experiences, Will Ruiz identified Oak Partners as a place where the culture felt like a perfect fit.

“Growing up around the family-oriented culture at Oak Partners and the profession itself really sparked my interest,” Will Ruiz said. “Being able to now work alongside my father and be part of the firm adds a new level of pride and responsibility. I’m excited to carry on the legacy my family and Oak Partners have built, and to help people in a way that feels both personal and impactful through financial services.”

While financial expertise remains essential, advising also requires emotional awareness and strong communication with clients during uncertain times. Having been in this industry for many years, Mario Ruiz provides some advice for not only his son but every up-and-coming member of the financial industry.

“Taking care of the clients’ goals, both financially and emotionally, is our primary objective,” Mario Ruiz said. “Sometimes, the best value we can provide is talking clients through rough market times and keeping them focused on the real reasons they’ve saved their money. When a client can trust that you have listened to their goals and knows that you have their long-term best interests in mind, they’ll have confidence in taking your advice.”

At Oak Partners, legacy is not simply about continuing a business. It is about continuing relationships, mentorship and a culture focused on helping people navigate both their financial futures and life’s most important moments — one generation at a time.

For more information on Oak Partners, you can visit oakpartners.com.

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