Alumni Profile: Bill Van Ess

Bill Van Ess, a 1985 graduate of SNC, believes that the best part of his experience at St. Norbert College was the deep sense of community.  The size of SNC was a perfect fit for Bill to get involved and active on campus.  Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity was Bill’s social outlet while staying focused on his education.  By utilizing CLEP exams, summer school and a heavy class schedule, Bill was able to graduate with an IBLAS Major and a Spanish Minor in just 3 years!  Bill studied in Mexico one full summer and stays in close contact with the family he resided with there yet today.

In 1988, Bill earned an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and entered the financial services profession.  After working for several large corporations, Bill started his own company Professional Insurance Advantage, Inc.  By focusing on Retirement Planning, Financial Planning and Estate Planning, Bill built a very successful business.  After 10 years on his own, and 9 professional industry designations later, Bill sold his company to The Vincent Group, Inc.  and works for them as their Financial Advisor and Benefit Specialist.  Bill has been ranked in the top 1% of all financial advisors in the world for the last two years, and in the top 6% for 12 years running.

Bill Van Ess is living his dream life.  He is highly involved in his family’s life and the greater community.  Bill resides in Green Bay with his wife Carol and his two daughters.  He volunteers for numerous committees and camps for the local YMCA, volunteers at his children’s schools, serves on the executive committee for the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, serves on the SNC President’s Task Force and on the SNC Alumni Board.  Bill’s advice to SNC students is to get and stay highly involved in your community…the more you give, the more you will receive in return.  Bill received this advise from his mother many years ago: Remember these ten two letter words that say it all: “If it is to be it is up to me!”