About Us
Our Story
The name of Ab Initio Financial is rooted in my days working as a Research Chemist. Ab Initio calculations are used to predict probability of the location of an electron. You can never calculate the exact location of an electron, only the probability of its location. It seems like a fitting name for a financial planning firm. Just like with an electron, we do not know how the market is going to behave. However, based on years of research, we do have a good idea over long periods of time the probability of how market conditions will turn out. Over time, as more information is provided and we get close to our target, the accuracy of our models improves as well. Ab Initio is Latin for ‘from the beginning’ or ‘from first principle.’ By using solid principles of financial planning and acting in our client’s best interest, we hope to provide affordable access to solid wealth management
Our Team
Brett Showalter
Chief Protection Officer
I came to the financial field later in life. I started my professional career by earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Washington College on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. I went on to complete my Masters and Doctorate in Organic Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University. After my post-doctorate work at the National Cancer Institute, it was time to get my first big boy job and I landed at an industrial water treatment company in the western suburbs of Chicago. There I worked in Research developing new products before moving to the Supply Chain side and digitizing the manufacturing processes. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I was unhappy with the financial advice I was given when we received a small inheritance. My parents also made some decisions heading into their retirement that kept them working for longer than anticipated so I decided to enroll in the Financial Planning Certificate Program Certified at DePaul University. This lead to the formation of Ab Initio Financial LLC. It was created to provide tax-efficient financial planning with a focus on retirement for a flat fee. We are also dedicated to helping the next generation prepare for what’s ahead and offer a fresh start program designed to start young professionals off on the right track to enjoying life through the creation of personal wealth.
Duke
Chief Protection Officer
When not protecting the office from the “evil” delivery person, he and the team are working to protect your hard earned assets to ensure you will be able to live your best life
Brody
Chief Worry Officer
Brody is constantly worrying. It could be about the squirrel burying the nut in the yard or how the current market conditions are going to affect our client’s assets. Let Ab Initio Financial and Brody worry for you!