Tim O’Connor, with 40 years of experience under his belt, proudly works alongside his son, Patrick, at their Ameriprise Financial Services firm in Huntley. Tim often jokes that Patrick is on a 15-year internship, but behind the humor lies a deep pride and hope that one day, Patrick will carry on the family business. Watching Patrick grow into his role as a financial advisor is something Tim cherishes, as he reflects on their shared journey.
Their relationship is rooted in both personal and professional moments. Before Patrick joined him in the world of finance, he managed The Freeze, a well-loved ice cream shop in nearby Crystal Lake that Tim once owned. The Freeze has been around for decades, holding a special place in the hearts of the locals, and for Patrick working there felt like second nature. He grew up in that shop, starting at age 12, motivated first by candy and later by the desire to help his dad. Patrick recalls, “I never said no to helping him - if he asked, I was all in.”
Managing The Freeze gave Patrick a chance to understand people, a skill he’s carried into financial advising. He fondly remembers the kids he hired as their first boss and the responsibility he felt for them, watching them grow just as his father had watched him. “It’s a people business,” he explains, and whether it’s serving someone a cone or helping them plan for their future Patrick and Tim are all in.
For Tim, having Patrick by his side now in a professional setting is a dream come true. He’s quick to share memories of his son’s achievements, like the state hockey championship Patrick, a lifelong hockey player, won in high school. While hockey and ice cream were once his world, Patrick’s life has shifted to financial planning, community involvement, and his personal interests, including playing the guitar and spending time with his dog, Leia, a rescue he picked up on a spontaneous road trip through Chattanooga. Naming her after Princess Leia from Star Wars, Patrick’s playful side shines through, reflecting a sense of adventure that Tim couldn’t be prouder of.
While his new role as a financial advisor keeps him busy, Patrick still finds time for the things he loves outside of work. When he’s not meeting with clients or attending local Chamber of Commerce events, he’s likely hiking, enjoying music, or simply relaxing with Leia by his side. A fan of Dave Matthews Band, Patrick often unwinds by playing his guitar. “I like to keep things positive,” he says, drawing a parallel between bringing people a smile with a perfectly scooped ice cream cone and helping them feel secure about their financial future.
Their business partnership isn’t just about numbers and finances; it’s a reflection of the values Tim has instilled in his son. “Be a man of your word, do it right the first time, and turn off the lights,” Tim says, half-joking. Patrick nods, sharing his father’s commitment to integrity, hard work, and a close-knit approach to helping clients. They both agree that the best part of their work is knowing they’re helping real people. “We want this to feel like a small-town firm where people can rely on us,” Tim explains.
Beyond their roles as financial advisors, Tim and Patrick are also dedicated to giving back through The Green Marble Foundation, a charitable organization they created to support local nonprofits. The name “Green Marble” reflects a family tradition: Tim would tell his kids wild tales of a small green marble’s adventures, bouncing from mountain crevices to underground drains. It’s in these family moments that one can see the values of curiosity, kindness, and a sense of adventure that Tim passed has down to Patrick.
Tim’s pride in his children is palpable. He happily shows off a Father’s Day card from Patrick, and he speaks warmly about their family adventures to Table Rock Lake, recounting days filled with laughter, stories, and the chaos of packing five kids and their friends into multiple cars for the long drive. Patrick, the second youngest, remembers these moments vividly. And as they continue to grow their business together Patrick reflects on how this journey represents a new phase in his relationship with his father, “I’ve gone from son to friend to business partner.”
That friendship is a big part of what makes their professional relationship so special. They have a natural rhythm in the office, with Tim’s years of experience guiding Patrick as he steps into his own as a financial advisor. Tim’s approach is to let Patrick find his own way, offering support while trusting him to grow. For Tim, this foundation isn’t just about supporting nonprofits; it’s also a way to pass on his values to the community he loves.
As they move forward, the O’Connors aim to create a business that’s not only successful but also community focused. Tim’s decades of experience combined with Patrick’s fresh energy and drive make for a solid team, one that’s building a legacy of trust and family values. For Patrick, this journey represents a new phase in his relationship with his father, as they continue to grow their business together. With Tim’s steady guidance and Patrick’s fresh enthusiasm, they’re building a business rooted in family values and a deep commitment to the community they call home.
They both agree that the best part of their work is knowing they’re helping real people. “We want this to feel like a small-town firm where people can rely on us”
As they move forward, the O’Connors aim to create a business that’s not only successful but also community focused. With Tim’s steady guidance and Patrick’s fresh enthusiasm, they’re building a business rooted in family values and a deep commitment to the community they call home.