Stephen’s Approach
Stephen M. Schiestel
CFA®, MBA
Investment Advisor Representative / Member Owner
Overview
Stephen “Steve” Schiestel serves as an investment advisor representative with a focus on comprehensive financial planning in our Grand Blanc, Michigan office. As a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®), he has more than 20 years of experience guiding families, individuals, and institutions through investment strategy, portfolio oversight, and long-range planning.
Steve co-founded Grand Capital Advisors after leading the Michigan investment practice at First Merit Private Bank. Before that, he held several senior roles at Citizens Bank Wealth Management, including chief investment officer, head of investment strategy, director of financial planning, and portfolio manager. In that position, he oversaw all investment operations for a $2.2 billion portfolio and directed portfolio construction and financial planning initiatives across the division.
Alongside his advisory work, Steve serves as the Frederick S. Addy Endowed Professor of Practice in Finance at Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business. He teaches Wealth Management, Security Analysis, and Corporate Finance and is the director of the Financial Planning and Wealth Management program. His dual focus on practical application and academic leadership strengthens his approach to client service and investment decision-making.
Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan–Flint and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Michigan State University.
Raised in Central Michigan in a close-knit, traditional family, Steve attended Catholic grade school and public high school before heading to college. He later served six years on the board of directors for Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, supporting programs that provide food, clothing, counseling, and child welfare services for vulnerable families.
Steve and his wife, Melissa, live in Davison, Michigan. They have three adult children: twins Abby and Michael, and their younger son, Joey. The family enjoys traveling together and has explored destinations ranging from Boston and New York to California, New Orleans, and Hawaii.
Areas of Focus
Comprehensive Wealth Management
Integrated guidance for your full financial life, bringing together investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning to support your goals.
Financial Planning
Our planning process helps you evaluate key areas of your financial life, uncover opportunities, and make decisions aligned with your goals.
Investment Management
Evidence-based investing designed to help you stay focused on long-term goals while navigating changing market conditions.
Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer
Thoughtful estate planning guidance to help organize your affairs, support your wishes, and prepare for future generations.
Trust Services
Comprehensive trust administration supported by integrated investment, tax, estate, charitable, and business succession planning services.
Education
- University of Michigan–Flint
Bachelor of Business Administration - Michigan State University
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Professional Designations
- Chartered Financial Analyst®
- Master of Business Administration
Affiliations
- Michigan State University – Frederick S. Addy Endowed Professor of Practice in Finance
Insights & Perspectives
Thought leadership on wealth management, tax strategy, and financial planning.
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