ABOUT US

ABOUT US

Why

Choose us

At Pro Athlete Wealth, we embody our unwavering commitment to athletes throughout every stage of their careers and lives. We're not just financial advisors; we're dedicated teammates in your journey to success.

Whether you're a rising star, a seasoned pro, or transitioning into retirement, our mission is to champion your financial victories beyond the boundaries of the game. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities athletes face, and our goal is to empower you with personalized strategies that secure your legacy, maximize your wealth, and ensure a winning game plan for life.

Join us at Pro Athlete Wealth, where being a champion goes beyond the field—it's a lifelong journey we choose to take together.

”As a former NCAA Division I Football Player at Wake Forest University, I was fortunate enough to play among the most elite talent in the Atlantic Coast Conference. I saw many teammates and competitors alike attain the dream of reaching the NFL. Most of these players signed multi-million dollar contracts playing in the league for many years, only to file bankruptcy a few short years following their retirement. These guys were in their early 30s and had spent all the money they made!!! Seeing several teammates fall prey to the societal pitfalls, I redirected my focus.The Champions Beyond the Game Program was created to empower college and professional athletes by providing investment guidance, discipline, and assistance in creating revenue channels. Through leveraging their fan-base and social media following, we help athletes monetize their passions, ultimately positioning them for long-term financial success.”

- Pai Charasika

Athlete-Centric

Financial Guidance

Tailored Strategies

We go beyond one-size-fits-all approaches, crafting personalized financial strategies rooted in comprehensive plans. Whether you're a rookie, a seasoned pro, or contemplating retirement, our advice is designed to meet your unique needs.

Minimizing Taxes, Maximizing Benefits

Our approach centers on more than just managing risks and investments. We're committed to minimizing taxes and costs while maximizing benefits, ensuring that your hard-earned wealth works for you, both now and in the future.

Specialized Expertise for Athletes

We understand the distinct challenges and opportunities in your career trajectory, providing insightful solutions to align with your financial goals.

Navigating Transitions

At every career stage, from the rookie excitement to the seasoned pro's peak and even into retirement, we're your financial companion. Our guidance is crafted to ease transitions, offering a roadmap for financial security and peace of mind.

Your Financial Playbook

Join us at Pro Athlete Wealth, where financial guidance is not just advice; it's a personalized playbook designed to champion your financial victories, both on and off the field.

Meet

OUR TEAM

Larry Gatz

CFP®, President

Larry not only serves as the President of Copperwood Financial but is also the visionary founder of Pro Athlete Wealth. With a mission to provide athletes with tailored financial solutions, Larry brings a wealth of experience in investment management, tax planning, and estate planning. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, he has been recognized as one of the "Best Financial Advisors for Doctors" by Medical Economics Magazine.

His passion for genuine relationships and hard work, shaped by his upbringing in a small Midwestern farming community, is reflected in the ethos of Pro Athlete Wealth. Larry holds a bachelor's degree in Engineering from Valparaiso University and is licensed in Series 65 and life/health insurance. When not at work, he enjoys outdoor activities, indulges in "Dad Jokes," and explores unique whiskeys. Larry resides in Burr Ridge, IL, with his wife Kelly and their children, Taylor and Brooks.ooks.

Paidemoyo "Pai" Charasika

SE-AWMA™

Director, Athlete and Entertainment Division

As an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor with 24 years of Investment Industryexperience, Pai has specialized knowledge in helping high net-worth clients, as well asAthletes and Entertainers capitalize on opportunities to preserve, grow, and create alegacy for their families. Pai provides this Investment Management and FinancialPlanning through his affiliation with Copperwood Financial.

Pai’s skillset is best utilized when clients have “Money in Motion.” Some examples ofthis are: 1.) When you’ve signed a new Collegiate NIL Deal or Professional SportsContract 2.) When you’ve received a performance bonus 3.) When you’ve changed jobsand want to consider professional management of your 401k rollover, 4.) When youhave proceeds from the sale of a property and want to maximize your tax efficiency, 5.) An inheritance, 6.) When you have an influx of capital or a windfall.

Pai attended Kentucky Country Day School (’94) in Louisville, KY, and graduated with abachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University (’98) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina(3yr Letterman Division-I Wake Forest University Football Team) and has a Master’s inBusiness Administration from the University of Louisville (’08).

In his free time, he has participated in various Leadership Louisville Programs (IgniteLouisville & The Bingham Fellows). He currently coaches running backs in football atNorth Oldham High School in KY in his free time, has served on the Board for theLeukemia & Lymphoma Society contributed time to the Men Wear Pink Campaign forthe American Cancer Society, and enjoys boating. He LOVES all things Kentucky.  He isthe proud father of two sons, Sekayi Charasika and Nashe Charasika, both of whomattend Kentucky Country Day School.


Professional Designations & Licenses
SE-AWMA

Sports and Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor

Series 66 – Uniform Combined State

Series 31 – Futures Managed Funds

SIE – Securities Industry Essentials

Life, Health, & Variable Life

Paidemoyo "Pai" Charasika

SE-AWMA™

Director, Athlete and Entertainment Division

As an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor with 24 years of Investment Industryexperience, Pai has specialized knowledge in helping high net-worth clients, as well asAthletes and Entertainers capitalize on opportunities to preserve, grow, and create alegacy for their families. Pai provides this Investment Management and FinancialPlanning through his affiliation with Copperwood Financial.


Pai’s skillset is best utilized when clients have “Money in Motion.” Some examples ofthis are: 1.) When you’ve signed a new Collegiate NIL Deal or Professional SportsContract 2.) When you’ve received a performance bonus 3.) When you’ve changed jobsand want to consider professional management of your 401k rollover, 4.) When youhave proceeds from the sale of a property and want to maximize your tax efficiency, 5.)An inheritance, 6.) When you have an influx of capital or a windfall.


Pai attended Kentucky Country Day School (’94) in Louisville, KY, graduated with abachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University (’98) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina(3yr Letterman Division-I Wake Forest University Football Team), and has a Master’s inBusiness Administration from the University of Louisville (’08).


In his free time, he has participated in various Leadership Louisville Programs (IgniteLouisville & The Bingham Fellows). He currently coaches running backs in football atNorth Oldham Highschool in KY in his free time, has served on the Board for theLeukemia & Lymphoma Society, contributed time to the Men Wear Pink Campaign forthe American Cancer Society and enjoys boating. He LOVES all things Kentucky.  He isthe proud father of two sons, Sekayi Charasika and Nashe Charasika, both of whomattend Kentucky Country Day School.


Professional Designations & Licenses
Series
66 – Uniform Combined State
Series 31 – Futures Managed Funds
SIE – Securities Industry Essentials
Life, Health, & Variable Life

At Pro Athlete Wealth, we're dedicated to making financial success a reality for athletes at every stage of their journey. Whether you have questions, want to explore customized strategies, or are ready to take the next step, reaching out is easy.

Pro Athlete Wealth is your personalized financial coach, specializing in crafting tailored game plans for young athletes, pros, and college players. From financial strategies that grow with your career to investment plays that score big, we're here to champion your financial victories beyond the game.

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© 2024 Pro Athlete Wealth. Pro Athlete Wealth provides financial literacy for athletes. Investment advisory services provided by Copperwood Financial, Inc., an affiliate of Pro Athlete Wealth. Copperwood Financial, Inc. is a state registered investment advisor registered with the states of Illinois, Kentucky, and Arizona and is responsible for the day-to-day management of investment portfolios and financial planning services. Insurance services provided by KLG Management Inc., a licensed insurance agency and Pro Athlete Wealth affiliate. Pro Athlete Wealth, Copperwood Financial, Inc., and KLG Management Inc. do not provide tax, legal, or sports agent advice or services.