Our Team | Thornwood Investments

Mark Huber

President

Mark has been an entrepreneurial force in the financial industry since 2011, when he co-founded Illinois-based RXR Capital. In 2017 he launched 1031 DST Advisor, followed by the acquisition of TADA Wealth Advisors in 2019 — expanding his vision into a full-service financial firm now operating under Thornwood Financial.

With a deep commitment to transparency and education, Mark helps clients build and understand personalized investment and wealth-preservation strategies. His core philosophy: "I manage your risk, not your money."

Mark holds a degree in Interdepartmental Communications from Elmhurst College and is licensed Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65. He lives in St. Charles, IL with his wife Kathleen, two teenage stepdaughters, and their two beagles.

Laura Jocius

Vice President / Advisor

Laura has been in the financial services industry since 2007. Since joining the firm, she has risen through the ranks — from administrative support to office manager to client services director — ultimately becoming a fully licensed advisor.

Known for her genuine care and client-first approach, Laura oversees daily office operations, ensures client needs are met, and provides in-depth client reviews. She holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

Laura has been married to her husband Chris since 2002. They have two children, Michael and Preston. She's an avid baseball fan, loves antiquing, enjoys ice fishing, and has a deep appreciation for country music.

Matt Navarre

Lead Regional Advisor

Matt is an independent financial advisor dedicated to helping educators, professionals, and small business owners navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. He specializes in providing clarity and strategic guidance to help clients achieve their long-term goals.

Matt began his career at TIAA, where he helped educators visualize their financial future and develop actionable strategies. His ability to listen attentively and ask the right questions allows him to uncover each client's financial foundation and build a tailored plan.

He attended Tiffin University and later Taylor University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. In 2023 he joined Thornwood as the Lead Regional Advisor, spearheading the launch of the Northwestern Ohio branch.

Herb Alston

Financial Strategist

In the world of real estate, Herb is something of an anomaly. His experience and passion for helping clients complete real estate transactions are matched equally by his skills and interest in their financial planning — a powerful combination that provides clients with confidence and peace of mind.

Known for his infectious enthusiasm, Herb transforms what many investors dread — the financial planning process — into something genuinely engaging. A lifelong student of finance, he is naturally inquisitive and deeply committed to continuous learning.

Herb holds a bachelor's in Business Management & Human Resources from Golden Gate University and an MBA in Global Business from Saint Mary's College of California (2018). He is licensed Series 7, Series 22, and Series 63.

Liz Schneider

Client Services

Liz is the driving force behind client service at our firm, ensuring every client interaction is smooth, efficient, and welcoming. With her outgoing personality and friendly approach, she puts clients at ease whether they need assistance with administrative matters or important documents.

With a career in the financial industry spanning more than two decades, Liz has been providing top-tier client support since 2003. Her extensive experience in all aspects of client service and financial office operations makes her an invaluable asset to clients and colleagues alike.

A lifelong resident of the Racine and Kenosha area, Liz takes great pride in her community. She raised her son Marty and twin daughters Natalie and Anna locally. A passionate baseball fan, she has worked with the Milwaukee Brewers and currently with the Kenosha Kingfish.

Eric Barbarita

Fiduciary Financial Advisor

Before joining Thornwood, Eric cut his teeth in the financial world as a consultant and small business owner. That, coupled with his experience at a national advisory firm, makes him the perfect mix of corporate-meets-mom-and-pop.

Eric is something of an expert in the alternative investment industry, specializing in 1031 Exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts. He holds Series 22, Series 63, and Series 65 licenses. He's intentional with every choice, blending concerns about broader market trends with his experience in managing risk, tax implications, and estate planning.

Originally from the East Coast, Eric attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Off the clock he plays softball, swims, mountain bikes, camps, and travels internationally whenever possible.

Dave Zupek

Founder

Dave's passion for education and helping others has been a constant throughout his career — starting in the classroom as an economics and history teacher and later transitioning into financial education and advisory services.

For more than 20 years, Dave was a well-known figure in the Racine area, hosting the call-in radio show "Protect Your Assets" and leading countless seminars to educate investors. He holds Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 licenses, plus insurance licenses in life, health, and long-term care. He is a 1978 graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

After selling the firm to Mark Huber in 2019, Dave stepped back from day-to-day operations but continues to work with a select group of clients. He splits his time between Waupaca, WI and The Villages, FL — fly-fishing, deep-sea fishing, playing golf, and traveling.

Meet the team.

A boutique firm with national reach.