Sheldon McGrath
Financial Advisor
Our Story
Since 1986, the McGrath family has been dedicated to helping families nationwide with their financial needs. With a total of six advisors in our family and over 80 years of combined industry experience, our commitment to service is deeply rooted in our history.
Humble Beginnings
The journey began with Sheldon and Nick’s grandfather, Michael McGrath. Originally, Michael ran the local family dairy farm, McGrath Dairy, in Salem, Missouri. He took over the farm in 1970 at the age of 21 after his father’s untimely passing at the age of 42. For the next 15 years, Michael managed the farm while getting married and raising his four sons: John, Matt, Tim, and Phillip.
Transition to Financial Services
As the dairy industry evolved and corporate entities began to dominate, Michael recognized the need for a career shift. He began taking night classes at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Shortly after, he passed the Series 7 Investment Licensing exam, a pivotal moment that changed the direction of the entire McGrath family for generations.
Edward Jones identified a high demand for a Financial Advisor in Anna, Illinois, and Michael seized the opportunity. He moved his young family just three hours southeast of the Mississippi River, laying the foundation for a new life and career. By the age of 40, Michael had earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and spent the next 30 years building a reputable practice in Anna, Illinois. He became a cornerstone of the community while raising his family.
Continuing the Tradition
Three of Michael's sons followed in his footsteps, each eventually becoming a financial advisor.
- After graduating from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Matt moved to Georgia and worked as a civil engineer for the next decade before passing his Series 7 and transitioning into finance.
- Tim spent seven years as a local social worker in Southern Illinois before obtaining his Series 7 and shifting to a career in finance in 2008.
- Phillip moved to Georgia after college to work in a management role at a chicken factory for six years before obtaining his Series 7 and joining the financial services industry
In their mid-30s, each son transitioned into financial careers, carrying on the McGrath legacy when Michael retired in 2016.
The Legacy Lives On
Sheldon and Nick's father, Tim, served in the financial services industry for 15 years before stepping away. Matt and Phil continue their financial practices through Edward Jones. Matt is based in Dawsonville, Georgia, and Phil is based in Anna, Illinois, working out of the original office on Main Street where it all began.
Our Commitment
The McGrath family remains committed to providing unparalleled financial advice and services. We build upon the strong foundation laid by Michael McGrath and look forward to serving our clients with the same dedication and excellence for generations to come.
Warm regards,
The McGrath Family
Lending A Hand In My Community.
As part of Northwestern Mutual, I'm proud to help accelerate the search for better childhood cancer treatments while supporting families undergoing treatment, and survivors from late effects. Here are some of the organizations we partner with:
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (ALSF)
ALSF funds cancer research, raises awareness, and supports the families of children with cancer. Since 2012, Northwestern Mutual, its employees, and financial professionals like me have donated more than $20 million to support ALSF and fund over 400,000 research hours.
Beads of Courage
Beads of Courage is an art-in-medicine program that helps kids with cancer tell their unique treatment story through colorful beads that are symbols of their courage.
