From Concrete Foundations to Financial Futures

For Brendan Haggard, a proud 2021 Governors State University graduate, the journey to becoming a successful financial advisor wasn’t paved in spreadsheets—it was forged in concrete, sweat, and long days on job sites. The son of a construction worker and a nurse practitioner, Brendan grew up in a family where education wasn’t just encouraged—it was viewed as a pathway to a better life.
“Watching my parents work so hard in physically and emotionally demanding careers gave me an early appreciation for work ethic,” Brendan says. “I knew I wanted to challenge myself mentally, and education became my way to do that.”
Brendan began his college journey at Kankakee Community College, then briefly attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Eventually, he chose Governors State University for its affordability, proximity to home, and the flexibility it provided to work full time. That decision turned out to be pivotal—not only did GovState give him the technical knowledge he needed to succeed in financial services, it also taught him the discipline of balancing multiple responsibilities.
“GSU gave me the freedom to support myself while still pursuing my goals. It helped reinforce my belief that accounting was the right foundation for my future in finance.”
Now a Financial Advisor and Senior Portfolio Advisor with Merrill Lynch’s DCG Wealth Management Group—recently recognized by Forbes as one of Illinois’ top wealth management teams—Brendan thrives on making a meaningful difference in clients' lives. Whether he's helping families plan for retirement or guiding businesses through complex financial strategies, he finds reward in building lasting relationships.
“I’ve learned that success in this field doesn’t just come from credentials—it comes from connection. Listening, earning trust, and showing up consistently for your clients is what makes a lasting impact.”
Brendan holds three distinguished certifications—AAMS® (Accredited Asset Management Specialist), CPFA® (Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor), and CRPC® (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor). Each has expanded his ability to serve both individual and business clients with more specialized, strategic insight.
Despite a busy professional life, Brendan stays grounded through golf, exercise, and coaching his younger brother’s sports teams. He’s also exploring ways to give back through community involvement and hopes to support more Governors State alumni in achieving financial success.
When asked about his time at GovState, Brendan reflects on the lessons learned both inside and outside the classroom. He credits Professor Trendell for leaving a lasting impression and encourages current students not to stress about following a rigid path.
“I didn’t land a finance internship in college—I worked in restaurants. But that experience taught me how to communicate, multitask, and connect with people. Those skills have been just as valuable in my career.”
Brendan’s story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of a GovState education to unlock new possibilities. As he continues to grow in his field, he remains committed to making a positive impact—one relationship at a time.