A graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, James Kolbusz balances a busy career as a successful financial executive with his work as a guitar enthusiast and owner of Windy City Guitars. Located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, Windy City Guitars refinishes, repairs, and customizes Gibson guitars and other brands in a 2,000-square-foot luthier shop. Under the direction of James Kolbusz, Windy City Guitars has become one of the city’s preeminent custom guitar shops due to its cutting-edge equipment, large spray booth, and brand-specific blueprints for a range of guitar models.

In addition to his work with musical instruments, Mr. Kolbusz leads as a senior vice president and institutional consulting director for Merrill Lynch, where he works with Taft-Hartley pension trusts, public pension funds, and other institutional funds. In this role, he draws upon nearly two decades of experience with financial companies such as Morgan Stanley and Banc One.

A respected figure in the investment field, Mr. Kolbusz was named one of the Top 30 Institutional Consultants in the country by the Barron’s financial publication. He holds Series 7, 63, 65, 31 licenses as well as CIMA certification through the Wharton School of Business.