“Inspiring stories of women breaking barriers in the financial industry”
Inge Rewinkel never imagined she would become a trailblazer in the financial industry. But alongside her husband, Art, she co-founded A&I Wealth Management, building a company that has helped countless families secure their financial futures. Their journey—rooted in dedication, resilience, and a commitment to client relationships—is one of vision and determination.
A Humble Beginning: From Submarines to Stockbroking
Art Rewinkel’s career began far from the world of finance—underwater. Another reason we embrace our beloved fishtank. As a submariner, he developed a deep respect for structure and precision, qualities that later shaped his approach to financial planning. After leaving the Navy, he earned an accounting degree and worked in the corporate world, eventually becoming a financial controller. But something was missing.
Art wanted more independence, a personal connection with clients, and the ability to shape financial futures beyond just numbers on a balance sheet. So, he pursued a career as a stockbroker—a decision that would change both his and Inge’s lives forever.
During this time, Inge joined him in the financial field, earning her Series 7 license. The two worked for different financial firms but soon realized they had the experience, knowledge, and vision to create something better.
The Birth of A&I Financial Services
In 1986, Art and Inge took a leap of faith, launching A&I Financial Services—the original name of what is now A&I Wealth Management.
The name had a double meaning:
- A & I represented Art & Inge, a testament to their partnership.
- It also positioned them at the top of the alphabet, a small but strategic move in a competitive industry.
Like many great businesses, A&I started at home. Working out of their house—long before remote work was a norm—Art and Inge built their client base through direct mail marketing and word-of-mouth referrals. Their goal was simple: offer personalized financial advice in a warm, welcoming environment.
A Business Built on Relationships
What set A&I apart wasn’t just financial expertise—it was the relationships they built with clients.
Inge recalls how they focused on making people feel comfortable and heard. “We offered a face to the business,” she explains. “Clients got to know us personally, and we made sure they felt at ease.”
This personalized, relationship-driven approach fueled the firm’s growth. A&I expanded from a home-based business to an established office, growing its team while maintaining the same client-first values.
Navigating Industry Changes and Breaking Barriers
From 1986 until their retirement, Inge and Art witnessed tremendous shifts in the financial industry.
- Technology transformed investing—from paper-based transactions to digital platforms.
- Regulations and tax laws evolved, requiring continuous learning.
- Women in finance became more visible, but early on, Inge often found herself as one of the few women at industry conferences.
As a woman in finance, Inge faced barriers but persevered. “At first, I was often overlooked at meetings or events,” she recalls. “But over time, more women entered the field, and today, they’re leading the way.”
Retirement and the Next Chapter
After decades of dedication, Art and Inge made the bittersweet decision to retire. Art, at 66, was ready to explore new passions, including skiing and boating. Inge, 62 at the time, embraced the opportunity to travel and spend time with family.
Their retirement wasn’t idle—it was an adventure. They moved to Winter Park, explored boating along the West and East Coasts, navigated the Panama Canal, and embraced life at sea, balancing their travels with time at home.
The Legacy Lives On
While Art and Inge retired, A&I Wealth Management continues to thrive. Their daughter and son-in-law, along with an expert team of financial professionals, have carried the business into the future, embracing innovation while preserving the company’s core values.
Inge reflects on this transition with pride, stating, “They’ve taken the business places I never could have imagined. The technology has changed, but the values remain the same. Clients are still at the heart of everything.”
What Hasn’t Changed: A Commitment to Clients
Even as A&I Wealth Management evolves, the company remains true to the principles that Art and Inge built it on:
- Integrity – Always acting in the best interest of clients.
- Personalized Service – Taking the time to listen, understand, and tailor financial plans.
- Family Values – Running the business with a culture of trust, respect, and care.
Today, the A&I Wealth Management team continues to help families, business owners, and retirees achieve their financial goals with the same dedication that started it all in 1986.
Looking Ahead
As Inge reflects on the journey, she has one piece of advice for young professionals entering the financial industry:
“This is an incredible career. You get to help people, work with a great team, and build something meaningful. It’s challenging, but it’s worth it.”
For the clients of A&I Wealth Management, the firm remains a trusted partner, guiding them through life’s financial decisions—just as Art and Inge intended from the very beginning.
Final Thoughts
At A&I Wealth Management, we’re honored to carry on the legacy of trust, expertise, and client-first service that began with Art and Inge. If you’re looking for a team that values personalized, long-term financial planning, we’re here to help.
Click below to watch more about the origins of A&I Wealth Management.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for advice regarding your specific situation.
DISCLOSURE: Client stories included in this blog reflect hypothetical client situations that represent those commonly encountered by AIWM representatives.