Broker Check

About Our Founder

Colleen Schueneman

Our founder and CEO Colleen Schueneman, CLF, LUTCF is a financial industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. She is the recipient of multiple awards and the author of milestone publications on leadership and transformation. Below are sample highlights of these achievements.

Colleen Schueneman CLF, LUTCF

President & CEO

As CEO of Preferred Financial Partners, I believe that finance is personal. It’s not just about numbers or portfolios—it’s about people, relationships, and the dreams we help turn into reality. My passion is helping individuals, families, and businesses build the financial futures they deserve, with a focus on inclusive, relationship-driven planning that leaves no one behind.


With 35+ years in the financial industry, I’ve learned that the most meaningful part of my work is the relationships I’ve built along the way. Whether I’m mentoring our team or working directly with clients, I prioritize open communication, trust, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. I lead a team of dedicated professionals who share these values, and together, we’ve created a culture at Preferred Financial Partners that puts people first.


Our approach is simple but powerful: we meet our clients where they are, understand their unique stories, and craft personalized strategies that help them achieve their goals—whatever those may be. For us, financial planning isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about understanding that every person’s journey is different and that their plan should reflect that.


I’m also passionate about helping financial advisors find their unique path in this evolving industry. For those just starting out, I offer guidance on navigating the complexities of the profession, finding their voice, and building lasting client relationships. For seasoned advisors, I help them overcome the fear of going independent by showing them how to embrace new opportunities while maintaining the integrity of their client relationships. Independence doesn’t mean being alone—it means having the freedom to create a practice that truly reflects your values and vision.


As a leader, I’m dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. I believe that diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of innovative thinking and better outcomes for our clients. I’m proud of the collaborative environment we’ve built at Preferred Financial Partners, where every voice is valued, and every perspective helps us grow.


Outside of work, being a mom to my three wonderful children is my number one priority. They remind me daily of what truly matters and inspire me to be the best version of myself. I’m also passionate about giving back and serving my community through causes close to my heart, including the Rags Remembered Foundation, where I serve as an executive board member, the American Lung Association, and the Special Olympics. Financial literacy, inclusion, and advocacy are at the heart of who I am, both professionally and personally.

HONORS & AWARDS 

  • Million Dollar Round Table Member* (MDRT) 1992-2000
  • GAMA Board of trustees for Research and Education (financial industry's most prestigious board) 2011-2016
  • GAMA International award winner for 20 consecutive years 1996-2016
  • President's Citation Award recipient, Prudential 1995
  • Crystal Ball Triple Crown Award recipient, Mony 2000 and 2001
  • Brokerage of the Year recipient, Mass Mutual 2016
  • Member WIFS 2010-Present
  • AALU 2014-Present
  • American College President's Circle 2006-Present
  • Former Board of Director for Reggie Jackson Foundation 2015-2016
  • Executive Board Member of Frank "Rags" Ragnow Foundation 2022-Present

*Membership is based on sales criteria.

*Qualifying membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is based on minimum sales production requirements and gross business generated within a year.

PUBLICATIONS & COVERAGE 

  • Published the Financial Diary (adopted by some of the nation's largest insurance firms)
  • Featured in 10 industry publications for articles on inclusion leadership in the next century, leadership by women, and others
  • Featured in the video “Woman's Perspective on the Future of Financial Services”
  • Speaker at numerous industry platforms including LAMP and numerous NAIFA annual meetings

*Qualifying membership in the MDRT is based on minimum commission and gross business generated within a year. Each MDRT status designation is granted for one year only until lifetime membership is achieved after 10 years; otherwise, all members must apply every year to continue their affiliation with the Million Dollar Round Table.

*Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client's evaluation. This award was earned/obtained in June 2015 while the advisor was affiliated with a prior firm

*The President's Citation Award was granted by former broker-dealer Prudential in 1995 and is a production driven award, given to top producing offices and advisors of the company based on the previous years' production. Advisors do not pay a fee for award consideration, and client input is not included in the awarding process. Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client's evaluation.

*The Crystal Ball Triple Crown Award was issued by former broker-dealer Mutual of New York in 2000 and 2001. It is a service based on award, using criteria such as leadership, education, and positive contribution to the financial services community. Client input is not a consideration for this award, and advisors do not pay a fee for award consideration. Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client's evaluation.

*The Brokerage of the Year recipient award was issued by former broker-dealer Mass Mutual in 2016. It is based on production, client service, business development, and innovative practices. Advisors do not pay a fee for award consideration, and client input is not included in the awarding process. Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client's evaluation.