Strategic Financial Services celebrates turning 40
While Utica financial firm Strategic Financial Services turns 40 this year, Gregory Mattacola, Esq., financial advisor, recently reflected on the last four decades for the business, it’s ties to the Rome community and what the future may hold.
Here’s what Mattacola had to say:
When was Strategic Financial founded? By whom?
“Strategic was founded in 1979 by Alan Leist Jr. as The Alan R. Leist Planning Group, Inc. from a one room office in the old Mayro Building in Downtown Utica, NY. The business grew and evolved, with its’ name changing to reflect that growth and change – first to Strategic Portfolios and then Strategic Investment Advisors and finally – Strategic Financial Services.
“The location changed as well, first moving to Genesee Street in 1986 and then to a completely renovated 10,000 square foot office building at 114 Business Park Drive, Utica, NY in 2005. The firm also has offices in Syracuse, NY and West Palm Beach, FL.”
What ties do you have in the Rome area?
“The firm services numerous individual clients, businesses and not-for-profit institutions in the Rome area and has long been a contributor to many charitable causes in the Rome area as well.
“Also, two years ago, Rome attorney Greg Mattacola, joined the firm as a financial advisor. Mr. Mattacola has long been actively involved in the Rome business community and has served as Chairman of the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce, continuing to serve as a board member, along with having served as President of the Rome Rotary Club and the Rome Hospital Foundation.”
Who owns the business now? Where is it located?
“Alan Leist, III is the current CEO of Strategic Financial Services. The son of founder Alan Leist, Jr., he joined the firm in 2005 after a 10 year career on Wall Street. Alan Leist, Jr. has now transitioned to the role of Chairman, and is still very actively guiding clients through the wealth management and financial planning process. Judy Sweet, one of the company’s original partners, is the firm’s President and a full time financial advisor as well.”
What is the scope of services offered?
“The firm, today, is a full service, goal based financial planning and wealth management company – guiding its’ clients through every major life stage.
“It services individual clients to manage their wealth, private companies in the management of their retirement plans and not-for-profit institutions in the management of their funds and resources. It offers guidance and expertise in all aspects of a client’s life including budgeting, retirement planning, contingency/estate planning, education planning, business succession and philanthropy.”
Can you talk business growth? How has your business expanded and/or changed over the decades in terms of what you can offer?
“The firm has grown to 32 employees and manages over $1.4 billion of client assets. The employees consist of 10 financial advisors, an investment management team, client service and support. The firm’s values are Serve, Grow and Live and it strives to allow its’ clients to live their very best lives – both now and in retirement.”
SERVE | GROW | LIVE
