In business since 1979, Strategic has a team of 37 wealth management professionals, servicing over 1,000 clients and managing more than $1.7 billion in assets. Areas of focus include Investment Management, Financial Planning and Corporate Retirement Plans. With offices in Utica, NY, Rome, NY, Syracuse, NY and West Palm Beach, FL, Strategic is a regional leader in the Wealth Management industry. While successfully growing from established roots, the firm continues to expand its geographic footprint and influence across the northeast and throughout the United States.
The firm's focus on long-term goal-based investing and financial planning set what is now the industry's standard of excellence and established Strategic as one of the first true 'Wealth Managers'. That unique approach drove growth at the firm one relationship at a time through client and professional referrals.
Today, a growing team of 37 diverse but like-minded team members manages and advises on over $1.7 billion of client assets. As was the case on day one, our core purpose remains the same "...to help people live a great life."
Alan Leist III
CFA
Steadfast Leader. Dissector of Markets. Passionate Client Advocate.
Alan specializes in investment management work for high-net-worth clients and institutions. He is also responsible for leading Strategic's overall business activities.
Alan has spent his 20+ year investment career as a passionate advocate for his clients in the market. He spent the early part of his career in Manhattan as an equity trader and team leader for Merrill Lynch and Fulcrum Global Partners, partnering with the world's leading mutual funds, hedge funds and research analysts to implement investment strategy.
Alan returned home to Upstate New York in 2005, bringing with him a unique industry experience and perspective on the markets.
Aaron Evans
CFA, CFP
Engineering financial wellness strategies for young professionals, high-net worth families and everyone else in between. Experienced in financial plans, defense missiles and the Adirondack Mountains.
As a Senior Advisor Aaron partners with clients of all ages to oversee their financial affairs. He develops structured financial plans and investment portfolios to achieve a wide variety of client goals, and helps clients discover what their goals might be if they are just getting started. Aaron is also a member of Strategic Investment Committee. In 2014, Aaron was named as a CNY 40 Under 40 honoree.
Prior to joining Strategic in 2011, Aaron managed and designed defense solutions for the United States Armed Forces with Lockheed Martin Corporation in Syracuse, NY and Brooklyn and Cobham Defense Systems in Baltimore, MD.
Aaron lives in his hometown of New Hartford with his wife, Mary Carol and two children Eli and Talia.
Judy Sweet
CFA
Lifelong investment professional. Positive thinker. Cancer survivor. Providing clients true financial life guidance with a sense of warmth, friendliness and company spirit.
Judy was named to Wealth Management Magazine's list of Top 25 Women-owned Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) for 3 years.
Over the past 30+ years, Judy has worked with many individuals, business owners, not for profit institutions, and retirement plans in developing comprehensive investment programs. She works closely with many accountants and attorneys, to facilitate appropriate tax, retirement and estate strategies for Strategic's clients. She also spends much of her time helping widows, widowers, divorcees, and clients who are going through sensitive financial transitions.
Michael McGraw
CFP
Thoroughly studies clients individualized financial playbooks to execute a successful game plan. Certified Financial Planner and former high school business teacher. Devoted Buffalo Bills fan and bleeds Syracuse Orange.
Mike works with individuals and families to help them achieve their financial goals. He takes pride in quarterbacking the client relationship by working with attorneys, accountants and other third parties to ensure a successful game plan.
General Information |
| Firm Start Year: | 1979 | |
| No. of Employees: | 20-49 | |
| States Licensed in: | NY |
| Number of Years with Current Firm: | 16 |
| Work with the following types of clients: | Non-Profit Organizations, Individual Investors, Businesses, Investment Clubs |
| Advisory Services Provided: | Risk Management, Education Funding and Planning, Wealth Management, 401K Rollovers, Retirement Planning, Portfolio Management, Financial Planning, Insurance Products & Annuities, Estate Planning & Trusts, Investment Advice & Management, Financial Advice & Consulting, Financial Planning for Individuals, Financial Planning for Businesses, Tax Advice and Services, Money Management |
Services |
| Investment Types: | Annuities, Stocks, Bonds, Commodities, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Mutual Funds, Socially Responsible Investments (SRI) |
| Can meet clients in the following ways: | Your Home, Our Office, Email, Your Office, Phone, Video Conference, Our Offices |
Firm Information |
| Firm's Number of Clients: | 1,000 |
| Assets Managed by Firm: | $1.7B |
Compensation and Fees |
| Fee Structure: | Fee-Based |
| Compensation Methods: | Based on Assets |
Education |
| Bachelor's Degree - Economics | Bucknell University
09/01/1978-06/01/1982 |
Disclosures |
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WiserAdvisor provides referrals to financial professionals. WiserAdvisor is not a current client of advisor or advisory services. Financial professionals pay cash compensation for these referrals, which creates the incentive for WiserAdvisor to make these referrals, resulting in a conflict of interest. |
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Additional Detailed Disclosures |
Registered Investment Advisor:
Yes
Investment Advisor Representative:
Yes
Acknowledged fiduciary:
Yes
Compliance Disclosures in Last 5 years:
Have a clean record
Criminal Disclosures in Last 5 years:
Have a clean record
| Mon. | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Tue. | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Wed. | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Thu. | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Fri. | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
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