photos by CARRIE ALLEN
At every stage of life, financial planning should be a personal priority. If you’re in your 20s, focus on the balance of savings and investing. Cruising into your 40s, aim to max out your retirement contributions, and by your 50s and 60s, continue to keep an eye on retirement and build an emergency fund for unexpected medical expenses. Saving for retirement at 60 looks incredibly different than it did in your 20s!
And, all along the way, the best investment you can make is a trusted financial advisor who keeps you focused on what’s appropriate for your age, while always maintaining your best interests. The amazing group of professionals at Marzano Capital Group has formed a personable, caring, respected team — ready to guide your financial path — no matter what your stage of life. Best of all, they promise you will feel like family!
MEET YOUR FINANCIAL DREAM TEAM
Current founding partner, Jon Marzano, and his dad, formed Marzano Capital Group in 2005, and he is proud to say much of their business has evolved over a client’s kitchen table, or a local restaurant meeting for lunch or coffee.
“Our partners and advisors take pride in getting to know our clients,” says Jon. “We are an organization built on relationships, community engagement, and connections. We let our clients know up-front that we operate as a team, period. It’s in everybody’s best interest!”
The Marzano group loves meeting with clients face-to-face, with a heartfelt mission for knowing their families and their goals. Communication plays a key role in every aspect of their business, and every transaction with a client is a collaborative effort.
“That’s what enables us to do our jobs to the best of our ability,” says Jon. “Any financial business should be built on trust. People don’t hand over their life savings to professionals they don’t trust to do right by them. We want people to know all about us, too!”
Jon has a few favorite quotes he feels sums up his business philosophy — and you’ll often hear these in his conversations with clients:
“If you learn early in life to live beneath your means, your chance of being financially secure in life goes up tremendously.”
“The earlier you start saving, the less you have to save.”
For Michael McGilvary, becoming a partner at Marzano Capital Group was a natural progression. Jon was a huge encouragement for him as Michael often visited his mother — Partner and Branch Operations Manager, Angela McGilvary — at the office, and became intrigued with the field of investments at an early age.
“I learned very quickly this business isn’t all about numbers,” he says. “It’s really about relationships and trust. Nothing gives me as much satisfaction as helping individuals and families. You could say Marzano is in the relationship business, and investments are just the vehicle we use to get there!”
Michael’s goal is for all his clients to be educated investors. Common words of wisdom you might hear from him in conversation:
“In our opinion, the only way to keep pace with inflation is to invest in the companies that create it.”
As a partner at Marzano Capital Group, Steven Gallo has found his degree in psychology to be a valuable asset, enabling him to excel in his role as a financial advisor.
“With those skills, I’ve helped couples and families with many unique needs and goals, formulating investment plans that yield long-term benefits,” he explains. “I’m still using psychology to help dive deeply into personal thoughts about money — ideas that are often generational. I’m also able to help couples get on the same page with their financial decisions — which is crucial!”
Steven enjoys helping clients who need a financial “roadmap.” They may be doing all the right things by working hard, saving, and putting funds into an IRA, but they have no idea what their long-term plan is. I feel I’m teaching them the best practices to go from years of saving, to transitioning to the freedom of spending!” says Steven.
Here’s his favorite example: “There are 43 quintillion ways to solve a Rubik’s Cube. That makes the puzzle seem impossible to master, but a Rubik’s Cube can be solved in 20 moves. The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming — and that same process applies to money. I may have five different families come in who are the same on paper: same age, same assets, and they make the same amount of money. But they will have five different financial outcomes, based on values, goals, and circumstances. The most inspiring part of being a financial advisor is helping clients achieve their goals, and seeing the positive impact it has on their lives!”
His best advice is simple:
“I coach clients to have a new mindset: If you’re going to make it to 60 and have enough money — you need the right mindset in your 20s and 30s to arrive at a place of true financial freedom.”
Always intrigued by the process of financial management, Financial Advisor Brandon James began transitioning from his career as a retail franchisee in 2017, and joined Northwestern Mutual as an advisor. In 2020, he joined the Marzano team after meeting Michael at a Chamber of Commerce meeting.
“I was intrigued by the opportunity to work in an independent environment,” he says. “It’s given me more flexibility to think outside the box and help the clients we serve.”
From his previous business experience, he finds it really interesting to be on the other side of the table.
“While I work with clients in all stages of life to meet their financial goals, I still have a soft spot for working with entrepreneurs and business owners, because I know their unique challenges firsthand.”
He also offers some words of wisdom!’
“Don’t try to keep up with the neighbors! They might have a lavish lifestyle on the outside, but their bank accounts might be empty.”
“And yes, when you receive a raise, be sure to give your savings rate a raise as well! If you don’t, your lifestyle might outpace your savings.”
Angela McGilvary, Partner and Branch Operations Manager, and Alyssa Wells, Administrative Manager and marketing liaison, complete the “heart and soul” of the Marzano Capital Group. Both are proud of the team approach they count on as the best way to serve their clients!
“We have built our company on the basic fundamentals of providing both trust and personalized service,” says Angela. Both she and Alyssa love that no day is the same around the office, and that they are afforded the opportunity to welcome clients and make them feel like family throughout every step of the financial process.
Alyssa has been with the company for six-and-a-half years, while Angela has been with Marzano Capital for 24 years, and loves their status as an independent practice — working solely for their clients. That’s exactly how a true family unit feels!
The Marzano Capital Group is located at 2625 Neudorf Road, Suite 400, in Clemmons, NC, 336-766-0464. Learn more about their professional financial services and down-to-earth client care at marzanocapitalgroup.com. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Independent Advisor Alliance, a registered investment advisor. Independent Advisor Alliance and Marzano Capital Group are separate entities from LPL Financial.
