Our Fiduciary Responsibility
Meet Our Co-Founders
Our team includes Certified Financial Planners™ with deep roots in the region & a long history of serving local educators, professionals & families.
Ryan Russo, CFP®
Co-Founder
After 15 years in the financial industry, I’ve learned that the most rewarding part of this work isn’t just the numbers — it’s the impact. Proper planning, thoughtful guidance, and doing the right thing can meaningfully change the trajectory of someone’s life and their family’s future. That responsibility is something I take seriously.
Many of my clients have become close friends over the years. Financial planning isn’t transactional — it’s personal. It’s about building trust, creating clarity, and helping people feel confident about the decisions they’re making.
Growing up, my father was self-employed as a builder. I witnessed firsthand the highs and lows that come with entrepreneurship — the uncertainty, the risk, and the reward. I also saw how having a strong foundation and the right team in place can make all the difference. Those early lessons continue to shape how I approach planning today: steady, strategic, and long-term focused.
Outside of work, I’m a proud husband and dad to two energetic young boys. I love playing golf and spending time with friends and family — and when I can combine all three, that’s a perfect day.
Giving back is deeply important to our family. After my wife’s cousin passed away from leukemia at a young age, supporting organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House became especially meaningful to us.
Mark Giordano, CFP®
Co-Founder
I first discovered my passion for financial planning while working for an advisor during my undergraduate years at Marist College. Watching clients gain peace of mind from thoughtful financial guidance made me realize something important — good planning changes lives. That experience sparked my desire to help people make smart decisions with their money so they can focus on what matters most.
With a father who was a teacher, I grew up with a deep respect for educators — their dedication, patience, and the juggling act they perform every day. That background gives me a special connection to the financial challenges teachers face, from managing student loan debt to planning for a well-earned retirement. My practice has since expanded to serve small business owners and professionals as well — people who, like educators, pour their heart into their work and deserve to see the results pay off in their future.
When I’m not meeting with clients, you can usually find me out on the golf course, hiking the Catskills with my wife, or being outsmarted by our two English Bulldogs (who think they run the household — and they might be right).
I’m also passionate about giving back. As an ambassador for First Tee of the Metropolitan Section, I’ve coached in the Bronx and seen firsthand how golf can teach kids timeless values like integrity, hard work, and respect.
Our Partners
