Joe began his investment career with Shearson Lehman Brothers at a time when the Wall Street brokerage model was based on products, transactions, and sales commissions. After three years at Shearson, he decided to break away from the Wall Street model and create an advisory firm that was instead based on independent advice, transparent cost, and a fiduciary standard of care. In doing so, Joe helped usher in the movement towards fee-based investment management, and fiduciary-level investment advice.
Joe has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Baruch College, a Masters degree in Education from Columbia University, and has completed four years of Doctoral work and most of his Dissertation for a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. His dissertation research focused on Behavioral Finance concepts including the relationship between emotions and more rational elements in decision-making. Research has shown that emotions often create an over-emphasis on short-term thinking. Not the best approach for a retirement portfolio designed to last 30 years or more. He has been using Behavioral Finance principles to help clients make better investment decisions for most of his career. He is also a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner, passing the exam in 1989.
Joe and his family live in New Jersey. Having grown up in Staten Island and having his practice here for the last 20 years, the majority of his community activities are centered in Staten Island. Although his ties to Columbia University are strong, he most closely associates with his time at Msgr. Farrell. Joe currently serves on the Board of Directors and Finance Committee at the YMCA of Staten Island and is a member of the Staten Island Rotary Club, where he is also a past President and Assistant District Governor. Joe has been involved with a number of other outstanding non-profits including the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, the Staten Island Children’s Museum, and Eger Nursing Home. Joe enjoys golf, skiing and volunteering for his son’s adventures in Boy Scouts.
