PHOTOS BY JEJ PHOTOS

It’s a partnership 16 years in the making. Meet Marzano Capital Group – a business founded on family principles and relational priorities. Started in 2005 by father-son team Art and Jon Marzano, Marzano Capital Group has grown into a trusted financial firm built on transparency, teamwork, and a lot of communication.

“When we started Marzano Capital Group,” explained Jon, “we started with the end in mind. It’s really the way everyone should start – whether they build their own business or work for someone else.  There should always be an end goal in mind so that you can benchmark progress. Such was the case for my dad and we opened the firm with his retirement plan in mind. While I’m not near ready to retire, it’s part of the reason we’re expanding our company to include partners who are vested and who add to our business’s longevity and continuity. We always have to be prepared to pivot so we can remain viable, not only for the long-term but through the events that will and do occur, similar to 2020, one of the world’s most unforeseen and shocking events.

“Pivoting is a key step,” Jon explained, “because our business is so relational in nature. We don’t work for a firm. We work for our clients. Our job isn’t just based on dollars and cents. We develop lasting relationships with our clients. Because we live and work in our community, we see them out and about at the grocery stores, when we’re picking up lunch, and throughout our daily lives. With community in mind, we knew our firm needed a partnership component to help diversify for long-term growth and stability.”

Jon said, “The four partners of Marzano Capital Group bring a variety of skills and strengths. It helps us all to be better, and we are a team first. It’s the way we handle our clients…. There isn’t just one representative for a client; they benefit from the wealth of talent within our partnership.

“For instance,” he continued, “Mike McGilvary brings so much energy to the business. He’s got a lot of drive and is family-focused.  We know Mike has a lot to offer to our clients and the future of Marzano Capital Group. He has an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation and brings a wealth of understanding about investing, retirement planning, and wealth management to the table.

“Then, there’s Steven,” Jon said. “Steven Gallo has an extensive understanding of retirement, savings, and corporate benefits.  His wisdom has guided so many to make sound financial choices that position them for their future. He’s an active volunteer in the community, and he loves to serve where he lives.

“One of our other partners in the business is none other than Angela McGilvary,” said Jon. “The backbone of our office – Angela has been a long-time dedicated partner of Marzano Capital Group.  She serves as our Operations Manager and is the glue that’s held us together for years.

“And of course, there’s me,” said Jon. “I’m a founding partner, and my job is to oversee the growth and direction of the firm. I love this business, but even more so, I love this team, and I love the people we serve. This is so much more than a job for me. I value integrity and communication and am proud that the business my dad and I started has flourished with other like-minded professionals.”

In addition to the partners, an incredibly talented support staff lends their talents daily to ensure the clients’ needs are met first. “Egos are left at the door at Marzano Capital Group,” said Jon. “Our team agrees – clients are better served when we work together. In fact, that’s a crucial part of our growth strategy.  As we seek to grow and add to the firm, we will selectively consider candidates who are committed to growth and development for the whole organization.

“At the end of the day,” said Jon, “we know our clients have options, and there are other wealth management companies. However, our service model is built with them in mind. We look beyond the initial investment, and we see people. We see them right where they are through their lens – what we want to leave them with is an understanding of their options. To do that, we educate. We believe in investing in people before they invest in us.”

Jon and the Marzano Capital Group team agree that being a financial advisor is not just about managing money. “We are educators first.  We want those who consider our services to be informed about their options and the process, and we want them to make sound choices for their financial future (whether they choose us or not). That’s the first value proposition we bring to those who consider us.

“Next, we are confidants. We build lasting relationships with our clients because this is never a ‘one-and-done’ thing for us. We are in this for the long-haul with our clients – and we don’t care how big or small the account when they start… We just want them to start! Investing something, even a little, is better than nothing!”

“It’s through those relationships and the trust that we have built with our clients that we can pivot. Circumstances change, and over time, the people’s needs change. The priorities of a young investor at 21 are very different from the priorities of an investor in their 50s or 60s.  Career changes, having kids, personal goals – all of that plays a factor. And we have to know, understand, and respect all of that in order to serve our clients well.”

Jon continued, “Our team’s objective is for our clients to come to us and feel very comfortable.  We aim for transparency and accessibility, knowing that money is such a sensitive topic. Our clients know and trust that what we say, we mean. We don’t just talk the talk; we live it every day. What we ultimately strive for when our clients review their portfolios with us, is for them to see the value that we add on their own. We should not have to explain our value add, it should be understood if we are doing our job the best we can.  That guiding principle extends beyond portfolio management. That principle guides us though the financial journey that we take together.

“As we pivot with the times, it’s important to remember that to pivot requires strong footing.  Our team stands firm on a foundation of integrity, character, commitment, and excellence. But we’re very capable of pivoting to meet the needs of those we serve.”

Marzano Capital Group is located at 2625 Neudorf Road, Suite 400 in Clemmons.  Call them at 336.766.0464 or visit them online at MarzanoCapitalGroup.com.  Be sure to like their page on Facebook.

Services offered by Marzano Capital Group include:

• Wealth Management
• Retirement Planning
• Tax Management
• Estate Investment Planning
• Education Funding
• Risk Management
• Employee and Executive Benefits

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.