Investment Management and Comprehensive Financial Strategies
Protect
Invest
After working closely to define your investment goals and objectives, we develop an investment strategy that may consist of mutual funds, bonds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, stocks, annuities, or alternative investment products. Our approach to asset management is holistic: we will custom-build your investment plan to complement other planning concerns, such as taxes and workplace benefit plans.
Our clients benefit from our extensive experience, which guides them away from transient investment trends and market-timing tactics that are often prevalent. Our strategies have successfully navigated through both favorable and challenging market conditions over the past few decades, with a strong focus on risk management and diversification. While we acknowledge the importance of learning from past experiences, we firmly believe that a robust plan should always look forward. As Warren Buffett aptly noted, "If past history was all there was to the game, the richest people would be librarians."
Financial independence means not having to work. Though many of our clients choose to work after they have become financially independent, having enough financial resources saved to support their desired lifestyle provides peace of mind and a possible legacy for future generations.
As we have learned through years of experience, spending requires as much planning as saving. Retirement planning involves managing a number of issues, such as:
1. Ensuring that your financial resources outlast your lifetime.
2. Mitigating income tax burdens.
3. Minimizing fluctuations in your investment portfolio.
4. Coordinating workplace and social security benefits with your IRAs and other investment accounts.
5. Prudent budgeting.
6. Effectively managing healthcare expenses.
In the past, people could rely on the security of pensions and government social programs to support their post-retirement lifestyle. However, this is rarely the case in today's world. Recognizing this reality, at NFN, we empower our clients to take control of their retirement and devise a practical plan to address the risks they may encounter. Our comprehensive process illuminates the potential challenges and presents tailored solutions that extend beyond the pursuit of high rates of return. Like all our financial planning endeavors, the retirement strategies we craft draw upon our wealth of experience while being meticulously customized to suit your unique circumstances.
Estate planning transcends mere tax minimization; it encompasses the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that your assets are directed according to your wishes and specific conditions. At NFN, we collaborate with you to compile a meticulous inventory of all your assets and clarify ownership and beneficiary designations. Your plan will be conveniently accessible online through our secure planning system.
Our support extends to coordinating a spectrum of components, ranging from fundamental tools like Wills, Health Care Proxies, and Durable Powers of Attorney, to more sophisticated tax reduction techniques, such as trusts, family limited partnerships, and gifting strategies. While we do not provide legal services or charge for such services, our clients appreciate our ability to explain the array of available strategies in plain, understandable terms. This serves as a valuable preliminary step before engaging with a legal professional. Once our clients have a firm grasp of the potential options, we can refer them to an external attorney or collaborate directly with their existing legal counsel.
The United States Tax Code provides entrepreneurs with extensive retirement planning options, allowing for tax deductions today while securing their retirement savings. Collaborating closely with our clients' accountants, we assess and identify the most suitable retirement plans tailored to their unique situations. These options encompass SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, SIMPLE IRAs, Profit Sharing Plans, and Defined Benefit Plans. It's worth noting that these retirement plans are typically just one facet of a more comprehensive exit strategy, as there may come a time when the business needs to be sold or passed down to the next generation.
Beyond assisting entrepreneurs in bridging the divide between their personal and business finances, National Financial Network also actively engages with stakeholders to formulate a business continuation plan, such as Buy/Sell agreements. Additionally, we work on crafting employee retention plans by leveraging Deferred Compensation Plans and other incentive programs.
A sound financial plan starts with a foundation of protection. Without safeguarding against potential risks like legal disputes, prolonged illness, or untimely death, aspirations for a secure retirement, funding education, or saving for the future remain vulnerable and incomplete.
Our meticulous planning process involves using objective tools and draws upon years of experience to assess and quantify the risks you may face. Protection planning encompasses thoroughly examining your estate planning documents, such as Wills and Trusts, and a comprehensive evaluation of your insurance policies. Together, we determine the optimal insurance coverage and identify the types that best suit your specific circumstances.
While calculators can assist in quantifying the appropriate insurance coverage, we recognize that planning for unforeseen events also necessitates the incorporation of personal values into the decision-making process. Therefore, we avoid one-size-fits-all rules often propagated by less sophisticated media sources, instead crafting customized plans.
Insurance often remains one of the most misconstrued and underutilized financial tools. Our wealth of experience and research has empowered us to devise strategies that enable our clients to protect and grow their assets using time-tested financial products.
Meet our Team
Series 24 - General Securities Principal
Series 7 - General Securities Registered Principal
Series 65 - Uniform Investment Advisor
Series 8 - General Securities Sales Supervisor
Series 53 - Municipal Securities Principal
Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent
New York State Life & Health Insurance License
CFS - Certified Fund Specialist
MBA - Finance & Investments
Ph.D. - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Dr. Robert Votruba is a distinguished financial services professional with a career spanning three decades, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and unparalleled success. As a Partner of Wealth Management at National Financial Network, Inc. (NFN), Dr. Votruba, and his team, are instrumental in overseeing the management of over $2 billion in firm assets. Dr. Votruba's illustrious career in the financial services sector commenced in 1993, and his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to client success have consistently set him apart. His achievements and accolades are a testament to his exceptional abilities, with a notable highlight being his remarkable recognition as Park Avenue Securities' Number One Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative an astonishing five times. This distinction is particularly remarkable given the fierce competition within the field, with over 2,500 professionals vying for this coveted award. In addition to his outstanding success within the company, Dr. Votruba has earned the honor of being named a Forbes Best in State Financial Security Professional for two consecutive years, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier financial advisor. This recognition underscores his unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional financial solutions and advice to his clients and his ability to outperform industry standards consistently.
On top of his outstanding professional achievements, Dr. Robert Votruba is a dedicated and compassionate individual who actively contributes to his local community and pursues his personal passions with equal fervor. His commitment to giving back is exemplified through his involvement with local charities, with one notable example being the Garden City Turkey Trot. Robert's participation in such events reflects his desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others and to strengthen the bonds within his community. Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Robert's personal life showcases his remarkable dedication and discipline. An avid runner and triathlete, he has completed numerous marathons and triathlons, even conquering the ultimate challenge of an Ironman competition. His pursuit of these physically demanding endeavors demonstrates not only his unwavering determination but also his ability to set and achieve ambitious goals. Dr. Votruba is not only a dedicated professional and a committed athlete but also a loving family man. He resides in Garden City, NY, alongside his wife, Jeannine, and their four children: Sydney, Nina, Robert Jr., and Leo. Their household is also shared with their beloved canine companions, Jerry and Newman, who add an extra layer of warmth and joy to their family life. Robert's ability to excel in both his professional and personal life is a testament to his exceptional character and unwavering commitment to his values. Whether he's helping his community, pursuing his athletic passions, or nurturing his family, Dr. Robert Votruba continually sets the bar high for personal and professional success.
This award is endorsed but not issued by Guardian or its subsidiaries. the annual Forbes ranking of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors List (2022) is based on criteria developed and obtained by SHOOK Research, LLC. No compensation was provided in connection with obtaining this rating: however, advisors may choose to pay fees to Forbes and Shook for premium listing features; including, usage rights of the ranking logo. Pas performance is not an indication of future results.
Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities and Financial Representative of Guardian. CA Life Insurance #0D23495. AR – 2854395
Series 7 – General Securities Registered Representative
Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent
Series 66 - Uniform Securities Agent and Investment Advisor Representative
Series 55 – Limited Representative – Equity Trader
New York State Life & Health Insurance License
AAMS – Accredited Asset Management Specialist
Dean M. Rothman, AAMS, is a seasoned Financial Advisor at Park Avenue Securities, boasting a distinguished career that traces its roots back to the equity markets in 2000, where he embarked on his professional journey with Deutsche Bank Capital Markets. Dean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Seton Hall University, a foundation that has shaped his expertise in the realm of financial planning.
With a remarkable tenure of 17 years, Dean has been a dedicated financial advisor at National Financial Network, LLC, a premier professional financial services firm. In addition to his proficiency in portfolio management and individual financial planning, Dean is instrumental in guiding his clients through the intricacies of asset coordination and diverse financial strategies. His professional acumen extends to working closely with businesses of various sizes, aiding them in the development of retirement and deferred compensation plans.
Dean's unwavering commitment to both his profession and his clients is evident through his active membership in organizations that promote the highest ethical standards within the financial industry. His outstanding contributions were recognized when he was honored as part of the Long Island Business News Top 40 Under 40 in 2015, an accolade that underscores his dedication to mentoring, community engagement, and his role as one of Long Island's promising future business leaders.
In 2007, Dean achieved the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation, a testament to his rigorous training and expertise in various facets of financial planning, reinforcing his position as a trusted advisor.
Dean's mission is to empower his clients to build wealth, optimize the value of their assets, improve their quality of life, and establish enduring legacies that will transcend generations.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Dean finds joy in life's simple pleasures with his wife Jessica and their daughters, Emily and Olivia, at their home in Bay Shore, New York. He is also an avid enthusiast of endurance races, having completed numerous events, including the NYC Marathon and earning the title of a 3-time Ironman triathlon finisher.
Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), 990 Stewart Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City, NY, 11530, 516-745-5600. Securities products/services and advisory services are offered through PAS, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. National Financial Network is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. PAS is a member of FINRA, SIPC. CA Insurance License # 0H61501
Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck
Series 7 - General Securities Registered Representative
Series 66 - Uniform Securities Agent and Investment Advisor Representative
New York State Life & Health Insurance License
ChFC® – Chartered Financial Consultant
RICP® - Retirement Income Certified Professional
WMCP® - Wealth Management Certified Professional
CFP® – Certified Financial Planner
James began his career in financial services at NFN in 2011. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) James completed one of the industry’s most comprehensive financial planning curriculums containing nearly 100 integrated financial planning topics, including:
Investments
Income Tax Planning
Debt Consolidation
Retirement Planning
Employee benefits
Estate Planning
Risk Management
Insurance
CFP® practitioners must pass a compressive two-day, 10-hour exam, and must meet a multi-year experience requirement in order to use the CFP® certification marks. In addition the CFP®, James earned the Chartered Financial Consultant designation (ChFC®), which possess an average study time of 400 hours and completion of 30 hours of continuation education every two years. James also holds the designation of Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), enabling him to develop personal retirement income plans for retirees and those approaching retirement.
Along with managing the personal financial plans of his clients, James also assists NFN Investment Committee with firm-wide strategy efforts and investment analysis on client portfolios.
A graduate of Sacred Heart University, Jack Welch School of Business, James resides in West Islip, NY and enjoys boating, fishing, football and physical fitness. Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities and Financial Representative of Guardian. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and CFP® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck
Licenses & Qualifications
CFP® - Certified Financial Planner
CHFC®- Chartered Financial Consultant
RICP® - Retirement Income Certified Professional
As part of the NFN Wealth Management team, Alex performs a variety of functions including portfolio and investment analysis. Alex has a Series 6, 63, 66, 7, and has passed all 7 Prerequisites as well as the CFP® board exam earning him the title of Certified Financial Planner™.
Alex is a graduate of Binghamton University, where he majored in Economics with a concentration in Finance. He resides in Locust Valley Long Island, and enjoys cliff diving, playing piano, Muay Thai, and wellness through Weight Training.
Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 990 Stewart Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City, NY 11530, 516-745-5600. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. National Financial Network, INC is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian
Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck
Licenses & Qualifications
Series 7
Series 66
Life and Health License
Jesse is a Hofstra University graduate, holding a dual JD/MBA degree. As a valued member of the NFN Wealth Management Team, he offers service and analytical support to both the firm's clients and the team of Registered Representatives. In addition, he possesses a wealth of expertise in portfolio and investment analysis, devoting a substantial portion of his daily routine to researching and identifying the most optimal mutual funds and ETFs to benefit our clients.
Jesse holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, enabling him to actively participate in the sale of securities and provide professional investment advice. He also holds a Life, Accident, and Health license in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, and North Carolina.
Jesse, originally from Commack, NY, now calls Smithtown his home. In his leisure hours, he cherishes valuable moments with family and friends, passionately supports his beloved sports teams such as the NY Mets and Knicks, maintains an active lifestyle through exercise, and indulges in a round of golf.
Jesse's professional affiliation is with Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), and the main office of supervisory jurisdiction (OSJ) is located at 990 Stewart Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City, NY 11530. The phone number for this location is 516-745-5600. Registered Representative of Park Avenue LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA< SIPC, National Financial Network is not a affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.
It's important to note that National Financial Network, INC is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.
For further information or to check Jesse's background as an investment professional, you can visit FINRA's BrokerCheck website.
Series 11 – Assistant Representative
Notary Public
New York State Life & Health Insurance License
Joan began her career in the Financial Services industry in 2003. A graduate of Adelphi University, Joan lives in Malverne, New York with her husband Dennis and two children, Lindsay and Morgan. Joan is an active advocate on Long Island for promoting diversity in the work place, empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to lead a self-determined life and achieve happiness and success.
Registered Representative of Park Avenue Securities.
Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck
Maria began her career in the financial markets in 1994 as a Registered Sales Assistant. She earned a BS in Finance from St. John's University.
In addition to client services, Maria also provides operational support and expertise to the firm’s 80+ Registered Representatives. Maria lives in Smithtown, New York with her two children, Derek, and Nadia.
If we continually to neglect either, we will suffer the consequences later. In many ways, we are like your family doctor, but rather than looking at your physical condition, we are interested in your financial well-being. Like your physician, we perform comprehensive evaluations on a regular basis and an actionable game plan to improve your financial fitness. NFN provides you with tools to track your progress and will closely monitor your progress towards achieving your goals – be it a comfortable retirement and financial independence, putting the kids through school or providing a legacy for future generations.
National Financial Network (NFN) is a financial services firm that has over 65 years of experience helping high net worth individuals and business owners with all aspects of financial planning. We employ over 100 Advisors and staff and have offices in Manhattan, and Garden City, Long Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
Though NFN has the ability to use virtually any investment or insurance product that is available in the marketplace today, we are a general agency of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. It is one of the largest mutual insurance companies in the United States and has received exemplary ratings from the major ratings services.
Learn More About Guardian’s Financial Strength
Park Avenue Securities (PAS) is a broker-dealer, registered investment advisor and a wholly owned subsidiary of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. This enables us to provide our clients with full-service brokerage and investment advisory products and services. PAS has over 2,500 Registered Representatives nationwide and gives NFN access to widely known mutual funds, ETF’s and annuities like those offered by Fidelity, Vanguard, American Funds, T. Rowe Price, Prudential, and hundreds more. For more information about Park Avenue Securities visit www.parkavenuesecurities.com.
PAS is a member of FINRA, SIPC, and must adhere to the rules and requirements of these regulatory bodies.
At NFN we put our clients’ interests first. Our structure enables us to use virtually any publicly traded investment product, or insurance product, allowing us to create a financial plan that consists of the “best of the best” offerings. Since we are not obligated to use any one company’s products over another, our clients’ needs come first.
All broker/dealers have a “clearing firm”. The clearing firm actually “holds” clients' accounts and performs essential functions for financial companies and their clients. Park Avenue Securities clears through Pershing LLC. Pershing is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon and is one of the largest providers of brokerage services, with over $1.5 trillion in global client assets.
All broker/dealers have a “clearing firm”. The clearing firm holds” clients' accounts and performs essential functions for financial companies and their clients. Park Avenue Securities clears through Pershing LLC. Pershing is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon and is one of the largest providers of brokerage services, with over $2 trillion in global client assets.
To learn more about how your money is protected visit https://www.pershing.com/us/en/about/strength-and-stability.html
In addition to SIPC protection, Pershing provides coverage in excess of SIPC limits from certain underwriters in Lloyd's insurance market. It provides the following protection for Pershing LLC's global client assets:
