Like most firms, we offer a broad range of solutions for clients with complex needs. But it's our powerful technology that helps “put it all together” and really allows us to shine. We continually invest in powerful, state-of-the-art software to enable a top-tier, highly personalized client experience.

Second, we offer choice in terms of how clients elect to pay for services. We can work on a consulting basis only, meaning we aren't required to have assets under our management to work with someone.

Third, as a fiduciary I have a duty to operate in the best interest of each and every client. Not all investment advisors and brokers operate exclusively under a fiduciary standard – but we do, and we believe this is key differentiator from many of our competitors at the larger firms.

When I was a kid, the three things I loved most growing up were fishing, music, and collecting baseball cards. I also had a bit of an organization "disorder". I didn't just enjoy fishing, I loved organizing the tackle box. I liked when my record albums were sorted alphabetically by artist. And I would spend hours getting my Topps "Complete Set" of cards in order by team and player. It was a bit "OCD" in today's terms. Now I like to get client balance sheets in order by organizing employer stock options and restricted grants by vesting schedule. Go figure!

My Dad built a successful career in institutional investment management, so I basically grew up around the business, although I wasn’t immediately interested in working in the investment world. My Mom worked with him to provide office support and she joined him in client dinners and meetings. Over the years, they became close friends with many clients. So my parents taught me not only about the investment business itself, but also how to work together while keeping a solid and successful marriage. That's been helpful to Erin and me in working together and staying married!

I love all kinds of music and played guitar for a local cover band with a good friend for a number of years. But after too many late nights (and Monday mornings that came way too early!) I "retired" to focus on family, clients and career.

Commonwealth is the engine that makes our firm go. They provide the infrastructure for our business - and so much more.  We couldn't provide the client experience that we deliver - at least not to the same level - without them.

We choose to partner with them for a number of reasons.  Here are 3: 

First, their technology and infrastructure are truly state-of-the art, giving us the ability to scale the business without having to add staff. Leveraging Commonwealth's technology allows us to do more with less at an exceptionally reasonable cost to the client.

Second, they provide supervision and oversight. We are audited by a member of Commonwealth's compliance team every year. There is active surveillance of the portfolios under our stewardship to ensure alignment with the policy and parameters of the client.

Finally, Commonwealth's culture and vision is totally in sync with our philosophy and how we operate. And they are simply nice people to work with! They are totally focused on their clients (us), just as we are totally focused on our clients (you).

Back in 2009, when I was about 50 pounds heavier, I made a decision to get back in shape. I never wanted to go through another “2008 financial crisis" without being in top physical condition. Since then I've come to enjoy all kinds of workout activities, including running, yoga and circuit training.

Erin and I also love to travel, and often tie in trips with client visits away from home. To combat the long Central New York winters I've recently taken up cross country skiing. I still love going to see live music. And I still enjoy fishing, although the tackle box is now a bit messy!

I started in the retail business, working for Banana Republic in Washington, DC and Los Angeles. I was later promoted to store manager, overseeing a number of locations in the Baltimore/Washington region.

My background in retail sales taught me lessons in delivering a great customer experience, which is part of our mission at SWM. And managing a group of stores for a major retailer helped me learn the basics of running a successful operation. Later, I was hired as the Executive Assistant for the Mid-Atlantic Vice President, which gave me valuable experience working in an executive capacity at a Fortune 500 company.

In 2008, I started a personal concierge business called “The Go-to Girl”, where I helped a select group of clients organize their homes, maintain their property, help plan events, and align with specialists. Later, while still active in the concierge business, I joined Finger Lakes Realty Partners as office manager and became a licensed agent.

My parents died young (Father at 63, Mother at 66). My dad was in charge of financials and my mom wasn’t really involved, so when he died I could see that my Mom became stressed and overwhelmed because she didn’t have the day to day involvement that he did. This was very common with this generation. At Sammut Wealth Management I want to really empower spouses to become more knowledgeable about their financial household so that they have confidence when the time comes for decision making.

The best thing about my work is to see the smile on a client’s face or hear the happiness in their voice when they need help and I have a solution. Giving our clients the best support and experience is very rewarding to me.

It’s challenging sometimes. Thank goodness John and I have a very open line of communication and we laugh a lot. We have come into this marriage and business as a team speaking our truths, helping each other grow in our strengths while continually improving our weaknesses.

John and I have made a conscious effort to become healthy in our mind, body and spirit. I love to meditate, practice Pilates, yoga, circuit train and cross country ski to break up our upstate New York winters. We also love to travel and spend time with our dog Samson!