Meet Our Wealth Management Team
Our uniquely talented professionals – focusing on selected growth and income investments – help to put HJ Sims at the forefront of the wealth management industry.
Our uniquely talented professionals – focusing on selected growth and income investments – help to put HJ Sims at the forefront of the wealth management industry.
Boca Raton, FL
(800) 407-9752
Financial Professional holding Series 7, 63 and 65
Investment Advisor with Herbert J Sims Capital Management,
an affiliate of Herbert J Sims. (Series 66 license)
Boca Raton, FL
(561) 620-2146
Financial Professional holding series 7, 63 licenses
Investment Advisor with Herbert J Sims Capital Management,
an affiliate of Herbert J Sims. (Series 66 license)
“Your financial goals are about real-life needs. They are about taking care of family, being comfortable, and feeling secure. Whether you are investing for retirement, living in retirement, or saving for a home and other major financial goals, I will help you with your financial planning and ongoing investment portfolio management.”
By working with Shane you benefit from the personal touch of an experienced wealth management professional. With almost two decades of industry experience, Shane’s clients value his deep experience in crafting investment strategies, in both bull and bear markets. Just as important, Shane utilizes a customized approach that includes the creation of a personalized financial investment plan based on individual needs and goals. Upon fully understanding clients’ individual financial goals and objectives, Shane analyzes current holdings and constructs a portfolio of individual investments designed to achieve those objectives, while also managing tax consequences.
Applying these methods, Shane is able to tackle complex financial situations to create tailored, straightforward, actionable plans. He is committed to building trusted relationships, and providing transparency and education in all aspects of financial planning decisions, and most importantly, helping clients feel comfortable. Shane makes it his mission to engage each client on a personal level, with an approach that weaves together key areas of financial strength in pursuit of reaching objectives and managing risk. Shane focuses on planning for the long-term by connecting today’s realities to tomorrow’s goals.
Since joining HJ Sims, Shane has found success by recognizing that every client is different and every family’s situation is unique. He combines his superb listening skills, inquisitive nature and his passion for financial planning to help each client achieve their income needs and financial goals.
Shane lives in the Delray Beach area with his wife Bri, and twins, Dean and Mila.
Jupiter, FL
(561) 620-2173
“I am passionate about helping to instill investment confidence and offering tailored guidance to my clients.”
Rebecca Beckett is passionate about financial advisory services. She began her career with The Keyes Company as a realtor and mortgage broker, specializing in oceanfront condos and second homes. However, when 2006 brought the end of the real estate bubble, Rebecca decided to pivot career paths and joined David Lerner & Associates.
At David Lerner & Associates, Rebecca leveraged her experience in real estate, and embraced her new role as an Investment Counselor. As she quickly expanded her role and expertise, she earned her Series 7, 63, 65, and Health & Life, including Annuities & Variable Contracts (insurance) licenses.
Rebecca later repositioned her career and spent almost six years with Oppenheimer as she grew her business and established a special focus on women investment clients. In January 2020, Rebecca joined HJ Sims as Financial Advisor in our Jupiter, Florida office.
During her time with HJ Sims, Rebecca accomplished her goal of earning the Certified Financial Planner™ certification. The CFP® certification is a mark of excellence Rebecca is proud to have earned. It supports her commitment to taking a holistic, personalized approach to bring all the pieces of her clients’ financial lives together.
Rebecca has an impressive educational background, which includes Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in History, a Bachelor of Science in Economics at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and attendance at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business.
Rebecca hails from New Jersey, and now lives with her five children in Stuart, Florida. Rebecca is an eager participant and supporter of her children’s activities. She supports the Boys & Girls Club of Martin County, and is a member of the Hobe Sound as well as Palm City Chambers of Commerce.
Rebecca is an avid sailor, member of her local sailing center and serves as a sailing instructor.
Having a background as an ocean lifeguard, Rebecca regularly participates in open water swims. Rebecca relishes living near the ocean, which makes her love of sailing and swimming all the more possible to enjoy. Rebecca also enjoys mountain biking, hiking and camping with her sons.
Other passions of Rebecca’s are history, particularly World War II. She has a huge heart for Holocaust survivors and family members, and an affinity for the elderly of that time period. Rebecca has a strong connection with seniors 65+, respecting their longevity and vulnerability.
As a single mother of five, Rebecca understands that, as a woman, obtaining investment confidence is paramount. She often observes the parallels between her role as Financial Advisor and her own life, along with the admiration she has for the single mothers, seniors and women-owned businesses she serves.
Boca Raton, FL
(561) 620-2126
“My father used to say that getting rich is actually pretty easy. You just have to have the discipline to spend less than you make, month after month, year after year, and invest the difference wisely.”
Les Campbell started his career as a CPA for Price Waterhouse, and served for many years as the CFO for two large real estate developers in south Florida.
He believes that this background allowed him to develop a very professional and organized approach to financial planning. He also believes that his customers appreciate his thoughtful, low-key approach to handling their accounts.
Les joined HJ Sims in 2002, and appreciates the fact that HJ Sims is a family-run company that’s been around since 1935. “Our firm’s longevity and expertise in fixed income securities gives us tremendous credibility in the bond market.”
Les works hard to keep his customers well-informed on general market conditions. He feels that it is extremely important for clients to understand the relationship of risks versus rewards when making investment decisions. “I’m a conservative fixed income guy. First and foremost, I want to protect capital. As we often say in this business, return of principle is more important than return on principal.
Boca Raton, FL
(561) 620-2122
“Planning is not a single event—it is a process. As your life circumstances change, so must your investment strategies. I am here to help my clients stay on course towards meeting their objectives.”
With 35 years’ of experience in financial services, Meyer is dedicated to helping individuals and families maintain, build and pass on their wealth. Meyer works with his clients to design custom wealth planning strategies targeted to specific needs and goals to help clients grow, preserve and maintain wealth now and for generations to come.
Helping to ensure your wealth continues to work in support of the goals you have established takes careful planning and monitoring.
Meyer has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Quantitative Analysis from the University of New Haven and the Navel Science Institute at Yale University. After graduation, he spent the next seven years as an Officer and Pilot in the U.S. Navy. Meyer began his financial career at Merrill Lynch. In 1982, Meyer moved to Smith Barney where he spent the next 26 years. Meyer moved his practice to Wells Fargo (formerly Wachovia Securities) and relocated from Connecticut to Naples, Florida. In 2012, he joined Westport Resources Investment Services. In 2016, Meyer relocated to the Boca Raton area and joined HJ Sims.
Iselin, NJ
(732) 590-0512
Financial Professional holding series 7, 63 and life insurance licenses
“There is no cookie-cutter plan when it comes to financial planning; all individuals are uniquely different and should be treated as such.”
Iselin, NJ
(732) 590-0528
Financial Professional holding series 7 and 63 licenses
Investment Advisor with Herbert J Sims Capital Management,
an affiliate of Herbert J Sims (Series 66 license).
Life & Health Insurance licenses
“I dedicate myself to serving my clients and their investment challenges throughout all phases of their lives—to prepare for retirement with the income they desire.”
It’s no surprise Gene Chyzowych knows how to help investors reach lifelong goals with their assets. Gene hails from a legendary coaching family, and he learned the importance of scoring goals from his dad and his Uncle Walt who both represented the U.S., playing for and coaching the national soccer team.
The intrinsic value of bond investing was implanted within Gene while studying at Brown when he was chosen for a three-year internship at one of the world’s largest ratings agencies where he learned the ins and outs of fixed income.
That knowledge and his analytical approach, have served Gene’s clients well.
With direct access to the HJ Sims’ banking team and expert analysts, he’s helped clients build solid nest eggs for generations — proving how powerful reinvesting income and compounding interest can be.
Gene takes a personal interest in his clients and many have become friends.
Staying abreast of the changes in their lives, he only invests when the time is right — for them and wants them to benefit from his hard work. With a loyal base of clients and their families benefiting from his investment coaching, Gene continues to score “wins” all around.
Gene is a registered investment advisor and holds his Series 7 and 65 licenses, and life and health insurance licenses. He is a member of the United Soccer Coaches Foundation Investment Council.
Bloomington, MN
(952) 683-7504
Financial Professional holding series 7, 63 licenses, MN health and life insurance licenses, CFPTM CRC®
Investment Advisor with Herbert J Sims Capital Management,
an affiliate of Herbert J Sims. (Series 65 license)
Twenty years of experience working with investors, along with credentials, provides Mike with the skills required to make valuable recommendations to his clients. Applying the necessary balance between income and growth, along with a proper risk protection strategy, Mike carefully listens to his clients to gain an understanding of their specific investment objectives, and develops a customized investment plan.
Prior to joining HJ Sims, Mike spent 20+ years in the financial services industry, working with clients who were in or approaching retirement. Working at Ameriprise as a para-planner for two years under two veteran advisors, Mike focused on mutual fund transactions service and taking incoming calls from advisors for trade service items, gaining valuable experience. After speaking with financial advisors on a regular basis, Mike pursued licensure to become a financial advisor. When asked what is most important in his client relationships, Mike says, “Taking the time to listen and fully understand what is important to my clients is paramount; service wins and attention matters.” Mike’s philosophy is focused on offering excellent client service, including making himself available to answer questions. He often develops personal relationships with his clients, helping him to better understand their needs.
In 1996, Mike earned his B.S. degree in education from the University of Minnesota. Mike earned his CFP certification (Certified Financial Planner), as well as a CRC certification (Certified Retirement Counselor) in 2012. Mike currently holds his Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as Minnesota Life and Health Insurance licenses.
A Minnesota native, Mike and his wife Marie and their four children enjoy spending time outdoors walking their dog, Kiwi, visiting the many lakes in the region. They also enjoy spending time with their cat, Benito, and watching movies or attending school events and trying new restaurants. Mike is an avid Minnesota sports fan, and enjoys running, lifting weights, playing golf and tennis, as well as volunteering often for his church.
Guaynabo, PR
(939) 399-0108
Iselin, NJ
(732) 590-0554
“95% of brokers have very little idea what goes into tax-free bond investments. We endeavor to provide higher levels of income with relative safety and the experience of understanding how to structure a portfolio and maintain it.”
Alan Dalewitz has taken his own advice to stick to what you know. With over 40 years in the securities industry, from operations to financing to investments, Alan has a wealth of knowledge. Approaching each investment with an economics and accounting eye, Alan keeps his sights on preserving capital. Diversifying portfolios helps him achieve that goal.
Although “digging into all the details” is a 24-hour-a-day job, nothing satisfies Alan more than searching for the right investment for the right client after he truly understands their goals.
Alan loves the freedom of working at HJ Sims’ smaller, family-run firm where he can respond more quickly to the needs of his 150+ clients. What’s more, his investment advice has come full circle: Alan invests his own money in HJ Sims’ tax-free bonds, truly adhering to what he knows.
Fairfield, CT
(203) 418-9078 x9078
(860) 214-3369 mobile
“I’m fortunate to have clients that are a pleasure to work with. They’ve worked hard to earn and save, and I make sure those savings work hard for them in return. They drive the process, and it’s my job to fully understand their goals and work together with them in constructing a strategy to achieve those goals, then implement that strategy.”
P.J. Dee always felt he was destined for a career in financial services, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather; however, he majored in sociology in college because he wanted to learn as much as he could about people and the world around him.
After a few years with a Wall Street global investment management firm, P.J.’s passion for helping clients generate income to meet current needs and plan for retirement inspired his move to HJ Sims.
P.J.’s background and experience comes in handy when helping his clients make investment decisions that are right for them. “I’ve learned that it’s important to let my clients take the lead, and to listen more than I speak. Once I feel certain that I fully understand a client’s needs, we can develop a plan together, which I implement and oversee.”
To P.J., it’s important to be honest, knowledgeable and diligent in working with clients. “I can’t control the market,” he says, “but I do control the ability to do my best by my clients by making sound investment decisions with them, and helping them to meet their goals.”
Boca Raton, FL
(561) 620-2139
“I specialize in relationships and delivering personalized service, helping my clients plan for retirement, wealth accumulation or tax-efficient investing.”
Clifford Edelmann graduated from the University of Florida in 1995 with a B.A., Business Administration, and from Wake Forest University Graduate School of Management in 2004 with a M.B.A., Finance and Marketing. A long-time bond investor, Cliff joined HJ Sims in 2010, bringing practical business experience and a formal business education in the evaluation of municipal and corporate issues, as well as portfolio analysis and management.
Cliff’s focus is on building long-term client relationships by personally assisting clients with their retirement planning, education funding, wealth accumulation, and tax-efficient investing.
Prior to joining H.J. Sims, Cliff founded and operated a marketing consulting firm assisting professional services firms and individual clients with all aspects of the marketing and business development functions.
Guaynabo PR 00968
(939) 399-0124
Raúl serves as Director of HJ Sims San Juan, Puerto Rico office. Raúl’s unique professional experience gives him an inimitable approach in servicing high-net worth clients financial planning needs.
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Raúl has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Fairfield University in Connecticut, and a Juris Doctor degree from Interamerican University Law School in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Raúl served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General of Puerto Rico, and Assistant District Attorney specializing in federal civil rights legislation.
In 1981, Raúl was designated as Director of European Operations for the Economic Administration of Puerto Rico, with offices in Madrid, Spain. Appointed Deputy Administrator for the Economic Development Administration in 1984 and based in the New York office, Raúl was responsible for all industrial promotion for Puerto Rico within the United States, Europe and Asia, as well as the Rums of Puerto Rico government campaign.
Raúl joined Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor in 1985, where he successfully managed high-net-worth clients and major corporations. Recruited by PaineWebber in 1986, Raúl served as Senior Vice President, and in 1993, was asked to lead the San Juan branch as Branch Manager. After three years, Raúl returned to production, where he was Chairman’s Club Council Member for 15 consecutive years.
In 2006, Raúl was recruited by Santander Securities as Senior Vice President, where he was distinguished as a Senior Chairman’s Club Member for 12 years, until joining HJ Sims in February 2018.
Raúl’s unique professional experience gives him an inimitable approach in servicing high-net worth clients financial planning needs.
Bloomington, MN
(952) 683-7505
“You don’t have to be a home-run hitter to be successful in investing; it’s not magic; it just requires discipline.. .And trust. On both sides.”
If Bill Ford were a Boy Scout, you’d have to add “American Business,” “Personal Management” and “Coin Collecting” to his merit badges—thanks to almost thirty years of income investment experience under his belt.
Bill has spent his entire career in the investment industry developing an expertise in fixed income securities, especially tax-free bonds. He works with institutional clients & individual investors and has developed a special talent for reducing the confusing world of investment options to solutions that are user friendly & easily understood.
Helping people achieve their personal financial goals is what attracted Bill to the investment business. He has worked with many of his clients for his entire career, nearly 30 years. It is the close relationships that Bill develops with his clients that makes him special & continues to motivate him today. Bill finds it rewarding to partner with one client at a time to customize each recommendation.
On a personal level, Bill is most proud of his three sons & helping them to get “on the right road” in their life journey. Bill and his wife, Diane, enjoy travel to new places and spending time with family & friends at their lake home in Northern Minnesota.each
Jupiter, FL
(561) 620-2174
Iselin, NJ
(732) 590-0502
“To me, trust between client and broker is paramount. I want my clients to be satisfied with their investments, and that’s why I’m constantly searching for the best value—with the right balance between risk tolerance and yield”.
Stacy prides herself on being a fixed income specialist, with expertise in everything from taxable corporate bonds to tax-free municipals. She believes in the power of bonds to preserve capital while generating income. She also knows that to correctly assess risk, she must understand the bond issuer’s underlying story.
Stacy works hard to get to know her clients; she knows that without a detailed understanding of the individual’s objectives and goals, it’s impossible to develop the right plan of action.
Stacy’s greatest satisfaction comes from helping her clients find investments that work best for them. That’s why she relies on direct collaboration with HJ Sims traders and bankers to find investments that offer the right ratio of risk and return.
As Stacy says, “I wouldn’t put my clients in anything that I wouldn’t buy for myself. I’m always looking for the best value.”
Stacy enjoys skiing, playing tennis and tending to her vegetable garden in her spare time.
Boca Raton, FL
(561) 620-2140
“With fixed income investments, people know what they’re going to get, when they’re going to get it. And when you need your money, you know it’s going to be there.”
Henry Goodman was a pre-law major in college—which has given him a unique perspective on investing. In the 40 years he’s been in the business, he’s learned the intrinsic value of bonds. Henry understands that steady income, compounded interest and solid returns are the best path to prosperity, and he’s proud of his track record in helping his clients achieve their goals.
Henry believes in treating clients like family. Thanks to his direct access to HJ Sims’ banking team and expert credit analysts, Henry is well positioned to provide tailored recommendations to his clients, the same recommendations he would consider for himself. He also makes sure that clients know he’s always there for them; after all, they’ve trusted him with their hard-earned savings.
One of Henry’s favorite hobbies is fantasy baseball, but he’s adamant that there’s no place for fantasy in investing. Henry advises people to know what your investments are. Take advantage of the power of compounding. Don’t let yourself be fooled by hidden fees.
Boca Raton, FL
(561) 620-2132
“You need to put your clients’ needs first and look at every investment to see what’s right for them.”
It was Les Goodman’s dream to leverage his ability to interpret numbers into a career as a sports statistician. What may have been a loss for sports team owners has been certainly been a gain for Les’s fixed-income clients.
Les’s talent with numbers enables him to look understand investments and recommend what he believes is best for each client’s needs. Thanks to the expertise at HJ Sims, Les’s clients have an opportunity to potentially generate income they can count on. In fact, they can usually generate more real income, relative to the risk they are willing to take, than with other investments like equities and mutual funds.
While Les can help his clients take advantage of the most innovative bond structures, he’s a stickler for genuine old fashioned, person-to-person communication. He also tells it as he sees it: “it’s smarter to invest in individual bonds as opposed to bond funds.”
Boca Raton, FL
(561) 620-2153
Jonathan’s career in financial services began in 2005 as a Financial Advisor in New York. He transitioned into branch management in 2007, and then to executive management in 2012.
Joining HJ Sims in June of 2016 as Managing Director in HJ Sims’ Boca Raton office, Jonathan leads the southeast region.
Jonathan’s focus includes attracting new partners to the firm, supporting financial professional’s growth plans and driving strategic initiatives across the firm.
Joanthan lives in Boca Raton with his wife and their two children.
Bloomington, MN
(952) 683-7502
“My approach is to listen and recommend an investment based on an individual’s objective, risk tolerance and portfolio makeup.”
Todd Kennedy has the kind of well-rounded background that suits him perfectly in his role as an HJ Sims financial professional.
Following graduation with a B.A. from the University of St. Thomas, Todd started his career with the institutional fixed income department at Dean Witter Reynolds. He then joined Marquette Bank and gathered valuable experience in retail trading, sales support and customer service.
To gain an even broader understanding of the bond market, Todd joined Piper Jaffray and Company where his clients were primarily banks, insurance companies, credit unions and other financial institutions. He held similar positions with Firstar (now US Bank) and Wells Fargo, where he added retail high net worth individuals to his account base. He is also a member of the Twin City Bond Club.
Todd knows that he’s offering his clients quality investments and relies on HJ Sims traders and analysts to stay up to date on market trends.
Iselin, NJ
Direct Line (732) 590-0533
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
John joins HJ Sims as Managing Director, leading an esteemed team of private client financial professionals for the northeast complex, including the Fairfield, CT and Iselin, New Jersey offices. A highly respected leader, John attributes his leadership skills to his diverse past experiences as a business owner and entrepreneur. John attended University of North Carolina, Greensboro, seeking a degree in business. Following a life-altering medical accident, John instead pursued a series of independent business ventures. At age 22, John opened his own fresh-squeezed lemonade store on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland, kick starting his involvement as a small business owner in the restaurant, jewelry (and even Christmas tree farm) industry.
John’s has more than a decade of experience in the financial industry holding roles as Assistant Manager and Senior Vice President/Branch Manager. Prior to his financial industry career, John worked in the retail and wholesale mortgage industries, serving in various sales and executive managerial positions, including Regional Sales Manager.
John meets each challenge, finding the positive, in order to create opportunity for his clients. You can take it from John—he literally took lemons and made a lemonade business!
John lives with his wife, Pam, in Brielle, NJ, along with their three daughters, Autumn, Hope, and Isabelle.
Guaynabo, PR
(939) 399-0114
Boca Raton, FL
(561) 620-2134
Boca Raton, FL
(561) 620-2141
Guaynabo PR
(939) 399-0121
Holds Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses
“What drives me and what I love most about my career is watching my clients’ happiness when they are near or have reached their financial goals.”
Roberto has 12 years of experience in the industry. Previously, Roberto was a Financial Advisor with Santander Securities, and Vice President of Investments wealth management with oriental wealth management.
Roberto holds a MBS in finance from InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico.
Iselin, NJ
Direct line (732) 590-0505
“It is a privilege and a joy to help my clients achieve their investment goals. Understanding their unique goals is important to me. Just as one has a relationship with their doctor, lawyer or contractor, I’m on my clients’ life team.”
Elizabeth firmly believes that change is inevitable. As we age, our goals alter while our health and living conditions change. Likewise, she believes that the financial environment is no exception, as markets and interest rates move and evolve. Elizabeth enjoys navigating her clients through this change and helping move them closer to their retirement income goals and legacy plans.
Throughout her professional career, Elizabeth has held positions in strategic planning, product development, marketing and national account management. She has 25 years of experience in custom manufacturing. Elizabeth was a vital team member in helping to grow a manufacturing company consistently year-after-year.
In the privately-owned manufacturing sector, she gained diverse expertise as she donned several hats, including finance, product development, sales, marketing, strategic planning, risk/reward, budgeting and benchmarking. In an entrepreneurial atmosphere, surrounded by engineers who developed equipment and product, allowed Elizabeth to learn something new every day and the value of problem solving. Most importantly, Elizabeth developed long-term relationships and subsequently, enjoyed many repeat clients.
It was Elizabeth’s brother, Joseph, who encouraged her to earn her Series 7 license. As a financial professional, Elizabeth recognizes the many parallels between what she learned in manufacturing and what she applies in the financial services realm.
Elizabeth observes that much has changed throughout the years, but keeping an eye on the financial health of any company (or, in the case of her role as Financial Advisor, individual) remains prudent.
Elizabeth applies her “whole-of-life” approach, asking atypical and thought-provoking questions, including discussing estates and beneficiaries as most people are not keen on talking about mortality and associated financial matters.
Elizabeth finds that she is specifically helpful to women, relating to them in a personal way. For example, Elizabeth guided a longstanding client as she navigated the death of a spouse, while trying to manage college expenses against an unreliable flow of social security. Elizabeth assessed the situation, helping her client with cash flow management, life insurance and overall guidance. The outcome was that her client reached her goal of raising her son and successfully sending him off to college.
Elizabeth makes it her goal to get to know her clients well; she enjoys developing a relationship, not a transactional association. Elizabeth also makes it her priority to meet family members. She considers her clients friends, and keeps their best interests at the forefront. Elizabeth recognizes that everyone’s perspective is not the same, and each client is in a different stage of life. She works to craft a timeline and a financial plan that accommodates the varied needs of her clients.
Elizabeth was raised in New Jersey, but spent 28 years in Illinois, where she raised her now adult children. While in Illinois, Elizabeth maintained a farm, raising chickens and a cow, along with tending to two acres of land that produced enough vegetables for the entire year; she was busy canning and freezing.
A proud empty-nester, Elizabeth returned to her New Jersey roots where she takes pride in her half acre of landscaped beauty, with her very own “she-shed”. She enjoys painting and repurposing old furniture, applying her creative thinking into her tiled and jeweled garden stepping stones.
Elizabeth also enjoys cooking, entertaining, interior decorating, sewing and art.
Elizabeth holds her Series 7, 63, 65, and health and life insurance licenses. She earned a B.S. in accounting from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
Iselin, NJ
Direct line (732) 590-0506
“There are no shortcuts. You must listen, educate and teach. Be patient and listen. You must also have the courage to not run with the crowd.”
Iselin, NJ
(732) 590-0519
“My hope is that my clients are sleeping soundly at night, as peace-of-mind should not be dependent upon the swings of the stock market.”
Geoff is an integral part of the HJ Sims team, having served investment clients for more than 15 years. Focusing on income-based investments that are outside of the equity markets, specializing in bonds, Geoff advocates for an approach to growth that includes a mix of asset classes.
Prior to his work in the financial services industry, Geoff worked for his family’s manufacturing business for ten years. He put in long hours helping to streamline the company’s metal finishing lines, pre-plate and pre-paint at a mass scale, including automating the finishing process for gold casters in the New York diamond district and developing sub-micron finishing processes for titanium knee and hip implants, as well as other medical devices for a host of biomedical firms.
With the domestic manufacturing climate becoming increasingly challenged, Geoff decided he would try his hand at Wall Street, where many of his friends originally landed positions. Geoff was hired at David Lerner Associates in Princeton and it was fate from there.
Client relationships are very important to Geoff, and works diligently to develop very intimate relationships with his clients. Seeing his clients’ goals via their eyes helps him to build and safeguard their assets.
Geoff leveraged efficiency and processes through the adaptation of new technology and materials. Geoff saw parallels between HJ Sims’ unique and revolutionary platform technology and his work in the manufacturing industry, and this is partly why he chose HJ Sims. His experience in manufacturing helps him fine-tune his clients’ portfolios and keep them abreast of the impact of potential events, regulatory policies, or interest rate changes have on their portfolios. Geoff helps keep his clients ahead of the curve and helps optimally position his clients according to their goals.
What really distinguishes Geoff is his approach and philosophy. Geoff treats every client dollar as if it was his own, and it does not matter whether a client has less money or a lot of money: Every client is just as important. Geoff, does not follow the herd and does not have a problem having hard conversations with his clients when he believes something needs to be said or done.
In one case, Geoff encouraged a client to enroll his mother into a new insurance policy that boasted a more robust long-term care benefit. The cost at the outset was more expensive, but the payout was much larger; this policy eventually assisted his client’s family immensely when the mother was diagnosed with dementia, ultimately saving the family approximately $500k.
Geoff is a New Jersey native, residing in Basking Ridge, NJ. An avid kite surfer who enjoys offshore fishing, Geoff considers himself a “salty dog” and summers in Chadwick Beach Island, NJ. In addition to the beach, Geoff enjoys mystery and spy novels, skiing, craft beers and can be seen in flip flops from May to November. Geoff is married with two daughters, and their family dogs, Eddie and Ralph.
Geoff earned his B.A. in business administration from Lehigh University. He holds his Series 7, 63, 65, life and health insurance licenses
Fairfield, CT
203-418-9026
Financial Professional holding series 7, 52, 63 licenses
Specializes in fixed income investments
“I’d never allow a client to invest in a bond that I wouldn’t invest in myself.”
You might say it was fate that led Bernie Waters to become a fixed income expert. When the accounting department at the Manhattan bank where he worked was suddenly transformed into the municipal bond group, Bernie found his niche. Turns out he has a real talent for helping clients find just the right type of high-yield, fixed-income investment to meet their goals and risk profile.
Though Bernie’s been at HJ Sims for more than 16 years, most of his clients have been with him far longer. Prior to Sims, Bernie was head of the Investment Division at The Connecticut Bank and Trust Company and the president of Connecticut Capital Markets, Inc. Bernie’s clients trust him because he’s always gone the extra mile for them.
Iselin, NJ
(732) 590-0514
Holds Series 7 and 63 licenses
Boca Raton, FL
Direct line (561) 620-2138
Guaynabo, PR
(939) 399-0117
“I enjoy working with clients and helping them with all their needs.”
Jeanet has more than 10 years of experience in the industry. She holds a Business Administration degree.
Jeanet’s specialties include operations and client service.
FL
(561) 620-2133
Iselin, NJ
Direct line (732) 590-0515
FL
(561) 620-2123
Bloomington, MN
Direct line (888) 803-3430
FL
(561) 620-2155
Holds Series 7 and 63 licenses
Guaynabo, PR
Fairfield, CT
(203) 418-9022
Financial Professional holding Series 7 and 63
Boca Raton, FL
(561) 620-2130
Director of Wealth Management Consulting Group
(512) 519-5002
Elizabeth “Izzy” Sims leads HJ Sims’s Wealth Management Group, focusing on new investment products and managed portfolio solutions. She began her career in wealth management at JPMorgan’s Private Bank in New York City as an analyst for three bankers with total net assets of $6 billion. Afterwards, Izzy moved into portfolio construction and management as a Portfolio Assistant, covering $1.5 billion in assets. She was then promoted to the role of Portfolio Manager where she managed more than $650 million in discretionary assets for ultra-high-net worth individuals and families in addition to several institutional accounts. As part of her service to these accounts, Izzy managed equity, alternative asset and fixed income exposure, and provided custom portfolio solutions across all asset classes. As well, she specialized in analyzing outsized and non-actively researched stock positions for equity investment solutions, including active sales, diversification plans and alternative stock ideas, which reduced overall risk for client accounts. Izzy left her position at JPMorgan to attend graduate business school. She is very enthusiastic about returning to wealth management and providing HJ Sims with innovative portfolio solutions.
Izzy is based in the HJ Sims’ Austin, Texas office. She received her MBA from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin where she concentrated in Energy Finance. She received her B.A. from Yale University in Geology and Geophysics, and History of Art.
Izzy hold her FINRA Series 7, 50, 63, 66, and 79 licenses.
