Larry Ganim founded Ganim Financial over 32 years ago with one basic goal in mind – to add value to each client’s life and business. His areas of expertise include: business and estate planning, employee benefit planning, executive benefits, insurance planning, and pension planning. Larry frequently conducts seminars and workshops on these topics each year for business owners and other professionals.
Larry has been a licensed insurance broker since 1981. In addition to Ganim Financial, he is the founder and President of GFS Wealth Management Advisors, Inc. (GFS), a Registered Investment Advisory firm in the State of Connecticut. He is registered as an Investment Advisory Representative with GFS and is a Registered Representative with Kestra Investment Services, LLC.
His proactive approach and focus on the best interests of his clients has resulted in a loyal, growing client base that respect and trust his insight and financial proficiency. Larry is often called to speak before professional and service organizations. Currently, he has recently completed a book on effective preparation for business succession and business sales for successful entrepreneurs titled, “Designed Destinations” – a subject he is quite passionate about. In addition, he is a frequent contributor to several business publications.
He is a qualifying and lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table, The Court of the Table, and Top of the Table – the highest distinctions in the insurance and financial services industry.
Larry currently serves on several Boards of Directors including the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC), and LifeBridge Community Services. He is past Chairman of the Board of the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce and Connecticut Zoological Society and President Emeritus and member of NAIFA-CT and NAIFA-Eastern Fairfield County.
Larry received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut in 1979. He currently resides in Trumbull with his wife.
A member of Ganim Financial since its founding, Valerie currently heads up the Employee Benefits Division and is involved in all aspects of insurance planning and employee benefits. Valerie started her career as an employee benefits administrator and in 1996 and became a licensed broker consultant. Her systematic approach of establishing priorities, reviewing claims data, analyzing contracts, and reviewing the marketplace for appropriate providers consistently has produced substantial savings for clients, while at the same time achieving the appropriate balance between cost-effectiveness and employee satisfaction. Her services are highly sought for her finely-tuned expertise. She is a frequent contributor to several publications. Most recently Valerie obtained her Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation as well as her Certified Insurance Consultant license (CIC).
Valerie is very active in the Bridgeport community. She is past chair of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council’s (BRBC) Women’s Leadership Council and past President of the Bridgeport Rotary. She serves on the BRBC’s Leadership Greater Bridgeport board of directors and is a member of both the BRBC’s Health Care Council and Economic Development Committee. She is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the Retirement Plan Advisory Group, and FI360. She participates in a variety of industry forums each year in order to continue building her knowledge on the latest and best practices in her field.
Laurie Liscio started her career with Ganim Financial in September 1998. In her current role as Senior Client Relationship Manager, Laurie creates and implements customized benefit solutions for our group clients. Her focus is on promoting client retention through high-quality customer service and follow-through. With over 20 years of experience, she provides valuable assistance and insight in more complex customer service issues.
Laurie graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Management. She holds a producer license for life and health insurance and is Medicare Part C and D certified. During her years at Ganim Financial, she has worked in many aspects of the Employee Benefits Division including benefit administration, compliance, customer service, FSA administration, and Medicare.
Laurie likes to run, travel, read, and spend time with her husband and two sons.
Robert A. Lockery (Bob) has over 19 years’ experience in the Financial Services industry working with business owners, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and their employees in creating and promoting a top tier qualified retirement plan with extensive experience in 401(k), 403(b), 457-governmental, and Top Hat plans.
Bob’s focus is to work very closely with plan fiduciaries to help ensure that they optimize their retirement plan offerings to their employees while assisting them in meeting their obligations and utilizing best practices.
As part of this process Bob also works with plan participants in group settings as well as individual meetings addressing their retirement readiness. This includes reviewing a participant’s numbers, answering questions, and assisting participants with making choices regarding their interaction with their employer provided retirement plan.
Starting his financial services career in customer service, Bob learned early on about importance of trust, effective communication, research, and simplistic explanations as these traits are much appreciated by clients.
Bob is a member of the New Haven Chamber of Commerce, Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC), and currently serves as the Southern Connecticut State University Alumni Association Treasurer. He also serves his local community sitting on the planning and zoning appeals board.
Bob has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business/Corporate Communication. He maintains his Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam), Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam), and Series 24 (General Securities Principal) licenses and is licensed for Life and Health Insurance in CT and NY.
Bob’s favorite activities are spending time with his family and coaching softball. He coaches girls’ fast pitch softball and a slow-pitch team for men in his home town of North Haven.
Kwok Eng has more than 20 years of experience in portfolio management and investment analysis with demonstrated skills in performance measurement, asset allocation, risk management, custody and compliance.
Kwok holds the designation of CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) which is regarded by most to be a key certification for investment professionals and one of the most respected credentials in the investment management industry.
In previous positions as a Research Consultant, Head of Client Reporting and Director of Research and Analytics, Kwok gained extensive experience researching and evaluating prospective investment managers. He used performance attribution systems to analyze holdings and determine sources of performance and risk. As a Senior Investment Analyst, he assisted in the management of several international equity funds, including a $2 billion international equity fund that consistently outperformed its benchmark.
As a Senior Investment Management Consultant, Kwok advised institutional and high-net-worth clients on all aspects of investments, including asset allocation, manager selection, performance evaluation, risk management and ongoing portfolio oversight. He authored quarterly market commentary, client investment performance reviews and a topical paper on “The Case for Emerging Markets.” The specialized expertise he has gained throughout his highly successful career make Kwok an extremely valuable resource for the Ganim Financial team, as we continue to serve a growing roster of institutional clients and high net worth individuals.
Kwok has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Colgate University and has maintained his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation since September, 2003.
Kwok has been a resident of Easton, Connecticut since 1992 where he lives with his two children and serves his community as Treasurer for the Aspectuck Cemetery Association.
Chris joined Ganim Financial in August 2014 after five years working in information technology. He assists the wealth management team with client service, compliance, new business processing, and insurance and investment reporting. He holds his Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam), and life, accident, and health insurance licenses.
Chris is a founding board member and co-chair of the marketing committee for Bridgeport Regional Business Council affiliate Thrive, a networking organization for young professionals. He graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management. Chris is no stranger to Ganim Financial, having worked part-time for most of his high school years.
Chris lives in Orange, CT, with his wife and two children.
Ray Thiagarajan joined the Ganim team in October 2018 as an Investment Analyst. He assists the Wealth Management Team and Portfolio Manager with investment research and analysis, as well as reporting, monitoring and updating the operating systems, manager selection and creating Investment Policy Statements.
Ray studied Business/Healthcare Management at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science. Previously, he has held roles at Bank of America and Northwestern Mutual, in the fields of financial planning, insurance and credit analysis/underwriting. Ray is currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Ray resides in Bridgeport, CT and his hobbies include studying for CFA exams, working out, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Amanda (Mandee) Paz joined Ganim Financial in August 2018 as Administrative Assistant. Amanda provides administrative support and guidance to Ganim Financial clients and the office staff.
Amanda has over five years of administrative experience and has worked in various industries, including childcare and case management. Her drive, organization skills and customer-focused attitude make her an integral part of the Ganim Team.
Amanda resides in Stratford, CT with her daughter and her family. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing and teaching salsa, working out at the gym and cooking.
Matthew joined Ganim Financial in 2019 as Business Development Manager for the firm. His role entails quarterbacking initiatives for all specialty areas of focus within Ganim Financial, as well as promotion of the firm. With a background in the financial services arena dating back to 2013, his experiences as a Licensed Agent, Marketing Manager and Recruiter at companies like Northwestern Mutual and Mass Mutual gave him unique exposure to the many different facets of the financial planning industry. Matt holds his Life and Health Insurance License as well as his Series 6 & 63.
Matthew has a genuine passion for connecting people for the greater good. In a world of technology and text messaging, Matthew would prefer to shake your hand and get to know you in person! He also serves as Vice President of his local Chamber of Commerce.
A loyal husband to his wife Jen and father of two small children, Matthew is dedicated to helping businesses and families recognize the positive impact of proper planning and he greatly enjoys his work-life balance.
Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through GFS Wealth Management Advisors, Inc. (GFS). Kestra IS is not affiliated with GFS or Ganim Financial. Ganim Financial, GFS and Kestra IS, do not offer tax or legal advice. Any decisions whether to implement these ideas should be made by the client in consultation with professional financial, tax and legal counsel.
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