Meet your team of advisors who can help you cover money need-to-knows—and make sure you have fun along the way.
Bill Oliver
woliver@financialguide.com
716.276.1135
my story
One should always expect the unexpected, especially when it comes to finances. My mother passed away from cancer on my 21st birthday and she had no plan in place and no life insurance. She left her retirement account from NYS with my stepfather who, because of poor financial coaching, failed to keep the money invested during the 2008 crisis. He’s currently in his mid 70s and still has to work because he and my mother never planned. I never wanted to be in that situation. After I got out of the Army, I considered going into law enforcement. While in college, I excelled in accounting and economics and found great interest in the financial area. Now, I get to serve and protect families and business owners in a way that my family never had.
Outside of work, I’m a big foodie, so I love going out to local restaurants and bars. I also enjoy my Harley Davidson Fat Boy that I’ve been riding had since 2006. I appreciate all the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, concerts (mainly rock and country), shooting sports, and snowboarding when I can find time.
You should know
I am from the little town of Homer about 30 miles south of Syracuse. I have a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in finance from UB. The sole reason I chose UB and moved to Buffalo is because I am a die-hard Bills fan!
fun facts
Wish I knew more about
Woodworking
Your spirit animal
Well, the internet quiz said I was a Condor
Favorite restaurant
The original Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse NY
Guilty pleasure
I could eat pizza and wings every day if it was healthy
Joe Bianchi
jbianchi@theestablishmentnys.com
585.399.8346
my story
Once I left the automotive industry and started in the financial services business 13 years ago, I knew I wanted to stay. Helping people create a financial roadmap to plan for the future and watching them get a sense of security in knowing they are going to be all right is a great reward. It’s very important for me to make a difference in someone’s life – even someone I don’t know.
When I’m not dispelling many of the financial misconceptions people have, I enjoy golfing, vacationing with my wife, and playing with my dogs. I was born in Illion, NY and raised for most on my life in Greece, NY. I love the relatively short commutes wherever traveling in Rochester, where people enjoy a lower cost of living over other major cities.
You should know
I’ve been married 13 years. My wife is a Speech Language Pathologist and I’m very proud of the work she does and the difference she makes.
fun facts
Hidden talent
I can juggle
Happy hour order
Wine
Dream destination
Italy
When I was 10, I wanted to be a
A professional athlete
Daniel Biviano
dbiviano@financialguide.com
585.750.5661
my story
My original goal was to become a pediatrician because I wanted to help children and families. Though I didn’t end up pursuing medicine, everything I have done in my professional life has been a form of problem solving. After working in food service consulting and distribution, I found myself on the client side of financial planning. Having enjoyed that encounter, I was turned on to moving to the other side as a method to help families and businesses in a different way.
What I do goes far beyond investing and Insurance work. It’s looking at the whole picture and filling in all the gaps in-between that makes the real difference. It’s great being part of the “ah-ha moment” when someone really sees the solution that I am able to provide. Knowing that they have a better understanding of their situation and their options and that their minds are set at ease is very gratifying.
During my off hours, I love spending time with my family, cooking, playing music, tennis, and golf. This is where I find the work-life balance that helps me be my best.
You should know
Been in financial planning for seven years. I live in Victor where my wife and I grew up. Have spent time as a professional musician. Spent the last five years volunteering with at-risk youth in Rochester.
fun facts
Hidden talent
Can play any kind of stringed instrument, bass and piano
Favorite book
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favorite restaurant
Bafeto Uno in Rome, Italy
Bucket list destination
Maui
Sarah Blankenship
sblankenship@TheEstablishmentNYS.com
716.417.1668
my story
The way I live my life—never wanting to miss out on anything—feeds right into the way I help people learn about finances. Peace of mind should come first, so when it comes to helping people learn about the financial world, I sweat the details.
You never know what's going to give you the wake up call that you're an adult and need to get smart about money (for me, it was buying a toaster for the first time!), so I'm ready to educate people, no matter where they are in the process.
Like lots of people my age, I’m pretty busy outside of work—from holding a Tae Kwon Do black belt to holding office as president of the Western New York Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association—so I get that it can be hard to make the time to talk about money. But I think once millennials start learning more, they’ll see it’s well worth it.
You should know
Chef and entertainer at heart. North Buffalo runner. Believer in living for today and planning for tomorrow.
fun facts
Favorite wine
Mark West Pinot Noir
On the bucket list
Hit every island in the Beach Boys Kokomo
Morning must-have
Lots (and lots) of coffee
Favorite restaurant
Woo Chon Korea House in Williamsville
book a class with sarah
Females and Finance
WEDNESDAY / JUN 8
Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST
Sarah
Wine and Investing 101 (in-person)
THURSDAY / JUN 23
@ The Establishment Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | 6:00PM - 7:30PM EST
Sarah
Austin Blujus
ablujus@TheEstablishmentNYS.com
716.276.1160
my story
It all started when I was an intern with MassMutual New York State during my junior and senior years studying pre-law at UB. I decided to make the leap to become a financial advisor, ditched the law school applications, and the rest is history.
One of the best parts of my gig? Helping people everyday at all different stages of their life gain control, set goals, and make plans to better their personal and financial futures. It's never too early, or for that matter too late to start... Your future self will thank you!
I grew up in Amherst with a big (crazy) family, but we're as close as they come. If I'm not following my brother's hockey career, my sister's college softball team, or hanging out with the rest of my family, you can be sure to find me out and about enjoying everything Buffalo has to offer!
I currently call North Buffalo home with my wife Jacqueline, but have lived in just about every great neighborhood in the city!
You should know
Sports analysts in another life... Still waiting for ESPN's phone call. All things hockey junkie. Chipotle addict. Movie and binge television watching enthusiast.
fun facts
Favorite beer
Blue Light
In my desk drawer
My pen collection
Hidden talent
Unparalleled car singer
Favorite musician
Kenny Chesney
Tim Downing
tdowning@theestablishmentnys.com
716.276.1172
my story
Inspired by the Steve Jobs Stanford commencement speech where he told the graduates to leave their “dent” in the universe, I wanted to work in a career that was impactful. Working as a financial advisor, I create strategies for people to help them achieve their financial goals. This has given me a great sense of purpose for almost a decade.
Unfortunately, people generally misunderstand the work we do as financial advisors. Our business addresses the financial needs of individuals whether they live a long time, die prematurely, or become disabled. Most of the time, I help my clients come up with solutions that fit their situation during uncertain times. Luckily, my work at The Establishment clarifies our purpose.
In my free time, I am active in my church and I love traveling. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a trip overseas, it’s nice to know there is a world beyond my four walls!
You should know
Born and raised in Amherst, NY. A diehard hard Bills and Sabres fan. Can do 100 pushups. Gives annually to Catholic Charities.
fun facts
Drink of choice
Starbucks cold brew
Dream job
Pilot
Can't live without
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
Wish I knew more about
The universe
book a class with tim
Creating a Budget
WEDNESDAY / MAY 18
Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST
Tim
Crafting Cocktails and Financial Plans
WEDNESDAY / MAY 25
@ The Establishment Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | 6:00PM - 7:30PM EST
Tim
Building Upon Investment Fundamentals
TUESDAY / JUN 7
Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST
Tim
Noah Fehrenbach
nfehrenbach@TheEstablishmentNYS.com
585.451.5823
my story
My mission is to collaborate with and serve people in pursuit of the freedom we all yearn for. Several personal experiences led me here; the most influential was the untimely death of my older brother. Since starting this career, relationships have proven more rewarding and life-changing than I imagined.
I’ve gained profound perspective from helping a client plan for a year so she could fulfill her dream of traveling the country, then seeing her extend that dream into a lifestyle. Seeing a client freed to focus solely on his health and recovery from cancer, while knowing that his wife was going to be okay financially.
In an earlier career, I was in special education; we’ve stayed connected through the Special Olympics. I’m a board member, and we focus family time and resources with the Polar Plunge—our four kids and I fundraise for this great cause.
Growing up in Rushville, NY (a small farm town south of Rochester), I learned the value of hard work early—I’d leave high school mid-day to feed, bed and milk cows.
You should know
Today, we live near Canandaigua Lake; it’s essential for us to be near water and great hiking trails. We’re even planning our next move, a little deeper into the woods. We’re excited to expand our space and give our retriever/husky mix, Kevin, more animals to play with.
fun facts
Can’t live without
SPOTIFY
Favorite books
The Go-Giver, The Alchemist and The Daily Stoic
Guilty pleasure
Wings – lots and lots of wings
Drink of choice
Bourbon, neat
Jim Ferrari
jferrari@TheEstablishmentNYS.com
585.399.8311
my story
Everything I do is for my family. So after 24 years in the restaurant and foodservice industry, I went into financial services because it offered flexibility for family and the freedom to build my own business. The field is so rich, it can be a challenge staying focused on just one thing at a time.
Over a decade later, I still enjoy seeing my clients and team reach and exceed their goals. I feel rewarded knowing I was there to coach them along their way to success.
Outside of work, I love to cook and build/fix things. Remodeling and fine woodworking is another passion of mine, which I did professionally. I can build custom doors and moldings in my own shop. Beyond that, I like spending time with my family and attending my kids’ sporting events.
Originally from Walworth, I live in the Rochester area simply because everything is 20 minutes away and my family is here.
You should know
Past president for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Been on the board for six years.
fun facts
Song that never gets old
“You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
Favorite restaurant
McCann’s Local Meats
Drink of choice
Amber lager, nothing too hoppy
Wish I knew more about:
As a father of two... the teenage mind
book a class with jim
The Fundamentals of Investing
TUESDAY / MAY 24
Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST
Jim
Couples and Money
TUESDAY / JUN 28
Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST
Jim
Phil Held, LACP
pheld@theestablishmentnys.com
716.843.3181
my story
After working in the nonprofit field, I fell in love with the idea of running my own business and helping others. Thirteen years ago, I was lucky enough to find the opportunity to work in financial services. My work is all about helping people plan for uncertain times so that they can not only reach all of their financial goals, but protect their families.
My family life was spent growing up in Hamburg, surrounded by friends I’ve known since playing Little League baseball, spending days at the beach, and passing nights playing our favorite Pearl Jam songs. It was a great place to make years full of memorable moments, ones I still carry with me every day.
Now, I have a family of my own. Settled in Clarence, we all like to get out and be a part of things, together. Whether out to a local concert, community event or farmers’ market, it’s great to make new memories with my wife and kids, all while feeling the same connectiveness that makes Western New York such a special place.
You should know
Problematic Sabres fan, and discriminating chicken wing connoisseur. I’m a board member of Amherst High School Academies and Board Member/President of National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors - New York State.
fun facts
Dream job
NHL player
Drink of choice
Spot Coffee
Can't live without
Pearl Jam
Favorite book
Unbreakable by Thom Shea
Cathy Lanzalaco, MBA, CPRW, CPCC, NCOPE
cathy@inspirecareers.com
716.481.7662
my story
As a career coach, professional resume writer, and three-time career changer myself, I help job seekers and career-minded professionals create the tools and strategies they need to land jobs they love in less time than going it alone. I believe life is too short not to do work you love or make the kind of money you deserve.
I also believe life is too short not to do anything you love, so I try to do a lot of what brings me joy, like traveling, making the best diner food you’ve ever tasted, or working on my manuscript destined to become the next great American novel. To keep fit during our long Buffalo winters, I’ve become a mall walker. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.
You should know
I want to meet Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank. If you know her, could you please introduce us?
fun facts
Dream Job
Co-host of the 3rd hour of the Today Show
Guilty Pleasure
Hot bath + glass of wine + trashy novel
Favorite Book
The Four Agreements
Can’t Live Without
My vinyl record collection
book a class with cathy
Navigating Your Career Path
TUESDAY / MAY 17
Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST
Cathy
Eric Palumbo
epalumbo@TheEstablishmentNYS.com
585.399.8365
my story
Failing to plan is planning to fail. That’s my mantra. I saw the effects bad planning can have on people and that is what led me to a career as a financial professional about 10 years ago.
Unlike most of the educators at The Establishment, I am based out of Rochester, New York and I am stoked to help take this program “on the road” to educate individuals here in our community.
What do I love most about my job? Getting to build relationship with all sorts of people from different walks of life and helping them get a handle on their financial future.
I am proud to call Rochester home where I live with my wife Jen and our daughter, Francesca.
You should know
Adventure seeker and self-proclaimed bourbon snob. Find me in summer enjoying some down time in the beautiful Finger Lakes.
fun facts
Super power of choice
Flying
Would like to learn more about
Being "handy"
Binge worthy
Chester Cab deep dish pizza
Would order this at the bar
Bourbon
Ray Pavicich, CLU, CFP
rpavicich@TheEstablishmentNYS.com
716.276.1174
my story
Sure, I'm a financial advisor in my day-to-day life. But I'm also a Russian literature fiend, travel junkie, and unintentional beer snob when I'm outside the office. There's always more to learn, and I think working to be successful while still staying true to myself and my interests is something I share with other millennials out there.
There are strategies out there that work for everyone—and by acquainting yourself with all the information and resources available out there, you can figure out the right tools for your particular situation, financial or otherwise.
Even though I've been all over the world (and even lived abroad), I'm thrilled to call Western New York home—especially West Seneca, where I live with my wife Gina and our sons, Ray and Frankie.
You should know
‘90s hip hop aficionado. Accomplished artist and poet in my spare time. Committed to anticipating what can go wrong so I can take advantage of what can go right.
fun facts
Guilty pleasure
BBQ chicken wings
Hidden talent
Sick culinary instincts
Favorite international city
Budapest or Moscow
Humblebrag
Fulbright Scholar
Derek Szczupakowski
dszczupakowski@TheEstablishmentNYS.com
716.817.6667
my story
My life in Buffalo started with a Finance concentration within the bachelors of Business Management program at UB. I was hired during my senior year of college, and I've found my home here at MassMutual New York State. I loved the city so much I never left.
It’s hard to consider your financial future now when you think time is on your side. But, there is no better time than now to get serious about your money. The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that the work that I do makes a dramatic impact on the lives of others.
This career keeps me busy; no two days are ever alike. In my free time I am actively involved with the Alzheimer’s Association here in Buffalo. I am an avid golfer, bowler, and Bills fan. In Western New York those are all seasonal things, so it tends to keep me busy all year round!
I am happy to call Williamsville home with my wife Jackie and our son, Jude who we recently welcomed into the world. Seeing the resurgence in the city, and the pride of my fellow Buffalonians has been an amazing experience. Buffalo is everything I could want from a city and more!
You should know
Find me relaxing after a round of golf with a Vodka Gimlet. Committed to helping people plan for the future they want.
fun facts
Song that never gets old:
In My Life by The Beatles
Can't live without:
My wife and kids
Most used emoji:
:)
Favorite book:
The Stand by Stephen King
book a class with derek
Buying Your First Home
THURSDAY / MAY 19
Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST
Derek
