2009 Star-Ledger/TD Bank Road to Personal Wealth Financial Conference TD Bank The Star-Ledger
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2009 Road to Personal Wealth Speakers

  Suze Orman
America's #1 Financial Expert
Photo Credit: Marc Royce
  Suze Orman

Suze Orman has been called "a force in the world of personal finance" and a "one-woman financial advice powerhouse" by USA Today. A two-time Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times mega bestselling author, magazine and online columnist, writer/producer, and one of the top motivational speakers in the world today, Orman is undeniably America's most recognized expert on personal finance.

Orman is the contributing editor to “O” The Oprah Magazine, the Costco Connection Magazine and for the last eight years host of the award winning Suze Orman Show, which airs every Saturday night on CNBC.  Over her television career Suze has accomplished that which no other television personality ever has before.  Not only is she the single most successful fundraiser in the history of Public Television, but she has also garnered an unprecedented six Gracie awards, more than anyone in the 34-year history of this prestigious award. The Gracies recognize the nation's best radio, television, and cable programming for, by, and about women.

 In October 2008 Orman was the recipient of the National Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign.  In May 2009 Time’s Magazine named Orman as one of the TIME 100, The World’s Most Influential People for the second year in the row.  In April 2008 Orman was presented with the Amelia Earhart Award for her message of financial empowerment for women and Saturday Night Live spoofed Suze three times during 2008.  

Orman who grew up on the South Side of Chicago earned a bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Illinois and at the age of 30 was still a waitress making $400 a month.   

 
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  Wally Amos
Entrepreneur, Actor, Champion of Literacy
Photo Credit: Dana Edmunds
  Wally Amos

In 1975 Amos came up with the idea that he could sell his cookies as an entertainment personality –a gourmet chocolate chip cookie. Borrowing $25,000 from friends, Amos opened the first freestanding store, on Sunset Boulevard, in Hollywood, CA, that sold only cookies: The Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookie store. Soon the entrepreneur became a national personality renowned not only for his cookies but for his ebullient and outgoing persona as well.

In 1985, a series of events began that led the company to change hands. It is now owned by the Kellogg Company. Amos eventually returned to baked goods through Uncle Wally’s Muffin Company.

Asserting that being famous only meant that lots of people knew who he was; Wally Amos always wanted to use his wide recognition as a means to draw attention to an important cause. That cause became literacy. Wally dedicated his efforts to Literacy Volunteers of America where he served as their National Spokesperson from 1979 to 2002. As a literacy advocate, Wally uses his well-known name to support educational causes and serves on the Boards of the National Center for Family Literacy, Read to Me International, and Communities in Schools, in addition to many others. In 2005, Wally Amos and his wife, Christine, founded the Read it Loud!, a publicly supported 501(c) (3) organization, to promote reading aloud to children.

He is the recipient of many honors and awards including the President’s Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the Horatio Alger Award, and the National Literacy Honors Award. He has been inducted into the Babson College Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs.

His most recent project is working with his wife Christine Harris-Amos who created Chip & Cookie, two dolls fashioned in the image of “boy and girl chocolate chip cookies.” Once again Amos is in the kitchen baking cookies in the Chip & Cookie retail stores located, on Oahu, in Kailua Town, and at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. Located in Building C, 2nd Floor, 808-922-1844, open 10am-10pm daily. www.chipandcookie.com. For Amos it’s the next new thing.

Over 150 million Americans know Wally Amos. His fame is grounded in quality, substance and a positive attitude.

 
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  Steve Adubato

Improve Your Communication:
Build Your Personal Wealth
Photo Credit: John Bacolo

  Steve Adubato

An interactive luncheon keynote delivered by Emmy Award-winning THIRTEEN anchor, bestselling author and Star-Ledger columnist Steve Adubato.  Steve will provide concrete and highly valuable tips on how to become a more persuasive and powerful communicator in any setting.  Whether you are meeting a prospect for the first time, or renewing a deal with a longtime client, this dynamic luncheon keynote is guaranteed to help you reach your goals, and in turn, build your personal wealth.

 
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  Christopher Cordaro
CFP®, CFA, MBA, MS Wealth Manager

Preserve and Grow Your Wealth:
Target is the Intermediate Investor

 

 

Christopher Cordaro

Named to the 2006 Robb Report Worth Magazine listing of the top 100 Wealth Advisors in the country, Chris is Chief Investment Officer and architect of RegentAtlantic's investment discipline and its analytical planning structure. Chris handles client relationships and provides expertise to the firm on concentrated stock positions, stock options, and executive compensation plans. Chris has provided wealth management services since 1985. He holds a BS in Economics, an MS in Financial Planning, an MBA in Finance, and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the Chartered Financial Analyst designations. Chris has been an adjunct faculty member at Fairleigh Dickinson University and the County College of Morris. In 2003, New Jersey Business Magazine named Chris to its listing of top business leaders in New Jersey in its "Forty Under Forty". He is also past president of the New Jersey Chapter of the Financial Planning Association and has served on the Advisory Board of Financial Advisors for T.D. Waterhouse. Under Chris' leadership, RegentAtlantic Capital was named among the 50 fastest growing companies in New Jersey in 2005 and 2006 by New Jersey Business Magazine.

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  Robert Cox
President/CEO, Seven21Group, INC

Franchise Frenzy:
Small Business Tactics and Creative Financing

 

 

Robert Cox

Robert graduated from the University at Albany with a degree in Economics in 1998. In the decade since Robert has worked at some of the most formidible banks on Wall Street. Beginning with Morgan Stanley with stops at Knight Trading Group and TD Waterhouse, Robert eventually landed at Citigroup as the Vice President of Distressed Equity trading.

Robert started his first real estate company in 2004 and since his departure from Citigroup nearly two years ago he has embarked on a new career in franchise development. In July 2009 Robert opened his first Tasti d-Lite store in downtown Jersey City. Robert plans to continue his real estate and franchise development along with his consulting business structured for the small business owner.

His transition from stock trader to neighborhood ice cream man has been well recieved and featured in Crains, BusinessWeek, The Star Ledger and the Jersey Journal. Robert has also been featured on FOX Business News' morning program "Money for Breakfast" with anchor Jenna Lee.

A very active person in the community, Robert has supported many local charities including the Boys and Girls of Hudson County and has been a coach/sponsor for Pershing Field Little League.

Robert resides in Jersey City with his fiance Lenore, 21 month old daughter Gabrielle and his bulldog Dutch.

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Len Crosson
Region Vice President, LifeLock

New Credit Card Rules:
Learn What it Means to  You

 
Len Crosson

Lens career spans over 20 years in Executive Leadership, Sales, and Sales Management. Len Serves as Region Vice President for LifeLock and hold’s responsibility for Partner Sales and Marketing for the Northeast Region.

Prior to joining LifeLock Len was Vice President of Key Account Sales with Avis Budget Group one of the Largest and most recognizable international companies in the transportation sector. Len held responsibility for more than $1 Billion in annualized revenue. During his tenure he instituted an innovative go to market approach and sales methodology that expanded the company’s leadership position in the Travel and Partnership sector.

Len also held the position of Area Vice President of Sales at Sprint Nextel. Len was responsible for the National Account Sales Organization with Revenue in excess of $800 Million in annualized revenue. Consistently a top performing executive Len designed and implemented the go to market strategy and successfully grew market share for the newly merged Sprint Nextel organization.

Additionally Len spent 12 years at Ryder System the worldwide leader in supply chain services. He held positions in sales and in management. The last position held was Director of Business Development. Len’s innovative strategies produced new business previously not penetrated by the company.

 

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  Fernando Garip
Senior Vice President
Regional Director - Private Investment Council
TD Wealth Management

Economic Trends for 2010 and Beyond:  
Which Sectors are Best for You

 

 

Fernando GaripMr. Garip joined TD Wealth Management, formerly known as Commerce Bank Asset Management, in 2001 as Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer.  Prior to TD Wealth Management, Mr. Garip was a Senior Vice President and Regional Investment Manager at FleetBoston Financial, formerly Summit Bank.

Mr. Garip’s career included management and oversight of a highly rated proprietary mutual fund complex comprised of equity and fixed income and money market funds highlighted by a five star equity fund track record. 

Mr. Garip and his team developed an asset management complex that includes a diverse team of  investment professionals managing over $3.5 billion in discretionary fixed income, equity and money market assets.

Mr. Garip received his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and completed postgraduate studies at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and the New York Institute of Finance.  He is a member of the New York Society of Securities Analysts and serves a broad range of civic organizations throughout the region.

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  Ronald J. Garutti Jr.
CFP®, Newroads Financial Group

Restructuring Your Nest Egg:
Positioning Your Portfolio To Last A Lifetime
 

 

Ronald GaruttiIn 1995, after receiving his BS degree from the Rutgers Business School and Rutgers University, Ron joined Langdon Ford Financial (LFF).  After a 13 year relationship with LFF where Ron acted in the duel role of Registered Representative and Registered Principal he joined Newroads Financial Group in July of 2008.

Ron obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification in 2003 and continues to maintain that certification with continuing education credits earned annually.  He is a member of the Financial Planning Association on both the national and state levels, and regularly attends financial planning seminars and conferences to keep current on the many aspects of comprehensive financial planning.

Ron appears frequently as a quoted resource in The Star Ledger, NJ’s largest newspaper. For The Star Ledger, he contributes to multiple financial columns and business related news articles. He has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Investment News, The Daily Record, Courier News, Eons.com and Growing Wealth Magazine. 

Ron, his wife, Jen, and their two children, Devon and Trey, live in Raritan Twp, New Jersey where they are both very active in their community.

Registered Representative (and Investment Advisor Representative), Securian Financial Services, Inc., Securities Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.  A Registered Investment Advisor.  400 Interpace Parkway, Morris Corporate Center #3, Building C, First Floor, Parsippany, NJ  07054 (973) 299-9222.  Newroads Financial Group is independently owned and operated.

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Sheila Jacobs
CFP® CEO,  Life & Money Consulting (formerly known as Commonwealth Academy of Personal Finance) & Author of Life & Money

Household Budget Strategies

 
Sheila Jacobs

Sheila Jacobs, a Certified Financial Planner™ is a graduate of Douglass College, (Rutgers University) where she earned her degree in Economics. She holds the securities industry principal’s license. A former financial advisor, she has more than 14 years experience with some of the nations largest securities firms.

Her workbook, Life & Money is a compilation of moving and motivational stories designed to provide inspiration while reinforcing the personal financial management principals that are the bedrock of the workbook and of numerous workshops that she’s conducted over the years. 

A dynamic and inspirational speaker, Sheila has conducted workshops for Douglass College, Hewitt Associates, National Council of Negro Women, Peco Energy, Seton Hall Law School, and Star Ledger/Commerce Bank (TD Bank), among others.

Sheila’s latest project, Life & Money Consulting (formerly known as Commonwealth Academy of Personal Finance), a social entrepreneurship venture, allows her to combine her passions for education and causes that support women and children. Commonwealth conducts Personal Financial Management education workshops throughout the tri-state area and its Community Women’s Club division is dedicated to working to further causes that support women and children.

A former vice-president of Philadelphia’s National Association of Women Business Owners, Sheila serves on the boards of Educational Solutions Unlimited (www.esuinc.org), Urban Promise Ministries (www.urbanpromiseusa.org) and Women’s Business Forum of Bucks County (www.womensbusinessforum.org). Inspired by her relationship with her own mentor, Susan Daywitt (www.slmwaste.com) Sheila is founder and chairperson of the Women’s Business Forum mentoring program.

She and her husband Paul, a high school teacher and coach, are the parents of a delightful three-year old son and they look forward to continuing to build their family through adoption.

 

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Nick Miceli
Market President, TD Bank

Position Your Business to Get the Funding You Need: 
Loan Strategies

 
Nick Miceli

D. Nicholas Miceli has worked at TD Bank (through its predecessor Commerce Bank) for 11 years.  He is currently Market President of the bank's Central New Jersey market comprising of Essex, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union Counties.

Previous to this, Miceli was regional vice president for Essex, Hudson and lower Bergen Counties,  N.J.,  and was responsible for leading the bank's commercial and retail banking operations there.  He joined Commerce Bank in 1998 as a vice president of middle market lending for the northern New Jersey market.  Prior to this, he held various management positions at Bank of America.

During his 20 year banking career, he has been featured in numerous financial articles and has also appeared on PBS/13WNET spotlight "Inside Trenton" discussing the State of Banking in New Jersey.

Active in the community, Miceli is a Board Member of the Garden State Cancer Foundation, Essex County Workplace Investment Board, Morris Union Jointure Commission Foundation and Family Intervention Services.  He also served as corporate recruitment chairman for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation/Central Jersey chapter.  He is a resident of River Edge, NJ and a graduate of Rutgers University.

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Lee Miller
Career Coach and Co-Founder of YourCareerDoctors.com

Improve Your Marketability: 
Get More Money on Your Next Job (Or In Your Current One)...
In Any Economy

 
Lee Miller

Lee E. Miller, formerly the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at TV Guide, USA Networks and Barney's New York, is a career coach and co-founder of YourCareerDoctors.com. He is also the Career Columnist for the New Jersey Star Ledger and an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University and at the Seton Hall University School of Management. A graduate of Rutgers College and Harvard Law School, he is the author of Get More Money On Your Next Job… In Any Economy featured on Fox and Friends, UP: Influence Power and the U Perspective- The Art of Getting What You Want and the co-author of A Woman’s Guide To Successful Negotiating selected by Atlanta Woman magazine as one of the fifty best books for professional women and a featured book on The Early Show and Good Morning America.

Lee also serves as the Managing Director of NegotiationPlus.com with offices in the USA and Asia. NegotiationPlus.com works with organizations and individuals on how they can more effectively lead and influence Lee advises and trains in the areas of influencing that include leadership, sales, negotiating, customer service, recruiting, career management and outsourcing.

Lee is an advisor to, and an Honorary Director of, the Tianjin Society (Singapore) and the former Chair of the International Association of Corporate and Professional Recruiters, the New York Chapter American Corporate Counsel’s Employment Law Section and Secretary to the Union County Motion Picture Advisory Board. He has also served on the Board of Directors of The American Repertory Ballet Company and the Washington State Bar Association Credit Union.

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Jason R. Newcomb
CFP®, President, Newroads Financial Group

Restructuring Your Nest Egg:
Positioning Your Portfolio To Last A Lifetime

 
Jason Newcomb

In 1994, after receiving his BS degree from Cook College at Rutgers University, Jason joined Madison Financial Group (MFG).  At graduation, he received the prestigious “Leadership Excellence” Award.  After a six month internship and a year as an associate, Jason was promoted to Director of Client Services.

Jason obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification in 1997 and continues to maintain that certification with continuing education credits earned annually.  He is a member of the Financial Planning Association on both the national and state levels, and regularly attends financial planning seminars and conferences to keep current on the many aspects of comprehensive financial planning.

He became a partner of MFG in 1998 and continued to direct client services while helping to maintain the firm’s clientele.  Jason is now President of Newroads Financial Group, which he co-founded in 2003 with his partner, Steven Jones, CFP®.  As President, Jason manages the day-to-day operations of the firm, while continuing to oversee the firm’s clients and their ongoing financial planning concerns.

Jason, his wife, Debbie, and their two children, Jenna and Sean, live in Annandale, New Jersey where they are both very active in their community.

Registered Representative (and Investment Advisor Representative), Securian Financial Services, Inc., Securities Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.  A Registered Investment Advisor.  400 Interpace Parkway, Morris Corporate Center #3, Building C, First Floor, Parsippany, NJ  07054 (973) 299-9222.  Newroads Financial Group is independently owned and operated.

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Saturday, October 31 at Rutgers University, New Brunswick

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