PINNACLE INVESTMENTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Amy started at Pinnacle in 2012 as the receptionist and quickly began taking on other responsibilities. Over her years of experience, she worked her way up to Commissions Analyst in the payroll dept while still maintaining various other duties for operations and the back office. Amy lives in Liverpool, NY with her 3 dogs, Tayeh, Dexter, and Sawyer, and cats. Her hobbies are doing competitive agility in AKC (American Kennel Club) with 2 of her dogs (Sawyer the puppy is in training), photography, and playing volleyball. She also enjoys spending the summers at her family cottage on Conesus Lake.
Job Titles:
- Client Service Associate
- Client Service Associate / Advisor Search
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Financial Advisor
Ben began his career in the financial services industry in 2005 and joined Pinnacle Investments, as a financial advisor, in 2010. After receiving his Bachelor's degree in Business Economics from the State University of New York (SUNY), College at Oneonta in 2005, Ben earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a concentration in Financial Management, from Pace University in 2010.
Job Titles:
- Client Service Associate
- Client Service Associate / Advisor Search
Ben holds an undergraduate degree from SUNY Geneseo where he graduated in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from SUNY Binghamton where he graduated in 2023. Ben began working for Pinnacle as an intern over the winter of 2023 and is currently a Client Service Associate pursuing his Securities exams to become a financial advisor.
Brandon has been a licensed financial advisor with our team since 2015. He focuses on an array of financial services which include retirement planning, investment planning, insurance planning, and college planning. His experience as an advisor on over 40 401k plans means he educates clients of all backgrounds on the importance of having a proper financial plan for their future. Brandon graduated from Syracuse University in 2014 with a degree in Psychology and has a certificate in financial planning from the NYU School of Professional Studies. He is a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority General Securities Representative (Series 7) and a State Securities Agent (Series 63).
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Carly began her career in the financial services industry in 2016 after receiving her bachelor's degree from James Madison University. After graduating from college, she spent four years living and working in New York City and one year in Austin, Texas. In 2021, Carly moved back to her hometown, Syracuse, NY, and joined Pinnacle Investments.
She works on a team consisting of three Financial Advisors with over 60 years of combined experience. Together, their team offers comprehensive financial and retirement planning to assist individuals, and families, in making informed investment decisions.
In her free time, Carly is an avid golfer and a member of the Women's 18-hole league at Onondaga Golf & Country Club, and a member of the Syracuse Women's District Golf Association.
Carly holds the following Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Licenses:
General Securities Representative (Series 7)
State Securities Agent & Registered Investment Advisor Representative (Series 66)
General Securities Principal (Series 24)
Municipal Securities Representative (Series 52)
Municipal Securities Principal (Series 53)
Job Titles:
- Registered Client Service Associate
- Registered Client Service Associate / Advisor Search
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Job Titles:
- Certified Public Accountant
- Controller
- Chief Financial Officer for Pinnacle Holding Company
- S Bio
Dalton Axenfeld is the Chief Financial Officer for Pinnacle Holding Company, LLC. and oversees all financial reporting and accounting for the various companies.
Dalton joined Pinnacle as the Controller in the fall of 2016 after spending 5 years in public accounting as a Senior Auditor where he gained valuable experience working for a nationally recognized firm. While Dalton has a significant practice in financial reporting, his other experiences with business valuations, budgeting, projecting, and internal control analysis and implementation are helping the Pinnacle Family of companies reach the next level.
Dalton is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of New York, a member of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA), and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). He also attended Ithaca College where he obtained his MBA and Le Moyne College where he received his B.S. in Accounting.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Financial Advisor
- Co - Founder / Financial Advisor / Advisor Search
Dan founded Pinnacle Investments with Gregg Kidd in 1996. Their vision was to create a boutique financial services firm focused on serving the needs of clients. Dan started his career in the financial services industry in 1984 after receiving his Business Degree from Oswego State University of New York. As a managing partner at Pinnacle and with over twenty-five years of industry experience, Dan specializes in fixed-income investing and working with high-net-worth individuals. He is a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) General Securities Principal (Series 24), Municipal Securities Principal, and New York State Insurance licensed for Life, Accident and Health.
Dan has been advising clients since 1974. In 1991, he added Portfolio Management to his activities as a Financial Advisor. Dan joined Pinnacle Investments in 2009, bringing a wealth of experience in the areas of investment management, education funding and retirement planning.
He enjoys golf and Syracuse University sports. Dan and his wife Liette live in Camillus, New York. His extended family now includes six grandchildren, one Pug and a Schnoodle who all conspire to keep him on his toes. Helping people achieve their financial goals is his life's work and motivation.
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Operations Assistant
Danielle "Dee" Darby is Pinnacle's very own version of "American Honey." She grew up "sweet and slow" on a farm in Weedsport, NY that was passed down through the generations. Her childhood was filled with days of play in the pastures and some of her childhood friends included cows. She was one of the boys, racing four-wheelers to the creek and "mudding." She was raised to work hard and her family instilled in her an understanding that nothing in life is free. She put in time on the farm-bailing hay or picking rock (you can ask her what that means when you see her).
Those were the stepping stones of leadership skills and the base of work ethic that she has been bringing to Pinnacle every day for the last sixteen years. It was that work ethic that led her from the receptionist to Operations Associate, Operations Assistant Manager, Technical Support, and Technology Manager. When she is not working, Dee loves spending time cruising the waters of Cayuga Lake with her family. It is her mission to teach her son Landon good old farm values and show him the experiences of the world while leading by example as a businesswoman. She works hard each day to achieve her goals and keeps going until the job is done. Pinnacle has enjoyed the harvest of her efforts.
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Job Titles:
- Chief Business Development Officer
Upon graduating from Ithaca College, Liz relocated to Boston where she worked for a software company in the administration/human resource departments. In 2005, Liz moved back to her hometown of Syracuse, New York where she earned the opportunity to work alongside her stepfather, Pinnacle founder Gregg Kidd. Prior to taking on the role of Chief Business Development Officer, she served numerous roles within the organization including, client services, marketing, and most recently the Director of Human Resources and Executive Assistant to the CEO.
Based on her proven track record in promoting and uncovering business opportunities, Liz's focus continues to be on growing and expanding the Pinnacle brand within the community and across the U.S. She prides herself on working closely with her stepfather and two brothers to continue the excellence in service and passion that Pinnacle has for its clients, partners, and employees.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Branding Manager
When you join Pinnacle Investments, you're joining more than an advisory firm; you're partnering with people who want to help you grow your business. Why? Because when you succeed, we all succeed. Our in-house marketing team will work with you to not only build the brand image you want but listen to your personal marketing needs and help you get it done. We make it easy for our advisors to effectively and efficiently market themselves at Pinnacle.
"Working at Pinnacle gives me the chance to utilize every part of my marketing and branding experience to elevate the advisors' presence in front of prospective and current clients. Whether it's a custom video, social media pages and posts, email campaigns, or tangible marketing materials, you'll have someone in-house ready to help you at a moment's notice."
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Financial Advisor
Prior to his career in the financial services industry, Eric served in a number of upper management positions in the Boston and New York City areas where he specialized in statistical and financial analysis. After working for a global investment firm, Eric joined Pinnacle Investments in 2005 where he was able to apply many of those same skills in developing investment strategies. In addition to working with individual clients, Eric served as Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Investments and President of Pinnacle's Confidential Planning I, LLC division. Currently, Eric serves as Chief Operating Officer of Pinnacle Investments, LLC and Pinnacle Holding Company, in addition to serving as a Board Member.
Evan joined Pinnacle investments in 2023 as a Supervisory Principal. He holds an undergraduate degree in Management from Metropolitan State University and is currently a graduate student at the University of St. Thomas. Evan is a lifetime resident of Minnesota, and currently lives there with his wife and daughter.
Fernando worked as a corporate lawyer for over 10 years mainly negotiating contracts in the construction and technology industries. He co-founded a foundation for civic formation when he was in law school. Fernando attended business school to take a deeper dive into the business world and in time developed a keen interest in the crypto economy and blockchain technology. Fernando joins Pinnacle Investments in the Miami office.
Gregg founded Pinnacle Investments with Dan Raite in 1996. Their vision was to create a financial services firm focused on serving the needs of clients. With over 35 years of industry experience, Gregg started his career in the financial services industry in 1985 after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1984 from Ithaca College.
Prior to starting Pinnacle Investments, Gregg served as a Vice President with a global financial services firm for 10 years. He is a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) General Securities Principal (Series 24) and Municipal Securities Principal. In addition to his role as Managing Partner at Pinnacle Investments, he also serves as Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Holdings, founded Pinnacle Capital Management in 2006 and coordinated the acquisition of Confidential Planning in 2007.
Gregg continues to explore growth opportunities for the Pinnacle brand along with ways of enhancing the client experience. He is very involved in overseeing the Pinnacle Team to ensure his founding vision of serving clients continues to be met with the highest standards. He works with high-net-worth individuals and families, specializing in growing and preserving multi-generational wealth.
Gregg served as a FINRA District Committee Member from 2003-2006, a member of the FINRA Consultative Committee from 2006-2007, and served as a board member of the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency.
Jackie joined Pinnacle Investments in 2012, where she continues her focus on Wealth Management. Currently, Jackie is a FINRA General Securities Rep (Series 7), State Security Agent (Series 66), is New York State Insurance licensed for Life, Accident and Health, and also holds the NYS Long-Term-Care Partnership Plan Certification.
Jim received his Bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia where he graduated magna cum laude. He continued his education at Syracuse University where he earned his Master's degree from the School of Arts and Science. After teaching at the college level for a dozen years, Jim joined a global financial services firms in 1998 as a Financial Advisor and Financial Planning Specialist. With a focus on assisting business owners with the design and implementation of retirement plans, Jim utilizes a broad range of plan providers based on the client's needs. These include 401(k) plans, Profit Sharing Plans, SEP, SIMPLE IRA and Single Person 401(k) plans.
In 2009, Jim joined Pinnacle Investments along with the other members of the Cuddy Group where he continues to focus on developing and servicing retirement plans. Jim actively participates in group enrollment meetings as well as individual consultations with plan participants.
Jim is a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) General Securities Representative (Series 7), State Securities Agent (Series 63), C.I.S. (Certified Income Specialist), C.R.P.S. (Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist) and Series 65 - Registered Investment Advisor Representative and is licensed by New York State Insurance for Life, Accident and Health, as well as being NYS Long Term Care Partnership Plan certified. Jim is currently a committee member in the Skaneateles Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and participates in the local Chamber of Commerce activities. He was also a Charter Member of the Skaneateles Sunrise Rotary and past Secretary for Skaneateles Rod and Gun Club.
Jim resides in Skaneateles with his wife, Kelley, and their two sons.
Job Titles:
- Chief Administrative Officer
Janet joined Pinnacle Investments at the start of 2020 to improve and create a more efficient, streamlined synergy between senior management and our sales/operations support team in our home office. As our firm continues to grow, Janet will play a key role in not only helping us improve the level of service we provide to all of our clients but current advisors as well.
Prior to joining Pinnacle, Janet was employed with Merck & Co. in the role of product sales and account management. We are excited to tap the knowledge she has gained from her 21 years of experience in the corporate world to help make our firm an even better place to be.
John Danzer has worked with families, high-net-worth individuals, and small businesses in the financial services industry for over fifteen years. Prior to joining Pinnacle, John provided retirement and financial planning services to clients through independent brokerage firms and financial institutions.
John's clients include business owners, charitable organizations, and individuals who are serious about creating a plan as a guide for their financial future and that of their families. He believes that an educated client makes informed decisions and understands the thinking behind the creation of a financial plan.
John is a graduate of Allegheny College. He is active in his community and maintains a busy lifestyle as the father of two children.
Jon holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Georgia State University. He joined Pinnacle as a Supervisory Principal in 2022 after being in a Compliance role with Oppenheimer Rochester/Invesco since 2011. Jon and his family reside in Rochester, NY.
Job Titles:
- Owner - the Sedgewick Group Financial
- Owner - the Sedgewick Group Financial Advisor Search
Job Titles:
- Operations Analyst
- Team in 2021 As a Member
Kate joined the Pinnacle team in 2021 as a member of the compliance team. She brings 15 years of experience in the banking and finance industry. She's a long-time resident of Syracuse and lives in East Syracuse with her two cats, Rigatoni and Ziti. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, gardening, and knitting.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor / Group Administrator
Kathleen graduated from State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics. After graduation, she worked as a Financial Analyst for a major bank in Boston, Massachusetts before moving back home to continue her career in the financial services industry.
She joined Pinnacle Investments in 2009 where she works as a member of a team of Advisors. In addition to advising individual clients, Kathleen and her team focus on employer-sponsored retirement programs.
Kathleen is a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) General Securities Representative (Series 7), State Securities Agent (Series 63) and is New York State Insurance licensed for Life, Accident and Health. She is also a Notary Public in the State of New York.
Kathleen resides in Bridgeport, New York with her husband, John and their chocolate labrador retriever. They have two grown children.
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Job Titles:
- Registered Client Service Associate
Mark holds an undergraduate degree from Middlebury College, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Syracuse University, and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). He joined Pinnacle in 2019 and has been providing Financial, Retirement, Insurance, and Estate Planning for more than 23 years. In 2021, Mark was named President of Pinnacle Investments with the responsibility for growing the Wealth Management business, including training, recruiting, advisor oversight, and advisor growth initiatives. Mark has also served as a Board Member of Syracuse Stage, the East Area YMCA and the Utica Symphony.
Mark and his family reside in Pompey, NY.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President - Investments
- Senior Vice President - Investments / Advisor Search
Job Titles:
- First Vice President / Financial Planner
With over 25 years of experience as a Financial Advisor, Mike has developed the skills and knowledge necessary to make him a dedicated and trusted financial professional. He focuses his business on designing professionally managed portfolios, creating retirement planning solutions and looking for new business opportunities. One of the most important skills when working with new or existing clients is the ability to listen to and understand what goals, values, aspirations and concerns are of the upmost importance. Mike's abilities in this area have enabled him to develop sound investment plans tailored to helping his clients meet their long-term financial objectives.
Mike has been a lifelong resident of Auburn, NY. His strong leadership skills have helped him give back to the community in a variety of ways. He is a past president of the United Way Board of Directors as well as Campaign Chair for their annual, countywide fund raiser. He has been active in the St. Alphonsus parish, acting as co-chair of the Partners in Faith campaign and as a treasurer and coach in the CYO program. Mike is an avid golfer, softball and basketball player and participates in numerous leagues. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for over 25 years and have two grown children.
Monica Coles - Chief Compliance Officer
Job Titles:
- Chief Compliance Officer
- Director of Compliance
Monica joined Pinnacle Investments in February of 2022 as Director of Compliance. Prior to that, she held roles in Operations, Compliance and most recently was Head of Supervision at an independent broker-dealer. In October of 2022, Monica was promoted to Chief Compliance Officer of Pinnacle Investments, leading the newly constructed compliance team and supervisory team. Monica resides in Chittenango with her husband, two stepdaughters, and two dogs. When she is not working she spends her free time reading, singing, traveling, and kickboxing.
Job Titles:
- Operations Associate
- Client Service Associate
Job Titles:
- Branch Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Branch Manager / Financial Advisor / Advisor Search
Bob started his career in the financial services industry in 1980, after receiving his Bachelor's degree from the Syracuse University School of Management in 1978. He went on to earn his Master's of Business Administration (MBA) from Syracuse University in 1982. Prior to joining Pinnacle Investments in 2008, Bob was a partner and branch manager of a local investment firm for 17 years.
Bob is a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) General Securities Principal (Series 24), Municipal Securities Principal and is New York State Insurance Licensed for Life, Accident and Health. In addition to advising clients, Bob is a member of Pinnacle Capital Management's Investment Committee. He has extensive knowledge and experience in research, portfolio management and trading of fixed-income securities. Bob served on the board of trustees of WCNY for 6 years. Presently Bob serves as a member of the Board of the Centro New York Regional Transportation Authority (CENTRO). Bob, his wife Susan and daughter Megan reside in Syracuse, New York.
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Rob brings over 30 years of experience working at some of the worlds' largest wealth management institutions to Pinnacle Investments. A graduate of the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, with a major in Finance and a concentration in Economics, Rob has always been a student of the global stock and bond markets. Upon graduation, he began his career in the Financial Advisor training program at Prudential Bache Securities. Rob then attended the College for Financial Planning where he earned two postgraduate degrees. In 2002, he completed the CFP® Board of Standards stringent licensing requirements to become a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) practitioner. Rob also earned an Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ (AAMS®) professional designation from the College for Financial Planning.
Rob advises high-net-worth individuals and families, specializing in growing and preserving multi-generational wealth. He focuses his business on helping people with their financial goals by personally crafting and managing equity and fixed income portfolios. Rob customizes asset allocation strategies and works collaboratively with attorneys and CPA's to develop strategic tax efficient wealth transfer techniques while providing risk management coverage. He also works with many corporate clients. Rob has expertise in establishing and managing retirement plans including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans, defined benefit plans including cash balance plans, stock option plans, and endowment management for nonprofit organizations.
Rob has the following licenses and designations: Life, Health and Accident Insurance, Series 7, 63, Certified Financial Planner™, and Accredited Asset Management Specialist™.
Rob and his wife Parisa have three children, Ilya (10), Aryana (8) and Delara (5). Rob enjoys bike riding, Skiing, the Jersey shore and reading bedtime stories to his kids. He is an avid sports fan, always rooting for the Syracuse Orange and the orange and black of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Advisor / Advisor Search
Job Titles:
- Senior Portfolio Manager
- Senior Vice President
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President - Investments
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Job Titles:
- Client Service Associate
- Client Service Associate / Advisor Search
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative
Job Titles:
- Financial Advisor
- Senior Vice President
Job Titles:
- Registered Representative