BrokerCheck

Meet the Team

Joe Esposito

Joe Esposito
President and Founder

John-Raschella

John Raschella
Managing Director, Operations

Blake Spencer

Blake Spencer
Managing Director, Business Development

Fran Difede

Mario Molino
Financial Advisor
Branch Manager

Fran Difede

Fran Difede
Client Service Specialist,
Transition Specialist

Patricia Preiss - Client Service Associate

Farah Mohammad
Client Service Specialist

Michael Aniello

Michael Aniello
Financial Advisor

Ben Berman
Wealth Advisor

Dawn Bressingham
Financial Advisor

John Buser

John Buser
Financial Advisor

Lisa Caspare

Lisa Caspare
Financial Advisor

Paul-Carmichael

Paul Carmichael
Financial Advisor

Lorraine-Kalista

Baron Davis
Financial Advisor

Lorraine-Kalista

Vincent Famulari
Financial Advisor

George-Folias

George Folias
Financial Advisor

Paul-Kleinberg

Paul Kleinberg
Financial Advisor

Richard Lahn

Richard Lahn
Financial Advisor

Gary-Leventhal

Gary Leventhal
Financial Advisor

Thomas-Musto-Senior-Wealth-Advisor

Thomas Musto
Financial Advisor

Eric Neuwirth-Financial-Advisor

Eric Neuwirth
Financial Advisor

Roger-Pinto

Roger Pinto
Financial Advisor

Michael-Parenti

Michael Parenti
Financial Advisor

Harry Rivenburgh

Harry Rivenburgh
Financial Advisor

Hillard-Scott-Saveth

Hillard Scott Saveth
Financial Advisor

Gregg Schriro
Financial Advisor

Phil-Simmons

Phil Simmons
Financial Advisor

Bob-Skoff

Robert Skoff
Financial Advisor

Ryan-Thiel

Ryan Thiel
Financial Advisor

James Trudden

James Trudden
Financial Advisor

Ron-Wexler

Ron Wexler
Financial Advisor

Ted-Agrillo

Ted Agrillo
Financial Advisor
Agrillo Financial Group

John Hess
Financial Advisor
North Star Wealth Investors

Nicholas-Iocco

Nicholas Iocco
Financial Advisor
NSI Group

Falgun Jariwala
Financial Advisor
North Star Wealth Investors

Greg-Kennedy-Financial-Advisor-Atlantic-Financial-Group

Greg Kennedy
Financial Advisor
Atlantic Financial Group

Jason-McKenna

Jason McKenna
Financial Advisor
McKenna Financial Planning

Russel-W.-Melander

Russell W. Melander
Financial Advisor
Melander Wealth Management, Inc.

Jay-Nathan

Jay Nathan
Financial Advisor

Sean-Rooney

Sean Rooney
Financial Advisor

Sean-Rooney

Kristin Palermo
Sales Assistant

BrokerCheck

For a Free First Time Consultation
and Portfolio Review

BrokerCheck

For a Free First Time Consultation
and Portfolio Review

Pinnacle Group

9 South Long Beach Road
Rockville Centre, NY 11570

516.763.9700
Fax: 516.763.9706

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JOE ESPOSITO

Joseph (Joe) Esposito has been serving the needs of individuals, families and business owners seeking comprehensive financial strategies and personalized asset management since 1998 when he began his financial services career at Paine Webber. He focuses on helping individuals and businesses develop effective retirement and wealth planning strategies.

JOHN RASCHELLA

John Raschella joined LPL in 2015 as a financial advisor for The Pinnacle Financial Group. He entered into the financial services industry with Drexel Burnham Lambert in the summer of 1982 while attending Brooklyn College. He currently holds the following licenses: Series 7 license held through LPL Financial, Life Insurance and Health Insurance. Before joining The Pinnacle Financial Group, John worked for Citi-Smith Barney and JPMorgan Securities. John has established and managed hundreds of investment relationships through various market cycles which has provided him with extensive knowledge of the financial services industry.

BLAKE SPENCER

Blake joined The Pinnacle Financial Group in January of 2018. As Managing Director of Business Development, Blake has partnered with the firm’s owner to further efforts for both client and advisor growth. His primary focus is marketing the firm’s brand for their 37 advisors to help boost client acquisition, client retention and advisor recruitment. In his prior 15 years of experience, Blake helped lead Sales and Marketing efforts for domestic and international sales teams within the commodities industry. Blake was born in Alabama and raised in Tennessee. He attended Middle Tennessee State University and later Villanova University’s Six Sigma Blackbelt program. He now lives in Garden City, NY with his wife and children where he enjoys painting and reading when he isn’t working.

MARIO MOLINO

Mario Molino Joined LPL in 2011 as a Financial Consultant. In 2014 Mario became the Sales manager for The Pinnacle Financial Group. Prior to joining LPL, Mario worked at Ameriprise financial from 2005-2011 and PHD Capital 2004-2005. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University majoring in Finance and minoring in economics. In total Mario has 11 years of experience in the financial services industry. Mario currently resides in Dix Hills, NY with his wife Lauren and two daughters Siliana and Lauren Mila.

FRAN DIFEDE

Fran joined LPL as an Advisor Transition Coordinator for The Pinnacle Financial Group in November 2013. Before working in the financial service industry, she worked for the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, & Flom LLP as a legal assistant. Since joining The Pinnacle Financial Group, she has specialized in client relations, streamlining operational procedures and has taken on the additional role as the Advisor Transition Coordinator. Her adept problem solving abilities help expedite all tasks assigned to her and her colleagues. Outside of work, she enjoys entertaining, as well as spending time with her family and friends. Fran currently resides in Oceanside with her husband, 2 children, and her pet Maltipoo named Bella.

FARAH MOHAMMAD

Farah joined The Pinnacle Financial Group with a tremendous amount of financial services experience in 2019. She worked on Park Avenue in Manhattan, NY with Empire Wealth Strategies and Drucker Wealth Management, helping advisors with their client’s needs. She is a local New Yorker, born and raised in Queens and her favorite interests are in art, photography, traveling and music. She holds a BA in Business and Psychology.

MICHAEL ANIELLO

Michael Aniello joined LPL Financial in March of 2015 as a Wealth Manager. Prior to working at LPL Financial, he was with Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative from 1999 – 2015. With a major in finance and a minor in marketing, he graduated From Magna Cum Laude from Adelphi University. He holds three security: Series 6, Series 7 (Uniform Securities Law), and Series 63 through LPL Financial. In total Mike has 17 years of experience in the financial services industry. He currently resides in Nesconset with his wife Marlene and daughter Leah.

BENNETT BERMAN

Ben joined LPL Financial in March of 2020 as a Wealth Advisor. He brings many years of experience, previously working at Merrill Lynch, Shearson Lehman Brothers, Smith Barney, Prudential Securities and UBS Financial Services. He was born in Cambridge Massachusetts and during his childhood he moved to Huntington, NY. He went on to raise a family of 3 children in Dix Hills and currently lives in Holbrook on Long Island.

His lifelong passions are investing and photography. Aside from Long Island, his favorite place in the world is Aruba. Ben has a Series 7 license, and Life/Health Insurance license both held with LPL Financial. He received his BA from American University.

DAWN BRESSINGHAM

Before joining The Pinnacle Financial Group in 2017, Dawn worked with Plan Member Securities and Life Plan Wealth Management. Dawn had established a successful career working for various large consulting firms such as Mutual of America, Deloitte & Touche, Comprehensive Consulting Group and Associated Pension Consultants. Using the experience she gained, Dawn became the founder and owner of Priority Pension Services, Inc. (AFI) where she successfully implemented tax minimization strategies for business owners through retirement plans and insurance. Dawn offers a strategic and proactive approach to retirement plan compliance. As a retirement plan specialist for over 20 years, her experience has brought unique plan solutions to her clients.

JOHN BUSER

John Buser joined LPL in 2014 as a financial advisor and affiliated with the Pinnacle Financial Group in 2018. He began his career as a Government Securities Broker in 1983 at Garban Intercapital and served as Equities Trading Group Manager at Marke XT, Carlin Equities and Precision Trading. Prior to joining LPL, John was a Financal Advisor at Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase. He currently holds Series 7 & 63 through LPL Financial, Series 65 with Pinnacle, and also is licensed in Life and Health Insurance. John received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cortland State University. He currently resides in Bay Shore with his wife and son where he enjoys fishing, boating, and swimming.

LISA CASPARE

Lisa Caspare joined The Pinnacle Financial Group as a Financial Advisor in June 2017. She made her change to LPL as an independent advisor to work with clients on their complete financial picture. Before she joined Pinnacle, Ms. Caspare worked at JP Morgan Securities, Astoria Bank, Metlife, and in public and private accounting. She began her career in the financial services industry in 1998. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St John’s University with a concentration in Accounting. After graduating from St. Johns, Ms. Caspare earned her Property and Casualty License, Life and Health Insurance licenses, as well as her Series 7 (General Securities License) and Series 63 (Uniform Securities License), both held at LPL Financial. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, as well both skiing and bike riding.

PAUL CARMICHAEL

Paul Carmichael joined The Pinnacle Financial Group as a retirement benefits advisor in 2015. Prior to joining Pinnacle, he worked for both UB Pensions and Dreyfus Retirement Services. With both UB Pensions and Dreyfus Retirement Services, Paul specialized in the marketing of services, as well as administering clients’ plans, designing new clients’ plans, conducting enrollment meetings, and speaking at seminars. Paul has an MBA in Finance and General Management from Dowling College, BA from the state University College at Oneonta, and is a QKA designated member of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries. He has also obtained the ERPA circular 230 designation which allows him to represent clients as power of attorney on pension issues.

GEORGE FOLIAS

George Folias has 25 years in the Financial Service Industry.Prior to LPL Financial, George worked mostly for fortune 500 companies such as JP Morgan Chase, Merrill Lynch and Prudential. His practice involves private wealth management, developing creative estate planning and small business strategies, comprehensive investment research and experienced financial guidance. George is a graduate from Baruch College with a BBA in Finance & Economics.

PAUL KLEINBERG

Paul joined The Pinnacle Financial Group, and LPL Financial in August of 2017. Prior to joining he spent 15 years as a financial advisor at Raymond James. He started his career at Prudential Securities in 1982 and was employed there for 11 years, he also worked for Painewebber from 2000 to 2002. Paul holds the Series 7, 15 & 63 licenses with LPL Financial, as well the Series 65 license for his advisory practice with The Pinnacle Financial Group. Additionally he obtained a BA in Psychology and Political Science from George Washington University. An avid racquetball player and skier, he also enjoys the outdoors walking and exercising his Australian shepherd.

RICHARD LAHN

Richard Lahn joined LPL Financial as a Financial Consultant in 2012. Richard graduated from SUNY Farmingdale with a degree in Business. He then received his MBA from Molloy College in Personal Financial Planning. Richard has been in the financial industry since 2004. Richard serves clients throughout Long Island and specializes in retirement planning. He looks to provide goal bases financial planning, helping client analyze their financial situation and provide guidance moving forward. In his spare time, Richard enjoys reading, staying active, trying new things, cooking, and building things with his hands. Richard currently resides in Levittown with his wife and two children, Abigail and Liam. The highest compliment I can receive is a referral from a client!

GARY LEVENTHAL

Gary Leventhal is a Financial Advisor with LPL Financial since 2013 where he is a Retirement Specialist. Prior to joining LPL Gary was a Financial Advisor with Smith Barney and then Merrill Lynch. Gary also serves as an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Gary holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Masters of Business in Finance from Northeastern University.

THOMAS MUSTO

Thomas joined The Pinnacle Financial Group in 2017 and has 16 years of financial services industry experience. Thomas’ past affiliations have been with Morgan Stanley, Citi Smith Barney and Wells Fargo Advisors prior to joining The Pinnacle Financial Group. He is married to his wife Diana and has 2 children, Morgan 22 & Mariah 19, 3 step children and 5 grandchildren. Tom manages the assets of a select group of families and small business and takes pride in the deep relationships he garners with those clients. Thomas’ strengths are (but not limited to) asset management, insurance planning, retirement planning as well as estate planning as it pertains to client investments. He works in conjunction with clients other trusted advisors such as CPA’s and attorneys to coordinate a successful plan for clients. He feels his job is much more than asset management and that is evidenced by the intergenerational relationships he has with his clients, their children and extended family. Thomas is Series 7 licensed, held by LPL Financial, and Series 66 licensed, held by The Pinnacle Financial Group, as well as Life Insurance licensed.

ERIC NEUWIRTH

Eric Neuwirth is a registered financial advisor for The Pinnacle Financial Group. His education began at Long Island University where he graduated in 1980. After earning his Bachelor degree from LIU, he attended Adelphi University from which he graduated in 1987. He began his career as a financial advisor at Prudential. After a few years at Prudential, he moved to Smith Barney. From Smith Barney he took a position at A.G. Edwards, followed by a position at Stifel Nicolaus. Upon leaving Stifel Nicolaus, Eric joined LPL financial as part of The Pinnacle Financial Group. Along with his wife Nina, who he married in 1982, Eric loves adventure. Whether it is bike riding or scuba diving, Eric is always seeking activities that get him out to see the world.

ROGER PINTO

Roger Pinto joined The Pinnacle Financial Group in 2017 as a Financial Advisor. Before joining The Pinnacle Financial Group, Mr. Pinto worked at Raymond James Financial Services, from 2005 to 2017, and Paine Webber from July 1998 to 2005. Additionally, he maintains a series 6, 7, & 63, held through LPL Financial, also the series 66 securities registrations through LPL Financial and The Pinnacle Financial Group. Apart from the various securities licenses, he holds both health and life insurance licenses. Mr. Pinto has spent the entirety of his career involved in the financial management industry. His path began in college at American University where he earned his MBA. He furthered his financial education by attending Georgetown University, completing his BSBA degree in both management and financial studies. He completed his educational studies at Long Island University where he studied Financial Planning. Outside of work he is happily married with four children. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, boating, and fishing.

MICHAEL PARENTI

Michael Parenti joined The Pinnacle Financial Group as a financial advisor. He graduated from Baruch College with a bachelor’s degree in finance and has been employed as a financial advisor for the last 25 years. Before joining The Pinnacle Financial Group, Michael managed an office for Wells Fargo and worked as a bank advisor for JPMorgan Chase bank. He holds a series 7 license, a series 63 license registrations with LPL Financial, an advisory license through The Pinnacle Financial Group, and a life insurance license. He has managed money through 3 major market corrections which provides him with detailed insight on how to preserve and manage wealth.

HARRY RIVENBURGH

Harry Rivenburgh brings over 35 years of experience from venerable financial firms Dean Witter Reynolds, Fidelity Investments, AG Edwards and Sons, and Raymond James. He’s a life-long long islander graduating from Northport HS and Adelphi University, where he also received his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ certification. In his own words, “I’ve joined Pinnacle Financial Group/LPL Financial because they allow me to use all my experience with no proprietary investments.” “The breadth of investments and choice allow me to put my clients first in any solution we craft.”Harry’s specialties include fixed income securities, income and growth oriented investment strategies, insurance planning and retirement planning." On a personal note, Harry enjoys traveling to some of the iconic locations around the Northeast including Newport RI, Saratoga, NY, and all points in between. Ask him about his motorcycle diaries!

HILLARD SCOTT SAVETH

I graduated college at the U of Miami in 1972 with a BBA. I ran my own clothing company for many years and developed the skills to be a planner and an implementer with good forward vision. In 1998 I went to work at Morgan Stanley as a retail broker and in two years achieved the status of Vice President. In the later part of 2001 I was recruited by Prudential Securities. After two years at Prudential I left with a team of Brokers to begin our lives as Independent Financial Advisors with LPL Financial. I specialize in security selection, sector rotation and putting together diversified portfolios custom fitting each of my various types of clients. I am also a licensed Life Insurance Broker. I am married to Nina Saveth and have two boys. One 25 and the other 10 years old. I live in Dix Hills, NY.

GREGG SHRIRO

Gregg Schriro joined LPL Financial in 2013 as a Financial Consultant. Mr. Schriro holds series 6, 63, 65 securities registrations through LPL Financial. He has also earned his Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation from the College of Financial Planning. He is a Financial Consultant to the Affluent and Pension Plans throughout NY and NJ. Mr. Schriro helps clients find strategies in order to manage their Financial Investment Goals. He has been in the Securities Industry since 1998 and graduated from SUNY Buffalo in 1993. Mr. Schriro has been written up in the Wall Street Journal and Long Island Business News. He builds everlasting relationships, provides custom investment advice, and refers to other experts when needed. Mr. Schriro currently resides in Seaford with his wife, Carmela, and their two children, Jack and Evan.

ROBERT SKOFF

Robert Skoff joined The Pinnacle Financial Group in September of 2017 as a Financial Advisor. Mr. Skoff, has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. His clients are primarily high net worth individuals and families, owners of private companies and corporate executives. He spent a good part of his career with Seaboard Securities Inc, from 1993 to 2008. He then joined Wells Fargo through 2010 and moved onto Oppenheimer & Company as a Financial Advisor until 2017. Outside of work, Mr. Skoff lives a fulfilling, family centric life. He has been married for 35 years and has 3 children Joseph, an institutional broker, Robert Jr. who works for a startup in Silicon Valley, and Thomas, a junior at Fairfield University. His favorite hobby is exploring wineries with his wife, Far Niente in Napa is his favorite thus far. Additionally, he takes great pride in the mentoring as well as coaching student athletes. Robert takes an active role in their lives thus instilling the fundamental values of financial management.

RYAN THIEL

Ryan Thiel joined LPL in 2015 as a financial advisor for The Pinnacle Financial Group. After studying computer science in college, he decided to enter the fitness industry. For eight years, Ryan worked as a trainer and manager at two different fitness facilities on Long Island. He passed both the series 7 and series 63 exams and is registered with LPL Financial as well as the Life, Health, and Variable products tests. Ryan has now been in the finance industry for three years.

RON WEXLER

Ron Wexler joined The Pinnacle Financial Group in 2017 as a Financial Advisor. Before joining the Pinnacle Financial Group, Mr. Wexler worked at Oppenheimer & Company from 2010 to 2017, and Citi-Smith Barney from 2002 to 2010. Additionally, he holds series 7, 63, through LPL Financial and the series 66 securities registrations through LPL Financial and The Pinnacle Financial Group. Outside of work he is happily married with three children, 2 boys and 1 girl. In addition to serving the financial needs of his clients, Mr. Wexler enjoys a wide array of hobbies from gardening, which he utilizes to grow his own vegetables, to exercising, specifically partaking in grueling cross fit programs. However, he finds the most joy in his private life when he is able to spend time with his family.

NICHOLAS IOCCO

Nicholas Iocco is President of NSI Group Inc. and a Registered Principal with LPL Financial. He joined the Pinnacle Financial Group in 2016. He brings a unique perspective to his client relationships. Nick’s mission statement is to help people plan for and live in retirement based on their desired outcomes. He does this by providing specific strategies for each client experience which includes a detailed understanding of the client’s financial needs, determining the clients “Risk Assessment Number,” based on a Nobel Prize methodology, and finally building a Retirement Profile, a flexible “Roadmap” to guide his clients throughout their retirement years. He has also helped and assisted personal clients in estate and elder care planning, investment management, and life and long term care insurance. For his corporate clients, Nick has created retirement plans and helped facilitate business succession planning for his business owner clients. He has been in the financial services for over 30 years. He graduated with a BA from St. John’s University. He originally began his financial services career with the Guardian Life Insurance Company, and later affiliated himself with the Financial Network, an independent broker/dealer, until 1997 when he joined LPL Financial. He lives with his wife Vicki, in Long Beach, NY and enjoys bicycling and photography.

GREG KENNEDY

Greg Kennedy has worked in Huntington as a financial consultant for over 24 years and has become a well-known and valued member of the community during that time. After graduating from St. John’s University, he became an advisor at Metlife and worked there until 1995 when he joined A.G. Edwards on West Carver Street in Huntington Village. In 2008 he decided to pursue his dream of owning his own financial services business where he opened his own firm, Atlantic Financial Group, LLC, on New Street in the village.

Greg is involved with many local organizations, currently serving as Past President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 4; current First Vice President of the Townwide Fund of Huntington and has been on their board of directors since 2009. In January 2018 he joined the board of the Visiting Nurse Service in Northport. He has ongoing involvement with Troicare and the Food Bank at St. Patrick’s Church, as well as ties to various local charitable organizations.

Family, church, and community are important aspects of Greg’s life. He currently resides in St. James with his wife Cathleen, of 20 years, his 2 children; Sara, 17 and Ryan 14 along with their 2 bulldogs Maggie and Mandy. Most of his time at home is spent coaching his son’s various sports teams or being an adult leader of his Boy Scout troop. He is also his daughter’s biggest fan at her cheerleading competitions.

JASON MCKENNA

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and President of McKenna Financial Planning, Jason McKenna helps manage assets for individuals, families, trusts, retirement plans, and businesses. As your life circumstances change, so must the investment strategies he uses to keep you on course towards meeting your objectives. This is why he works with you, one on one, and focuses on your specific goals. Prior to establishing McKenna Financial PIanning in 2013, Jason worked for 16 years with PaineWebber/UBS, Smith Barney and Wells Fargo Advisors. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from Hofstra University where he also earned All-Conference honors as a second baseman for the baseball team and was named Academic All-American. With an emphasis on continuing education, he earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner designation from the College of Financial Planning in 2005. Active in the local community, he participates in many civic and community organizations, including the Hofstra Pride Club, Big Brothers Big Sister of Long Island and the Rockville Links Club. Away from the office Jason enjoys playing golf and softball. He and his wife Ginny reside in Rockville Centre, NY with their three daughters Morgan, Francesca and Ginger.

RUSSELL W. MELANDER

Russell W. Melander is President of Melander Wealth Management Inc. since 2008, with over 25 years in the financial services industry. Beginning his career as a stockbroker in the late 80’s and in the early 90’s, he specialized in tax advantaged municipal bonds. Today, Russ has a comprehensive knowledge of and provides service in Retirement Plans, 403b/401k, IRA/Roth, College Savings Plans, Fixed and Variable Annuities, Wills/Trusts, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and ETF’s.

Russ holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations through LPL Financial and is Life Insurance licensed in the New York tri-state area. He offers wealth management services and is an experienced financial professional in the industry. Russ is a recognizable member of the community in Mount Sinai, NY where he resides with his wife and daughter.

SEAN ROONEY

Sean Rooney is a veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the financial markets and has served on the board of CUI Global since 2009. He currently serves as a Financial Advisor at the Pinnacle Financial Group. Prior to working with LPL, Mr. Rooney served as Senior Director of Investments at Oppenheimer & Co., a full service investment banking, securities, and wealth management firm. He has also worked in similar capacity at Investec Ernst & Company, an international specialist bank headquartered in South Africa and the U.K. Mr. Rooney currently advises a clientele of high net worth investors, institutions, and foundations. He is active member of various industry and charitable organizations. In addition to his extensive professional career, he graduated from C.W. Post University in 1993 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Administration and holds licenses such as the Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 63 (Uniform Securities Law), and Series 24 (General Securities Principal) through LPL Financial.

KRISTIM PALERMO

Kristin Palermo is a Sales Assistant with 20 years of experience in financial services. She joined Prospect Financial Services, LLC in 2000. She ensures that the office runs smoothly and efficiently which allows the advisors to make clients their number one priority. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association. Kristin has two children and resides with her family in Lake Grove, NY