Michael J. Kotarski ChFC®, AIF®Senior Financial Advisor |
CONNECT: Phone: (908) 504-2047 mkotarski@wfafinet.com |
About Me
Michael's career in finance began with a small private firm in Parsippany, New Jersey in 1996. During his time there, Michael built a successful fixed income business specializing in municipal bonds. In 2000, Michael joined Smith Barney as a Financial Consultant. He utilized Smith Barney's platform to transform his fixed income business to a more holistic investment advisory practice. Michael was also the Fixed Income Specialist in the branch and assisted other financial advisors with advanced fixed income investment strategies.
In 2006, Michael embarked on an association with Wachovia Securities Financial Network, LLC to create an independent financial advisory practice named Bridgehaven Financial Advisors. Due to the acquisition of Wachovia Corporation by Wells Fargo & Company in December of 2008, Wachovia Securities Financial Network, LLC eventually became Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. Bridgehaven Financial Advisors serviced high net worth individuals, small business owners and corporations with a mission to add value by providing unparalleled service and advice.
During this time, Bridgehaven had grown their corporate retirement consulting practice where Michael became responsible for working with both plan sponsors and participants focusing on education. Utilizing his prior experience, Michael assisted the sponsors to establish an education policy statement (EPS) geared toward encouraging increased employee participation and contribution maximization. Also, Michael helped participants better understand their company's retirement plan and its benefits while educating them on other basic investment planning issues through periodic group education meetings at the company, one-on-one meetings, phone calls and education webinars.
In 2017, Michael decided to refocus his attention on working with high net worth individuals and small business owners. As a Senior Financial Advisor of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Michael's strength is assisting his business owner clients manage their personal assets while consulting on their corporate retirement plans. To further his commitment to his clients, he also works closely with his clients' attorneys and accountants to help provide seamless estate and trust planning strategies.*
Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts in Financial Economics from Moravian College, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He was a member of the football team and a portfolio manager for the Amrhein Investment Club. He has passed Series 7, 63 and 65 securities registration exams. He is licensed as an insurance professional with experience in Life, Health, Disability and Long Term Care insurance**. Michael has also obtained the professional designation as a Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) from The American College and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) from Global Fiduciary Insights.
Michael enjoys spending time with his wife Kate and three children. Michael is an avid traveler and is determined to see the world when time allows.