My name is Greg Pienkosz, and I serve as a Managing Director – Investments and lead advisor for the Pienkosz Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, where I bring more than twenty-three years of experience to the role. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to guiding individuals, families, and business owners. Our team’s mission is to help clients achieve financial success, both during their working years and as they transition into the retirement distribution phase of their lives. We strive to provide thoughtful and personalized financial guidance at every stage of life, helping to ensure clients are well-supported in pursuing their goals.

Focus

As a Private Investment Manager (PIM^®)¹, I operate out of offices in Albany, NY and Orlando, FL, providing our clients with comprehensive investment planning and modern portfolio management services. My role as a PIM^® portfolio manager is centered on delivering a personalized approach to investment management. Each client’s portfolio is carefully designed and monitored, utilizing an active asset allocation strategy. This allows me to make timely investment decisions on behalf of our clients with the objective of achieving their unique financial goals.

My investment philosophy prioritizes long-term portfolio management, which involves a commitment to diversification and meticulous management of underlying investment costs. I am afforded the flexibility to construct and maintain portfolios using a wide array of investment options. This approach helps enable me to uphold a high standard of professional service and provide individualized attention to clients who desire this level of investment management.

It is a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of guiding our clients’ financial well-being and prosperity. At the Pienkosz Financial Group, we not only leverage the full capabilities and resources of Wells Fargo Advisors but also apply our nine distinct wealth disciplines. These disciplines, developed through years of experience, allow us to bridge every phase of our clients’ financial lives, ensuring comprehensive support and guidance tailored to their evolving needs.

Experience and Professional Credentials

Education
I attended the University at Albany, where I graduated with honors, earning a bachelor's degree in finance. In addition to my undergraduate studies, I completed the financial planning program at New York University, further strengthening my foundation in comprehensive financial services.

Professional Certifications
I have achieved the Certified Financial Planner^® certification by fulfilling rigorous education, examination, experience, and ethical standards. The CFP^® designation helps enable me to take a holistic approach to investment planning, helping to ensure that my clients' financial strategies are aligned with their unique goals and desired outcomes.

In addition, I hold the Sports and Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA™) designation. This specialized certification recognizes proficiency in delivering holistic wealth management experiences tailored to the often complex and unique needs of high net worth sports and entertainment professionals.

Professional Recognition
I have been honored to be named as a member of Platinum Council annually since 2018. 2018–2023: The Platinum Council Distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors as measured by one of more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structure. 2024 – 2025: The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of financial advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism.

Away from the Office

Born in Poland as the youngest of three children, my family made the life-changing decision to immigrate to Connecticut in 1975, when I was just three months old. Growing up in a new country presented its challenges, but it also instilled in me a strong sense of adaptability and perseverance.

Following high school, I chose to serve in the U.S. Army, where I took on the roles of Sergeant, paratrooper, and Black Hawk helicopter crew chief in the renowned 82nd Airborne Division. During my service, I was honored to receive multiple US Army achievement and commendation medals in recognition of my dedication and contributions.

On the personal front, my wife and I have been happily married for over 26 years and are the proud parents of two daughters. As a family, we cherish our time together, whether we are traveling to Florida to enjoy the sunshine or heading to Upstate New York to embrace the snowy winters.

My name is Chris Hunter, and I serve as First Vice President – Investment Officer at The Pienkosz Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. I am fortunate to truly love my job, which allows me to dedicate my expertise to helping clients achieve their financial goals and secure their futures.

Purpose

Throughout my life, I have been dedicated to helping others realize their full potential, especially those who may not yet see what they are capable of achieving. This commitment to service was the driving force that led me, more than thirty years ago, to pursue a career in the financial services industry.

Before entering the field of financial advising, I built a foundation as a Professional Engineer and held executive positions within Fortune 500 companies. These experiences helped equip me with a unique set of skills that now allow me to not only guide clients in creating and preserving wealth but also to help them map out plans for sustaining their financial well-being across generations.

Today, I am privileged to work closely with a group of remarkable clients. My role is to help them gain a clear sense of purpose and, importantly, to cultivate optimism regarding the financial futures of their loved ones. It is a great honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of delivering comprehensive wealth management solutions and tailored investment strategies to such an outstanding group of individuals, including families with children or adults who have special needs.

Beyond wealth management, I extend my expertise to business owners, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and their foundations. I help provide guidance across a range of areas, including helping these organizations support one of their most valuable assets – their employees – in preparing for a secure retirement.

Passion for Supporting the Special Needs Community

One of the most meaningful aspects of my career is my commitment to assisting families within the special needs community. Many families face complex questions and challenges related to life management, particularly when it comes to ensuring proper care and future planning for loved ones living with a disability.

Through my experience, I have witnessed how the incapacity of a cherished family member can place a considerable strain on the household. This often results from decreased earning potential and the ongoing presence of additional expenses required to maintain quality of life. Furthermore, based on each family’s unique situation, individuals with disabilities frequently need specialized support that extends beyond what government services alone can provide.

It has been deeply rewarding to work alongside these remarkable families, helping them design and implement financial strategies tailored to uncover additional resources. My goal is to assist them in securing supplemental care for their loved ones, helping to ensure that these special individuals continue to receive the support and opportunities they deserve. Guiding families through this process stands as one of the most fulfilling accomplishments of my professional life.

Community Involvement and Personal Interests

Away from the office, I am actively engaged in a variety of community organizations that reflect my commitment to service and support. My longstanding involvement as a Rotarian continues today with my membership in the Rotary Club of Orlando, where I currently serve as a member of the Board of Directors. Previously, I held a board position with the Rotary Club of Winter Park, furthering my dedication to Rotary’s mission of community improvement and global outreach.

In addition to my Rotary activities, I have served as Chairman of the Board for Habitat for Humanity in Seminole County, Florida, working to provide housing solutions for families in need. My dedication to charitable causes also extends through my participation with the Bahia Shriners, where I contribute to fundraising efforts that benefit Shriners Children’s™ and help support their critical healthcare initiatives.

On a personal note, my wife Jane and I share a passion for travel, and both embrace the challenges and rewards of golf. Our commitment to physical fitness is evident in our regular workouts at the YMCA, long walks, and, in Jane’s case, teaching water aerobics. We are grateful to have family living close by, which allows us to spend cherished time with our four grandchildren, who truly are the light of our lives.

 

Educational Background

My academic journey began at the University of New Brunswick, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.Sc. Eng.) degree in 1978. This rigorous program provided a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving, skills that have been invaluable throughout my career.

To further enhance my expertise, I pursued graduate studies at York University’s Schulich School of Business, completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 1990. This advanced business education broadened my perspective on management, finance, and strategic decision-making.

Continuing my professional development, I undertook a comprehensive advanced study program in the financial industry in 2003. Through this intensive coursework, I earned the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation from the American College of Financial Services. This credential reflects my commitment to delivering knowledgeable and effective financial guidance to my clients.

Hope Salin serves as the primary contact for clients at the Albany, N.Y. office, where her enthusiastic and proactive approach is essential to the team’s commitment to helping to deliver an exceptional client experience. As Assistant Vice President and Financial Consultant, Hope is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of service. She provides clients with personalized financial advice and comprehensive investment planning, helping ensure that each client receives guidance tailored to their unique goals and circumstances.

Professional Experience

Hope began her career at M&T Securities, Inc. in 2003 and joined Wells Fargo Advisors in 2015 after her time with Key Investment Services, LLC. She earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®) designation in 2017 through the College of Financial Planning. Since 2008, Hope has worked with Greg Pienkosz, Managing Director – Investments, and has been a member of the Pienkosz Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors since its formation.

Comprehensive Investment Planning

Hope is dedicated to helping clients preserve and grow their wealth in alignment with their goals. She views investment planning as a dynamic process that adapts to clients’ changing circumstances and works closely with clients and their families to create tailored strategies reflecting their unique objectives. While the team does not provide tax advice, Hope helps ensure clients’ investment and estate plans remain current with evolving tax laws, supporting their financial well-being for today and future generations.

Personal Background

Hope is a lifelong resident of Albany, where she lives with her husband, Joe, and their two children. She remains actively engaged in her family’s life and the local community, participating in her children’s school activities and supporting her son’s interests in acting and theater.

Professional Background
As the team's primary point of contact for day-to-day matters, Jennifer is known for her positive and can-do attitude, which is instrumental in advancing the team’s commitment to delivering a first-class client experience. Jennifer is dedicated to providing high-quality service, firmly believing that assisting clients is not just a responsibility but her genuine purpose.

Career Experience
Jennifer began her career in July 2004 as a Client Associate with A.G. Edwards & Sons, a predecessor firm to Wells Fargo Advisors. Over the years, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to supporting clients and her team.

Personal Background
Originally from Canton, Ohio, Jennifer moved to Central Florida with her family in the fourth grade. She considers herself “almost” a native Floridian. Jennifer is an enthusiastic supporter of the Florida State Seminoles and the Atlanta Braves baseball team.

Family and Interests
Jennifer is a proud mother of two sons; both currently deployed with the United States Navy. Her greatest joy comes from spending time with her three grandchildren and traveling to visit family. She also enjoys vacationing throughout the United States and attending live concerts whenever possible.

Client Commitment
Jennifer takes great pride in helping to ensure that clients receive the personal service they deserve. She values being part of a dynamic financial advisory practice and looks forward to serving both current and future clients of the Pienkosz Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.