A Client-First Approach
At Braatz Wealth Advisors (BWA), we understand that wealth represents your dreams, aspirations, and the legacy you want to leave. With our experienced team and deep understanding of the financial landscape, we're here to help you navigate complexities and achieve your long-term goals.
Our Team
BWA clients will have access to a dedicated team of professionals who work tirelessly to analyze investment opportunities, monitor market trends, and provide comprehensive research to optimize your financial strategies. Additionally, our client support staff is always available to address your inquiries, assist with account management, and ensure you have a seamless experience with our firm.
jbraatz@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Mobile: 609-206-5370
Office: 856-334-8260
Jason Braatz, CFP®
President - Braatz Wealth Advisors
Jason's two-decade career began at Morgan Stanley, where he honed his expertise in client development, asset management, and financial planning. He further solidified his skills through mergers and acquisitions, including a partnership with the renowned Citi Family Office, serving ultra-high net worth families.
With a deep understanding of the financial landscape, Jason specializes in income generation and asset management for retirees and business owners. He excels in retirement planning, creating sustainable income streams, and providing virtual CFO services tailored to business owners' needs.
Jason has also developed a unique specialty in asset management and protection for professional athletes. Leveraging his experience, he navigates their financial complexities, safeguarding and growing their wealth throughout their careers and beyond.
At the core of Jason's approach is his dedication to building deep relationships with his clients. He maintains constant communication and collaborates with industry specialists to ensure outstanding outcomes.
Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Nyack College and is happily married to Dr. Monique Braatz, a dentist in Medford, NJ. They have two daughters. Outside of work, Jason enjoys music, golf, fitness, and passionately supports Philadelphia sports.
With expertise in income generation, asset management, and specialized assistance for athletes, Jason guides his clients towards financial prosperity, empowering them to embrace a secure and abundant future.
swalden@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Mobile: 609-500-9777
Office: 856-334-8260
Scott Walden
Chief Operating Officer - Braatz Wealth Advisors
Scott is an accomplished professional in the financial services industry, specializing in retirement planning, investment management, and client services. With a career that commenced in 2014, he has gained valuable experience and established a solid reputation for his expertise.
Scott's journey began at Merrill Lynch, where he joined the corporate Retirement and Stock Plan division. There, he assisted participants and employees from a variety of Fortune 500 companies in navigating the intricacies of employer-sponsored retirement plans. His ability to communicate complex concepts effectively earned him recognition as a trusted resource amongst his peers and within the industry.
In 2016, Scott transitioned to the Global Wealth and Investment Management division of Merrill, situated in the heart of New York City's Rockefeller Center. It was during this time that his passion for serving affluent individuals and high-net-worth families flourished. Scott provided personalized investment account structures, research, trade assistance, and advice tailored to meet the unique needs of his esteemed clientele.
When he's not immersed in his professional pursuits, Scott finds fulfillment in his personal life. He resides in central New Jersey with his wife, daughter, son, and two Siberian Husky dogs. During his leisure time, he enjoys engaging in sports and car-related activities, fostering connections with his family and friends.
With his extensive experience, commitment to client satisfaction, and genuine enthusiasm for the industry, Scott continues to make a positive impact in the financial services sector. As the BWA Chief Operating Officer, he brings his wealth of knowledge to drive operational efficiency and contribute to the growth and success of his organization.
jvarley@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Mobile: 609-500-4057
Office: 856-334-8260
James Varley
Client Support Specialist - Braatz Wealth Advisors
James has been a life-long resident of New Jersey. Graduating from high school at the Burlington County Institute of Technology in 2010 with a CNA license, he worked in nursing homes taking care of the elderly. In 2018 James graduated from Rowan University majoring in business/economics. James likes to joke he changed from health management to wealth management. This career change occurred because of his observations of an aging demographic being financially unprepared for life’s ups and downs. If you ask him, he will say its important that your money works as hard for you, as you work for it.
He obtained his series 7 and series 66 industry licenses in 2019 when he begin working with Edward Jones until the Covid-19 pandemic started. He then started working at Merrill Lynch and was fortunately assigned to Jason Braatz’ team where he worked for two years. Today, James still works with Jason Braatz after joining him in making the transition to Pine Valley Investments.
One of his proudest accomplishments has been becoming an Eagle Scout. He was active in the Boy Scouts and achieved the organization’s highest rank in 2009. Through his time with Scouting, he fostered love and respect for the outdoors, and participated in numerous camping trips and community service projects.
Overall, James has personally and professionally served his community and people, both patients and clients alike.
nlampone@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Office: 856-334-8260
Nick Lampone
Chief Strategy Officer - Pine Valley Investments
At PVI, Nick's contributions extend beyond his role as a strategic planning manager. As the brilliant mind behind The Morning CORE, PVI's highly acclaimed daily market letter, Nick has the exceptional ability to demystify complex market and economic information, distilling it into clear and concise insights. Investors eagerly anticipate his expert analysis, relying on his ability to unravel intricate financial concepts and present them in an accessible and uncomplicated manner.
With over 25 years of experience in the finance industry, Nick's leadership acumen is unparalleled. Prior to joining PVI, he held esteemed positions, including Managing Director and Head of Sales Trading and Trading at Janney Montgomery Scott. In this role, Nick oversaw the trading desk and equity back-office operations, while simultaneously executing trades for some of the world's largest global money managers. His exceptional skills in managing high-stakes trades and navigating complex market dynamics have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and go-to expert in the industry.
Before his tenure at Janney, Nick's career trajectory showcased his unwavering commitment to excellence. As an Equity Sales Trader at Knight Trading Group, he honed his trading skills and solidified his reputation as a results-driven professional. More recently, as the Head of Trading at Dalzell Trading, an outsourced buy-side trading firm, Nick further cemented his expertise in optimizing trading strategies and driving remarkable outcomes.
In addition to his illustrious professional accomplishments, Nick's dedication to his clients and the finance community is evident through his involvement in various leadership roles. He consistently leverages his extensive knowledge and experience to empower and inspire those around him, fostering growth and success within his team and the broader financial landscape.
coneill@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Office: 856-334-8260
Chris O'Neill, CFA, CIPM
Chief Investment Officer - Pine Valley Investments
Chris serves as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Portfolio Manager for Pine Valley Investments. Chris oversees all aspects of investment management including portfolio construction/development, research, and trading. In addition, Chris manages PVI’s investment management operations team responsible for strategy implementation and maintenance across the entire firm. Chris is a member of the firm's investment committee and the lead portfolio manager for PVI’s single stock and Core ETFs strategies.
Prior to joining Pine Valley Investments (PVI) in 2019, Chris spent 10 years working for S&P Dow Jones Indexes. In his role as senior index manager, Chris was responsible for managing numerous indexes which underlie many well-known exchange traded funds. During his 10 years, Chris was responsible for managing the following index families, Dow Jones U.S Select Sectors, Dow Jones U.S Indexes, Dow Jones U.S Style Indexes, Dow Jones Emerging Markets Titans, S&P Quality and Momentum Factor Indexes, S&P Merger Arbitrage, S&P Global Intrinsic Value and Morningstar Style Indexes. In his capacity as index manager, Chris worked closely with large asset managers such as Blackrock, Goldman Sachs and State Street and helped them deliver structured products to the global investment marketplace.
Chris is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder, having obtained the designation in August 2017. Chris also received a Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) in 2019.
kpatel@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Office: 856-334-8260
Keval Patel
Investment Analyst - Pine Valley Investments
Keval Patel is an accomplished Investment Analyst at Pine Valley Investments, where he joined in June 2021. With a passion for finance and a keen eye for investment opportunities, Keval plays a crucial role as a member of the portfolio management team, contributing to the daily investment operations, trading, and rebalancing processes.
One of Keval's primary responsibilities is conducting in-depth investment research, utilizing his analytical skills to evaluate potential investment options. His meticulous approach enables him to identify promising opportunities and make informed investment proposals. Keval's expertise extends to the implementation of investment strategies, where he showcases his ability to execute plans with precision and efficiency.
Keval's dedication to academic excellence is evident in his educational background. In 2021, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Temple University, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Finance. As a testament to his commitment to holistic financial knowledge, Keval also completed a minor in Accounting during his undergraduate studies.
With a strong foundation in finance and a drive to excel in the investment industry, Keval Patel is a valuable asset to the Pine Valley Investments team. His analytical prowess, combined with his extensive research and implementation skills, contribute to the success and growth of the firm's investment portfolio. Keval's passion for the financial markets and his dedication to delivering exceptional results make him a reliable and respected professional in the field.
vcocciolone@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Office: 856-334-8260
Victoria Cocciolone
Director of Client Services - Pine Valley Investments
Victoria is the Director of Client Services and a shareholder at Pine Valley Investments (PVI). Her passion for serving clients and relentless attention to detail have propelled her into this leadership position.
Victoria began her career at Morgan Stanley, where she honed her skills as a Client Service Representative for four years. In March of 2016, Victoria joined PVI as a Client Service Representative. She has been instrumental in facilitating advisor transitions from various institutions. Her commitment to understanding the unique goals of each advisor regarding their respective clients has positioned her as a trusted resource at PVI. Victoria also assists in designing and implementing firm procedures for both compliance and operations.
Victoria has a Finance degree from Rutgers University and holds a series 65 license.
mwojcik@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Office: 856-334-8260
Michael Wojcik
Investment Advisor Representative - Pine Valley Investments
Mike Wojcik is a highly accomplished financial professional with over a decade of experience in the investment industry. He joined Pine Valley Investments (PVI) in 2020 as an Investment Advisor Representative. In this role, Mike partners with many advisors at PVI to address each high-net-worth (HNW) client’s unique goals.
Before his tenure at PVI, Mike worked at The Vanguard Group, where he advanced from an operational associate to a manager in the HNW division. In this position, he oversaw a book of business worth $25+ billion and played a pivotal role in executing various strategic initiatives for the company.
Throughout his career, Mike Wojcik has been dedicated in providing exceptional financial planning and advisory services to clients from diverse backgrounds. His client-centric approach, deep industry knowledge, and ability to develop customized solutions have made him a trusted advisor. Mike studied economics and business while also playing football at Lafayette College. He holds a series 7, 63, 66.
hmorad@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Office: 856-334-8260
Harry Morad
Partner - Pine Valley Investments
Harry co-founded Pine Valley Investments (PVI) in 2015 and serves as the Managing Partner.
His investment career began as a proprietary options trader with a leading equity options market-making firm, Group One Trading. Group One Trading is most well-known for acting as the Designated Primary Market (DPM) of the VIX options pit on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange (CBOE). Harry primarily worked out of the New York, NY office where he streamed equity options markets as a Specialist to the then American Stock Exchange. He also disseminated equity options markets remotely to the then Pacific Stock Exchange (PSE), Philadelphia Stock Exchange (PHLX), Chicago Board of Options Exchange (CBOE) and International Securities Exchange (ISE).
In July of 2008, he joined Toro Trading as a partner to lead a special situations desk. Toro was an equity options market-making firm located in New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA. Harry and his partners grew Toro Trading into a leading options market-making firm focused on ETFs and special situations. In 2012, Toro Trading was sold to Sun Trading, a high-frequency firm located in Chicago, IL. At that time, Harry became the Managing Partner of Toro Advisory Group (TAG). TAG offered consulting services, including options overlay strategies for institutional investors such as family offices, RIAs, funds and endowments.
Harry has been a panelist and guest speaker at several ETF conferences and seminars, including events hosted by Bank of New York, Deutsche Bank and iShares. Harry studied Computer Science and Information Systems and Technology at Drexel University. He holds a Series 65 license.
jduncan@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Office: 856-334-8260
Joseph Duncan
Partner - Pine Valley Investments
As a Founding Partner of Pine Valley Investments (PVI), Joseph spearheads the firm's strategic partnerships and institutional relationships. He also takes personal ownership of client relationships, ensuring that each investor receives a tailored and unparalleled investment experience.
Before co-founding PVI, Joseph served as a Senior Portfolio Manager at Philadelphia Investment Partners (PIP), where he catered to clients seeking to accumulate and safeguard their wealth through prudent investment solutions.
Joseph's journey in the financial industry began at Merrill Lynch, where he made a name for himself as a Financial Advisor and subsequently as a Partner of a top-producing private wealth team at the prestigious Flagship 5th Avenue office in New York City.
Joseph graduated from Rutgers University with a double major in Economics & Management and Labor Relations. He also served as co-captain of the NCAA Division men's lacrosse team.
mmodica@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Office: 856-334-8260
Michael Modica
Partner - Pine Valley Investments
Mike's journey with PVI began in June of 2015 when he joined the firm as an Investment Advisor Representative. His exceptional skills and dedication quickly became evident, leading to his promotion to Partner in early 2018. As a Senior Partner and Managing Director, Mike works closely with institutional and sub-advisory relationships, solidifying PVI's position as a trusted advisor to a diverse client base.
Throughout his career, Mike has developed a specialization in providing comprehensive advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and their families. By leveraging his extensive knowledge in investment, estate, retirement, and financial planning, he assists clients in formulating and executing tailored strategies to achieve their financial goals.
As a valued member of PVI's investment committee, Mike actively contributes to the firm's investment selection, due diligence, and portfolio implementation. His keen insights and thorough analysis are instrumental in shaping PVI's investment strategies and ensuring optimal outcomes for clients.
Beyond his role at PVI, Mike also holds the position of CFO at PV Capital, LLC, the manager for PVI’s first series Hedge Fund, The PV Opportunity Fund. Mike's financial acumen and strategic leadership have been integral to the fund's successful establishment, ongoing operations and deployment of invested capital.
jerry@pinevalleyinvestments.com
Mobile: 609-304-3220
Office: 856-334-8260
Jerry Braatz
Vice President - Braatz Wealth Advisors
With an accomplished career spanning over 26 years in the Property and Casualty insurance industry, Jerry brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as a Financial Advisor. His comprehensive understanding of risk management and insurance solutions has established him as a trusted professional, known for providing insightful guidance and tailored strategies to his clients.
Jerry began his career in insurance as a sales producer, where he honed his skills in assessing risks and designing coverage plans that protect individuals and businesses from financial loss. His deep knowledge of the insurance sector, combined with his dedication to superior customer service, quickly propelled him into leadership roles, where he excelled in training and mentoring new talent.
Throughout his tenure, Jerry developed the ability to analyze complex financial situations and offer sound advice aligned with his clients' goals and risk tolerance. His transition into financial advising was a natural progression, driven by his passion for helping clients achieve financial security and prosperity.
As a Financial Advisor, Jerry leverages his extensive background in Property and Casualty insurance to provide a unique perspective on financial planning. His holistic approach ensures that his clients' portfolios are well-rounded and resilient against potential risks. He excels at crafting personalized investment strategies, retirement plans, and insurance solutions that offer peace of mind and long-term growth.
Jerry is a graduate of Shippensburg University and an active member of his community and church.
With a steadfast commitment to integrity, excellence, and client success, Jerry is a trusted advisor, ready to guide you through the complexities of financial planning and help you build a secure and prosperous future.
Pine Valley Investments has been recognized as one of USA Today's Best Financial Advisory firms.
The rankings were determined based on two dimensions:
1. Peer/Client recommendations collected via an independent survey sent to over 20,000 clients and financial advisors.
2. Growth of Assets under Management (AUM) analyzed both short (12 months) and long-term (5-years) based on publicly available data. Pine Valley Investments did not compensate USA Today for this award.