Lisa Germain,
Senior Vice President, Senior Financial AdvisorNMLS #579895
Merrill hired Lisa in 1991 based mostly on the strength of her character forged by her experiences in the business world. Her early career was predicated upon determination, and Lisa steadily applies that same attitude on behalf of her clients to this day.
What attracted Lisa to Merrill Lynch Wealth Management? She understood the importance of being knowledgeable about financial affairs and services, and she knew learning would benefit her and those she would come to serve. Situations where Lisa helped people gain knowledge and financial strength became her most rewarding.
Today, Lisa is a seasoned and savvy financial advisor who brings her deep knowledge and enlightened perspectives to active and retired high-net-worth clients that span generations and the nation’s geography. Like many clients, Lisa’s entrepreneurial spirit guides her real-world approach to helping clients “see around corners” and plan for likely and unlikely circumstances. As a Senior Portfolio Advisor, Lisa helps clients pursue objectives by managing on a discretionary basis custom investment strategies tailored to each clients specific needs, or selecting from a wide range of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios and third-party investment strategies to find the right blend and the right strategy for each client.
Lisa is highly credentialed and has completed advanced industry training sponsored by the Johnson School of Management at Cornell University. Additionally, she holds the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) designation from the College for Financial Planning.
Perhaps most important, Lisa prides herself for giving back by helping other financial professionals, and many giving efforts within the Syracuse community. Specifically, Lisa serves on the leadership committee of the Merrill Lynch Women’s Exchange – shepherding the Mentor Program, which matches mentors and mentees throughout the firm to help participants grow personally and professionally. Lisa is also involved in several local philanthropic activities such as the Upstate Foundation, YMCA, Girl Scouts and helping with backpack drives to supply school supplies to area students.
Lisa earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Alfred University. She and her husband, Robert, a managing partner at a leading Syracuse law firm, have raised three children–all competitive ski racers and athletes. Lisa and her family grew up in Central New York, and she makes the most out of the season changes by golfing and boating during the summer, and skiing and traveling in the winter. Most evenings Lisa can be found relaxing by taking long walks with her family and of course her fantastic French bulldog named Rocky.
*Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM and CRPC® are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning.
Over twenty-five years of experience with helping individuals, families and companies succeed in the financial world has taught me some important basic pillars upon which I structure my business. I understand every client is different, the importance of applying team research and resources to deliver exceptional customer service, and while dollars and cents are important, my success is best measured by the satisfaction of my clients.
In the financial world, one size certainly does not fit all. My successful business relationships vary widely, and include active and retired individuals, business owners, professors, administrators, sport professionals and corporate executives. In my experience, our most successful client relationships are crafted first by my ability to fully grasp each individual client's attitudes, ambitions and goals. Next, we apply Merrill research tools to craft an investment management strategy geared for the individual client. This process may take some time and communication, but in the long run it has been proven to be a key to financial success.
Customer service is critical to my business model, and my clients will tell you this is an area where my team absolutely excels. My awesome Wealth Management Client Associate, Kimberly Biggs, is prepared to assist clients, and with the combined strength of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Bank of America, N.A. behind us, rest assured we can bring the right people to the table in almost any situation. Our resources include knowledgeable and experienced global trust, insurance, credit and lending specialists. In addition, we often coordinate with clients' CPAs, attorneys, other service professionals to develop critical aligned tax minimization, estate planning services and liability management strategies.
My team and I have a heartfelt desire to help people in this challenging financial environment, and we express that desire daily. Clients often express anxiety and concerns about things like the political climate, an end to the bull market, and whether they're properly positioned to begin a work-optional retirement. Others face multiple challenges – saving for college and retirement, paying high taxes and maintaining their lifestyle. I try to live and work as a "straight shooter," and don't always tell clients what they want to hear. Instead, we may employ strategies from "tough love" discussions to rein in spending during retirement to advising clients to take care of their needs first.
My successful business model can be summarized in a simple formula: Understand client needs and apply professional team resources to reach and exceed goals.
*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. ("BofAS") and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.
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The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.
