About Us
BE AT CHOICE AROUND MONEY AND YOUR PURPOSE.
Transforming Financial Futures
The Valent Wealth team utilizes a highly disciplined approach to asset allocation and long-term wealth accumulation.
Through the continuous pursuit of financial academic theory and the application of empirically tested academic investing science principles, they are committed to creating a profoundly meaningful and rewarding investing experience where families can access financial peace of mind.
Meet Your Team
Find Your Advisor
- CHAD MCMAINS
- COSMO LAURINO
- DANIEL SALAZAR
- DILLON SZMALA
- JESSICA CICCARELLI, CLU®, ChFC®
- JOHNATHON PEROG
- JULIE ANN HEPBURN
- JUSTINE PERDOMO, RICP®, CEPA®
- KRISTIN NIEDERMEYER, ChFC®, RICP®
- MIE FIELD
- MISHA SCHRYER, ABFP®
- NICOLE KING
- TIM GOTTUS
- VINCENT D’ADDONA MSFS, CLU®, ChFC®, CExP®, RICP®, CEPA®, AEP® (Distinguished)
VINCENT D’ADDONA MSFS, CLU®, ChFC®, CExP®, RICP®, CEPA®, AEP® (Distinguished)
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
VINCE.DADDONA@VALENTWEALTH.COM
Mr. Vincent M. D’Addona MSFS, CLU®, ChFC®, CExP®, RICP®, CEPA®, AEP® (Distinguished) is a founding member of Valent Wealth, LLC, an independent full-service wealth management and financial planning firm. Valent Wealth seeks ways to blend education, powerful communication, and wisdom to guide clients to eliminate threats, fulfill obligations, and capitalize on opportunities in their lives.
Vince has 46 years of experience providing services in four core areas: Estate Planning, Exit Planning for the owners of closely held businesses, Distribution Planning for those at or near retirement, and Investment Coaching. He was inducted into the NAEPC Estate Planning Hall of Fame® in 2017.
As one of the financial security profession’s most highly regarded speaker/trainer/development coaches, Vince is often known as the experts’ expert. He has helped hundreds of clients move closer to their full financial potential and has helped do the same for countless other financial professionals.
Licenses and Certifications
- Various State Life and Health Licenses- 1979
- Registered Representative – Series 7- 1983
- Chartered Life Underwriter- 1983
- Chartered Financial Consultant -1983
- Accredited Estate Planner- 1998
- Registered Financial Consultant- 2002
- Certified Exit Planner- 2010
- Retirement Income Certified Professional- 2014
- Certified Exit Planning Advisor- 2020
Education
Cornell University- Bachelor of Arts, Biochemistry
The American College-Master of Science, Financial Services
Professional
Valent Wealth, LLC- Founder
Bull Harbor Capital- Investment Advisor Representative
Prometheus Planning,
LLC- President First Financial Group- Associate
Professional Organizations and Committees
Financial Planning Association
Society of Financial Service Professionals - 2005 - 2008
Director New York City Chapter - 2008 - 2009 Executive Vice President New York City Chapter -
2009 - 2010 President
P.A.C.E.Finseca (Formerly Association for Advanced Life Underwriting)-
Workshop Sub-Committee Chair 2010 Annual Meeting
Breakout Session Speaker at the 48th AALU Annual Meeting
Workshop Committeeman for 2015, 2017 Annual Meeting
2022 – 2024 Board Member
Forum400 (Formerly International Forum)
Breakout Session Speaker 2015 Annual Meeting-
2018 - 2020 Director
2020 - 2021 Vice President
2021 - 2022 President
2022 – 2023 Chairman
International Association of Registered Financial Consultants Million Dollar Round Table-
Life and Qualifying Member-42 years
Top of the Table-22 years
Focus Session Speaker at the 2003 MDRT National Meeting
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
New York City Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
1993 - 1994 Director
1995 - 1996 Education Chair
1996 - 1997 Professional Development Chair
National Association of Estate Planners and Councils
Breakout Speaker 2014 Annual Meeting
New York Estate Planning Council
1995 - 1998 Director
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
Senior Sales Consultant
President of the Executive Committee of the Leaders Club 1992 – 1993
Field Product Committee 1987-present
Main Platform Speaker
President’s Council 2001-2015
Leaders Club 2001-2015
LEAP Systems Inc.
1997-2005 Advanced Class National Trainer
The Living Balance Sheet®
2005-2019 Advanced Estate Planning and Business Insurance Trainer
DANIEL SALAZAR
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
DANNY.SALAZAR@VALENTWEALTH.COM
Danny Salazar is the co-founder of Valent Wealth, where he champions independent, objective, and academically grounded financial advice. With over 17 years in the industry, Danny specializes in investment management, retirement planning, and advanced life insurance strategies, helping clients navigate complex decisions with clarity and confidence.
Known for his approachable style and thoughtful planning process, Danny has earned the trust of both clients and colleagues. He frequently presents to other financial professionals, aiming to raise the standard of advice across the industry through collaboration and education.
Danny is proud to give back to the community, supporting causes like his alma mater, Stony Brook University, Angela’s House, which provides care for medically fragile children, and Follow My Steps, an organization focused on empowering underserved youth through mentorship and education. When he’s not working, he enjoys golfing, reading, and spending quality time with his family.
MIE FIELD
CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER, WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
TIM GOTTUS
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
Since 2004, Tim has been educating and working with physicians and medical professionals in effective financial decision- making. He has a tremendous passion for helping people make informed decisions, so they can meet their objectives in the accumulation, protection, and enjoyment of their wealth.
Tim’s concepts and explanations break down complex topics into an easy to understand format, so decisions can be made, and progress can be achieved.
Tim holds securities licenses 6, 7, 63, and 65, as well as life, accident, and health insurance.
Outside of the office, Tim enjoys spending his free time with his family, Missy(wife), Nadia and Colin. He is also passionate about charitable activities, active member of his township planning committee, coaching youth sports and holding a position on his local little league board.
JULIE ANN HEPBURN
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
JulieAnn.Hepburn@valentwealth.com
JulieAnn Hepburn is an advisor at Valent Wealth, LLC, an independent full-service wealth management and financial planning firm. With over 31 years of experience, JulieAnn brings a wealth of expertise to her clients. She previously ran her own firm for over 20 years and is now a member of Valent Wealth, LLC. She is also a proud member of the Exit Planning Institute, Legacy Advisor Network (LAN), and Finseca.
Areas of Expertise
- Business Planning Excellence: JulieAnn implements efficient and measurable processes to ensure business owners are always prepared for their exit, helping them achieve best-in-class value.
- Protection & Risk Management: She specializes in strategies that safeguard both businesses and personal wealth.
- Long-Term Care Planning: JulieAnn provides tailored solutions to protect clients' financial security for the future.
- Investment Coaching: She educates clients on scientifically measured investment strategies, guiding them toward building wealth and achieving peace of mind.
Certifications
As a Certified Income Advisor and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), JulieAnn ensures that business owners and their employees optimize cash flow, addressing one of the most critical aspects of financial planning.
Collaborative Approach
JulieAnn is well-connected, collaborating with best-in-class advisors to meet the diverse needs of her clients. Known as a valuable resource and connector, she is dedicated to serving her clients with comprehensive planning and protection strategies.
NICOLE KING
CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER
I have experience facilitating and overseeing projects and performing administrative tasks efficiently and effectively. I have over 8 years of experience supporting executives and clients in various industries and sectors.
I am a team player, willing to lead or follow, eager to learn and self-motivated. I excel at managing multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities, as well as building and maintaining strong customer relationships. My passion is to help people achieve their financial goals and dreams, and to contribute to the growth and success of the organization.
COSMO LAURINO
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
cosmo.laurino@valentwealth.com
I grew up in Queens NYC. My business experience starting at 12, when I ran a paper route. For you youngsters, that means I delivered the afternoon newspaper by bike and was responsible for building and maintaining customers. At 17, my dad applied for a McDonald's franchise and I spent the next 33 years in McDonald's, including 13 years owning 2 franchises in Philadelphia. I have spent the last 12 years in the financial industry working with families and businesses planning for and protecting their personal and financial interests. I have worked hard to align myself with top companies that support my vision and integrity.
I have 3 children. And when I am not working, you may find me golfing, boating, skiing, bowling, working on my model railway or in my garden. I also umpire youth baseball and volleyball.
CHAD MCMAINS
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
I love what I've been called to do, both professionally and personally.
Professionally: I provide my clients with agency and access to discovering freedom around their finances. We do this through defining their "True Purpose for Money". It's critical to understand the relationship between Money and Mind. Our brains were created for survival, and navigating the "World of Money" by our own instincts and emotions (not to mention the multiplier given through the chaos of The Media), without a Financial Coach, having mastery over finances can seem almost impossible.
With heavy emphasis on protecting and perpetuating Cash Flow and holistic Financial Planning, we are able to increase the probability of maximizing a client's financial potential. All this, while helping them avoid making Uncle Sam their largest charitable donation.
Personally: I'm a husband and father to an incredible family. I'm eternally grateful that the Lord has entrusted me with leading them. I love the outdoors: golfing, hunting, fishing, camping, etc. I'm a CrossFit guy, but you didn't hear that from me... Black Labs are the best dogs on earth. Pineapple goes on pizza. I'd love a chance to get to meet you!
KRISTIN NIEDERMEYER, ChFC®, RICP®
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
KRISTIN.NIEDERMEYER@VALENTWEALTH.COM
Kristin empowers her clients to be proactive in building a strong financial foundation to ensure a lasting good life for the people they care about most.
Many of her clients are good savers, however they are burdened by high taxes, the rising cost of living and many other financial threats.
She offers leadership and financial education that helps restore financial balance to their lives and focuses on reducing threats that drain wealth.
The Process:
- Completes a thorough review of their financial picture including benefits, cash flow, insurance, investments, debt and legal documents.
- Helps them recapture money lost on their balance sheet because of uncoordinated strategies.
- Teaches them to manage their money by controlling the “controllables”. She gives them the tools to become masters of their own cash flow and to make money decisions that are balanced and coordinated.
- Helps them discover and understand products that are uniquely suited to them. This enables them to potentially maximize their wealth over time without taking more risk than necessary to achieve the fulfillment of their goals
- Employs a team of financial professionals both within Valent Wealth as well as other professionals such as tax, legal or insurance specialists as resources for her clients.
Planning is a process not an event. For this reason, Kristin is committed to working with her clients as their lives evolve, their business and families grow, and their financial picture changes.
JOHNATHON PEROG
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
johnathon.perog@valentwealth.com
I work to inspire my clients. I'm in the business of helping people discover their potential. I work with academic and empirically tested principles to support individuals in helping families and businesses prosper. I bring exceptional value, identify blind spots, and work in my fiduciary capacity to educate my clients to make the best decisions to reach their financial goals. I am aligned with industry professionals who provide education, leadership, and implementation of well-tailored strategies. Long story short. We do fantastic work!
You can find me doing all sorts of activities when I'm not working. I'm a man of many hobbies, but I primarily enjoy getting after it outside. In the winter, you can find me skiing in the mountains across the East Coast and playing beer league and pond hockey on the weeknights. During the summer, you can find me woodworking in my garage or on the weekend, hitting the golf course or boating with my family. Hunting, flyfishing, whitewater kayaking, scuba diving, and cycling are also a few things I enjoy with family and friends. I love the kind of fun that sucks while doing it but makes for a great memory later.
I'm passionate about supporting organizations and non-profits that get kids outside, fostering their learning outside the traditional classroom, and advocating for creativity and a healthy sense of competition. I believe in opportunity for every individual and in outcomes greater than ourselves. And that one small act of kindness can have a massive impact on the world.
MISHA SCHRYER, ABFP®
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR, AMERICAN DREAM EXPERIENCE* PROFESSIONAL COACH
MISHA.SCHRYER@VALENTWEALTH.COM
Misha's journey began over 33 years ago, stepping into the world of financial services with a brief stint at a major agency. However, that initial encounter left her disillusioned, perceiving financial advisors as mere salespeople driven by profit motives. This experience ignited a fire within her to reshape the industry's image and practices.
In 2013, Misha's perspective underwent a profound shift. She discovered her true calling in working with clients, embracing a holistic methodology that considers every facet of their financial well-being. Yet, her divergence from conventional investment practices persisted. It wasn't until 2015 that she encountered Matson Money, a revelation that aligned with her values. The academic and thoughtful approach to investing presented by Matson marked a turning point in her career.
Embracing Matson Money's principles, Misha ventured into the role of a Matson coach in 2017. Guided by the academic underpinnings of investing, she helped clients make informed decisions rather than speculating in a tumultuous market. Taking a bold step in 2018, Misha broke away from the confines of a large firm, establishing her own Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) practice. This move allowed her to better serve her clients' unique needs and aspirations.
Now collaborating with Valent Wealth, Misha is thrilled to enhance her clients' financial journeys by offering an expanded array of options and services. As a devoted Matson Coach, she is excited to be able to work alongside a dedicated team that shares her unwavering commitment to academic investing principles.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Misha is a proud Denver resident who is married and is Mom to exceptional girls; her 16-year-old daughter and 15-year-old bonus-daughter. Her diverse passions mirror her multifaceted approach to life: from boxing to meditation, and scuba diving to nurturing her delightful menagerie of animals.
DILLON SZMALA
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR
DILLON.SZMALA@VALENTWEALTH.COM
Dillon Szmala is a Wealth Management Advisor at Valent Wealth. As a Financial Representative, he works with Valent’s team of experienced specialists to help his clients generate wealth, maximize the value of their assets, and enhance their quality of life– all while protecting their financial stability.
Dillon understands the importance of planning meticulously for the future. His own airtight plan and hard work helped him become the first person in his family to graduate college and he’s been passionate about helping people achieve their own financial goals ever since. Dillon graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Finance.
Born and raised in Medford, New York, he has lived and worked on Long Island his whole life. In his spare time, he enjoys working on his golf swing and rooting for the Yankees, the Jets or the Knicks.