The finance industry plays a crucial role in shaping the economy, offering essential services that help individuals and businesses navigate financial landscapes and secure their futures.
As an investor-lending consultant at FMS Investor Financing, Joseph J. Alfonso leverages his expertise to guide his clients through complex financial matters while positively impacting his community.
A Career Built on Drive and Determination
Alfonso’s journey began with a strong sense of purpose. “Hard work accounts for 30% of the total, 60% for drive and the other 10% for savviness,” he explains. After his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, Alfonso transitioned into finance, holding various roles, including personal banker and loan officer. His entrepreneurial journey took shape when he became the owner of Stratosphere Industries, further honing his leadership and financial management skills.
In 2024, Alfonso joined FMS Investor Financing, where he serves as an investor lending consultant. “In finance, it’s all about using smart thinking and experience to achieve success,” he says.
Alfonso attributes much of his success to his mother and grandmother, who were born in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, respectively. They reminded him and his siblings to make the best of every opportunity that came their way, no matter how hard it was: “They always told us that we are living a life that our parents probably will never be able to have.”
A Deep Commitment to Community Service
Beyond his professional success, Alfonso’s commitment to community service has been a cornerstone of his career. He has served on several boards, including the Michigan State Plumbing Board and the Ottawa County Veterans Affairs. His volunteer work includes nonprofit organizations focused on financial literacy and community support.
He ran for Congress in 2022, securing 42.5% of the vote. “You have to trust yourself, even at your lowest point,” he insists, reflecting on his political journey. He mobilized a grassroots campaign with less than $50,000, demonstrating his ability to unite people around a common cause.
Leading With Vision and Purpose
Alfonso’s leadership philosophy is rooted in self-confidence and a commitment to others. “You have to lead yourself before you can lead others,” he asserts. His focus on self-reliance and leadership has guided his career.
Alfonso believes that success stems from determination and trust, especially in the challenging field of finance. His resilience and drive have shaped his leadership approach, enabling him to tackle complex financial issues with confidence.
Looking Forward: Expanding Horizons and Creating Lasting Change
Looking ahead, Alfonso has ambitious goals for the next decade. He plans to initiate at least 60 community projects, including efforts to resolve homelessness and improve local infrastructure. “I want to make a meaningful difference,” he says, underscoring his long-term vision.
Alfonso enjoys going on dinner dates with his wife, reading, socializing with friends, and doing yard work. He looks forward to guiding his daughter into adulthood while ensuring that his family’s legacy of service endures.
Alfonso’s dedication to improving the world for future generations, like his daughter’s, is reflected in his professional and civic activities, ensuring that his efforts today will make a lasting impact tomorrow. “It’s about leaving the world better than you found it,” he confirms.
