Inside the walls of the Financial Services Center, a quiet but meaningful shift is happening in the way people think about money. At its center is its owner, wealth adviser Scott C. Fanatico. He believes that financial planning should be more than a transactional relationship. From his perspective, it should feel personal.
A Firm That Speaks the Clients’ Language
Fanatico sees a problem within the financial services industry worth solving. The sector has a reputation for speaking over people’s heads. Confusing jargon, vague promises, and an obsession with products often make individuals unsure about their futures. “The challenge is like going to a doctor with a serious need, but the doctor does not have the best bedside manner and is not a strong communicator,” he says.
Many people come to the Financial Services Center with a once-in-a-lifetime question: “Can I retire? Am I going to be able to do that successfully?” Instead of leading with products, the firm listens. Fanatico prefers to understand the client’s goals. With that said, he identifies two client types that require a balance of technical expertise and strong communication. These groups include high-net-worth clients and accumulators, i.e., long-term prospects.
Wealth is More Than Money
Financial planning often centers around outcomes, such as retirement dates, account balances, and estate values. However, for many of Fanatico’s clients, success isn’t just measured in dollars. “For our clients, it’s not about leaving the money,” he says. “It’s about leaving the work ethic, the principles, the values that were a part of the life that allowed that wealth to be created and passed along to other generations.”
This understanding of legacy guides the work at the Financial Services Center. Fanatico and his team assist clients in developing plans that align with their values. Whether the priority is education, family, or community, he crafts every plan with purpose.
Military Lessons as a Financial Foundation
As a graduate of the University of Dayton, Fanatico served as a captain in the U.S. Army. During his time in the military, he was surrounded by people who could make decisions under pressure. “They realized tough decisions needed to be made for success to be achieved,” he says. Additionally, he discovered that success often comes from knowing who to trust.
Before launching his firm in 2016, Fanatico worked at SEI Investments. In this capacity, he supported wealth management solutions across a broad client base. Moreover, he earned certifications, including Series 65, Series 24, Series 63, and Series 7 licenses in finance. However, business ownership had long been his goal. With over eight years at the helm of Financial Services, he’s looking toward the firm’s next chapter.
A Commitment That Stays Personal
Fanatico’s clients aren’t spreadsheets. They’re people trying to make wise decisions for their families. The goal is to replace uncertainty with confidence when assisting a couple with retirement timing or guiding young professionals in saving.
In the upcoming years, Fanatico envisions a new business model. With the new framework, employees will build wealth while delivering reliable service to clients. This accomplished wealth adviser has the building blocks to make it happen. “I’ve always believed in surrounding myself with people who are hardworking, ethical and smarter than I am,” he said. “That’s what makes a team strong.”
