frankowski firm

Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most significant acts of trust you can make. You’re handing over the keys to your financial future, relying on their guidance to protect and grow your hard-earned money. But trust should always be earned and verified. It’s essential to look beyond a friendly demeanor and a professional website to understand who you are really working with. This article provides a detailed look at Edward Jones Broker Mark Roberti, examining his professional background, stated services, and approach to financial planning. Our goal is to give you the tools to assess whether the advice you receive aligns with your best interests and to help you recognize when it might be time to ask more critical questions about your portfolio.

CONTACT US

Key Takeaways

Who Is Mark Roberti?

When you entrust your financial future to an advisor, it’s important to understand their professional history and how they present their services. Mark Roberti is a financial advisor currently registered with Edward Jones in Williamsville, New York. According to his public records, he has been in the financial industry since 2011. Understanding an advisor’s background is a critical first step in evaluating the guidance you receive.

Before his career in finance, Roberti had a long history in the media industry, including roles at CMP Media and as the founder and editor of RFID Journal. This unique background may shape his approach to client relationships and investment strategies. For investors, it’s helpful to consider how an advisor’s complete professional journey informs their current financial practice and whether their experience aligns with your specific investment needs. If you ever feel that an advisor’s guidance has led to financial harm, it’s wise to contact us for a review of your situation.

A Look at His Professional Background

Mark Roberti’s career path is somewhat non-traditional for a financial advisor. He began his securities career in 2011 with Edward Jones and has remained with the firm since, according to his FINRA BrokerCheck report. Before entering the financial services industry, he spent years in journalism and media, founding RFID Journal, a publication focused on radio frequency identification technology. While a diverse background can be an asset, it’s also something for investors to consider. You want to ensure your advisor’s primary focus and experience are squarely in the realm of managing investments and providing sound financial guidance that protects your interests from potential broker fraud and negligence.

His Stated Areas of Focus

On his official Edward Jones website, Mark Roberti outlines a comprehensive approach to financial planning. He states that he works with clients to create tailored strategies for a variety of life goals. These include preparing for retirement, saving for education, and planning for the unexpected. He also emphasizes creating estate plans to help clients build a financial legacy. When you work with an advisor, it’s crucial that their stated focus matches the actions they take with your portfolio. If you notice a disconnect between these promises and the actual suitability of your investments, it may be a sign that the advice you’re receiving isn’t truly aligned with your objectives and could point to larger investment issues.

What Financial Services Does Mark Roberti Provide?

Understanding the specific services a financial advisor offers is the first step in determining if they are the right fit for your goals. According to his public information with Edward Jones, Mark Roberti focuses on several key areas of financial management, primarily for individuals with significant assets. These services form the foundation of the financial plans he creates for his clients. While these are common offerings in the wealth management industry, it’s important to know what they involve and how they relate to your personal financial situation.

It’s always a good idea to have a clear picture of the products and strategies your advisor uses. This knowledge helps you ask better questions and spot any recommendations that don’t seem to align with your objectives. If you ever feel that the advice you’re receiving is not in your best interest, it’s crucial to address those investment issues directly. Let’s look at the main services Mark Roberti states he provides.

Retirement and Estate Planning

A major focus for Mark Roberti is helping clients plan for the long term. His professional profile states he specializes in retirement planning, estate planning, and intergenerational wealth transfer, particularly for clients with at least $500,000 in investable assets. These services are designed to help you grow your wealth for retirement and ensure it passes to your heirs according to your wishes. A solid plan in this area is fundamental, but it also requires a deep understanding of your personal circumstances and risk tolerance. An advisor should be able to clearly explain their strategy for managing your assets for these future goals.

Insurance and Annuities

According to his professional information, Mark Roberti’s services also include insurance and annuities. These products are often presented as tools for protecting your assets and generating a steady income stream, especially in retirement. Annuities, in particular, can be complex contracts, and it’s vital to understand all the associated fees, surrender periods, and potential risks. When an advisor recommends such products, they should be able to justify why a specific annuity or insurance policy is the most suitable option for you over other alternatives. Mismanagement or unsuitable recommendations in this area can be a form of broker fraud and negligence.

Employee Stock Option Strategies

Mark Roberti also lists a focus on employee stock options as part of his service offerings. For executives or employees at certain companies, stock options can be a significant part of their overall compensation and wealth. Managing them effectively involves making strategic decisions about when to exercise them and how to integrate them into your broader financial picture. This is a specialized area where the right advice can make a substantial difference, and the wrong advice can lead to missed opportunities or unnecessary tax burdens. If you have questions about the guidance you’ve received on your investments, it’s always wise to contact a legal professional for a second opinion.

How Does Mark Roberti Approach Financial Planning?

Understanding how a financial advisor develops their strategies is key to determining if they are the right fit for you. It’s not just about the end result; the process itself reveals a lot about their philosophy and priorities. Based on his public statements, Mark Roberti’s approach is built on creating personalized, comprehensive plans for a specific type of client. Let’s look at the core components of his financial planning process.

His Process for Crafting Investment Strategies

Mark Roberti describes his work as designing strategies to help clients make better decisions and reach their financial goals. This suggests a commitment to a personalized process, where your individual circumstances are meant to be the foundation of the investment strategy. While a tailored plan is what every investor should expect, it’s crucial to verify that the advice you receive truly aligns with your personal risk tolerance and objectives. When an advisor recommends investments that don’t fit your profile, it can be a sign of broker fraud and negligence. Always ensure you understand why a particular strategy is being recommended for you.

His Focus on High-Net-Worth Clients

Roberti’s practice primarily serves high-net-worth individuals, defined as those with at least $500,000 in investable assets. Working with affluent clients often involves more complex financial instruments and sophisticated wealth management strategies. While these can offer unique opportunities, they can also come with higher risks that may not always be clearly explained. Investors with substantial portfolios have a lot on the line, making it even more important to have a clear grasp of every investment. If you feel that your portfolio is overly complex or that you’re facing unexpected investment issues, it’s wise to seek a second opinion.

The Role of Comprehensive Financial Plans

According to his professional profiles, Roberti’s services aim to create comprehensive financial plans that address a wide range of goals, from retirement and education savings to estate planning. A holistic plan that considers all aspects of your financial life is an excellent tool for long-term security. However, the effectiveness of any plan depends entirely on the quality and suitability of the investments chosen to fund it. A beautifully designed plan can fall apart if it’s built on a foundation of inappropriate products or misrepresentations. If you believe your financial plan has led to significant losses, you can contact our firm to discuss your situation.

What Are Mark Roberti’s Qualifications?

When you entrust someone with your financial future, understanding their professional background is non-negotiable. An advisor’s training, experience, and stated specializations give you a window into their approach and whether it aligns with your needs. A mismatch between an advisor’s claimed focus and your personal financial goals can sometimes be a red flag. Let’s look at the qualifications Mark Roberti presents to his clients.

This information, drawn from his public professional profiles, can help you form a clearer picture of his background. It’s a starting point for your own due diligence, which is a crucial step before entering or continuing any advisory relationship. Examining these details allows you to ask more informed questions and feel confident that you are making the right choices for your financial well-being.

His Training and History with Edward Jones

Mark Roberti is a financial advisor operating from Berlin, Connecticut, under the banner of Edward Jones, a major financial services firm. According to his company biography, he has built his career on meeting with clients and designing strategies to help them pursue their financial goals. This history with a large, established firm like Edward Jones means he likely has access to a wide array of financial products and internal resources. Understanding an advisor’s firm is just as important as understanding the advisor themselves, as the firm’s culture and policies can influence the advice you receive.

Stated Specializations in Wealth Management

On his professional biography, Mark Roberti lists several areas of focus. These include retirement planning, estate planning, intergenerational wealth transfer, insurance and annuities, charitable giving, and employee stock options. These specializations often involve complex financial instruments and long-term strategies. When an advisor claims a specific focus, it’s important to ensure the investments they recommend truly fit within that scope and match your personal needs. If you ever feel that the products you are being sold don’t align with your goals, it can lead to serious investment issues. Always confirm that your portfolio reflects your objectives, not just your advisor’s preferred products.

Understanding Market Behavior

According to his public profiles, Mark Roberti’s primary goal is to help clients develop an investment strategy geared toward their unique, long-term goals. This suggests a commitment to personalized financial planning rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. While a tailored strategy is what every investor hopes for, it’s vital to ensure the plan genuinely reflects your risk tolerance and financial situation. An advisor’s failure to align their recommendations with a client’s best interests can sometimes be a sign of broker fraud and negligence. You have the right to a strategy that is suitable for you.

What Is the Stated Client Experience?

Understanding what a financial advisor promises is the first step in evaluating whether they are the right fit for you. Public statements, professional profiles, and company websites create a picture of the client experience an advisor aims to provide. For Mark Roberti, his online presence emphasizes a client-centric model built on personalization and consistent communication.

By examining these claims, you can establish a baseline for what to expect. This allows you to compare the promised service with the actual service you receive. It’s important to remember that an advisor’s marketing is just one piece of the puzzle. Your own research and ongoing assessment of the relationship are what truly protect your financial interests. If your experience doesn’t align with what was promised, it may be a sign that the relationship isn’t working as it should. Below, we’ll look at the specific experience Mark Roberti says he offers his clients at Edward Jones.

The Promise of Tailored Financial Solutions

Mark Roberti states that his “primary goal is to help clients develop an investment strategy geared toward their unique, long-term goals.” This is a promise of a personalized approach, suggesting that your financial plan will be built from the ground up to match your specific circumstances. A truly tailored strategy should account for your age, risk tolerance, income, and what you hope to achieve, whether that’s retiring comfortably or funding a child’s education.

This commitment is crucial because a generic or one-size-fits-all plan can be ineffective or even harmful. When advice isn’t aligned with your personal profile, it can lead to a portfolio of unsuitable investments and other serious investment issues. An advisor should take the time to understand you before making any recommendations.

The Importance of Regular Meetings and Updates

A financial strategy isn’t something you can set and forget. Your life changes, and so do the markets. Mark Roberti highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue, stating, “I have made a career out of meeting with people who I care about and designing strategies and rendering advice.” This points to a relationship-based model where regular check-ins are part of the service.

Consistent communication helps ensure your portfolio stays aligned with your goals and gives you a clear understanding of how your investments are performing. It’s also a key part of an advisor’s professional responsibility. When an advisor fails to communicate or avoids meetings, it can be a red flag. This lack of transparency can sometimes hide deeper problems, including forms of broker fraud and negligence.

How an Advisor’s Background Can Shape Advice

An advisor’s professional history can influence their perspective and the type of advice they provide. Mark Roberti’s background includes experience in other industries, with past roles at companies like Rfid Journal and CMP Media. This non-financial experience could offer him a unique lens on technology and media sectors, potentially informing his market analysis.

While a diverse background can be an asset, it’s also something to be aware of. An advisor’s past experiences might create a bias toward industries they know well, which could lead to recommendations that are overly concentrated in one area. As an investor, it’s helpful to understand your advisor’s background and ensure their advice supports a well-diversified strategy that matches your complete financial picture, not just their areas of interest.

How to Research an Advisor’s Reputation

Before you entrust someone with your financial future, it’s essential to do your own research. An advisor’s reputation is built from many sources, including their own marketing, client feedback, and official regulatory records. Looking at all these pieces together helps you form a more complete picture of who they are and how they operate. This isn’t just about verifying credentials; it’s about understanding their professional history, their client relationships, and whether any red flags exist beneath the surface. Taking the time to conduct this research is a fundamental step in protecting your investments and making an informed decision. It allows you to move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve looked beyond the sales pitch to see the full story.

Analyzing Public Feedback and Testimonials

Public reviews and an advisor’s own statements can offer a window into their professional style and what they promise to deliver. For example, when looking at Mark Roberti, you might find testimonials where a client says, “Mark is a dedicated professional willing to help with all your investment needs.” You may also see how he describes his own philosophy, stating, “I have made a career out of meeting with people who I care about and designing strategies.” This feedback can give you a sense of an advisor’s approach to client service. However, it’s important to view testimonials as just one part of your research, as they don’t always reveal potential investment issues or the full scope of an advisor’s practice.

Checking for Disciplinary Actions and Red Flags

The most critical part of your research involves digging into an advisor’s official records. This is where you can find objective information that isn’t part of a marketing brochure. You should always check for disciplinary actions, customer complaints, and other disclosures. For any advisor, you can look up their professional history to understand their background. For instance, reports show that Mark Roberti “entered the securities industry in 2017.”

According to FINRA’s BrokerCheck, Mark Roberti has one reported customer dispute that was settled in September 2024 for $158,196, with Roberti personally contributing $17,577 to the settlement. The complaint alleged that the movement of client funds into a mutual fund was never discussed or approved. Although the matter was resolved without any admission of wrongdoing, this disclosure highlights the importance of thoroughly reviewing an advisor’s background for potential red flags before entrusting them with your financial future.

Read the report here.

This information, along with details about previous roles, helps you assess their experience. A thorough background check is your first line of defense against potential broker fraud and negligence. Always use FINRA’s free BrokerCheck tool to review an advisor’s employment history, licenses, and any reported disclosures.

How Mark Roberti Describes His Services

Understanding how a financial advisor presents their services is a critical step in your evaluation. The language they use on their website and in marketing materials reveals their target audience, their core philosophy, and what they consider their strengths. For Mark Roberti, his public statements highlight a focus on specific client types and relationship-driven advice. Examining these points can help you determine if his approach aligns with your financial needs and goals. It’s also a key part of the due diligence every investor should perform before entrusting someone with their financial future.

Managing Finances for High-Net-Worth Clients

Mark Roberti is clear about his target clientele, stating he “specializes in helping clients with at least $500,000 in investable assets.” This focus on high-net-worth individuals often means an advisor is equipped to handle more complex financial situations. However, it’s important for any investor, regardless of their net worth, to ensure their portfolio is managed appropriately. High-value accounts can sometimes be targets for unsuitable high-risk or illiquid investments. Understanding the specific investment issues that can arise is crucial for protecting your assets and ensuring your advisor is acting in your best interest. An advisor’s specialization should match your needs, not expose you to unnecessary risk.

Building Client Relationships

A strong client-advisor relationship is built on trust, and Mr. Roberti emphasizes this aspect of his practice. He describes his career as “meeting with people who I care about and designing strategies and rendering advice to help them make better decisions.” While a personal connection can make financial discussions more comfortable, it should never be a substitute for professional accountability. An advisor’s primary duty is to provide suitable recommendations, regardless of their personal rapport with a client. If you ever feel that a friendly relationship is being used to downplay concerns or push you into investments you don’t understand, it could be a sign of potential broker fraud and negligence.

His Knowledge of the RFID Industry

An advisor’s professional background can significantly shape their investment perspective. Publicly available information shows that Mark Roberti has previous experience with RFID Journal, a publication focused on radio-frequency identification technology. This specialized knowledge could be beneficial for clients interested in the tech sector. However, it also raises a point for consideration: advisors may sometimes favor industries they know well, which can lead to recommendations that over-concentrate a portfolio in a specific area. A well-diversified strategy is a cornerstone of responsible investing, and it’s important to ensure your advisor’s personal interests don’t create undue risk in your accounts. If you have questions, you can always contact us for a consultation.

How to Properly Vet Any Financial Advisor

Choosing someone to manage your money is a major decision, and it’s one you should approach with care and a healthy dose of skepticism. Before you sign any agreements, it’s your responsibility to do some homework. A thorough vetting process is your best protection against potential problems down the road. It helps you understand who you’re dealing with, verify their claims, and ensure their approach aligns with your financial well-being. Taking these steps can give you peace of mind and safeguard your financial future.

Key Questions You Must Ask

When you first meet with a potential advisor, the conversation should be all about you. A trustworthy advisor’s primary goal is to understand your situation and help you develop an investment strategy geared toward your unique, long-term goals. Ask them directly how they plan to do this. Inquire about their investment philosophy, how they are compensated, and how they handle communication with clients. You should also ask for a clear explanation of the risks associated with their proposed strategy. If their answers are vague or they seem more interested in making a quick sale than understanding your needs, consider it a red flag. These initial conversations are critical for spotting potential investment issues before they arise.

Warning Signs of Potential Misconduct

An advisor’s history can tell you a lot. While a long career can indicate experience, it doesn’t guarantee integrity. One of the most significant warning signs is a history of customer complaints or disciplinary actions. Even a single recent complaint can indicate a pattern of behavior that puts investors at risk. You should also be wary of advisors who promise guaranteed high returns, pressure you into making quick decisions, or suggest overly complex or illiquid investments that you don’t understand. These tactics are often associated with broker fraud and negligence, and they should prompt you to walk away and continue your search for a more reliable professional.

Why Due Diligence Is Your Best Defense

Ultimately, your best defense is your own research. Thankfully, there are free and powerful tools available to help. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides BrokerCheck, an online tool that allows you to research the professional background of brokers and investment advisors. You can see their employment history, licenses, and, most importantly, any customer disputes or regulatory actions. Using this tool is a crucial step in your due diligence process. It allows you to independently verify the information an advisor gives you and uncover details they might not volunteer. Making this simple check a non-negotiable part of your vetting process is one of the smartest moves you can make as an investor.

What to Do If You Suspect a Problem

If something feels off with your investments or your advisor, it’s important to trust that instinct. Taking a few simple steps can give you clarity and help you protect your financial future. Ignoring red flags or hoping a problem will fix itself can often lead to more significant losses down the road. The key is to be proactive and informed.

How to Find More Information

Your first move should be to gather objective information. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) offers a free tool called BrokerCheck that is invaluable for investors. Here, you can see a broker’s employment history, their licenses, and, most importantly, any past customer disputes or disciplinary actions. Think of it as a background check for your financial professional. Reviewing this report gives you a factual basis for your concerns and helps you understand who you’re really working with. It’s a simple, confidential step every investor should know how to take.

Steps to Take If You Spot Red Flags

If you notice red flags—like your broker is being evasive, pushing unsuitable products, or your account statements don’t make sense—it’s time to act. Don’t dismiss your concerns. Start by cross-referencing what you’re seeing with the information on BrokerCheck. Does your advisor have a history of similar complaints? This simple check can confirm if your situation is part of a larger pattern of broker fraud and negligence. Document everything: save emails, take notes on phone calls, and keep all your statements. This record will be crucial if you decide to take further action.

When to Consult a Securities Attorney

When your research confirms your suspicions or if you’ve already suffered significant financial losses, it’s time to speak with a securities attorney. You don’t have to figure this out alone. An attorney who focuses on investment issues can review your situation, explain your legal rights, and outline your options for recovering your money. Many of these cases are handled through a process called securities arbitration. Getting a professional opinion can provide a clear path forward and help you hold the right people accountable. If you’re ready to understand your options, you can contact us for a confidential consultation.

Related Articles

CONTACT US

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it so important to check an advisor’s background on FINRA’s BrokerCheck? Think of BrokerCheck as the official record of a financial professional’s career. While an advisor’s website and marketing materials show you the story they want to tell, BrokerCheck gives you the unvarnished facts. It allows you to independently verify their employment history, see their licenses, and most importantly, discover any past customer complaints or disciplinary actions. Using this free tool is a non-negotiable step in your research because it helps you spot potential red flags before you commit your money.

My advisor is very personable and friendly. Isn’t that a good sign? A good rapport with your advisor can certainly make financial discussions more comfortable, but it should never be confused with professional integrity. A friendly relationship doesn’t guarantee that the advice you’re receiving is suitable for your situation. Your advisor’s primary responsibility is to act in your best interest, and that duty is separate from how well you get along. Always focus on the quality and suitability of the investment advice itself, not just the personality of the person delivering it.

What if my advisor recommends a product like an annuity or a complex investment I don’t fully understand? You should never invest in something you don’t understand. If an advisor suggests a product and you can’t get a clear, simple explanation of how it works, its risks, and all associated fees, you should press pause. It is your advisor’s job to make sure you are fully informed. Feeling pressured to agree to a strategy or product that feels overly complicated or vague is a major warning sign that it may not be the right fit for you.

Is an advisor’s background in another industry, like technology, a red flag? Not necessarily. A diverse professional history can sometimes provide an advisor with a unique perspective on certain market sectors. However, it’s something to be aware of. An advisor’s past experience could create a bias, leading them to recommend investments concentrated in an industry they know well. A well-managed portfolio is typically diversified to manage risk, so you just want to ensure their advice is based on your complete financial picture, not on their personal interests or specialized background.

I’ve already lost a significant amount of money. Is it too late to do anything about it? It is almost never too late to seek a professional opinion. If you believe your losses are the result of poor advice, unsuitable recommendations, or negligence, you may have legal options for recovering your funds. The first step is to have your situation reviewed by a securities attorney who can assess the details of your case and explain your rights. Many investors feel overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, but getting a confidential consultation can provide a clear path forward.