Jonathan Abbett, CLU, ChFC founded FAA in 1997 to better service the investment and protection needs of our community. He has been a financial professional in the Washington business community for over 25 years.

Jon built his insurance and investment practice over this period of time from a solo operation, managing individual clients. Under his leadership, the FAA team manages and or administers over 250 million* in organization and individual assets and has helped issue nearly 1 billion in death benefit protection, supporting an array of tax-efficient executive deferred compensation plans, as well as protecting the hopes and dreams of our clients.

In addition to working with non-profit organizations and their executives, Jon has served as Committee chair and Board member for several not-for-profit community organizations. He has been a volunteer guest speaker for over 100 sponsored events on a variety of financial topics, and is regular speaker to business students at his alma mater, the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business.

Jon has also received his Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designation from the American College. Jon and his wife Kathy live in Gaithersburg MD and are active members of the local community where they raised three children: Lindsay, who joined the firm in 2014 to help build out an affiliated tax and accounting practice, Steve, who also joined the firm in 2014 to help expand the asset management business and Bobby who recently graduated in Spring 2016 and will be working for a health care firm in Baltimore.  During his spare time Jon plays softball on 2 local teams and has participated in the Orioles Fantasy Camp.   

*Amounts listed as of 11/1/2016 Jon is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services.  Member FINRA/SIPC.  1653661 DOFU 11/2016

John Gracyalny, CLU, ChFC founded FAA with Jon Abbett in 1997 and has been providing financial services in the community since 1990. John specializes in helping business owners, families and executives with insurance, investments and financial services. With over 20 years of experience, he has developed an expertise in working with individuals and business owners to find individualized solutions to the complex financial challenges they face. He serves as FAA's Executive Vice President and provides numerous financial seminars and services to FAA's clientele.

Prior to becoming a Financial Advisor, John graduated from St. Bonaventure University with an accounting degree and his Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designations from the American College. He then entered the financial services industry as an accountant with Ernst & Young in their Washington DC office.

John is a long time and active member in Business Network International (BNI) Rockville chapter and is an active member of his industry as a member of both Securian Financial Services Premier Resource Group** (a group of select financial professionals under his broker dealer who advocate for all financial professionals) and as of 2014, he is an 12 year member of MDRT* (an industry group of sales leaders.) He and his wife Melissa live in Potomac with their two sons Nick and Max.

He is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc., A Securities Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Advantage Associates is independently owned and operated.

* Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is an independent membership organization of life insurance and financial service professionals. Membership levels are based on commissions, premiums, or fees generated within a year from investment and insurance products. Members must apply annually and pay a fee. Members must be members in good standing of a Professional Association which has met the following criteria: in existence at least 2 years, have 100 or more members, must be a nonprofit organization, must have a code of ethics and an effective means of dealing with breaches of its code. Members must also adhere to the MDRT Code of Ethics. Working with this advisor is not a guarantee of future financial results. Investors should conduct their own evaluation.

** Awards and club membership are based primarily on commissions, premiums, or fees generated from investment and insurance products and other criteria relative to leadership, achievement, and recruiting. Working with this individual or firm is not a guarantee of future financial results. Investors should conduct their own evaluation.

Jason Silverberg started his practice in 2005 with a mission to serve the ever-changing financial needs of the community. Jason's passion lies in helping individuals, families, and business owners to create new financial visions, opportunities, and futures, while overcoming obstacles that may hinder success.

By removing the fear, anxieties, and unknowns around money, time and energy can be better spent on what matters most. Jason strives to help his clients create a brighter future by helping them understand the nuances of their personal financial plan.

Jason takes a values-based approach, which allows him to connect with his clients on a deeper level than most other advisors, diving into the "why" behind the numbers. He focuses on helping clients achieve their goals by growing their wealth through intelligent investing and protecting those goals using risk management strategies and insurance solutions.

Jason graduated from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland in 2005 with a degree in Finance. He is a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner™) and has received his CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter) and ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant) designations from The American College. He is a past member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)* The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®. This level of education, recognition, and credentials shows that he is committed to serving his clients with exemplary performance and high standards of professional knowledge.

In 2017, Jason released the Amazon Best-Selling book, The Financial Planning Puzzle: Fitting Your Pieces Together to Create Financial Freedom. The book serves as a framework for helping people take ownership of their financial lives and motivation to move their plan forward.

Along with the book, Jason presents a seminar series which he uses as a platform for public appearances. He has appeared on ABC's The Savvy Investor Show and is a regular financial speaker at the United States Patent & Trademark Office. Additionally, he was a financial correspondent for Take Pride Community Magazine. What this means to clients is that they are working with a professional who focuses on educating individuals, so they can make informed and confident decisions about their future.

In addition to his work, Jason spends his leisure time with his wife, Lindsay, and children, Joshua and Rebecca. He enjoys running outside and in competitive races. He completed the Frederick Marathon in 2010 and participates in the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K each year.

Jason is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc.

* Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is an independent membership organization of life insurance and financial service professionals. Membership levels are based on commissions, premiums, or fees generated within a year from investment and insurance products. Members must apply annually and pay a fee. Members must be members in good standing of a Professional Association which has met the following criteria: in existence at least 2 years, have 100 or more members, must be a nonprofit organization, must have a code of ethics and an effective means of dealing with breaches of its code. Members must also adhere to the MDRT Code of Ethics. Working with this advisor is not a guarantee of future financial results. Investors should conduct their own evaluation.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Securian Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Advantage Associates is independently owned and operated.

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Allison McCarty has been helping individuals achieve their financial goals though comprehensive, fee-based financial planning since 2007. While she has clients across all stages of life, she particularly enjoys helping pre-retirees plan for a successful retirement by maximizing social security, generating income streams from savings, and protecting their assets through insurance and legacy planning.

Her team is made up of her business partner, Perry Lazerus, and junior advisors, Grant LaGasse, and Thomas (T.J.) White.  Allison strongly believes a personal financial plan should be tailored to an individual’s goals and should continually evolve as their personal and professional life changes. Her strengths lie in her strong listening skills and her ability to explain complex financial products in a way her clients understand and appreciate.

Whether it’s simply a product someone would like help researching and securing (i.e. life, disability, or long-term care insurance) or a service they’re seeking (i.e. fee-based financial planning and/or asset management), Allison is committed to providing genuine advice and exceptional service.

Allison is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) practitioner who has earned her FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 registrations, as well as her Life and Health Insurance license. She graduated from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland with a degree in Finance, and she holds a Certificate in Financial Planning from Georgetown University. In 2016, Allison became an instructor for the Lifelong Learning Institute at Montgomery College, where she teaches a course for those approaching retirement called “Retirement Planning Today”. Allison has also been awarded the designation Certified in Long Term Care (CLTC).

Allison lives in Ashton, MD with her husband, Brian, and her daughters, Everleigh, Charlotte and Lenna. She is a strong supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association and an active member of her community. Outside of work, Allison enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling the world, and playing “interior designer” for her own home projects, or for any family and friends who will indulge her creative side!

Allison is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Securian Financial Services, Inc., Securities Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Financial Advantage Associates is independently owned and operated.

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Perry Lazerus has been helping individuals achieve their financial goals through comprehensive, fee-based financial planning since joining Financial Advantage Associates (FAA) in June of 2011.  While he has clients across all stages of life, he specializes in helping:

Medical Professionals plan for, and overcome, the financial challenges unique to their profession, and

Pre-Retirees plan for a successful retirement by maximizing social security, generating income streams from savings, and protecting their assets through insurance and legacy planning.

His team is made up of his business partner, Allison McCarty, and junior advisors, Thomas (TJ) White, and Grant LaGasse.  Perry is passionate about helping his clients establish a secure financial future by addressing both insurance protection planning and wealth management strategies.  His strengths lie in his ability to spur clients to action, his responsiveness to client emails and phone calls, and his ability to explain complex financial concepts and products in a way his clients understand and appreciate.

Perry has earned his FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations, as well as his Life & Health Insurance license.  He graduated from University of Maryland, College Park with a B.S. in Elementary Education, originally planning to become a math teacher!  While it was somewhat unexpected that he would become a financial advisor, Perry has found his background in education translates well to educating his clients about their financial situation and helping them understand their options.  Perry leads the medical division at FAA, and is regularly invited to present to medical students, residents, and fellows at numerous teaching hospitals across MD, DC and VA.  Furthermore, in 2016 Perry became an instructor for the Lifelong Learning Institute at Montgomery College, where he teaches a course for those approaching retirement called “Retirement Planning Today”. 

Born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, Perry currently lives with his wife, Allyson, in North Potomac. He is a huge baseball fan and often catches a lot of slack around the office (and from clients) for cheering on his favorite team, the New York Yankees.  Outside of work Perry enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing softball, attending Washington Capitals games, and of course, watching the Yankees.

Perry is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Securian Financial Services, Inc., Securities Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Securian Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. 2384097 DOFU 01-2019

Kris draws upon her 20+ years’ experience in fee-based estate and financial planning to help her clients realize their vision for their future. Her ability to simplify complex issues empowers her clients to engage in their planning with greater confidence.

Kris’ experience in her family’s business has given her a special affinity for other entrepreneurs. Kris’ expertise in retirement/pension planning, executive benefits and business succession planning is commonly referred by corporate CPA’s and attorneys. As a former Vice President of the Women Business Owners of Montgomery County, and an active member of the XPX DC Metro Exit Planning Exchange, she has forged relationships with business valuation experts, business brokers and consultants alike to guide owners and executives successfully through critical transitions.

Through the retirement income planning process, Kris helps clients successfully navigate key decisions that will impact their lifestyle in retirement. These may include housing and pension elections, the sale of a substantial asset (such as a business), and strategies to maximize Social Security benefits. Her wealth management services include special attention to longevity, inflation and market risk, balanced by tax sensitivity and legacy implications all of which are critical to retirees.

Perhaps the highest compliment, Kris routinely serves multiple generations of her clients, drawing upon her estate planning background to help define and preserve their legacies, which commonly include charitable interests. She routinely conducts family forums to share these provisions with next generations. Clients who want to “age in place” in their own homes seek Kris’ knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid and Long Term Care strategies to enhance their ability to do so.

Over the years, Kris’ role has matured to leading a team of advisors whose collaboration helps to ensure that all viable solutions are being considered for each client. Kris further solicits input directly from other specialists as her clients’ needs evolve. This ensures that her clients benefit from a multiple-disciplinary perspective.

Kris is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) practitioner, and member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), who maintains all required licenses, registrations and certifications to provide financial planning, wealth management, and asset protection. She is a native “Washingtonian” who resides in Rockville, Maryland, is an avid dog lover, frustrated (yet hopeful) gardener, and enjoys the arts and travel with friends and loved ones. Kris is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Securian Financial Services, Inc. DOFU 01/19 2384120

Separate from the financial plan and our role as financial planner, we may recommend the purchase of specific investment or insurance products or accounts. These product recommendations are not part of the financial plan and you are under no obligation to follow them.

Drew Brand joined the Financial Advantage team in November of 2012. Previously he worked as a Business Manager for a Fortune 100 company. He originally hails from California where, after graduating from the University of California at Davis, played professional beach volleyball for 10 years. One of Drew’s favorite quotes that he strives to apply on and off the court is, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” -Vince Lombardi.

Drew utilizes a blend of education, investment strategy, retirement goal analysis, life and income protection planning and estate planning to help his clients reach their financial goals. Since joining Financial Advantage Associates, Drew has earned his Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA securities registrations, as well as his Life and Health Insurance licenses.

Drew lives with his wife Jeanie and son Connor in Olney, Maryland. He gives back to his community by volunteering as an advisor for the Olney Investment Club. He is an active member of his church community. In his spare time he enjoys volleyball, basketball, skiing and playing the guitar

Drew is a registered representative and investment advisor representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Securian Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Advantage Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated.

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Wade Friedel was born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey. During high school, Wade attended multiple youth leadership forums that were held in Washington, D.C. and immediately fell in love with the area. When it came time to select a college to spend the next four years of his life, Wade gravitated towards schools in the D.C. Metropolitan Area. Once he stepped on campus at the University of Maryland, he knew that was where he wanted to continue his education.

While at the University of Maryland, Wade was a member of the Chevy Chase Leadership Internship Program where he studied, participated in and had a front row seat to leadership at a local and global level. The cohort of students traveled together to Prague and Olomouc, Czech Republic, where they met with and learned from many of the areas top political, educational and business leaders. In addition to his involvement with this program, Wade was a member of the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity and, throughout his time in the fraternity, held nearly every position on the fraternity's executive board. 

When Wade graduated from the University of Maryland in 2012, he accepted a job working for a small law firm in Montgomery County, MD where he worked closely with individual clients and small business owners and provided valuable assistance with day to day business operations. His experience with the firm gave him a great appreciation for helping others understand and deal with complex situations.

Wades previous life experiences led him to Financial Advantage where he hopes to help others reach their financial goals. Wade has earned his Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA securities registrations, as well as his Life and Health Insurance licenses.

When he is not in the office, Wade can be found working out, hiking, playing golf, or socializing with friends. He lives in Rockville, Maryland with his fiancé, Annalise. He is a die-hard fan of the Maryland Terrapins and the Miami Dolphins and enjoys watching all collegiate and professional sports.  

Wade is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc., a Securities Dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Advantage Associates is independently owned and operated.
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After enjoying a 10-year career with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Grant LaGasse was recruited to join FAA to work alongside fellow advisors, Allison McCarty, Perry Lazerus, and Thomas White.  As a former federal employee, Grant is uniquely positioned to assist in advising the team’s Federal clients.  While he enjoys working with clients across all stages of life, he particularly loves helping:

Federal Employees understand and capitalize on their benefits (good and bad) from a financial planning perspective;

Young Families establish a strong financial foundation by helping them develop a strategy to reduce debt, build short-term savings, secure basic insurance coverage, and initiate a savings and investment plan; and

Pre-Retirees prepare for a successful retirement by maximizing social security, generating income streams from savings, and protecting their assets through insurance and legacy solutions.

Grant enjoys helping families manage their resources to achieve their financial goals.  He believes a financial strategy should continually evolve along with his client’s personal and professional life.  Both his ability to connect with clients personally, as well as his commitment to provide exceptional service, are appreciated by his clients.  He believes understanding the “why” behind his clients’ goals and concerns enables him to provide honest advice that is tailored to each client’s individual circumstances. 

A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, he has earned his Series 7 and 66 registrations, as well as his Life and Health Insurance license since joining the team at Financial Advantage Associates (FAA) in May of 2018.  Grant LaGasse is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative with Securian Financial Services, Inc., Securities Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Grant was born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland and currently lives in Derwood with his wife, Ashley, daughter, Caroline, and their dog, Billy.  Grant is a strong supporter of the Tree House CAC of Montgomery County, which is dedicated to promoting healing for child victims of physical and/or sexual abuse and neglect, as well as the Alzheimer's Association.  Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and woodworking.

TN: 2384103   DOFU: 2/2019

Kaitlyn Manning is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Nicole Harrison joined Financial Advantage Associates in January of 2010 after graduating from the University of Maryland. In late 2011, Nicole partnered with Kris Kornemann, CFP, and now brings over eight years of fee-based financial planning, banking and communications experience to the firm.

Once a plan has been drafted and tailored to the client and advisor's satisfaction, and if the client chooses to implement the plan, Nicole oversees the implementation of a client's financial strategies, and plays a vital role in the asset management practice.* Working alongside the firm's analyst has benefited her clients, who entrust Nicole and her team with personal, corporate and employer retirement plan assets.

Nicole is a founding member of the Prince George's County Collaborative Professional Association, and The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals; two organizations which help facilitate positive outcomes to divorce and separation.

Nicole holds the following FINRA securities registrations: Series 7, 66, as well as the Life and Health insurance licenses. She is a resident of Silver Spring, and a native Marylander. Her favorite pastimes include spending time with her family and friends, and taking day trips on her neon green sport bike.

She is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc., A Securities Dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Advantage Associates is independently owned and operated.

*Separate from the financial plan and her role as financial planner, she may recommend the purchase of specific investments or insurance products. These product recommendations are not part of the financial plan and the client is under no obligation to follow them.

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Steve Abbett was born and raised in the Greater Washington area. Being the son of our firm's President, Jon Abbett, Steve has witnessed firsthand the positive impact a financial advisor can have on a business and hence an individual's life. Steve officially joined the FAA team in 2014.

Steve hopes to work alongside business owners, families, and executives in order to help them grow their wealth while achieving their personal financial goals. Through the skills gained through a lifetime spent living with a seasoned financial advisor and business owner, Steve seeks to become a trusted financial resource. He strategically surrounds himself with FAA's specialists such that his clients benefit from their years of education and expertise. Steve has a passion for analyzing investments and takes an active role in FAA's Investment Center, contributing to the already sophisticated expertise that the FAA team currently thrives on.

Over the next few years he hopes to aggressively network himself in the Washington D.C. area and is always looking to meet new people.

Steve is very active in his personal life, playing softball and golf, as well as giving back to his own community. Saint Jude Research Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, the Maryland Food Bank and Children's Miracle Network have been the benefactor of Steve's volunteering efforts and coordination.

Steve is a Registered representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc., a Securities Dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Advantage Associates is independently owned and operated.

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Lindsay joined the Financial Advantage team as the in-house Tax Consultant in December 2014, after a successful four years in Public Accounting. Her experience in public accounting was focused in the area of taxation and serving clients in the areas of partnerships, limited liability companies, S corporations, trusts and individual taxation.

In addition to her role at Financial Advantage, Lindsay is the Tax Director at FAA Tax, LLC a firm that offers quality income tax preparation to the community. Lindsay is known for being personable and dependable in representing, advising, informing and assisting clients with tax-related matters.

Lindsay joined the Financial Advantage Team as a result of her interest in working with individuals and families on their retirement, trust and estate planning goals. She received her Bachelors in Business Administration with a degree in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University - Go Owls!

Lindsay lives with her husband Nick and their adorable dog Moose in North Bethesda, Maryland. In her spare time she enjoys horseback riding, traveling, any activity outdoors and following her favorite local sports teams.

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Lindsay is not a Registered Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. Registered Representatives of Securian Financial Services do not provide specific tax advice or services. Tax Services are provided by FAA Tax, LLC. Securian Financial Services is not affiliated with FAA Tax, LLC or Financial Advantage Associates.

Following graduation with a BA degree from the University of Maryland, Poppy built her career as a Human Resource Specialist with a Fortune 500 company for over 10 years. She actively managed two retail stores with responsibilities to include the hiring and training of employees, operational management, merchandizing and all things HR. In early 2010, Poppy made a deliberate career transition when joining FAA, and has been instrumental in the operations of FAA's Financial Planning Center. She works with FAA advisors when strategic financial plans are recommended and created. Poppy will work with the advisor from start to finish, helping to ensure that the planning process is operating smoothly, with accuracy and tailored to the client's needs and expectations. Poppy and her husband live in Montgomery County, and enjoy family, friends, gardening and time spent on the beach!

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Kathy graduated from the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business with a BS degree prior to launching her career. As a result of her years working behind the scenes in a thriving and expanding family business, she has been an invaluable resource to FAA and the advisors. She oversees the operations of the firm, managing everything from billing and technology to labor relations. Kathy is a Montgomery County native, and when not found within the halls of FAA, she can usually be found with her horse, Dory, as she trains for competitive dressage events. In her limited free time, Kathy also enjoys distance training and running as well as summer evening baseball games with her family.

Shari is a graduate of The George Washington University, where she earned a BS degree in Education. Spanning her career, she coached and judged gymnastics in Maryland and Virginia while raising her three children. Shari joined FAA in 2002 and has been instrumental in the management of new business submission. She has proven invaluable in her working relationships with the advisor and the underwriting team, tracking and progressing each case to completion. It is because of Shari that the business submission is fluid and operational, allowing the advisor to focus his/her attention on the needs of the client. Shari thoroughly enjoys life, spending time with friends and family, experiencing fine wines and meeting new people. She and her husband are long-time residents of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

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Marilynn spent 12 years in the home appraisal business before making the move to FAA in 2006. She serves as Jon Abbett's executive assistant, and has developed close working relationships not only with his clients, but their extended families as well. As a result, clients have come to rely on Marilynn, demonstrating their trust and confidence in her as an extension of Jon. Because of her attention to detail, and her never wavering focus on the client's needs and ongoing concerns, she has proved an invaluable resource in the long term client experience. Marilynn and her husband live in Montgomery County, while devoted to daily fitness and enjoying their children and grandchildren to the fullest.

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