Our Team
Joe Michalski,
President
I am the founder of the company and the primary advisor to our clients, however FWS really is a team effort. I grew up in Longmont, Colorado, graduated from the University of Colorado, & I’m a devoted family man and have two daughters.
My business is interesting because my clients are very interesting. The complexity of their lives requires that my business grow and adapt to their needs on a yearly basis.
Growth is important, both inside and outside my business: Professionally, working with families that have complexity their needs change over time, and as a result my business gets pulled into new areas annually. Personally, I’ve coached my kids for over a decade, which is probably my favorite challenge I have undertaken in my life. Also, I recently was made an Adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado, and I am very much looking forward to that challenge.
Nick Barsody,
Operations
Nick plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless delivery of complex financial planning services to our valued clients. His leadership and expertise are the backbone of our operational excellence, and is a key driver of our mission to empower individuals and businesses in navigating intricate financial landscapes.
He oversees and maintains the highest standards of accuracy and quality in complex financial planning processes. His role is crucial in ensuring that FWS can effectively deliver financial planning services while adhering to regulatory requirements.
Strategic Partners
Custody & Business Technology
SEI Investments, Inc. is a leading global provider of wealth services, solution integration and focused attention to your goals and objectives.
Some of the reasons FWS partners with SEI:
- Since SEI Private Trust Company(SPTC) is a trust institution—not a bank or brokerage firm—our clients’ assets are segregated and custodied in each clients’ name. This means SPTC creditors have no claim to your assets.
- Financial industry knowledge.
- Cutting-edge investment strategies and products.
- Margin lending, often the source of institutional failures, is not permitted under SEI Private Trust Company’s charter.
Our strategic partnership with SEI is designed to increase our operational efficiency, resulting in lower fees and a focus on risk management.
Portfolio Analysis & Design
As part of our commitment to seek out specialized expertise in portfolio analysis and design, FWS retains a Certified Financial Analyst to handle specific aspects of your investment portfolio analysis, construction, and review. This arrangement is commonly used by individuals, financial institutions, or organizations seeking specialized expertise in portfolio analysis and design.
This approach allows us to leverage skills and experience of professionals, potentially improving the performance of your portfolio and reducing the fees and taxes.
Fixed-Income Desk
For clients seeking laddered bond portfolios, FWS maintains a relationship with a boutique fixed-income firm in Atlanta that works exclusively with firms like ours. They specialize in constructing and managing high quality individual bond portfolios. Overseeing and advising on approximately $4 billion in fixed-income assets.
As a result, FWS is able to provide a turn-key approach to designing, implementing, and managing customized individual bond portfolios.
Why Choose Us?
Our team of advisors possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge to address your unique wealth management needs. Your wealth management plan is uniquely designed to align with your specific financial goals and circumstances.
We believe in open, honest communication, ensuring you have the information and insights needed to make informed decisions. With Fortified Wealth Strategies, Inc., you can trust that your wealth is in capable hands, and your financial future is secure.