Lawrence Passaretti

Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer

P: (631) 870-8270 ext. 362
F: (631) 439-4604
E: lpassaretti@ppsadvisors.com

Within his roles at PPS Advisors, Lawrence works with the investment team, providing allocation strategies according to the macroeconomic environment. He also remains active with a portion of our client base as an advisor, cultivating ongoing relationships. Overall, he enjoys helping clients reach their goals and objectives while providing guidance with life issues along the path to financial security.

Prior to joining AXA Advisors, LLC in 1986, Lawrence was a licensed investment counselor for a major Wall Street firm. During that time, he was elected to the AXA Hall of Fame. Lawrence has also been the recipient of many other distinguished awards.

Outside of work, Lawrence enjoys sports, chasing his grandchildren, and caring for his family and wife, Kate, whom he’s been married to for over 40 years.

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Gus Catanzaro

Chief Operating Officer

P: (631) 870-8270 ext. 363
F: (631) 439-4604
E: gcatanzaro@ppsadvisors.com

As Chief Operating Officer for PPS Advisors, Gus interacts with clients and oversees the firm to maintain high-quality service, advice and technology. Whether in person, over Zoom or the phone, he connects with individuals to review and monitor their plans, portfolios and goals. Gus finds it rewarding to be able to help people develop a plan to achieve their financial goals. Over the years, he’s seen a growing need for people to be financially educated and he is passionate about helping. 

A graduate of Hofstra University, Gus received his MBA in Finance and a BBA in Accounting. He brings over 30 years of financial experience, which includes corporate finance, accounting and management. He spent 17 years with AXA Advisors as a Vice President at their Melville Long Island branch office and received a Certificate in Retirement Planning from the prestigious Wharton School of Business. Today, Gus serves on the American Portfolios Advisor Council (APAC), which acts as a liaison between AP and its independent advisors, with the purpose of always improving services and technology to better serve all of our clients.

Outside of the office, Gus loves to cook, read about history, and golf. He also volunteers with local soup kitchens and has been on the board of an animal rescue.

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Colette Frey-Bitzas

Director of Financial Planning

CFP® Registered Representative

P: (631) 870-8270 ext. 291
F: (631) 439-4604
E: cbitzas@ppsadvisors.com

Colette joined PPS Advisors in 2010 as The Director of Financial Planning. She is passionate about helping her clients grow and protect their wealth. She develops strategic financial plans and offers wisdom in wealth management through education and self-empowerment.

 Colette received her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from St. John’s University in 1983 and the certification as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional in 1990 by meeting the education, examination, experience, and ethics standards established by the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards (CFP^® Boards).  Furthering her education, she went on to receive an MBA degree in International Finance and Business from Hofstra University in 1991. Colette is also an approved New York State Insurance Department monitor and instructor, was an adjunct professor at Molloy College and is actively involved in the local community. In addition, Colette continues to expand her knowledge and has acquired her designations as a Behavioral Finance Analyst as well as her Certified Long Term Care specialist.

 Colette is the Second Vice President on The Board of Directors for The Three Village Chamber of Commerce and co-chair on The Executive Board for The Three Village Business Advisory Council. Colette is also a member of the Stony Brook Hospital Compliance & Audit Committee of the Governing Body.  During her free time, she enjoys golfing, exercising, and participating in outdoor activities. She has three adult children and three grandchildren.

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Patrick Passaretti

Investment Advisor Representative

P: (631) 870-8270 ext. 721
F: (631) 439-4604
E: Ppassaretti@ppsadvisors.com

Patrick Passaretti, a CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER^®  professional, helps clients in developing financial plans that are aligned with their goals. He especially enjoys assisting clients with the organization of their finances in order to simplify things. Patrick believes automating one’s finances is the easiest way to grow wealth. Working with clients over the years has brought him a lot of joy, especially when he sees them hit major milestones. It is even reassuring to have clients overcome challenges by being better prepared. 

Patrick earned his M.B.A. in Finance from the Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University in December 2015. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. Patrick currently holds his Series 7 and 66 securities licenses as well as being a licensed life insurance agent. Additionally, he is part of APAC, a council that acts as a liaison with the purpose of always improving services and technology to better serve our clients. 

Outside of work, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife and family. This has helped him realize how lucky he is to be part of a family firm and has made it a goal of his to ensure the group continues to prosper for years to come. Patrick also loves boating, wakeboarding, skiing, snowboarding, and everything action-sports-related. 

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Nicole Wood

Investment Advisor Representative

P: (631) 870-8270 ext. 368
F: (631) 439-4604
E: nwood@ppsadvisors.com

As a CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER^® professional, Nicole enjoys helping people at all stages of their lives realize, plan out, and achieve their goals. She helps establish a path for success for our clients and execute it along the way in a deeply fulfilling manner. Most of Nicole’s time is spent connecting with clients over the phone, by email or in-person about where they’re at in their current plan and how to make adjustments in order to achieve the goals they have in mind. 

Nicole has worked in wealth management and financial planning since graduating from college in 2014. She joined PPS Advisors in 2015, having worked as a non-registered sales assistant at a wealth management firm previously. In addition to her industry experience, Nicole is a member of the APAC (American Portfolios Advisor Council) Next Gen Committee, the FPA Women in Finance, and the Seed Savers Exchange, which is committed to preserving heirloom seeds for home gardens. 

A graduate of the Honors College of Hofstra University, Nicole earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Economics from the Zarb School of Business. In addition to being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ she holds her Series 7, 63 and 66 securities licenses, as well as being a licensed life insurance agent.

When she isn’t working, Nicole enjoys her life in East Setauket with her husband, Jim. She can be found kayaking Long Island’s north shore harbors, growing and preserving fruit and vegetables from her home garden, or practicing her passion of being a lifelong equestrian.

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Brad Cooke

Investment Advisor Representative

P: (631) 870-8270 ext. 719
F: (631) 439-4604
E: bcooke@ppsadvisors.com

Within his role, Bradley works closely with the Chief Investments Officer and is responsible for all aspects of the investment management process of the firm. From asset allocation to risk management and investment research, he oversees the firm’s in-house investment strategies and monitors performance. Bradley is happy when he can help clients achieve their short- and long-term goals, worry less about their finances and sleep well at night. Ultimately, helping clients work toward their financial independence enables him to work toward his own career goals and feel accomplished each day. 

Bradley earned his MBA from the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University in 2015, obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA and currently holds his Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. He is also affiliated with the APAC - Technology Subcommittee and Product Risk Subcommittee. 

When he isn’t working, Bradley enjoys exercising, skiing in the winter, and watching sports (his favorite teams being the Jets, Mets, Nets and Devils). He also loves visiting and spending time with his family in New Jersey.

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Gary Nagle, CFP®

Investment Advisor Representative

P: (631) 870-8270 ext. 105
F: (631) 439-1325
E: gnagle@americanportfolios.com

Gary Nagle is a CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER^® professional and has worked in the finance industry for more than 30 years.  His experience is in understanding the client and helping them realize their goals and financial needs.  He believes that client education and collaboration are the foundation to creating a successful financial plan.

 Gary currently holds licenses as a general securities dealer, registered investment advisor, as well as Life, Health, Annuity and Property & Casualty Insurance. Gary attended Stony Brook University where he received his BS in Economics and MS in Management.  It is also where he met his wife Tina, while they were both undergraduates.

The couple reside in Setauket NY, and is where they raised their three children.

 In his spare time, Gary is an avid golfer, enjoys playing pickle ball and traveling with his family.

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Thomas Muller

Investment Advisor Representative, CRPC®

P: (631) 870-8270 ext. 131
F: (631) 439-4604
E: tmuller@ppsadvisors.com

Tom joined PPS Advisors, Inc. in January 2013 as Investment Advisor Representative. He is committed to understanding the specific situations of the individuals and businesses he advises; thereby being able to establish objectives, develop an appropriate strategy, recommend solutions, and review the progress made toward those goals and objectives.

Tom has over 20 years of financial services industry experience. Before joining PPS, he was a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch and has a background in real estate development and property and casualty insurance. While at Merrill Lynch, Tom earned the professional designation, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®).

A graduate of the University of West Florida, Tom earned his B.S. degree in Economics and Finance. He currently resides in Hampton Bays, New York, with his wife and three children.  

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Rabin Kaydanian

Investment Advisor Representative

P: (631) 870-8270 ext. 335
F: (631) 439-1325
E: rkaydanian@americanportfolios.com

Rabin Kaydanian is a Investmest Advisor Representative.  He started in 1998 as a financial advisor and sales representative at Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. Since 1998 he has been advising private clients on various investment vehicles including but not limited to Stocks, Mutual Funds, Fixed Income securities and other alternative investment products. He helps his clients make well-informed decisions about their investments, retirement plans, and obtain greater financial independence, peace of mind, and security.

Over the course of the last six years he has designed and programmed number of investment strategies to invest and trade the financial markets mechanically through the use of both fundamental and technical analysis. In 2011 Rabin joined PPS Advisors Inc. to start and head their quantitative division. Rabin currently holds FINRA licenses, Series 7, 63 and 65. 

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Michael Fligelman

Investment Advisor Representative

P: (631)262-9254
F: (631)410-1059
E: michael@swanwealth.com

Michael Fliegelman, CLU®, ChFC®, RFC®, AEP®,CLTC  is the founder and president of Strategic Wealth Advisors Network, LLC, with offices on Long Island.

Michael’s journey in the financial services industry began in 1984 when he joined Prudential Insurance Company. After five successful years as an agent, he transitioned into management, where he mentored other financial professionals in growing their practices. This leadership role ignited his passion for strategic financial planning and investment advisory services.

With over four decades of experience, Michael has honed his expertise in crafting tailored investment strategies for individuals, business owners, and professionals. His profound understanding of investment planning—from the nuances of risk management to optimizing portfolios for growth and income—enables him to guide clients through volatile markets and complex economic landscapes. His goal is to help clients build long-term wealth while preserving their financial legacy.

Before founding Strategic Wealth Advisors Network, Michael served as president of Innovative Planning Services, a general agency for Guardian Life Insurance Company. There, he specialized in estate, business, and succession planning, with a deep focus on investment solutions designed to ensure the financial health and growth of his clients' businesses. His investment expertise allowed him to create strategies that aligned with his clients' objectives, such as portfolio diversification, tax-efficient investment management, and asset allocation.

At Strategic Wealth Advisors Network, Michael's approach to investment planning is holistic and forward-thinking. He integrates asset management with estate planning, risk mitigation, and tax strategies, crafting well-rounded financial plans that adapt to life changes and market conditions. His firm provides advanced investment services, including equity and fixed-income portfolio design, alternative investments, and strategic rebalancing to ensure clients' portfolios are optimized for both growth and protection. His ability to stay ahead of market trends allows clients to capitalize on opportunities while minimizing risk.

Michael is highly skilled in navigating economic fluctuations and has a keen eye for opportunistic investments. Whether through identifying undervalued assets or using dividend-focused strategies to generate consistent returns, Michael’s focus remains on creating a stable and diversified portfolio that meets his clients’ unique goals. His expertise in retirement income strategies ensures that clients not only grow their assets but also protect and distribute them effectively during retirement.

In addition to his technical expertise, Michael’s ability to demystify complex financial and investment concepts is one of his key strengths. Whether explaining investment vehicles, like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, or breaking down advanced strategies such as options trading or real estate investment trusts (REITs), Michael makes sure his clients understand the "why" behind every decision, empowering them to take control of their financial futures.

Michael holds several prestigious professional designations that further attest to his expertise, including Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®), and Registered Financial Consultant (RFC®). His extensive knowledge is frequently sought after by media outlets such as Fox News and Newsday, where he has been a featured commentator on market trends and financial strategies.

Michael’s investment acumen has not only led to the growth and protection of his clients' wealth but has also made him a trusted advisor within the industry. His ability to tailor investment strategies that balance growth with safety, while also integrating personal financial goals, sets him apart as a leader in the financial advisory space.

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Stephen Grieco

Investment Advisor Representative

P: (631) 870-8270 ex. 106
F: (631) 439-4604
E: scrieco@americanportfolios.com 

Stephen C Grieco, CFP, began in the insurance business in 1983 and started a financial planning practice in 1987. He managed producer sales groups, as a Sales Manager, for The Guardian Life Insurance Company and Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he was a District Manager.

Stephen then became an owner/partner with the Amerisc Benefits Corp. in 2001. Amerisc was an independent brokerage insurance agency. At Amerisc, he developed an extensive clientele in employee benefits insurance, other insurance lines and financial planning. Amerisc was acquired by USI Insurance Services in 2011. At USI Insurance Services, he was a Senior Vice President and Regional Sales Leader in the Northeast Region. USI is an Industry Leading Brokerage Firm, designing, implementing and maintaining Employee Benefits Plans and Property & Casualty Insurance for mid-market companies throughout the United States.

Stephen received his MBA in Finance and BA in Economics from LIU Post. He holds the following licenses: Life, Accident and Health, Property & Casualty, Series 7 General Securities and is a Certified Financial Planner. Stephen is a past Development Board Member for Developmental Disabilities Institute and The Girl Scouts of Nassau County. Stephen is a current Chairperson of the Positive Community Connections (PCC) Annual Golf Outing. PCC serves people with Autism and many other Developmental Disabilities. Stephen and his wife of 40 years, Theresa, live in Smithtown, NY and have two daughters, Tara and Elissa.

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