Generational Wisdom. Next-Level Innovation.
Our firm combines decades of planning expertise with a bold perspective on financial strategies. Together, we create innovative, full-picture plans that empower you to move forward with purpose.
Fred Krokenberger, CFP®
Founding Partner
Kurt Krokenberger, CRPC®
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Jamie Camacho
Senior Relationship ManagerAR
Adam Ragusa
Associate Relationship Manager
Rachel Krokenberger
Head of PRStrategic Resources
Kevin Grogan, CFA, CFP®
Chief Investment Officer
Blerina Hysi
Director of Fixed Income
Jeffrey Levine
Chief Planning Officer
Ben Lanning
Senior Director, Client Portfolio Management
Kelly Edwards
Chief Marketing OfficerFred Krokenberger, CFP®
Founding Partner Serving clients since 1989 Fred focuses on comprehensive financial planning that addresses a client’s entire financial picture. A true pioneer in the industry, he earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation in 1991, when most of his peers were focused on trades and product sales. He, instead, built his business on relationships, taking time to understand his clients as people so he could help them create step-by-step action plans to their most important goals. In doing so, he built a thriving practice where he has had the honor of working with families for decades—now serving even their second and third generations, all of whom have become cherished friends.
Fred built his business helping people plan for retirement, providing detailed recommendations for clients by looking at both sides of their balance sheet, expenses related to their lifestyles, insurance needs, taxes, and estate planning—along with other strategies to help them prepare for the future. With experience of bringing clarity to complex scenarios, his mission is to create structure in each client’s financial world that culminates in a comprehensive plan and a clear path forward.
Even more important than the plan he creates is the accountability he provides once that plan is in motion. He helps his clients stay on a disciplined path toward their goals, no matter what’s going on in the world around them. He recognizes that during periods of global market instability, it’s natural for individuals to be emotional with their money—but it rarely leads to productive decisions. He helps his clients remove emotion from the equation by reminding them of the safeguards they’ve put in place together. Having created a comprehensive plan that accounts for both their long-term goals and external unknowns, he can assure them amidst the “crisis du jour” with confidence: “You’re going to be just fine.”
Fred’s experience has allowed him to recognize that good planning is about more than accumulating wealth—it’s about using that wealth to support a great quality of life. He wants his clients to be not just financially secure, but confident in their future, at peace with their decisions, and fully able to enjoy their present circumstances. By serving a select number of clients, he develops deep, personal relationships where he serves not only as financial advisor, but as counselor, guide, and friend.
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®)
- Rochester Institute of Technology – Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance
- Rochester Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science in Business
Fred’s career began at age 16, when he worked as a busboy at a local restaurant. His drive and determination led him quickly up the company ladder, and by his sophomore year in college, he was managing his own restaurant while attending school full time. During that season, one of his employees introduced him to investing, and Fred saw it as an opportunity to build his own business—and he was hooked. He went on to earn his MBA in finance and became a stockbroker in 1983. And while he insists his career in the financial industry didn’t truly begin until 1989—when he started embracing the financial planning process—he’s grateful for the years he spent doing transactional trading. That experience opened his eyes and made him realize he didn’t want to be a stereotypical stockbroker—he wanted to build real relationships with his clients and offer truly comprehensive financial planning.
He started his practice with Dean Witter (now Morgan Stanley) in 1989, and in 1991, earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. In 2014, his son Kurt joined the firm, and in 2026, to best serve their clients, they became a completely independent practice.
Fred lives in Martha’s Vineyard and spends much of his time in Rochester, New York—the city where he grew up, raised his son, Kurt, and daughter, Rachel, with his wife, Cece, and built his business. He loves to be outdoors whenever he can, whether he’s walking his dog Schultz (named after Sergeant Schultz of Hogan’s Heroes) along the beach, playing pickleball, or on the tennis courts. His favorite outdoor activity, though, is snow skiing, a passion he passed on to his son Kurt. Fred started skiing when he was 12, and he doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.
Fred is also a regular gym-goer, and in his spare time, he enjoys watching sports or movies and reading.
What’s your favorite part of your day?
I love my mornings. I get up between 5 and 6 AM and have a cup of coffee. Every day, I read Rick Warren’s Daily Hope devotional. Then I read a little bit of the Bible. Typically, I’ll also read some kind of self-improvement book. Then I check ESPN to see what’s going on in the sports world. Most days, I read the Wall Street Journal thoroughly; then I’ll read the Rochester D&C—and at some point during that time, I get my second cup of coffee.
What’s a movie everyone should see before they die?
It’s a Wonderful Life.
What can instantly put you in a good mood?
A sense of accomplishment. That could be from a good workout, a good day at work…it gives me a sense of satisfaction.
Kurt Krokenberger, CRPC®
Co-Founder & Managing Partner Serving clients since 2014 For Kurt, planning and investing are means to an end—after all, what’s the point of accumulating wealth for accumulation’s sake? His goal is for clients to fully enjoy their wealth both today and in the future. As such, he focuses first on helping clients map out their life, creating a detailed picture of their hopes, dreams, and wishes. Only after that big-picture plan is established does he dive into the details and identify prescriptive action steps. Then, and only then, does he discuss the best way to invest their money. This intentional order aims to ensure each strategy has a specific purpose, and that every decision the client makes is driving them closer to their long-term goals.
Kurt enjoys working with young entrepreneurs and specialized professionals who are early in their careers. Many of his clients have never had a personalized financial plan, and they appreciate his fresh perspective. He challenges conventional wisdom, always seeking the “why” behind a strategy rather than simply accepting the status quo. In doing so, he often discovers additional avenues for growth, methods for clients to more efficiently achieve their goals, or ways to save on taxes.
He also loves working with up-and-coming professionals because he can make a greater impact earlier in a person’s life. Many advisors will note the value in compounding interest, but Kurt recognizes that plenty of other things compound over time to impact one’s financial outcomes—including mistakes. His goal is to spare his clients that expense and position them for success early in life. By implementing lots of small, strategic changes, he helps them maximize their growth and minimize unnecessary losses.
Kurt’s greatest satisfaction comes from knowing he has made a lasting impact on the lives of his clients. When someone tells him they wouldn’t have bought their dream home if it weren’t for the planning they did together, or that they’ve stopped worrying about their investments since they started working with him, he counts it as a win. If he can shift someone’s perspective, and it changes their life—and the lives of future generations—for the better, he knows he’s done his job well.
- Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC®)
- Rochester Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science in Finance
Kurt lives in Rochester, New York, with his wife Sarah and their two young children, Kai and Isla. They’re an active family that loves to be outside as much as possible, and when each of his kids turned three, Kurt taught them to ski—something he was very excited about, having started skiing himself at the age of two. They also enjoy cooking together, going on road trips, and watching movies.
Kurt comes from a family of skiers, and he started competing in freestyle events when he was 12. After a few injuries, he stopped competing at the age of 17, but he still enjoys backcountry skiing whenever he can. He’s also a bit of a tennis junkie (he can’t do any sport halfway), a hobby he rekindled when he moved to Florida.
What is one thing every person should add to their daily routine?
Laughter! I think laughter is the purest form of expression we have as a species, and we all need more of it. It makes everything a little bit easier to digest, even on the hardest days.
What’s your favorite part of your day?
When I come home from work and the kids are beyond stoked to see me. Unless I’m taking them skiing—then that’s the highlight of my day.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
We’ve been ordering takeout food every Christmas Eve since my son was born, and we love it! It makes our lives a little easier and means we get to spend more time with each other.
Jamie Camacho
Senior Relationship Manager Jamie has worked with Fred and Kurt since 2023 and serves as a direct point of contact for our clients on all items related to onboarding, servicing, and being available to assist with any questions that may arise. Jamie is a native Floridian with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s Degree in Business from Argosy University. She started her career in the financial services industry in 2016 and has experience working with USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, and UBS Financial Services Inc. Jamie is Series 7, 63, 66, 9/10 registered and holds her 2-15 insurance license in Florida. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys traveling, staying active, reading, and cooking. She lives in the Tampa Bay area with her family.Rachel Krokenberger
Head of PR I am a passionate and results-driven public relations expert with experience as an International TV Publicity Coordinator and Publicist. Skilled in media relations, pitching press, securing earned media, and coordinating publicity efforts. Adept at tailoring pitches, facilitating samples, and managing client relationships. Strong expertise in the entertainment industry and a track record of successful PR campaigns. I excelled in pitching and securing press for clients in the beauty and skincare industry, and many others, crafting tailored stories, aiming to secure product features in gift guides and round-ups across online, print, editorial, and Broadcast platforms.Kevin Grogan, CFA, CFP®
Chief Investment Officer Kevin analyzes the latest research in investment and finance to draw practical applications and apply findings to help clients improve the structure of their portfolios and achieve their goals. He has co-authored three books about investing. He holds an MBA from Saint Louis University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Missouri State University in Springfield. Kevin also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification.Blerina Hysi
Director of Fixed Income As Director of Fixed Income, Blerina works with Focus Partners fixed income and advisory teams to help construct and maintain customized client bond portfolios, all with an eye toward finding the best way to implement the client’s comprehensive financial plan. Her duties include fixed income analysis, bond trading and building tailored, client-focused portfolio solutions. She also serves on the Wellness Committee and Community Action Committee and is part of the firm’s Women and Wealth team. Blerina holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.Jeffrey Levine
Chief Planning OfficerBen Lanning
Senior Director, Client Portfolio Management