The unfortunate trend for the area has been people moving away for several reasons, but it is rare they come back. Joseph Gugino, a registered representative at New England Financial in Fredonia, decided to return to the area with his family after college and a career in the military.
Originally from Dunkirk, he graduated from Dunkirk High School and went on to Alfred State, graduating in 1989 and then Fredonia State in 1991 with a degree in business management.
From there Joe went on to the Marine Corps where he flew F18s (fighter attack planes), and was an instructor.
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Joseph Gugino
After he got out of the Marines he flew for United Airlines until after September 11th. He decided to move closer to home when he was offered a job locally and flying part time at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base.
It wasn't until 2009 he became an associate at New England Financial and teamed up with Dan Ryel in his Fredonia office.
"I decided to become a financial planner after my father passed away and I sat down with Dan (Ryel) and Warren (Beyer) and found an interest in how they were helping people with planning for their future," Joe said. "I really could see the genuine love they had helping people with their finances."
He said he loves his job as a financial planner and is happy to be back in the area. This is where he wanted to settle down, work and raise a family. When we have out-of-town guests, they are amazed how friendly everyone is and where ever you go, you know someone.
"I love it, there is a lot of job satisfaction. People come in and know what they want to do but they have no idea how to do it, whether it's planning for retirement, buying a house, getting their kids through college, it's always different but it's always rewarding," he said. "The most common area of concern people are having now is preparing for possible long term care needs. With the possibility of the County Home going private, people are concerned what will happen to them if they need long term care."
He related the satisfaction he gets from helping people plan for their future to the satisfaction of being a Marine Officer.
"'Take care of your Marines' was instilled in my head since my early days in the Corps. When I sit down with my clients, it is my goal to help them come up with a plan that is best for them and their family," he said.
Joe lives in Fredonia with his wife, Jessica and they have two children, Rosemary, 3, and Louis, 2.
New England Financial of Upstate New York is located at 44 West Main St., Fredonia. To reach Gugino by phone call 672-7121 or by email at jgugino@buffalo.nef.com.
New England Financial has been serving the families and businesses of Upstate New York since 1844 and currently have 15 offices from Buffalo to Albany, Fredonia to Lake Placid. NEF strives to bring our resources and expertise to our local communities through a network of professional financial representatives and a portfolio of quality products and services, NEF has the knowledge and the experience to help you, your family or business 'stay the course' to financial freedom.
