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Our Team

Our Team

grandview-partners-team
 

What is in the name, Grandview?  

The name “Grandview” represents imagery consistent with that of pursuing one’s financial goals and aspirations. We at Grandview are committed to helping you successfully pursue yours.  “Grandview” was also the name of a dairy farm that Peter’s great-grandfather, George, and grandfather, James, owned and operated for much of the early and mid-1900s. The farm was situated in central Massachusetts with views of a large valley and rolling hills. After selling the farming rights to a large local milk distributor in the '80s, James sectioned off the land for each of his five daughters. He and his wife, Jean, still reside on the former farmland today.

 

Meet the Team

Douglas R. Mavilia, CFP®

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

[email protected]

What do you enjoy most about being a Financial Planner?

Financial Planning combines many different activities and skillsets that appeal to me.  The three skills I use during financial planning are communicating, problem-solving, and helping others.  It’s exciting to meet new people, learn about their background and their goals.  I enjoy organizing their plan and putting together the various puzzle pieces of their financial life to figure out the best course of action for them to take to achieve their goals.  Then over time, through an ongoing service process, the relationship with my clients grows stronger, which allows me to keep them on track as they reach their financial milestones.

What do you enjoy most about being part of GVP?

When we formed GVP, we thought long and hard about the type of company we wanted to create.  We looked to our own personal values – family, honesty, friendship, trust – and tried to create an environment and culture that is representative of those values.  I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day and being around the people I work with.  We are supportive of one another, both in and outside of work.   I believe that this trickles down to the feeling our clients get when they walk through the front door – a sense that we care about them and want to support them as they navigate their financial life.

What personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am the very proud Dad of my two sons, Dean (10) and Drew (7).  I’m happy that I have been able to coach most of their sports teams, including baseball, basketball, and football.

When you’re not in the office, what do you do?

In the summer, as a family, we usually spend our time near the water – either a beach, a lake, or a pool.  My boys and I enjoy fishing, and my wife enjoys hearing their stories about how big the sunfish was that they caught. 

However, when my wife, Lisa, and I can get away, we enjoy catching some live music.  We especially enjoy attending Dave Matthews Band concerts and have been to more than 50 shows together.

Where does your story begin?

I grew up an only child in Weymouth, Massachusetts.  After attending Weymouth High School, I went to Bentley to study business and finance.  While in college, I met my wife, Lisa.  We now live in Hanover, Massachusetts with our two boys, and our dog, Holly.

Who was the biggest influence on your career choice?

When I was attending Bentley University, the field of finance was most interesting to me.  I took a course in personal financial planning and, from the start, I was hooked. 

At the time, my professor, David Milton, was a practicing CFP® professional, which is where the real-life application and the academics came together. As I went through several more of his classes, his guidance was instrumental.  At the conclusion of those classes, it was clear what my career choice would be.

Education:

  • Bentley University – B.S. Finance, 2002
  • Boston University – Certificate, Financial Planning

Financial Certifications:

o   This certification is the standard of excellence for financial planners. CFP® professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements and commit to CFP Board's ethical standards that require them to put their clients' interests first.

Awards:

  •        Forbes Top 1000 Next Gen Wealth Advisor, 2019
  •        Forbes Top 500 Next Gen Wealth Advisor, 2018
  •        Five Star Wealth Manager 2012-2020

1 Five Star Award is based on 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria including a minimum of 5 years as an active credentialed financial professional, favorable regulatory and complaint history, fulfillment of firm's internal review, accepts new clients, client retention rates, client assets administered, number of client households, education and professional designations. In 2017, 2,530 Boston wealth managers were considered for the award; 632 (25 percent of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is not indicative of the wealth managers' future performance. For more information please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

2 The 2017 ranking of Forbes’ Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors1 recognizes advisors born in 1980 or later with a minimum of four years of experience. Advisors were rated based on a proprietary algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria: assets under management, revenues generated for their firms, client retention, industry experience, credentials, and compliance records. SHOOK Research also employs an opinion-based weighting system that prioritizes its preferred “best practices,” which include business models, activities, processes, and structure. Overall, 2,356 advisors were considered, and 500 (21 percent of candidates) were recognized. Click here for the full methodology2 that Forbes developed in partnership with SHOOK Research.

1This recognition and the due-diligence process conducted are not indicative of the advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. You are encouraged to conduct your own research to determine if the advisor is right for you.

2Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. SHOOK does not receive a fee in exchange for rankings.

3The 2018 ranking of Forbes’ Top 1,000 Next Generation Wealth Advisors1 recognizes advisors born in 1980 or later with a minimum of four years of experience. Advisors were rated based on a proprietary algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria: assets under management, revenues generated for their firms, client retention, industry experience, credentials, and compliance records. SHOOK Research also employs an opinion-based weighting system that prioritizes its preferred “best practices,” which include business models, activities, processes, and structure. Overall, 5,832 advisors were considered, and 1,000 (17 percent of candidates) were recognized. Click here for the full methodology2 that Forbes developed in partnership with SHOOK Research.

1This recognition and the due-diligence process conducted are not indicative of the advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. You are encouraged to conduct your own research to determine if the advisor is right for you.

2Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. SHOOK does not receive a fee in exchange for rankings.

 

 

 

Timothy A. Ryan, CRPC®

FINANCIAL PLANNER

[email protected]

What do you enjoy most about being a financial planner?

The people. I enjoy seeing firsthand the positive effects that financial planning can have on people’s lives.  When I see a plan put in motion 5, 10, or 15 years ago comes to fruition; when the client celebrates their last college tuition check or transitions to retirement, it brings me great joy to know the work we do has a tremendous impact on our clients and their families. 

What do you enjoy most about being part of GVP?

I’m extremely proud of the foundation we have created for Grandview as one of the three founding partners of our firm.  Doug, Pete, and I have the ability to create the vision of the financial planning firm we think is best suited for the families we work with.  We have an incredible support staff and external mentors who we can always reach out to. I’m proud to come to work each day, and I love working with the team we have created, we have fun together and we all genuinely love the job.

Where does your story begin?

I grew up in Longmeadow, MA, the youngest of three boys. I have known my wife, Jodi, since we were in first grade. Although we did not officially date until after college, she would say that I was her first boyfriend in the 6th grade (I disagree). After graduating from high school, I attended Providence College where I majored in English and played on the lacrosse team. I moved to Boston following graduation.  I began my career as a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial in October 2003. 

What personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

My girls, Sophie (7) and Harper (6). They are loving, independent, and fun. It’s incredible watching them grow and develop into such amazing people. So close in age but so different from each other. Sophie has a huge heart and is an incredibly caring person. Harper is the fearless one. It is not uncommon to find her climbing trees or doing flips on the trampoline. They may test my patience on occasion, but they also make me laugh like no one else!

When you’re not in the office, what do you do?

When I am not in the office, I love spending time with my family. In the winter, you can find us skiing on the slopes of Mount Snow, VT.  I love teaching our girls to ski!  It won’t be long until I am chasing them down the mountain.  When the weather gets warmer you will find me outside as much as possible.  I am an avid cyclist and enjoy long rides on the weekend.  In the last few years, I have become pretty obsessed with golf.  My goal is to break 90.  I have come close a few times! 

Who was the biggest influence on your career choice?

My parents. My dad worked in the financial services industry his entire career, while my mom worked the night shift as a nurse at a nearby hospital. They both had a tremendous work ethic. However, they were great at balancing work and home life. They never missed any of our games or school activities! Somehow they made it work, and are amazing partners to this day. They still both work on the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle together every weekend, often completing it in a few hours.  My parents are a great sounding board for any issues, questions, or problems I might be dealing with. 

Education:

  • Providence College – B.S. Arts, 2001

Recent Honors

  • Five Star Wealth Manager 2017 and 2018

*Five Star Award is based on 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria including a minimum of 5 years as an active credentialed financial professional, favorable regulatory and complaint history, fulfillment of firm's internal review, accepts new clients, client retention rates, client assets administered, number of client households, education and professional designations. In 2017, 2,530 Boston wealth managers were considered for the award; 632 (25 percent of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is not indicative of the wealth managers' future performance.  For more information please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

Peter J. Smith, CFP®, AIF®

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

[email protected]

What do you enjoy most about being a financial planner?

Making a meaningful impact on my client’s lives. Financial planning allows me to interact with and help people from different stages of their lives and careers, whether they are business owners, corporate employees, or busy families looking for guidance. By acting as a client’s trusted consultant, I am able to work through complicated financial situations and provide clarity and comfort. This comfort allows my clients to make informed and empowered decisions so they can focus on their profession and family.

What do you enjoy most about being part of GVP?

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, I focus on a deep understanding of each client and their unique goals. At Grandview, we are collaborative and supportive of one another to foster a “do unto others” atmosphere.

What personal accomplishments are you most proud of? 

Growing up, I always wanted to carry on the Grandview moniker in honor of my grandfather James and great-grandfather George Nydam’s dairy farm. Seeing “Grandview” on the wall when I enter the office every day reminds me of my family, their hard work, and their dedication to family.

When you’re not in the office, what do you do?

If you are looking for me outside of the office, you can find me spending time with friends and family. These days, that is mostly chasing my son, Maxwell, around the house!

When I’m not at home, you can find me on the coasts of Spain, at a café in Paris, or sailing around the Mediterranean with our close friends. My wife, Jillian, and I can also be found at local concert venues enjoying all types of music and eating at new (or our favorite) restaurants. In the summer, I work to improve my golf game, but that isn’t something I can brag about (yet). If the snow is falling, you’ll find me on the slopes trying to get that first chair!

Where does your story begin?

I grew up in Central Massachusetts surrounded by family on my grandpa’s farmland. From an early age, we were out working hard baling hay, cutting grass, or getting into trouble. After finding out my color deficiency would not allow me to pursue my dream of naval aviation, I went on to attend Boston University. I started dating my future wife, Jillian, during my senior year at BU. I began my career in financial services at a large institution working in their mutual fund department. We now live in Boston’s South End with Maxwell and our goofy French bulldog, Fritz.

What was a turning point where you decided to pursue financial planning?

I experienced a turning point in my career choice around the time my parents went through a difficult divorce. I was working in finance but had not fully committed to my career. My mother relied on me to help her through a lot of the major decisions she was making. She leaned on me for my knowledge and guidance and I realized how important it is for people to have a trustworthy, knowledgeable person to help them make sound decisions. From that point on, I knew this was the only career for me. I committed to taking the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ exam the next year. I continue to work hard to increase my knowledge so that I can provide advice that I would be comfortable giving to my mother.

Charity:

I am a proud supporter of Find the Cause Breast Cancer Charity where I am a board member. Find the Cause funds scientific research on the environmental causes of breast cancer. Family members, and more recently, my own mother, have had to deal with this terrible disease. When I consider that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their lifetimes, and 90 percent of it is not based on family history, I am determined to help find the cause and ways to avoid this for other families. 

Education:

  • Boston University Questrom School of Management
    • Major in Finance and Minor in Economics
  • Boston University – Certificate, Financial Planning

 

Financial Certifications:

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)

This certification is the standard of excellence for financial planners. CFP® professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements and commit to CFP Board's ethical standards that require them to put their clients' interests first.

Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)

o   The AIF® Designation signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care. The designation is the culmination of a rigorous training program.

Awards:

  •       Forbes Top 500 Next Gen Wealth Advisor, 2018
  •       Forbes Best in State Next Gen Wealth Advisor, 2019
  •       Five Star Wealth Manager, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

*Five Star Award is based on 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria including a minimum of 5 years as an active credentialed financial professional, favorable regulatory and complaint history, fulfillment of firm's internal review, accepts new clients, client retention rates, client assets administered, number of client households, education and professional designations. In 2017, 2,530 Boston wealth managers were considered for the award; 632 (25 percent of candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is not indicative of the wealth managers' future performance.  For more information please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

The 2017 ranking of Forbes' Top 500 Next-Generation Wealth Advisors and 2019 ranking of Forbes’ Best-In-State Next Generation Wealth Advisors (1) recognizes advisors born in 1980 or later with a minimum of four years of experience. The advisor was rated based on a proprietary algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria: assets under management, revenues generated for their firms, client retention, industry experience, credentials, and compliance records. Shook Research also employs an opinion-based weighting system that prioritizes its preferred "best practices," which include business models, activities, processes, and structure. In 2019, 6,389 advisors were considered, and 1,495 (23 percent of candidates) were recognized.  For the full methodology (2) that Forbes developed in partnership with SHOOK Research, please visit www.forbes.com/top-millennial-advisors and www.forbes.com/sites/rjshook/2019/06/25/2019-top-next-gen-wealth-advisors-methodology/

(1) This recognition and the due-diligence process conducted are not indicative of the advisor's future performance. Your experience may vary. You are encouraged to conduct your own research to determine if the advisor is right for you.

(2) Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and a lack of audited data. SHOOK does not receive a fee in exchange for rankings

Lindsey A. Knapp

CLIENT SERVICE DIRECTOR

[email protected]

Lindsey joined Grandview Partners in 2017 and will often help to facilitate all paperwork during your financial planning process. Lindsey is responsible for opening accounts, most money movement requests, asset transfers, and general account changes/inquiries. Should you ever need help but are unsure of where to start, Lindsey can help point you in the right direction!

What do you enjoy the most about working as a Client Service Director?

As Client Servicer Director, the responsibility to the firm and the client, and how many tasks I balance within this position; I love the variety. I enjoy being able to oversee projects start to finish while providing clients with the communication and trust they need during the financial planning process. I am impressed with how much there is to learn. Whether it is working on a new type of account transfer, researching estate planning, or learning new roles about retirement accounts, there is always something new to gain. Most importantly, I enjoy the personal element in this position; being able to hear stories from our clients and getting to know more about them and their families is what reminds me how impactful I can be in this role.

What do you love most about being part of GVP?

I would say the culture and our clients. My prior work experience has been in a corporate setting, so switching to an independent office and being a key piece to Grandview Partners is great. The culture here is positive and motivating, but we also have a strong work ethic. We always work together as a team to do the best for our clients and set goals to make our team successful. As for our clients, they are the glue to our firm; without them, we would not be here today! I love that I get to interact with our clients directly and the impact I am able to have in ensuring they have a positive experience with Grandview Partners.

When you are not in the office, what do you do?

When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors as much as possible. I enjoy hiking, hanging out at the beach, gardening, and throwing a frisbee to my dog, Bodhi. I am still a beginner when it comes to skiing but do enjoy the challenge and look forward to improving this winter!  During the summer, my favorite place to visit is Acadia National Park. My family and I enjoy hiking the abundance of trails along the beautiful Maine coastline. I grew up playing basketball, so you can find me watching sports or cheering on my 11-year-old stepson, Billy,  at his baseball or soccer games. Even though I moved to the Boston area almost four years ago, I am still exploring the never-ending beautiful sights and scenery around New England on the weekends. If you have a recommendation for a great weekend trip, let me know! 

What qualities of yours make you best suited to do what you do?

My ability to multi-task, stay organized, and steady demeanor suit me well for this role. As a support for three financial planners, I manage the day-to-day operations of the office. The role requires me to be ready for anything on a daily basis, including money movement, asset transfers, onboarding of new clients, and account inquiries. The ability to balance it all in an organized fashion while having a pleasant attitude is my goal. I genuinely care about and know the influence I can have on the client and financial planner; their approval and satisfaction with my work keep me going!

Where does your story begin?

My story begins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a few minutes north of the downtown area. I was born there. As the youngest of 5, with 2 sisters and 2 brothers, there was never a dull moment! I grew up playing basketball and spent my high school days traveling throughout the neighboring states on the weekends playing AAU Basketball. I spent my first year of college in Louisiana at the University of Louisiana – Lafayette, then transferred back to Pittsburgh and graduated from Point Park University in 2012. I graduated summa cum laude with a major in economics and finance and minor in business management.

I started my career as an internal wholesaler for Federated Investors, an investment management firm, in its Separately Managed Accounts division, and obtained my FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations. After four years with Federated, I made my way to New England, moving to Providence, RI, to be with my other half and stepson while working as an investment consultant for Merrill Edge. With this experience at Merrill Edge, I realized what I was truly passionate about and that is when I found my home with Grandview Partners. Today, my family and I reside in MetroWest Boston where I have a constant conflict of interest when it comes to cheering on sports teams!

What have you learned from your clients?

What I have learned and continue to learn from clients is that life is short, and nothing is promised. Since our firm handles the entire financial planning picture, we see all stages of life and the ups and downs that people can go through. We see wonderful milestones that our clients experience, but we also see unfortunate events that no one can control. All of this is a humbling reminder that life is short and the importance of planning for the unknown.

What's something about yourself that may surprise your clients?

I have a huge interest and passion for interior design. It was something I originally planned to major in and build a career out of. Now I enjoy it as a hobby and find great reward in helping those around me with design ideas.

Education:

  • Point Park University, 2012 - Pittsburgh, PA
    • Bachelor of Science, Economics & Finance
  • FINRA Series 7, FINRA Series 66

Jenny M. Lynch

FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSISTANT

[email protected]

Jenny joined Grandview Partners in May 2019 and will often be the first person you see when you arrive at our office. She assists Doug, Tim, and Peter with the financial planning process and assists our team in daily office operations and database management. Jenny is also in charge of our marketing efforts, which includes our monthly newsletter, coordinating client events, and e-mail communications. Jenny currently works part-time between the hours of 9 AM to 2 PM.

What do you enjoy the most about working?

I get to meet new people and learn something new every day. That has always been the most enjoyable part of work for me. I love getting to know our clients and hearing their stories. Every individual, couple, and family are different, so working through each scenario provides me with more knowledge to use in the future.

What do you love most about being part of GVP?

We enjoy each other’s company and laugh a lot! Since we are a small firm, everyone’s efforts make an impact on the company. I love that I can feel a sense of accomplishment every day knowing we are truly making an impact on people’s lives and that is great to be a part.

When you’re not in the office, what do you do?

I spend time outside of the office with my husband, Kevin, and our three young children: Thomas (6), Lily (4), and Harrison (2). Lately, we are doing more sports and extracurricular activities, which is a lot of fun, but with that comes the coordination and logistics. My husband and I both enjoy being highly active, so we like to be outside with the kids as much as possible — in the winter, it is ice skating and skiing. In the summertime, you can find us on the beach fishing and catching crabs or going for a hike.

What qualities of yours make you best suited to do what you do?

I am very detail- and process-oriented which adds value to the firm for processing our tasks. Working for three financial planners involves a variety of tasks on any given day, so following tasks through completion and prioritizing tasks is important. I also strive for exceptional client service. I know that our firm does not exist without our clients, so making sure they are happy is my number one priority.

Where does your story begin?

I grew up in Milton, MA, where I currently reside. I graduated from Stonehill College in Easton, MA, where I studied psychology and played lacrosse. While at Stonehill, I was a 2-time NCAA All-American lacrosse player and won two National Championships. I did not always intend to end up in the financial services industry, but rather, happened into it by chance with a referral from my parents’ financial planner. Looking back, I see now how much financial planners help their clients in many different aspects of their lives. I have been in the industry for more than 13 years now and have held a variety of roles; yet, a day has not gone by that my degree in psychology has not served me well. 

I started my career working for Columbia Threadneedle Investments, consulting with financial advisors on the products in their clients’ portfolios. I then transitioned to working for Ned Davis Research, an industry-leading investment and economic research firm, before landing at Commonwealth Financial Network. I worked at Commonwealth for five years learning invaluable information about our back-office and technology, which is where I met Peter and he introduced me to the GVP team as they were opening the Westwood office. I had just returned to work after having my third child and I was ready to cut down on my work hours, work travel, and my long commute for a few years. Since I started my career, my goal had always been to work for an independent financial planning firm, so this opportunity came at the perfect time for me. Joining GVP was one of the biggest and best decisions I have ever made. I enjoy going to work every day, while also having more time to spend with my three children!

Education:

  • Stonehill College 2006, Bachelor of Science, Psychology 

Financial Certifications:

  • FINRA Series 7 and 66

Susan Crogan

CLIENT SERVICE ASSOCIATE

[email protected]

Susan started at Grandview in July 2020. She worked for Doug, Peter, and Tim for several years and is just returning to the team. Susan will most often be the first voice you hear when calling into Grandview. She will be the main contact for scheduling of appointments and will also help to maintain account records (update addresses, family changes, etc).

Where does your story begin?

I was born and raised in Reading, MA, the youngest of eight children. For me, growing up in such a big household is all I know, so it always catches me by surprise that people are fascinated by this. I have four brothers and three sisters and between all of us, my children have 18 cousins and two second-cousins—just on my side of the family. It makes for noisy and chaotic gatherings and we love every minute of it.

We love hosting holidays at our house, having as much of the family together as possible.  We never have enough room, but we manage to have the best time together.

How did you find yourself in Grandview?

My very first job, in 1988, was at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, where I worked as a policy services coordinator in Boston. I worked there through 1994, when I had my first daughter. In 2005, when my girls were older, I started back at Northwestern Mutual, in Wellesley, where I met Doug Mavilia.  I stayed at NM for several years before moving over to start working with Doug as he transitioned into a financial advisor role.  I worked for Doug for seven years, from 2010 to 2017 — adding Peter and Tim along the way.  After a few years with another company, I found my way back to the team, and I could not be happier!

What qualities make you best suited for what you do:

I love interacting with people, first and foremost.  Answering the phone, exchanging emails with clients, learning about their families, and sharing mine is something that doesn’t feel like work for me. Scheduling appointments is a big part of my job here, which means that I am able to be in touch with many people regularly, and I love the chance to check in with you. I have an unusual memory and recognize voices quickly, so it is nice to often be the one answering the phone.

When you are not in the office, what do you do?

I have been married for nearly 30 years to my husband, Chris, and together we have two beautiful daughters, and one perfect pup. Chris and I love house projects and renovating – slowly updating our house one room at a time. In addition to being a firefighter, Chris is a finish carpenter, so that helps quite a bit when I have a vision for something grand! I love to spend as much time as possible with my girls, Alexandra and Gabrielle, usually exploring the city together or finding the best restaurants around. One of our favorites right now is in the North End – La Famiglia Giorgio’s.

Something about me you might be surprised to know:

When it comes to fitness, I am extremely competitive. If you can deadlift 200 pounds, I will try my hardest to lift 201. Working out is something that I discovered after my girls were a bit older, and I fell in love with the feeling of getting stronger and more able.  I often spend my lunch break at the gym, lifting weights or pushing sleds. One of my goals at the end of every day is to have walked more steps than Tim!