Our Team Of Financial Advisors

The GenWealth Group Core Values

Be Big. Be Bold
Have Fun
Take Great Care of Our Clients and Our People
Be Energetic and Dynamic
Be Generous

Teamwork

Personality

We each bring unique skills to the table as a dynamic team. We're innovative, collaborative, and passionate about offering outstanding service. Good character, approachability and integrity matter. We not only share our professional expertise with our clients, but also with each other.

Synergy

At The GenWealth Group, we work together to deliver the best results for our clients. We have a shared sense of purpose to serve our clients and grow our firm.

Energy

We have a positive and encouraging team spirit that is clearly evident to our clients and our teammates.

Purpose

At The GenWealth Group, our collective expertise aims to deliver the best results for our clients.
As a Registered Investment Advisor, we work to uphold the highest ethical values and

lead with outstanding client service.

Michael P. Leanza, CFP®

President and Chief Executive Officer

Braden Schipke CFP

Michael P. Leanza, CFP®

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

President and Chief Executive Officer

“Clients are like family to me. When we can succeed in helping clients accomplish goals, it's very powerful and emotionally rewarding to me.”

Mike is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The GenWealth Group where he oversees the firm-wide vision. He also serves as Chief Financial Strategist and is the architect of GenWealth’s proprietary investment approach known as Momentum Portfolio Strategy. Mike founded The GenWealth Group on the notion that we could do it better. After many years at some of the nation's largest financial firms, he realized that the limited investment options and constraints placed on him were hindering the value he could offer his clients.

Today, Mike leads a team of financial professionals offering a full range of wealth management, investment, and financial planning services.

Mike is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. He holds a Series 65 license (Investment Advisor Representative) and is licensed in insurance (Health and Life Insurance). He is a graduate of Seton Hall University (BS 1989/MBA 1991).

Getting to Know Michael:

A native of New Jersey, Mike and his wife Cherie (co-founder of the firm) are parents of two teenagers. Mike enjoys cycling, skiing, and traveling. He is an avid BIG EAST basketball fan and is partial to the Pirates of Seton Hall University, his alma mater.

The best advice I ever received:

My Dad said: “Don’t ever get so busy that you don’t have time to think”. He also taught us not to worry about what others were doing, but to do what was right for ourselves.

Favorite musical artist:

Bruce Springsteen

Historical figures I’d love to meet:

Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt, JP Morgan

Braden Schipke, CFP®

Senior Wealth Advisor

Braden Schipke CFP

Braden Schipke, CFP®

Senior Wealth Advisor

“Our clients share their lives and trust us to help guide their financial future. I focus on listening to our clients and then step back to take a view through their ‘lens’. Through the ups and downs of retirement, it is important for clients to know that I am always there for them.”

Braden Schipke is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at The GenWealth Group. He manages relationships with many of the firm's clients and ensures their financial plans are designed to help achieve their personal goals. Braden works diligently to understand each client's unique situation. He works extensively with those approaching retirement to help them prepare for this next stage of life and answer the many questions they will face.

For more than 15 years, Braden’s work in the industry has earned him experience in financial planning, investment management, lending, banking, Medicare enrollment, estate planning, insurance, and employee retirement plans. With special training as a National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®), Braden helps guide clients in decisions about this important benefit program.

Braden holds a BS degree in Business Management from Hofstra University. Prior to joining the firm, Braden was a relationship manager at HSBC Bank USA and provided banking and wealth management solutions to clients. He also has experience in specifically helping women take charge of their own finances and transition successfully after experiencing divorce or other life events.

Getting to know Braden…

Braden is Vice President of the Board at Family Connections, a leading New Jersey non-profit organization headquartered in Orange that delivers services to children, adults, and families facing many of life’s toughest challenges. The organization changes lives through a wide range of programs to counter trauma, mental illness, addiction, domestic violence, child abuse, and more.

In his free time, Braden enjoys playing tennis at the Maplewood "Little Club", traveling and spending time with his family and friends.

Interesting Fact:

Braden has a US Postage Stamp collection that dates back to the 1920s

Favorite Movie:

Forrest Gump……life really is like a box of chocolates!

Inspirational Quote:

“Make each day your masterpiece” – John Wooden

Kevin Worley, CFP®, CLTC®

Wealth Planner

Kevin Worley

Kevin Worley, CFP®, CLTC®

Wealth Planner

“When someone entrusts you with such an important piece of their livelihood, it creates an immediate bond. That relationship grows with each interaction and those people become like family.”

Kevin is a Wealth Planner at The GenWealth Group, where he partners with advisors in our firm to prepare analysis for client Financial Planning Review meetings and retirement projections.

He works with clients to ensure seamless integration of all financial matters and counsels on important benefits including Medicare and Social Security. With special training as a National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®), Kevin helps ensure clients maximize enrollment in these important programs. He is also the firm’s insurance expert, advising on health, life, disability, and long-term care insurance.

Kevin obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2019 through a program at Boston University. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from Webster University in St. Louis.

Getting to Know Kevin…

Favorite Food:

Homemade pasta and meatballs

Favorite Books:

In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond

Favorite Quotes:

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”

~Mahatma Ghandi

Cherie Leanza

Managing Partner

Cherie Leanza

Managing Partner

“We all need guidance sometimes, and for some, hiring a trusted financial advisor can be transformative."

Cherie is co-founder of The GenWealth Group and Managing Partner of the firm. She leads the firm’s mission to take great care of clients, and their families, and help them plan for a remarkable life. Doing so requires a full understanding of a client’s unique situation and their personal goals, and then customizing the firm's offerings in financial planning and wealth management to help them plan for it.

At The GenWealth Group, Cherie focuses on understanding clients' complex, personal needs for financial security and overall wellbeing. A careful listener, she brings sensitivity to many life changes such as planning for retirement, experiencing divorce, receiving an inheritance, or leaving a charitable legacy. Cherie is particularly passionate about helping women gain confidence in their personal finances. In 2016, she helped develop and lead an ongoing community workshop (Design Her Future) specifically to educate and empower women to take charge of their financial well-being.

Cherie has nearly 30 years of experience in Marketing and Business Development and spent the early part of her career in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2006, she helped launch The GenWealth Group to offer a boutique experience in financial planning and wealth management, with an eye toward offering a very different experience than larger financial institutions.

Cherie is a graduate of Seton Hall University (BA 1990; MHA 1999) and is a fan of Pirate basketball. She is passionate about giving back to the University and serves as a guest speaker and mentor to current students.

Cherie is a life-long New Jersey resident but has traveled abroad extensively including trips to China and Africa. Her passions include food, fitness, reading, gardening, and time with family. She is the mother of two young adults with college and careers on their horizons.

Getting to know Cherie…

Cherie has an extensive cookbook collection and enjoys all kinds of exercise, including yoga, biking, and snowshoeing in the winter.

Favorite quotes:

“You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression” ~Will Rogers

“If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime” ~Lao Tzu, the Chinese founder of Taoism, 4th Century BC

Favorite books:

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck; The Help by Kathryn Stockett; Hug Your Customers by Jack Mitchell; The Nordstrom Way by Robert Spector

Favorite movie:

Moonstruck

Daniel O’Halloran

Wealth Planner

Daniel O’Halloran

Wealth Planner
Candidate for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation

“I’m proud to be part of a firm that is constantly evolving and challenging our past assumptions. It enables us to provide the best advice and service to our clients.”

Danny is a Wealth Planner at The GenWealth Group, where he partners with advisors in our firm to prepare analysis for client Financial Planning Review meetings and retirement projections.

He works with clients to ensure seamless integration of all financial matters and counsels on important benefits including Medicare and Social Security. With special training as a National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®), Danny helps ensure clients maximize enrollment in these important programs.

Getting to Know Danny:

Danny is a Candidate for CFP® certification having completed his coursework at New York University and has passed the CFP® Exam. Danny holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television production from New York University and his taste in avant garde books and movies reflects this.

As a young entrepreneur, Danny ran his own video production business for more than 15 years before transitioning into a career in financial planning.

Before joining our team, Danny worked as a Financial Planning Associate at Emissary Wealth in northern New Jersey.

Favorite Food:

Fresh sourdough bread and Everything bagels

Favorite Movies:

O Brother, Where Art Thou?
À bout de souffle (Breathless)

Favorite Books:

Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Bel-Ami by Guy de Maupassant

Favorite Quotes:

“Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” - Rumi

Kimberly DiBlasi

Director of Client Service

Kimberly Di Blasi

Kimberly DiBlasi

Director of Client Service

“Clients place their faith in me to simplify their financial service needs; I take that responsibility seriously. I am genuinely invested in our clients’ success and helping to make their lives less complicated.”

Kim is Director of Client Service at The GenWealth Group. With nearly 20 years in the financial services industry, she oversees the Operations Department and sets service standards ensuring all clients receive the highest degree of care. Kim has long-standing relationships with our clients and has become the “go to” source for all things involving their accounts at The GenWealth Group.

Kim helps our clients simplify the often-complex world of financial services. From basic account questions to complex tax and estate matters, Kim has a keen eye for attention to detail and prides herself on taking ownership of service issues to ensure full resolution. Kim is also a duly commissioned Notary Public of the State of New Jersey. Kim attended Fairleigh Dickinson University. Kim previously worked at Bank of America Investment Services with The GenWealth Group founder, Michael Leanza. She took a leap of faith to join the firm because she believed in his vision and shared his dedication to servicing clients with integrity.

Getting to Know Kim:

Kim has lived in New Jersey all her life and loves to spend time “down the shore” with her family and friends. Her favorite things are music, movies, reading, days at the beach, dining out, meditation and dancing. She loves fashion, barbecues, water parks and singing duets (not very well!) with her daughter.

Favorite Book: Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

Favorite Movie: Love Actually

Inspired By: Tony Robbins, Audrey Hepburn, The Dalai Lama, JFK and Ronald Reagan

Favorite Quotes: “A real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken a new action. If there’s no action you haven’t truly decided." - Tony Robbins

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible.” - Audrey Hepburn

“Happiness is a decision. You are as happy as you decide to be.” - Unknown

Favorite Color: Pink for breast cancer awareness

Nicole Casella

Client Service Specialist

Nicole Casella

Client Service Specialist

“I see how much our clients value their relationships with our team. We genuinely care about their financial future and it shows; hearing them talk about how they worry less and put all their trust in us makes me feel proud.”

Nicole is responsible for client service and operational support. She brings nearly 20 years’ experience in financial services and prior to joining our firm, she worked at UBS as a Client Service Manager. At The GenWealth Group, Nicole’s role encompasses serving our clients in many administrative functions including client onboarding, contribution and distribution requests, account updates, and client service needs.

Nicole is also a duly commissioned Notary Public of the State of New Jersey.

She is the friendly voice you will hear on the phone when you call our office.

Getting to Know Nicole:

She is a busy mom of two children. She loves watching her daughter light up the stage at her dance competitions and cheering for her son on the baseball field. When not running around with the kids, Nicole enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping, discovering new places to eat, summers at the beach and jumping in the car for an occasional road trip to explore a new city.

Favorite Food:

Tacos

Favorite Movies:

The Notebook, Saving Private Ryan, Casino

Favorite Quotes:

“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken” - Oscar Wilde

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt

Kristen Blair

Senior Office Manager

Kristen Blair

Senior Office Manager

“I live here in the same community as many of our clients. Knowing firsthand what’s going on in our towns has been a great way to connect on a personal level with the families we serve.”

Kristen brings deep organizational expertise to our firm as Senior Office Manager. Having held multiple Executive Assistant positions prior to joining us, she runs a tight ship! Kristen is responsible for various aspects of our practice including Compliance, Human Resources, and Financial Management.

In short, she helps us maintain and grow the practice by making sure our team has the right tools and technology to serve our clients best. Kristen holds a BA degree from Rutgers University.

Getting to Know Kristen

A New Jersey native, she moved back to the ‘burbs after 10 years in NYC. She loves nothing more than spending time in her own backyard with her two young children, family, and friends. She enjoys reading, traveling, and an occasional long run.

Favorite quotes:

“Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right”- Henry Ford

“I'm not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions” - Stephen Covey

Favorite food:

Mexican and Japanese

Favorite book:

East of Eden

Our Team Of Financial Advisors

The GenWealth Group Core Values

Teamwork

Personality

Synergy

Energy

Purpose

At The GenWealth Group, our collective expertise aims to deliver the best results for our clients. As a Registered Investment Advisor, we work to uphold the highest ethical values and

lead with outstanding client service.

Michael P. Leanza, CFP®

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

President and Chief Executive Officer

Braden Schipke, CFP®

Senior Wealth Advisor

Kevin Worley, CFP®, CLTC®

Wealth Planner

Cherie Leanza

Managing Partner

Daniel O’Halloran

Wealth Planner Candidate for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation

Kimberly DiBlasi

Director of Client Service

Nicole Casella

Client Service Specialist

Kristen Blair

Senior Office Manager

At The GenWealth Group, our collective expertise aims to deliver the best results for our clients.
As a Registered Investment Advisor, we work to uphold the highest ethical values and

Wealth Planner
Candidate for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation