Meet The Team
We have spent years building client relationships that we truly feel fortunate to have. Creating a team of smart, honest and caring individuals was paramount in continuing to maintain those relationships. The individuals on our team make our business possible and we take pride in their ability to go above and beyond for those we service.
Ben Fuchs, Founder
Ben Fuchs, a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) with more than 15 years of investment experience has created thousands of retirement plans for his clients. His focus is on maintaining income in retirement and structuring portfolios to withstand inevitable market crashes. Mr. Fuchs strives to understand each client’s individual retirement goals and creates plans to achieve them. He believes that clients should understand where their retirement income comes from and ensure they have the peace of mind that a tailored financial strategy brings. Fuchs Financial, LLC is focused on providing short and long-term planning services, so that money is one less thing to worry about in retirement.
Ben began working in real estate investments in 2003, was with a private insurance company for three years and then spent over five years with another retirement planning firm. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in business and technology. Fuchs has his series 6, 63, 65, and 7 licenses, along with property and casualty insurance, life insurance and long-term care designations.
A resident of West Hartford, he enjoys spending time with his wife Kristin, daughter Flora and son Logan. When Ben isn’t helping his clients he lovingly serves as a built in jungle gym for his son and occasionally gets roped into playing house with his daughter and her barbies. Naturally, chasing both children around their yard while they yell “you can’t catch me” has become a favorite pastime. Ben still tries to play basketball when he gets the chance and says he will do so until his knees tell him he can’t.
Gina Mazzadra
Associate Advisor
Gina has over 8 years of experience in the financial industry, focusing primarily on client needs. Gina joined Fuchs Financial in June 2021. She acquired her Series 6, 66, 7 and is currently pursuing her Life and Health Insurance designation. Prior to working at Fuchs Financial she was a Client Service Associate at Morgan Stanley and a 401(k) Plan Manager with Voya Financial.
Gina received her Bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, and earned her MBA concentrating in Finance from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford.
Outside of the office she enjoys being outdoors, going for hikes, kayaking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Gina resides in East Hartford with her husband, Matt.
Dona Smith
Director of Operations
Dona comes from a financial background with experience in banking, insurance and managed funds since 2004. Dona holds her Notary Public & State of CT Life License and is thrilled to be working with Fuchs Financial clients.
When she’s not working, Dona enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, and their three children: Aiden, Emma and Kacey. Throw their Great Dane, Violet into the mix and there is never a dull day!
Katelyn Smith
Social Media Coordinator
Katelyn (Kate) is currently serving as the Social Media Coordinator for Fuchs Financial. She studies full time at the University of Hartford and is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. She has interned at other financial firms before and is excited to be able to use her skills and knowledge during her time at Fuchs Financial. You’ll find Kate managing our social media pages and sending out e-newsletters as keeping in touch with our clients from a digital perspective is important to us! Outside of school and work, Kate enjoys doing anything outdoors and admiring all Connecticut has to offer!
Tony Parish, CFA®
Chief Investment Officer of AlphaStar Capital Management
Tony joined Alphastar as Chief Investment Officer in April 2019, acting as Chair of the Investment Committee and overseeing and guiding Alphastar’s investment policies, money manager partnerships, and portfolio model offerings.
Ericka Rea
Onboarding Specialist
Ericka oversees the daily administrative operations of the Alphastar home office.
Download Our 401K Survival Guide
Learn how how to take control and SECURE your 401(k) when leaving your job.
This Guide Will Cover:• Options for your 401(k)
• What to do with company stock
• CARES Act 401(k) and IRA provisions
• Concerns if you’ve been laid off or furloughed
• Social Security claiming strategies
• Ways to minimize your taxes
433 South Main Street, Suite 308
West Hartford, CT 06110
134 Main Street Extension, Suite A
Middletown, CT 06457
Email: info@ffncl.com
Phone: (860) 461-1709
Toll Free (877) 940-1009
Fax: (860) 904-6729
M-F: 8:30am-5:00pm
S-S: Closed