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Meet Our Team

Founded in March 2020, Competitive Edge Financial (CEF) affiliated with Integrated Financial Concepts (IFC) embodies a protection-first philosophy that aims to create a competitive advantage for our clients. Our approach is deeply rooted in values passed down through generations, stemming from the legacy of Jerry Pasichow’s family jewelry business in Brooklyn, established in 1917. This business was known for its honesty, integrity, quality, and timeliness, principles that continue to guide our practice today. 

Growing up, Jerry was taught two invaluable lessons: the importance of maintaining one's name as a cherished asset and the value of one's moral compass to assure integrity, honesty, transparency and empathy toward others. These lessons shape our firm's ethos, emphasizing that the trust of our clients is paramount.

Our team excels in demystifying complex financial concepts, making them accessible and understandable for all. Jerry has served as a bridge between various professionals, from correction officers and wardens to government building contractors, acting as a liaison who facilitates clear communication and effective collaboration. This ability to connect diverse perspectives and simplify intricate ideas underscores our commitment to empowering clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. At CEF, we strive to be a trusted partner in your financial journey, guided by the principles of integrity and clarity.

Jerry Pasichow
Co-Founder
CLU, CExP, RICP

My passion for finance and understanding the economy has driven me to educate both advisors and clients on achieving financial balance. I research strategies and products to align with our protection-first philosophy, aiming to provide financial confidence under all conditions. My work involves advising on all aspects of a client's financial balance sheet, coordinating it with their life goals and dreams.

Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, my childhood was filled with stoop ball, basketball, and bike rides across the borough. These experiences, along with my family's jewelry business, instilled in me the values of honesty, integrity, and quality. I learned early on that our family name was our most important asset, and it was crucial to treat it with care and integrity. My family taught me the importance of self-reflection, ensuring that I could always look in the mirror and like what I saw.

Family is at the heart of my life. I share my journey with my spouse and business partner, Robin Greenberg, and our sons, Keith and Scott, both doctors. Our grandchildren, Zoey, Sierra, and Rylan, bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. Our family business is my career, and I cherish helping my sons and their spouses build their careers and enjoy their lives.

Cape Cod is our happy place, where we love biking, kayaking, and savoring the tranquility and beauty of the area. We also enjoy traveling the world, experiencing different cultures and landscapes. I am actively involved in the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, supporting our town's growth, and I engage with FINSECA to advocate for the life insurance and financial services industry.

My dream since college has been to be the person in the family who everyone feels comfortable turning to for guidance on achieving their financial goals. I believe that money creates opportunities for a fulfilling life, allowing us to enjoy family, nature, community, and create a lasting legacy.

Jerry is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of, and securities and investment advisory services are offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.  

Jerry offers securities in New Jersey and is insurance licensed in New Jersey.

Michael Shapiro
Co-Founder
Financial Representative

Helping others protect and thrive in their financial lives is my passion. I find great joy in educating people about how their finances work, a drive that shaped my career path. Witnessing my clients achieve their financial goals through my guidance is incredibly rewarding. Whether it's celebrating their successes or supporting them through financial hardships, I cherish the opportunity to connect with clients, either face-to-face or via Zoom, to hear their life stories and understand their journeys. 

I come from a family of educators, and while in college, I was drawn to finance, captivated by the potential to create wealth for my family and future clients. My career took a significant turn when I was chosen by JP Morgan for a position, a pivotal moment amidst hundreds of applicants from my campus. A few years later a position with Goldman Sachs enabled my knowledge and experience in financial markets and back office operations to grow.

Growing up in Union, New Jersey, I was surrounded by a close-knit family, living with my parents, grandparents, and sister under one small roof. Union was a friendly environment with a strong educational system. Now residing in Marlboro, New Jersey, I enjoy the diverse community and excellent educational opportunities it offers. My wife, Melissa, a teacher in Elizabeth, NJ, is my rock and cornerstone. We have two wonderful daughters, Brianna and Elyse, both of whom graduated from Marlboro's esteemed schools. Recently, Brianna married Ross, and they have blessed us with our first grandson, Luca, who has become the center of our universe. 

My family has been my unwavering support system, and I attribute my success to their encouragement and belief in me. Outside of work, I am an avid music collector, enjoying genres from the 40s to metal. I also take pleasure in landscaping and gardening, and I am a home theater enthusiast, having installed major home theaters in my spare time for many years. 

I serve as the Chairman of the Zoning Board of Marlboro, NJ, an elected position I've held for nearly 25 years. This role allows me to give back to my community, and I take pride in contributing to its growth and development through new construction projects and homes.

Michael is insurance licensed in New Jersey.

David Steinberg
Financial representative

Every day presents a new experience and challenge, and I thrive on learning something new with each one. My passion lies in helping individuals, which I accomplish by meeting and speaking with people from diverse backgrounds daily. Listening intently to clients is crucial, as it allows me to understand their unique situations and ask the right questions to provide tailored guidance. 

Coming from a family deeply rooted in the financial industry, I aspired to follow in the footsteps of my father, brothers, and uncles. Growing up in Aberdeen, Matawan, New Jersey, I enjoyed the dual advantage of living by the shore and being just an hour away from New York City. Today, I reside in Marlboro, New Jersey, with my wife, Kathleen Steinberg, and our two children, Megan and Michael. My family has always been a positive influence on my career, and I work hard to support them, just as they support me. 

In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and golf and am an avid fan of the Yankees, Giants, Knicks, and Rangers. Despite a busy work schedule, I have always made time to coach my children's sports teams, fostering their growth and development through athletics. 

My commitment to community service is reflected in my roles as a coach and board member for various sports organizations in Marlboro. From coaching boys' baseball and basketball to girls' softball and serving on the Marlboro Little League and New Jersey Extreme Travel Club boards, I am dedicated to contributing to my community and supporting youth development through sports.

David is insurance licensed in New Jersey.

Jeffrey Thomas
Financial representative

I find motivation in the countless individuals I have yet to reach and assist, and I am most excited by the opportunity to speak, plan, and help secure financial stability for my clients, both now and in the future. 

After high school, I enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and later served as a Sheriff's Officer with the Union County Sheriff's Office. My inspiration to enter the financial industry came from my own experience as a client with a financial advisor. This sparked a desire to educate others and share knowledge about financial strategies that are not commonly known. 

What I enjoy most about my work is empowering families with the knowledge needed for a strong financial future, ensuring they feel listened to, understood, and well-supported. I take pride in using financial products creatively to suit the unique needs of each family I work with. 

Originally from Union, NJ, I am supported by my wife, Stephanie, and our three children, Alyssa, Christopher, and Brandon. My family provides me with the encouragement and freedom to pursue my passion for helping others. In my leisure time, I enjoy golfing and spending quality time with my family. I am also actively involved in the Union Little League as a coach and umpire, where I aim to enhance my community and share my love and knowledge of baseball with today's youth.

Jeffrey is insurance licensed in New Jersey.

Peter Zunno Jr.
Financial Advisor

I am driven by a passion for finance and a commitment to helping individuals and families achieve lasting financial security. With a belief that disciplined strategies provide not only stability but also the freedom to pursue life’s greatest opportunities, I focus on building strategies that are personal, adaptable, and aligned with each clients’ goals. My mission is to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies that empower clients to build confidence in their financial future.

I grew up in Staten Island, NY, surrounded by the values of hard work and integrity passed down from educators, tradesmen, and small business owners in my family. This foundation shaped both my character and my curiosity about the financial markets, a field that continues to inspire me with its constant challenges and opportunities for growth.

After graduating college, I accepted a competitive role at Nomura Securities, one of the largest Japanese banks. During my tenure there, I supported and managed a $1.5 billion leveraged loans portfolio under Nomura's Investment Banking division and gained deep experience analyzing large bank balance sheets and income streams. While this Wall Street experience gave me invaluable technical skills, I was motivated to bring that expertise into a more personal arena, helping people directly improve their financial lives and build futures they could feel proud of. Today, I find great fulfillment in guiding clients to reach their goals, supporting them through challenges, and celebrating their successes.

Beyond my professional work, I am passionate about the outdoors, whether it’s hiking and fishing in the summer or skiing in the winter. Additionally, hockey has been a lifelong passion, I played competitively growing up and continue to give back to the community as an assistant coach for local youth teams. Most importantly, I value time with my loved ones, including my family, friends, and my girlfriend, who provide constant encouragement and support.

Peter is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of, and securities and investment advisory services are offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC

Peter offers securities in New Jersey and is insurance licensed in New Jersey.

John Flynn
Financial Advisor

With two decades of dedication to the financial services industry, specializing in Retirement Planning and Investment Strategies for Business Owners, Educators, Public Employees, Police, Fire, and EMS first responders, John believes in a team-based relationship with clients. Together, building wealth and developing long-term income distribution solutions complemented by legacy protection plans.

John is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of, and securities and investment advisory services are offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC

John offers securities in New Jersey and is insurance licensed in New Jersey.

Michael Guertin
Financial Advisor

Michael Guertin is a financial advisor with Integrated Financial Concepts and Equity Services, Inc. (ESI) and life insurance producer with National Life Group based in Rhode Island. Michael is the founder and creator of “Financial Fitness” a focused approach of financial planning for physically active adults that is scheduled to premiere in April 2025.

After a twenty-year successful career in global mobility, Michael became a financial advisor during the height of the great recession of 2009. He began his practice by focusing on his former industry in the New York and New England markets. Michael’s practice now includes multigenerational families, foreign national clients and businesses, including automotive and funeral services, as well as those individuals who share his passion for his leisure activities.

Michael and his wife Michelle are lifelong Rhode Island residents and have two adult children and two grandchildren. He is an active rock climber in top rope and bouldering, scuba diving, surfing, skiing as well as bike riding.

Michael is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of, and securities and investment advisory services are offered soley by Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Michael offers securities in New Jersey and Rhode Island, and is insurance licensed in New Jersey and Rhode Island.

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