"Wealth is the ability to fully
experience life."

Michael J Hardy, CFP®

Founder

When you think of financial planning you may think of managing investments. While that is an important part of my job, what I have found to be more important is understanding my client’s goals, needs and financial behaviors. What we are learning through the emerging field of behavioral economics is that it is largely an individual's behavior that influences the success of their financial life and return on their investments.

I often refer to myself as a financial strategist whose job is to not only help people understand their relationship to money so they don't sabotage their plan, but also build, implement and manage a financial plan that may involve retirement, investment, estate, insurance and education planning. I typically find my clients to be serious about growing their wealth and planning for their future.

In addition to being the founder of Ocean Wealth Group, I was an associate economics professor at Medaille College. This role helped me advance the knowledge in the macro and microeconomic environment and made me a resource in our field as a contributing writer to publications such as Forbes, The Street, Fortune, The Buffalo News and Yahoo Finance.

A Buffalo, NY native, I grew up in humble beginnings with a father who worked in construction. I worked with him throughout my younger years at Canisius High School and Canisius College. He taught me the value of hard work and honest pay. I met my wife, Maria, in 2009, who is from Stockholm, Sweden. We spent the next several years traveling the world together from Southeast Asia to Africa. Eventually, life caught up to us and we settled down in Clarence Center, NY with our three children, Juliette, Victoria and Gabriel.

Maria Zeito

Office director

As the Office Director of Ocean Wealth Group, I am committed to ensuring that all service requests are met in a diligent manner for each client and member of the team. I approach all aspects of my job with a positive, hard-working mindset and am passionate about helping find solutions to challenges.

I am originally from Stockholm, Sweden, and earned my degree in Law at Stockholm University. I went on to work as an insurance attorney until I met my husband who is from Buffalo, NY. When I’m not working, I enjoy my family, friends and travel.

Ryan Donaldson

DIRECTOR OF QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS

As Director of Qualified Retirement Plans at Ocean Wealth Group I am responsible for managing the team that develops, implements and manages our clients qualified retirement plans that are designed to optimize accumulation and mitigate risk. 

Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, I went on to attend Williamsville North High School and eventually Canisius College where I received my degree in Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship.  I am very lucky to have an incredible family which includes my wife Kourtney, and two children, Harper and Rory.

My career began in the hospitality industry at 15, which helped me develop a passion for making people happy and having a positive impact on their lives.  Along the way, the opportunity to work in the financial services industry presented itself and since then I have been helping clients design, build and manage their retirement plans and investments.

I love spending time outside with my family and seeing all New York State has to offer.  Between the Adirondacks and the 1000 Islands, many of my best childhood memories were rooted here and hope to provide the same for my own children.  Outside of my family and my work life, I enjoy eating a good slice of pizza, working outside in the yard and spending time with my three dogs, Sampson, Scout and Sophie.

Andrew Jensen

Director of Risk Management

As a licensed insurance representative, Andrew works closely with clients in the development, analysis and implementation of risk management product solutions. He and his team specialize in helping clients with solutions including annuities, life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care. Clients greatly appreciate his experience and hands-on approach including conducting a needs analysis, reviewing existing products and policies, underwriting and ongoing support.

Andrew attended Upper Iowa University where he earned a BSc in Business, and previously worked for a global life insurance and investment company.

Outside of work he enjoys time with his wife Leann and Golden Retriever, Bosco. Together, they enjoy traveling and concerts. He is very active in the CrossFit community and loves golf and spending time with friends and family.

*Part of Vision Network.