Today’s opportunities. Tomorrow’s legacy.

As advisors to a select group of business owners, professional athletes, institutions and multigenerational families, BV Group is uniquely positioned to help you navigate the complexities of your financial life. We understand the challenges, and opportunities, you face—and can help you plan for, and pursue, the goals that matter most to you and your family.

Our highly experienced team of investment professionals and former CPAs will work closely with you to craft tailored strategies that help you grow and preserve your wealth. From impactful investment ideas to charting a path for your business exit or retirement, we are there to guide and advise you—with commitment, passion and care.

Start the planning conversation

A focus on personalized access and service

Working with diverse clients with specific needs, our team sees it as our top responsibility to understand each aspect of your unique and often complicated financial life.

Guiding founders from startup to sale

For years we’ve worked alongside successful entrepreneurs and founders as they’ve taken their companies full circle. From startup to rapid growth to liquidity, we understand your challenges and have the experience, resources and connections to help you plan proactively and make smarter decisions about how best to monetize your company.

Our process takes you from the initial stages of exit or succession planning all the way through the transaction close. We develop a personalized strategy to help manage the proceeds and pursue your future financial goals—and life goals after you step away.

Solutions for Founders:

Estate, tax & trust advisory to:
- Asses tax liability
- Develop personalized estate planning strategies
- Optimize the outcome of a sale
Understanding Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) opportunities and maximizing benefits
Understanding the impact of RSUs, stock options (ISOs, NSOs) and Founders Stock
Tax-efficient investment strategies to minimize realized capital gains from concentrated stock
Charitable planning
Retirement plan consulting
Cash flow modeling
Lending solutions

A game plan for professional athletes

BV Group has been working with professional athletes for over three decades and with a former athlete on the team, we are aware of the challenges you may be facing. The spotlight is exhilarating and the consequences of success can be great—both personally and financially. How are you preparing for it?

Power your success with a well-thought-out plan. For baseball players and other professional athletes, there is no such thing as a “regular” income stream. Because your career window can be relatively short, you need the right advice to help you protect the success you’ve achieved. Our team has earned the trust and confidence of many renowned athletes for one reason: they value our honesty, our integrity and our persistence in getting the job done and getting it done well.

Solutions for Professional Athletes:

Financial planning and literacy at the very start of your career is critical. Start with the end in mind
UBS Wealth Way – Structured investment strategies based on your needs/goals as they stand now with the flexibility to adjust as your personal and professional life changes
Tax, estate and legal advisory coordinated with external CPAs and estate/tax attorneys
Family governance and next gen education
Philanthropic advisory and charitable planning
Legacy planning

Shaping multi-generational family wealth

Families with substantial wealth require skilled advice and guidance, and a keen understanding of complex family dynamics. We are adept at working with families like yours, helping you navigate the complexities that come with multiple generations and—often—jurisdictions.

We help you craft a holistic plan for your wealth that considers the goals and aspirations of each generation and articulates a clear path to move you toward them.

Solutions for Multi-Generational Families:

Estate, trust and tax advisory
Wealth preservation strategies
Family governance and next gen education
Legacy planning
Family business succession planning

Charitable giving, including family foundations and donor advised funds (DAFs)
Access to Family Office Solutions Group for $100m+ net worth families
Financial planning
Lending solutions

Foundations and endowments

The proof is in our numbers

$3 billion

Assets under management

14 person

seasoned team

30+

Years in business as a team

Trust Structuring for Founders

RSVP for event details

Catherine McDermott, Senior Wealth Strategist, UBS Advanced Planning
Stuart Morris, Office Managing Partner, Cozen O'Connor

Trust Structuring for Founders

RSVP for event details

April 24 2024
2:00 PM-2:45 PM Eastern

Speakers

Catherine McDermott, Senior Wealth Strategist, UBS Advanced Planning
Stuart Morris, Office Managing Partner, Cozen O'Connor

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Trust Structuring for Founders Invite

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Case Studies

Helping professional athletes create a lifelong wealth plan

Our client, a professional baseball player, had enjoyed a “celebrity lifestyle” for many years and was on the back end of a guaranteed contract. He had nagging concerns about the future that needed attention, but he was surrounded by people who were not effectively helping him. He had no cohesive plan, had not saved enough for the future and was destined to run out of money at a very early age.

Read how we helped this client

Structuring an estate plan to benefit your blended family and charity

Our 75-year-old client was experiencing complete financial disorganization. He was in a second marriage with two sets of children. He had also had significant philanthropic endeavors. But he had no cohesive estate plan that addressed all his priorities and accumulated wealth.

Read how we helped this client

Transitioning from the sale of a business into a new life

Our client, the founder and CEO of his company, wanted to build an investment and family corporate structure to maximize his wealth and minimize income and estate taxes. Selling his business was the first step. But post-sale, he was not sure if he would have enough “conservative” assets to fund his future as well as the necessary “risk” assets to invest in new deals.

Read how we helped this client

The right advice can make all the difference

Our team of professionals distinguishes itself with both financial experience and personal service. We strive to earn your loyalty through hard work, the right advice and a dedication to developing long-term relationships.

Michael Bober, CFP, CIMA, CEPA

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Private Wealth Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AL
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MO
- MS
- MT
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Michael is a founding member of BV Group with three decades experience in wealth management services, supporting the needs of Corporate Executives, Business Owners, High Net Worth Individuals, Multi-Generational Families and Professional Athletes.

He earned his B.S. from Rutgers University and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. He received the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the Investment & Wealth Institute through coursework at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. Mike is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) that can help business owners with all phases of their transition strategy and is also a UBS Institutional Consultant, able to provide the unique guidance required for sophisticated clients.

Before becoming an investment advisor, Michael was a Certified Public Accountant with a National Accounting firm. He has the experience and credentials that build confidence.

Mike and his wife reside in Boca Raton, FL and in their free time enjoy travel, fitness, food, wine and trying to keep up with their three daughters. He is also actively involved with various charities in South Florida.

California Insurance License#: 0B54172
- Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
  The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3.
- Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- Rutgers University, Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Private Wealth Advisor
- Athletes & Entertainers Consultant
- Institutional Consultant, UBS Institutional Consulting Program
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Certified Exit Planning Advisor
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Ed Ventrice, CFP, CIMA, CEPA

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Private Wealth Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AL
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MO
- MS
- MT
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Ed is a founding member of BV Group with three decades experience in wealth management services, supporting the needs of Corporate Executives, Business Owners, High Net Worth Individuals, Multi-Generational Families and Professional Athletes.

He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation and the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the Investment Management Consulting Association through Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. Ed is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) that can help business owners with all phases of their transition strategy and is also a UBS Institutional Consultant, able to provide the unique guidance required for sophisticated clients, foundations and endowments.

Ed graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Before becoming an investment advisor, Ed was a Certified Public Accountant with a National Accounting firm. He has the experience and credentials that build confidence.

Eddie and Elyse reside in Boca Raton, Florida with their 5 children. In their free time, they enjoy fitness, biking, tennis, travel and cooking. Ed is actively involved with various boards and several charities.

California Insurance License#: 0B59531
- Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
  The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3.
- Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- University of Florida, Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Private Wealth Advisor
- Institutional Consultant, UBS Institutional Consulting Program
- Certified Exit Planning Advisor
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Michael MacDonald, CFP

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AL
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MO
- NC
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WI
Michael MacDonald has been part of the BV Group for more than 22 years. In his previous career, he established and directed the West Coast office of his family’s transportation company that was sold to a Fortune 100 company. After the sale, he began to manage his family’s wealth and turned it into a career. Mike holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. and earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Arizona State University. He is married and has three sons. His hobbies include fishing, biking and fitness.

California Insurance License#: 0E52843
- Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
William Stuart Marino, CFP, AWMA

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- CA
- CO
- FL
- IL
- IN
- KY
- MA
- MD
- MI
- MT
- NC
- NJ
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SC
- TX
- VA
- WA
Billy is a Financial Advisor with 16 years of industry experience, initially joining UBS Financial Services Inc. as a Wealth Planning Associate and transitioning to BV Group as a Financial Advisor in 2018, after careers at both Lehman Brothers and RBS Greenwich Capital. Billy enjoys working with clients on financial goal analysis, planning, and all aspects of wealth management. He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation as well as the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor® designation. He is a graduate of Williams College in Williamstown, MA where he played Lacrosse, Squash and Soccer but remains very active in his alumni Palm Beach chapter.

Billy is a proud member of the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton, a Trustee with the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, serves on the board of the Peter Blum Family YMCA of Boca Raton, and is a Selection Committee Member for the George Snow Scholarship Fund.

He resides in Boca Raton, FL with his wife and two children and loves to fish in his almost non-existent free time!
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- Accredited Asset Management Specialist
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Alex Santos, CFP®, CEPA

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AL
- AZ
- CA
- FL
- GA
- IL
- IN
- KS
- LA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MS
- NC
- NJ
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- PR
- SC
- TX
- VA
- WA
Alex began his career in financial services in 1999 working for Campbell Williams Inc., a boutique advisory firm in Miami, FL. A seasoned professional, he draws upon 20+ years of experience helping institutional retirement plans, corporate executives, high net worth investors, and professional athletes by delivering advice and solutions to help them achieve their financial goals. In 2013, Alex joined BV Group, partnering with Michael Bober and Ed Ventrice to help clients clearly define investment objectives and implement appropriate solutions by remaining informative, accessible, independent and transparent in each interaction. Alex embraces a planning-based approach that begins with the creation and continual monitoring of a financial plan that serves as a road map, which informs every solution. He bases each of his relationships on four pillars of wealth management—lifestyle management, risk management, liability management and asset management.

Alex graduated Cum Laude from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL with a BBA. in finance, also a member of Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest attainable honor at the University of Miami. Alex is a Certified Financial Planner and also earned the Certified Exit Planning Analyst designation.

An All-American collegiate athlete both academically and athletically, Alex was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 and is the winning pitcher of the 1999 University of Miami College World Series National Championship team. He enjoyed an 8 year professional career with the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics within their minor league organizations.

Alex lives in Tampa, FL, with his wife, Ana, and their 3 children, Sol Marina, Kieran Leo, and Thiago Xandre. Alex serves on the board of Vita Nova, a non-profit that helps children in foster care transition into adulthood by providing housing and life skills coaching. Alex is multilingual, fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

CA Ins Lic#: 0I26833
- Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- Athletes & Entertainers Consultant
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Sarah Ponczek, CFP® , CIMA®

First Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- MD
- MI
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- PA
- TN
- TX
Sarah joined BV Group with a wealth of experience from Bloomberg, where she analyzed and reported on financial markets for Bloomberg News, TV and Radio. In addition, she hosted a weekly podcast called “What Goes Up” and acted as fill-in anchor for Bloomberg TV and Radio. Sarah holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the Investments & Wealth Institute through Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, and enjoys working with clients on investment and portfolio analysis.

Sarah graduated from the University of Michigan. She was also named a James B. Angell Scholar and inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Now, Sarah appears frequently on Bloomberg, CNBC and Fox Business to discuss capital markets and investing. She’s also been featured in Barron’s. Sarah is involved with the Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Circle of Wise Women and Impact 100 Palm Beach County. She is a Trustee with the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and a member of All Bar None at UBS, an internal organization dedicated to promoting professional advancement of women. In Sarah's free time she enjoys exploring South Florida and spending time with family, friends and her goldendoodle.
- Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI with a B.A.in Communication Studies and Political Science minor. She was also named a James B. Angell Scholar for high achievement and was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Lillian Chen

Senior Client Associate
View bio
Lillian handles Client Service and Operational Management functions for the BV Group. She has been a part of the team for over 16 years and has more than 30 years of industry experience, including 7 years spent working in financial firms on Wall Street. Lillian, a Mets fan, enjoys frequenting Disney with her husband and their two children.
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Lucy Leo

Senior Client Associate
View bio
Lucy is a Senior Client Associate that joined BV Group in 2023 with over 20 years of industry experience. She provides a client centric mentality, focusing her time on the teams administration needs, operational excellence and relationship management. Lucy is extremely well-versed and works diligently to supply a distinctive approach to each individual experience.

A New York native from Long Island, Lucy joined UBS in 1990 working closely with a Research Analyst team. She moved to Florida in 1999 and transitioned to working on the Wealth Management division within UBS as a Client Service Associate. Prior to UBS, Lucy worked for the non-profit organization, Columbus Citizens Foundation, working on the organization and execution of the foundation's annual New York Columbus day parade. Lucy has two adult children and on her free time enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with her family.
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Veronica Martinez

Client Associate
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- LA
- MA
- MD
- MI
- MO
- MS
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NY
- OH
- OK
- PA
- SC
- TN
- TX
- VA
Veronica joined BV Group in 2018 as a Registered Client Associate. She enjoys working with clients and brings over 8 years financial, banking and service delivery experience to our team. Veronica holds her General Securities Representative license (Series 7) and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Florida Atlantic University. Veronica's hobbies include reading, travel and spending time with her friends and family.
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Christal D. Starcher

Senior Client Associate
View bio
Christal joined BV Group in January 2014 as a Client Service Associate. Before joining our team she had worked for Morgan Stanley for 6 years and has been in the industry for 8 years. She provides support with the maintenance and operational needs of client accounts. Christal spends her spare time with her husband and two children. She is passionate about travel and has visited most parts of the United States and numerous countries abroad.
1800 North Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Amanda R. Gordon, AWMA™

Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- CA
- FL
- GA
Amanda joined the BV group in January of 2023 as a Wealth Strategy Associate specializing in business development and marketing. She brings with her two years experience from UBS West Coast Private Wealth Management as a Wealth Planning Associate supporting advisors and their Ultra-High Net Worth clients as well as being a Wealth Strategy Associate focused on business development and financial planning.

Fun Facts:
- California native, traveler and adventurer
- Foodie and aspiring baker
- Fitness guru, snowboarder and wakeboarder
- Loyola Marymount University graduate
- Loyola Marymount University, Bachelors in Business Administration: Finance: 2017 - 2020
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Evan Blake, CFA

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MO
- MS
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- TN
- TX
- VA
Evan joined BV Group in 2018 and supports the team's investment management processes, including investment due diligence, asset allocation, portfolio construction, and portfolio review. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is a member of the CFA Society of South Florida. He is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a double major in Finance and Economics. Evan also has a General Securities Representative License (Series 7) and over 10 years of financial services industry experience.

Evan is a Florida native and resides in Boynton Beach, FL with his wife and 2 daughters. His hobbies include spending time with his family, being an avid sports fan and participating in organized sports.
- Chartered Financial Analyst®
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Andrew Item, CIMA, CAIA

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- AL
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MO
- MS
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
Andrew joined BV Group in 2018 and supports the team's investment management processes, including investment due diligence, asset allocation, portfolio construction, and portfolio review.

He is a University of Miami graduate with a double major in International Studies and Economics. Andrew received the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation through the Investment & Wealth Institute through coursework at the Yale School of Management and also obtained the Chartered Alternative Investment Associate (CAIA) designation.

Andrew has over 12 years industry experience and is fluent in both Italian and Spanish.
- Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst®
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Christine Sloboth

Team Administrator
View bio
- FL
Christine joined BV Group in 2011, and is responsible for Team/Business Management, Change Management, Team Oversight, Marketing Initiatives, Project Management and Event Planning.

Prior to joining BV Group, Chris was in the financial payments industry for over 14 years, initially with First Data Resources in Omaha, NE, then transferring to the Florida division of Chase Merchant Services/Chase Paymentech. Chris holds her General Securities Representative license (Series 7) and graduated with a B.S. in Finance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Her hobbies include yoga, biking, vegan cooking and volunteering at Everglades Angels Dog Rescue.
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Michael Bober, CFP, CIMA, CEPA

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Private Wealth Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AL
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MO
- MS
- MT
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Michael is a founding member of BV Group with three decades experience in wealth management services, supporting the needs of Corporate Executives, Business Owners, High Net Worth Individuals, Multi-Generational Families and Professional Athletes.

He earned his B.S. from Rutgers University and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. He received the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the Investment & Wealth Institute through coursework at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. Mike is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) that can help business owners with all phases of their transition strategy and is also a UBS Institutional Consultant, able to provide the unique guidance required for sophisticated clients.

Before becoming an investment advisor, Michael was a Certified Public Accountant with a National Accounting firm. He has the experience and credentials that build confidence.

Mike and his wife reside in Boca Raton, FL and in their free time enjoy travel, fitness, food, wine and trying to keep up with their three daughters. He is also actively involved with various charities in South Florida.

California Insurance License#: 0B54172
- Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
  The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3.
- Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- Rutgers University, Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Private Wealth Advisor
- Athletes & Entertainers Consultant
- Institutional Consultant, UBS Institutional Consulting Program
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Certified Exit Planning Advisor
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Ed Ventrice, CFP, CIMA, CEPA

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Private Wealth Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AL
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MO
- MS
- MT
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WA
- WI
Ed is a founding member of BV Group with three decades experience in wealth management services, supporting the needs of Corporate Executives, Business Owners, High Net Worth Individuals, Multi-Generational Families and Professional Athletes.

He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation and the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the Investment Management Consulting Association through Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. Ed is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) that can help business owners with all phases of their transition strategy and is also a UBS Institutional Consultant, able to provide the unique guidance required for sophisticated clients, foundations and endowments.

Ed graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Before becoming an investment advisor, Ed was a Certified Public Accountant with a National Accounting firm. He has the experience and credentials that build confidence.

Eddie and Elyse reside in Boca Raton, Florida with their 5 children. In their free time, they enjoy fitness, biking, tennis, travel and cooking. Ed is actively involved with various boards and several charities.

California Insurance License#: 0B59531
- Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
  The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3.
- Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- University of Florida, Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Private Wealth Advisor
- Institutional Consultant, UBS Institutional Consulting Program
- Certified Exit Planning Advisor
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Michael MacDonald, CFP

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AL
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MO
- NC
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
- WI
Michael MacDonald has been part of the BV Group for more than 22 years. In his previous career, he established and directed the West Coast office of his family’s transportation company that was sold to a Fortune 100 company. After the sale, he began to manage his family’s wealth and turned it into a career. Mike holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. and earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Arizona State University. He is married and has three sons. His hobbies include fishing, biking and fitness.

California Insurance License#: 0E52843
- Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
William Stuart Marino, CFP, AWMA

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- CA
- CO
- FL
- IL
- IN
- KY
- MA
- MD
- MI
- MT
- NC
- NJ
- NY
- OH
- OR
- PA
- SC
- TX
- VA
- WA
Billy is a Financial Advisor with 16 years of industry experience, initially joining UBS Financial Services Inc. as a Wealth Planning Associate and transitioning to BV Group as a Financial Advisor in 2018, after careers at both Lehman Brothers and RBS Greenwich Capital. Billy enjoys working with clients on financial goal analysis, planning, and all aspects of wealth management. He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation as well as the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor® designation. He is a graduate of Williams College in Williamstown, MA where he played Lacrosse, Squash and Soccer but remains very active in his alumni Palm Beach chapter.

Billy is a proud member of the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton, a Trustee with the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, serves on the board of the Peter Blum Family YMCA of Boca Raton, and is a Selection Committee Member for the George Snow Scholarship Fund.

He resides in Boca Raton, FL with his wife and two children and loves to fish in his almost non-existent free time!
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- Accredited Asset Management Specialist
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Alex Santos, CFP®, CEPA

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AL
- AZ
- CA
- FL
- GA
- IL
- IN
- KS
- LA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MS
- NC
- NJ
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- PR
- SC
- TX
- VA
- WA
Alex began his career in financial services in 1999 working for Campbell Williams Inc., a boutique advisory firm in Miami, FL. A seasoned professional, he draws upon 20+ years of experience helping institutional retirement plans, corporate executives, high net worth investors, and professional athletes by delivering advice and solutions to help them achieve their financial goals. In 2013, Alex joined BV Group, partnering with Michael Bober and Ed Ventrice to help clients clearly define investment objectives and implement appropriate solutions by remaining informative, accessible, independent and transparent in each interaction. Alex embraces a planning-based approach that begins with the creation and continual monitoring of a financial plan that serves as a road map, which informs every solution. He bases each of his relationships on four pillars of wealth management—lifestyle management, risk management, liability management and asset management.

Alex graduated Cum Laude from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL with a BBA. in finance, also a member of Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest attainable honor at the University of Miami. Alex is a Certified Financial Planner and also earned the Certified Exit Planning Analyst designation.

An All-American collegiate athlete both academically and athletically, Alex was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 and is the winning pitcher of the 1999 University of Miami College World Series National Championship team. He enjoyed an 8 year professional career with the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics within their minor league organizations.

Alex lives in Tampa, FL, with his wife, Ana, and their 3 children, Sol Marina, Kieran Leo, and Thiago Xandre. Alex serves on the board of Vita Nova, a non-profit that helps children in foster care transition into adulthood by providing housing and life skills coaching. Alex is multilingual, fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

CA Ins Lic#: 0I26833
- Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- Athletes & Entertainers Consultant
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Sarah Ponczek, CFP® , CIMA®

First Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- MD
- MI
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- PA
- TN
- TX
Sarah joined BV Group with a wealth of experience from Bloomberg, where she analyzed and reported on financial markets for Bloomberg News, TV and Radio. In addition, she hosted a weekly podcast called “What Goes Up” and acted as fill-in anchor for Bloomberg TV and Radio. Sarah holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the Investments & Wealth Institute through Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, and enjoys working with clients on investment and portfolio analysis.

Sarah graduated from the University of Michigan. She was also named a James B. Angell Scholar and inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Now, Sarah appears frequently on Bloomberg, CNBC and Fox Business to discuss capital markets and investing. She’s also been featured in Barron’s. Sarah is involved with the Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Circle of Wise Women and Impact 100 Palm Beach County. She is a Trustee with the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and a member of All Bar None at UBS, an internal organization dedicated to promoting professional advancement of women. In Sarah's free time she enjoys exploring South Florida and spending time with family, friends and her goldendoodle.
- Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams (Private Wealth & High-Net Worth), 2022The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in November based on information from a 12 month period ending in March of the award year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI with a B.A.in Communication Studies and Political Science minor. She was also named a James B. Angell Scholar for high achievement and was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Lillian Chen

Senior Client Associate
View bio
Lillian handles Client Service and Operational Management functions for the BV Group. She has been a part of the team for over 16 years and has more than 30 years of industry experience, including 7 years spent working in financial firms on Wall Street. Lillian, a Mets fan, enjoys frequenting Disney with her husband and their two children.
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Lucy Leo

Senior Client Associate
View bio
Lucy is a Senior Client Associate that joined BV Group in 2023 with over 20 years of industry experience. She provides a client centric mentality, focusing her time on the teams administration needs, operational excellence and relationship management. Lucy is extremely well-versed and works diligently to supply a distinctive approach to each individual experience.

A New York native from Long Island, Lucy joined UBS in 1990 working closely with a Research Analyst team. She moved to Florida in 1999 and transitioned to working on the Wealth Management division within UBS as a Client Service Associate. Prior to UBS, Lucy worked for the non-profit organization, Columbus Citizens Foundation, working on the organization and execution of the foundation's annual New York Columbus day parade. Lucy has two adult children and on her free time enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with her family.
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Veronica Martinez

Client Associate
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- LA
- MA
- MD
- MI
- MO
- MS
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NY
- OH
- OK
- PA
- SC
- TN
- TX
- VA
Veronica joined BV Group in 2018 as a Registered Client Associate. She enjoys working with clients and brings over 8 years financial, banking and service delivery experience to our team. Veronica holds her General Securities Representative license (Series 7) and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Florida Atlantic University. Veronica's hobbies include reading, travel and spending time with her friends and family.
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Christal D. Starcher

Senior Client Associate
View bio
Christal joined BV Group in January 2014 as a Client Service Associate. Before joining our team she had worked for Morgan Stanley for 6 years and has been in the industry for 8 years. She provides support with the maintenance and operational needs of client accounts. Christal spends her spare time with her husband and two children. She is passionate about travel and has visited most parts of the United States and numerous countries abroad.
1800 North Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Amanda R. Gordon, AWMA™

Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- CA
- FL
- GA
Amanda joined the BV group in January of 2023 as a Wealth Strategy Associate specializing in business development and marketing. She brings with her two years experience from UBS West Coast Private Wealth Management as a Wealth Planning Associate supporting advisors and their Ultra-High Net Worth clients as well as being a Wealth Strategy Associate focused on business development and financial planning.

Fun Facts:
- California native, traveler and adventurer
- Foodie and aspiring baker
- Fitness guru, snowboarder and wakeboarder
- Loyola Marymount University graduate
- Loyola Marymount University, Bachelors in Business Administration: Finance: 2017 - 2020
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Evan Blake, CFA

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MO
- MS
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- TN
- TX
- VA
Evan joined BV Group in 2018 and supports the team's investment management processes, including investment due diligence, asset allocation, portfolio construction, and portfolio review. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is a member of the CFA Society of South Florida. He is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a double major in Finance and Economics. Evan also has a General Securities Representative License (Series 7) and over 10 years of financial services industry experience.

Evan is a Florida native and resides in Boynton Beach, FL with his wife and 2 daughters. His hobbies include spending time with his family, being an avid sports fan and participating in organized sports.
- Chartered Financial Analyst®
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Andrew Item, CIMA, CAIA

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- AL
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- FL
- GA
- HI
- IL
- IN
- KS
- KY
- LA
- MA
- MD
- ME
- MI
- MO
- MS
- NC
- NH
- NJ
- NM
- NV
- NY
- OH
- OK
- OR
- PA
- RI
- SC
- TN
- TX
- UT
- VA
Andrew joined BV Group in 2018 and supports the team's investment management processes, including investment due diligence, asset allocation, portfolio construction, and portfolio review.

He is a University of Miami graduate with a double major in International Studies and Economics. Andrew received the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation through the Investment & Wealth Institute through coursework at the Yale School of Management and also obtained the Chartered Alternative Investment Associate (CAIA) designation.

Andrew has over 12 years industry experience and is fluent in both Italian and Spanish.
- Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst®
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Christine Sloboth

Team Administrator
View bio
- FL
Christine joined BV Group in 2011, and is responsible for Team/Business Management, Change Management, Team Oversight, Marketing Initiatives, Project Management and Event Planning.

Prior to joining BV Group, Chris was in the financial payments industry for over 14 years, initially with First Data Resources in Omaha, NE, then transferring to the Florida division of Chase Merchant Services/Chase Paymentech. Chris holds her General Securities Representative license (Series 7) and graduated with a B.S. in Finance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Her hobbies include yoga, biking, vegan cooking and volunteering at Everglades Angels Dog Rescue.
1800 North Military Trail
Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431

In the news

Sarah Ponczek's media appearances

Fox Business: "Tech sector's 'incredible run' comes down to their earnings"

Bloomberg Businessweek: Tech rally & diversification

Fox Business: "What does the latest earnings period mean for the consumer?"

Bloomberg Businessweek: US Markets

Fox Business: "This is going to be a crucial week for earnings"

Fox Business: "Fed wants Wall Street to believe rates will be 'higher for longer'"

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Michael Bober, CFP, CIMA, CEPA

Ed Ventrice, CFP, CIMA, CEPA

Michael MacDonald, CFP

William Stuart Marino, CFP, AWMA

Alex Santos, CFP®, CEPA

Sarah Ponczek, CFP® , CIMA®

Lillian Chen

Lucy Leo

Veronica Martinez

Christal D. Starcher

Amanda R. Gordon, AWMA™

Evan Blake, CFA

Andrew Item, CIMA, CAIA

Christine Sloboth

Michael Bober, CFP, CIMA, CEPA

Ed Ventrice, CFP, CIMA, CEPA

Michael MacDonald, CFP

William Stuart Marino, CFP, AWMA

Alex Santos, CFP®, CEPA

Sarah Ponczek, CFP® , CIMA®

Lillian Chen

Lucy Leo

Veronica Martinez

Christal D. Starcher

Amanda R. Gordon, AWMA™

Evan Blake, CFA

Andrew Item, CIMA, CAIA

Christine Sloboth

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