A plan tailored for you

For the goals you want to accomplish

Pencil and ruler on blueprints

Backed by the extensive resources of UBS, Strope Financial Group provides integration across all aspects of your financial world. With the knowledge to manage your entire financial life and the commitment to engaging each generation of your family, we offer an experienced perspective and the thoughtful guidance you need to help you meet your goals.

We provide our clients a team of credentialed professionals to help coordinate and manage all aspects of our clients' financial lives. Our team is supported by specialists in virtually every discipline, including retirement income planning, asset allocation, risk management, lending, insurance and estate planning strategies.

We’re big-picture people. We integrate your investments into a comprehensive wealth management plan—and catch all the details along the way.

- Peter Strope, Managing Director

Your financial life. Simplified.

At the Strope Financial Group at UBS, we work with highly successful individuals and their families to help them build a secure financial future.

  • Peter Strope Profile Photo

    Peter Strope, CAP, CFP

    Managing Director–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

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    • AK
    • AR
    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • CT
    • DC
    • DE
    • FL
    • GA
    • IA
    • IL
    • IN
    • LA
    • MA
    • MD
    • ME
    • MI
    • MN
    • MT
    • NC
    • NH
    • NJ
    • NM
    • NV
    • NY
    • OH
    • OK
    • OR
    • PA
    • RI
    • SC
    • TN
    • TX
    • VA
    • WA
    • WI
    • WV
    • WY

    With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Peter has developed a comprehensive approach for offering his clients customized wealth management advice delivered with personalized service. Given his background in nursing, Peter prefers to adopt a scientific approach to providing financial advice and implementing solutions. He first explores each client’s needs and goals in order to diagnose the situation and, ultimately, recommend the best strategy to address it effectively. Whether he is assisting his clients with finding an accountant, funding a college education or obtaining a mortgage, Peter and the team take a comprehensive approach to helping clients coordinate all elements of their financial lives. At every step in this process, Peter never loses sight of his most important goals: to make a difference in the lives of his clients and to foster long standing client relationships based on trust and performance.

    To promote his field within the community, Peter teaches a financial planning course at the University of Pittsburgh Law School and a similar course in the Carnegie Mellon University Osher program. Additionally, Peter is a member of Pittsburgh’s Estate Planning Council and the International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy.

    Accomplishments

    • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certificant
    • Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®)

    Education

    • Franciscan University, B.S. degree, nursing
    • Duquesne University, Executive Certificate in Financial Planning

    Community

    • International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy
    • Adjunct professor of Law, University of Pittsburgh School of Law
    • Study Leader for Osher at Carnegie Mellon University
    • Member of Pittsburgh’s Estate Planning Council
    • Ruffed Grouse Society committee member
    • American Corporate Partners (ACP) Mentor

    Licenses

    • Series 7, Series 31, Series 63, Series 65, Life and Health Insurance
    • CA Insurance License #0F36070
    • Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3. 
    • Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2014, 2015, 2016, 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 Advisors, 2018The 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 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.
    • On Wall Street – Top 40 Advisors Under 40, 2013, 2014, 2015The Financial Planning rating is awarded annually in Q1 based on information from a 12 month period ending in September of the prior year.

    • Franciscan University, B.S. Nursing
    • Duquesne University, Executive Certificate in Financial Planning
    • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
    • Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®
    4000 Town Center
    Canonsburg, PA 15317
    peter.strope@ubs.com
    Peter Strope, CAP, CFP
    4000 Town Center,Canonsburg,PA,15317
  • Andrew Hanson Profile Photo

    Andrew Hanson

    Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

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    • AK
    • AR
    • AZ
    • CA
    • CO
    • CT
    • DC
    • DE
    • FL
    • GA
    • IA
    • IL
    • IN
    • LA
    • MA
    • MD
    • ME
    • MI
    • MN
    • MT
    • NC
    • NH
    • NJ
    • NM
    • NV
    • NY
    • OH
    • OK
    • OR
    • PA
    • RI
    • SC
    • TN
    • TX
    • VA
    • VT
    • WA
    • WI
    • WV
    • WY

    With nearly 20 years of financial services experience, Drew has worked with a wide range of clients across a spectrum of unique needs. Whether offering guidance on estate planning strategies, wealth transfer or portfolio management, Drew remains focused on making life better for his clients. His mission is to determine how best to achieve each client’s objectives, and he takes great satisfaction from seeing his clients achieve their most valued goals.

    Drew’s dedication to wealth management doesn’t stop in the office.  He also serves as an adjunct professor and teaches a financial planning course at the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of the office and classroom, Drew volunteers actively in the Pittsburgh community, from Toys for Tots and the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank to youth groups at his church. He and the team also raise money to support students at the Colliers Primary School.

    For Drew, nothing is more important than family. He and his wife, Heather, have four children: Meredith, Autumn, Andrew and Lillian. Outside the office, he enjoys hiking, volleyball, landscaping and cooking.

    Accomplishments

    • Adjunct professor, University of Pittsburgh

    Education

    • Robert Morris University, B. S. degree, computer science, cum laude
    • Duquesne University, Executive Certificate in Financial Planning

    Licenses

    • Series 7, Series 31, Series 66, Life and Health Insurance, and Annuities licenses
    • CA Insurance License #0G36781
    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 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.

    • Robert Morris University, B.S. Computer Science, cum laude
    • Duquesne University, Executive Certificate in Financial Planning
      4000 Town Center
      Canonsburg, PA 15317
      andrew.hanson@ubs.com
      Andrew Hanson
      4000 Town Center,Canonsburg,PA,15317
    • Stephen Bulazo Profile Photo

      Stephen Bulazo Jr.

      Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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      • CA
      • CT
      • FL
      • IA
      • IL
      • IN
      • NH
      • NJ
      • OH
      • PA
      • VA
      • WV
      • WY

      For more than 30 years, Stephen has been providing financial advice at UBS and its predecessor firm PaineWebber, exemplifying a long-standing commitment to effective, loyal and caring service to his clients and their families. In his current role, Stephen focuses on wealth planning and investment strategies, including wealth generation, education planning, retirement income planning, long-term care and estate planning strategies.

      After working on a team with his father for a number of years, Stephen was able to transition and deliver a continuation of service spanning more than 60 years upon his father’s retirement.

      For some of his clients’ families, Stephen has had the pleasure of helping up to five generations achieve their financial goals.

      Stephen is actively involved in family life with his wife, two daughters and two dogs. Additionally, he is a dedicated member of the St. Louise de Marillac Parish and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.  He enjoys fishing, exercise and yoga to help keep him centered and focused on his work, and he is a loyal Pittsburgh sports fan, with the exception of his allegiance to WVU football.

      Education

      West Virginia University, B.S. in finance
      Licenses

      Series 3, 7, 9, 10, 63 and 65, Life and Health Insurance, and Annuities Licenses

        • West Virginia University, B.S. Finance
          4000 Town Center
          Canonsburg, PA 15317
          stephen.bulazo@ubs.com
          Stephen Bulazo Jr.
          4000 Town Center,Canonsburg,PA,15317
        • Adam Fulton Profile Photo

          Adam Fulton, CFP, CIMA

          Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

          CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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          • AK
          • AZ
          • CA
          • CO
          • CT
          • DC
          • DE
          • FL
          • GA
          • HI
          • IA
          • IL
          • IN
          • LA
          • MA
          • MD
          • MI
          • MN
          • MT
          • NC
          • NH
          • NJ
          • NM
          • NV
          • NY
          • OH
          • OK
          • OR
          • PA
          • RI
          • SC
          • TN
          • TX
          • VA
          • WA
          • WI
          • WV
          • WY

          Adam joined the Strope Financial Group in 2012, where he assists in analytics and the development of custom investment strategies by conducting market and security due diligence, meeting with representatives of asset management firms, following market updates, and keeping current on UBS and external market research. He works closely with clients by processing trades, answering inquiries and supporting portfolio reviews.

          To further his industry knowledge, Adam has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. In addition, he received the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation by completing the education requirement through the Investment Management Theory and Practice program offered by the MIT Sloan School of Management and passing the exams.

          In his spare time, Adam enjoys supporting University of Pittsburgh sports, golfing, skiing and riding ATVs.

          Accomplishments

          • Earned the designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™and Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)

          Education

          • University of Pittsburgh, B.S.B.A. in finance, minor in economics

          Licenses

          • Series 7, 31 and 66, Life and Health Insurance, and Annuities licenses

            • University of Pittsburgh, B.S.B.A. Finance, Minor in Economics
            • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
            • Certified Investment Management Analyst®
            4000 Town Center
            Canonsburg, PA 15317
            adam.fulton@ubs.com
            Adam Fulton, CFP, CIMA
            4000 Town Center,Canonsburg,PA,15317
          • Lacey Thurner Profile Photo

            Lacey Thurner, CAP®, CFP®

            Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

            CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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            • AR
            • AZ
            • CA
            • CO
            • CT
            • DE
            • FL
            • IL
            • IN
            • MD
            • MI
            • NJ
            • NY
            • OH
            • PA
            • TN
            • TX
            • VA
            • WV

            With over 10 years of experience working with the Strope Financial Group, Lacey holds the role of Planning Specialist and works closely with clients to identify their needs and goals, analyze their cash flow and assets, and develop long-term financial plans.

            As part of her collaborative approach to working with clients, Lacey uses UBS' financial tools to help ensure she understands each client’s unique situation and offers customized advice tailored to their needs. To further enhance her ability to assist clients with their financial planning needs, Lacey completed the Duquesne University Executive Certificate in Financial Planning program and has obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification as well as her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation.

            In addition to these roles, Lacey provides support and education to 401(k) plan sponsors and participants and handles the team’s event planning and marketing functions.

            Outside of work, Lacey is a member of United Way's Women's Leadership Council and Bridges Society. She enjoys spending free time with her husband and dog, long distance running, and she sings in a local band

            Accomplishments

            • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certificant
            • Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®)

            Education

            • University of Pittsburgh, B.S.B.A. in finance and marketing, summa cum laude
            • Duquesne University, Executive Certificate in Financial Planning

            Licenses

            • Series 7 and 66, Life and Health Insurance, and Annuities licenses

             

             

              • University of Pittsburgh, B.S.B.A. Finance and Marketing, summa cum laude
              • Duquesne University, Executive Certificate in Financial Planning
              • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
              • Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®
              4000 Town Center
              Canonsburg, PA 15317
              lacey.thurner@ubs.com
              Lacey Thurner, CAP®, CFP®
              4000 Town Center,Canonsburg,PA,15317
            • Ben Gongaware headshot

              Benjamin Gongaware

              Wealth Strategy Associate

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              • CA
              • CO
              • FL
              • IL
              • MA
              • MD
              • MI
              • NY
              • OH
              • PA
              • TX
              • VA
              • WA
              • WV

              Ben started Strope Financial Group in 2018 and became a full-time employee in January 2020 after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh.  In his current role as a Relationship Manager, Ben works closely with clients and prospects to ensure all their needs are being met. Ben has a deep knowledge and understanding of the lending industry and the products UBS has to offer and has assisted numerous clients with mortgages and lines of credit to achieve their goals.

              As a former intern, Ben works closely with our team interns to ensure they’re being utilized in the best way possible and to promote a good internship experience. In his time with the team, he has overseen several interns who have gone on to obtain full-time roles in the finance industry.

              Ben maintains a Series 7 and Series 66 securities license and holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ designation. He is currently enrolled in a Masters of Financial Planning program through the College For Financial Planning (CFFP). 

              Outside of work, Ben enjoys golfing, skiing, cooking, traveling and sports.

              Accomplishments

              • Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠

              Education

              • University of Pittsburgh, B.A. in Economics, Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine

              Licenses

              • Series 7 and 66 licenses

                • University of Pittsburgh, B.A. in Economics, Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
                • Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠
                4000 Town Center
                Canonsburg, PA 15317
                benjamin.gongaware@ubs.com
                Benjamin Gongaware
                4000 Town Center,Canonsburg,PA,15317
              • Michael Schaedel Profile Photo

                Michael Schaedel

                Senior Client Associate

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                  Prior to joining UBS in 2008, Mike served as a branch manager at a national mortgage company, where he gained specialized business experience in the industry. A veteran, who served seven years in the Army, Mike also has considerable organizational and leadership skills he brings to the team and clients.

                  With the team’s focus on helping clients in all aspects of their financial lives, Mike’s extensive knowledge in the mortgage and insurance industry is an added value to clients in the market for lending solutions and retirement. For the team, Mike prepares portfolio reviews, handles complicated administrative tasks, and reviews Life Insurance and annuity policies for families.

                  Licenses

                  • Currently pursuing the Series 7 securities license

                        4000 Town Center
                        Canonsburg, PA 15317
                        michael.schaedel@ubs.com
                        Michael Schaedel
                        4000 Town Center,Canonsburg,PA,15317
                      • Gina Lanning Profile Photo

                        Gina Lanning

                        Client Associate

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                          Gina has worked for UBS for 25 years and joined the team in 2009, currently serving as a Client Service Associate. In this role, Gina assists with day-to-day operational tasks. She values the relationships she makes with the team’s clients and takes pride in her ability to help them achieve their financial goals.

                          Gina began her career in the financial services industry 34 years ago and has worked in many areas of the business, giving her a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of client service. Outside the office, Gina enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

                           Licenses

                          • Currently pursuing the Series 7 securities license

                                4000 Town Center
                                Canonsburg, PA 15317
                                gina.lanning@ubs.com
                                Gina Lanning
                                4000 Town Center,Canonsburg,PA,15317
                              • Timothy Growden Profile Photo

                                Timothy Growden

                                Client Associate

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                                  Tim focuses on issues related to estates, trusts and client service operations, and he is dedicated to developing long-term client relationships through teamwork and commitment. Tim has more than 12 years of diverse experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining UBS in 2014 he worked as a loan officer and processor, and he has six years of experience in the appraisal management industry. Tim and his wife have two young sons, and he enjoys working outside around his house, traveling with his family and outdoor family activities.

                                  Licenses

                                  • Currently pursuing the Series 7 securities license

                                  Education

                                  • Robert Morris College with a B.S.B.A. in sports management

                                    • Robert Morris College, B.S.B.A. Sports Management
                                      4000 Town Center
                                      Canonsburg, PA 15317
                                      timothy.growden@ubs.com
                                      Timothy Growden
                                      4000 Town Center,Canonsburg,PA,15317
                                    • Bridget Smitsky Profile Photo

                                      Bridget Smitsky

                                      Client Associate

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                                        With more than 20 years of customer service experience, Bridget joined the team in 2015 and is responsible for client operations and new accounts. She uses her extensive knowledge of service, attention to detail and high level of efficiency to effectively resolve client issues.

                                        Bridget lives a mile away from where she grew up and enjoys being close to her family. In her free time, she can be found trying new recipes in the kitchen, traveling or reading with a new book on her Kindle.

                                        Licenses

                                        • Currently pursuing the Series 7 securities license

                                        Education

                                        • Potomac State College and Pennsylvania State University, degree in wildlife sciences

                                          • Potomac State College
                                          • Pennsylvania State University, Wildlife Sciences
                                            4000 Town Center
                                            Canonsburg, PA 15317
                                            bridget.smitsky@ubs.com
                                            Bridget Smitsky
                                            4000 Town Center,Canonsburg,PA,15317
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