A plan tailored for you

For the goals you want to accomplish

Backed by the extensive resources of UBS, Strope Financial Group provides seamless integration across all aspects of your financial world. With the expertise 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 meet your goals.

Our clients require an exclusive and highly credentialed team of professionals to help coordinate and manage all aspects of their 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.

Start the conversation

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, CAP, CFP

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AK
- AR
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- GA
- 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
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 PLANNER^TM 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
Andrew Hanson

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management
View bio Industry recognition
- AK
- AR
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- GA
- IA
- IL
- IN
- LA
- MA
- MD
- 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
Stephen Bulazo Jr.

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- 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
Adam Fulton, CFP, CIMA

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
View bio
- 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
Lacey Thurner, CAP®, CFP®

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
View bio
- 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 PLANNER^TM 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
Benjamin Gongaware

Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- 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

Michael Schaedel

Senior Client Associate
View bio
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
Gina Lanning

Client Associate
View bio
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
Timothy Growden

Client Associate
View bio
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
Bridget Smitsky

Client Associate
View bio
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

Peter Strope, CAP, CFP

Managing Director–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor
View bio Industry recognition
- AK
- AR
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- GA
- 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
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 PLANNER^TM 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
Andrew Hanson

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management
View bio Industry recognition
- AK
- AR
- AZ
- CA
- CO
- CT
- DC
- DE
- FL
- GA
- IA
- IL
- IN
- LA
- MA
- MD
- 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
Stephen Bulazo Jr.

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- 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
Adam Fulton, CFP, CIMA

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
View bio
- 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
Lacey Thurner, CAP®, CFP®

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
View bio
- 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 PLANNER^TM 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
Benjamin Gongaware

Wealth Strategy Associate
View bio
- 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
Michael Schaedel

Senior Client Associate
View bio
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
Gina Lanning

Client Associate
View bio
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
Timothy Growden

Client Associate
View bio
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
Bridget Smitsky

Client Associate
View bio
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

Financial planning

Does a financial plan go beyond my investments?

When we build a comprehensive financial plan, we start by listening and learning about you. Our goals-based approach to planning can help you see the connections between all aspects of your financial world.

Retirement income planning strategies
Estate and legacy planning
Insurance
Tax strategies

_{Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor any of its employees provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with your personal tax or legal advisor regarding your personal circumstances.}

_{Insurance products are issued by unaffiliated third-party insurance companies and made available through insurance agency subsidiaries of UBS Financial Services Inc. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.}

Multigenerational strategies

Is my family prepared for life without me?

We are keenly attuned to protecting the financial independence of your entire family, structuring a deliberate and meaningful family legacy and directing capital to reflect your values.

Helping to safeguard multigenerational wealth
An integrated team
Family governance
Philanthropic impact

_{Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor any of its employees provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with your personal tax or legal advisor regarding your personal circumstances}

Customized investing

Can my portfolio withstand market volatility?

Our team provides quality investment strategies tailored to your needs. With direct access to the global resources of UBS, we can help you weather market uncertainty with timely perspectives, customized investment management and a fully integrated suite of financial solutions.

Customized portfolio management
UBS Portfolio Management Program (PMP)
Understanding risk
Open access

_{The Portfolio Management Program (PMP) is a wrap fee advisory program in which our Financial Advisors manage client accounts on a discretionary basis. PMP is designed for clients who (i) want to delegate portfolio management discretion to their Financial Advisor; (ii) are looking to implement a medium to long-term investment plan; and (iii) prefer the consistency of fee-based pricing.}

_{PMP is not appropriate for clients who: (i) want to maintain trading control over their account; (ii) seek a short-term investment; (iii) want to maintain consistently high levels of cash, money market funds, or invest primarily in noload mutual funds; (iv) want to maintain highly concentrated positions that will not be sold regardless of market conditions; or (v) who anticipate significant withdrawals from the account.}

Exemplary service

How will we work together?

We are devoted to our clients, communicating regularly to set expectations, address concerns and resolve issues. We want to know what’s on your mind, your thoughts and concerns. Count on us to be:

Accessible—you set the level of communication that’s right for your situation.

Collaborative—our team works well together by making sure we keep you informed and by avoiding surprises.

Responsive—we keep you up to date about decisions regarding your accounts and we’re fair and transparent about our fees.

Our personalized planning process

Discover
Plan
Implement
Review
Communicate

Managing wealth is our craft

We’re committed to understanding what wealth means for you.

At UBS, excellence comes from nurturing the best of our heritage, mastering the details and delivering the expertise you need to turn your financial vision into a reality. The result? Financial advice that is finely crafted for what matters most to you.

Backed by the strength of UBS

A global leader in wealth management

^$5+ trillion

In invested assets globally
As of 11/07/2023

51 countries

Our global footprint

Global leader

UBS is a world-leading wealth manager

A plan tailored for you

Your financial life. Simplified.

Peter Strope, CAP, CFP

Andrew Hanson

Stephen Bulazo Jr.

Adam Fulton, CFP, CIMA

Lacey Thurner, CAP®, CFP®

Benjamin Gongaware

Michael Schaedel

Gina Lanning

Timothy Growden

Bridget Smitsky