Joseph G. Byrne
Allow me to introduce myself—I'm Joe, the visionary leader steering the ship at Byrne Financial Freedom, LLC. My dedication revolves around ensuring the financial well-being of my clients. I proudly hold the title of CEO & Wealth Advisor at our offices located in Franklin, MA, and Fort Myers, FL with 42 years of experience.
My philosophy is straightforward yet meaningful: I firmly believe that each client is unique, and therefore, standardized solutions simply won't cut it. I reject the notion of one-size-fits-all approaches and instead advocate for an approach tailored to suit everyone’s individual needs. Through collaborative efforts and attentive listening, I walk alongside my clients, addressing their specific needs and aspirations.
Through this we develop a personalized investment strategy, meticulously crafted with precision and care. My dedication extends beyond financial management; it's a pledge to cultivate financial freedom and prosperity for each person I have the privilege to serve. Under my guidance, my clients' paths to the future are paved with solutions, guiding them toward their financial goals with confidence and clarity.
My journey in the investment industry began in 1982, and over the years, I've earned a reputation as a trusted advisor. I've had the honor of affiliating myself with esteemed firms such as Merrill Lynch, Fidelity, Dean Witter Reynolds, Tucker Anthony, and Advest. Currently, I lead our team of Registered Investment Advisors, offering guidance to our clients.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Computers from Arizona State University and have over four decades of experience in the investment field. Being part of LPL Financial empowers me to furnish my clients with unbiased research and an extensive range of products, guaranteeing their financial requirements are addressed with openness and honesty. With over 22,000 advisors, LPL positions us in the top 1%.
I am immensely proud to have been recognized in the prestigious LPL Chairman's Club for the past five years—an accolade bestowed upon less than 5% of the firm's extensive network of 22,000 advisors nationwide. Additionally, my dedication to exceptional customer service has gained recognition from both LPL Financial and Fidelity Investments.
In terms of certifications, I am registered with LPL Financial, holding series 7, 24, and 63 certifications. I'm also recognized as an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) and serve as an LPL Registered Principal/Branch Manager. My expertise in areas such as retirement planning and college planning allows me to guide my clients toward their financial milestones.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I'm deeply involved in my community. As a member of the LPL Financial Political Action Committee, St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin, and the Franklin Country Club. I actively contribute to causes close to my heart. Volunteering for various charitable endeavors allows me to make a positive impact beyond the world of finance.
Originally hailing from White Plains, New York, I now split my time between my offices in Franklin, Massachusetts, and Fort Myers, Florida. My two sons, Brian, and Chris are integral parts of the family business, while my youngest works at a financial firm in Tempe, Arizona.
Gary Walsh
My journey started in the investment industry at Kidder Peabody & Co., where I held roles ranging from back-office clerk to institutional trader and municipal bond trading specialist. Transitioning to become an investment advisor at Kidder Peabody, I broadened my expertise at Paine Webber, Prudential, and Bear Stearns. With a comprehensive understanding of retirement planning, fixed income vehicles, alternative investments, and bonds, my belief is that I am a seasoned professional good at navigating diverse financial landscapes.
In 2007, I joined the Byrne Financial Freedom, LLC team in Franklin, Massachusetts, and am registered with LPL Financial, holding series 7 and 63 certifications, and with Byrne Financial Freedom, I carry series 65 registration. Additionally, I am licensed in insurance, specializing in fixed and variable products to provide comprehensive financial solutions to clients.
I was born and raised in Winchester, Massachusetts. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Accounting from Boston University. Presently, and currently call Franklin, Massachusetts home, where I reside with my wife, Joan. Together, we cherish moments with our two children, Chris and Caitlin, their respective spouses, and delight in the joy of our six grandchildren: Isabella, Alexander, Mari, Marin, James, and Carter. I am actively involved in the community, serving on the membership committee of the Business Network International (BNI) 128 Networking Group. In my leisure time, I indulge in golfing, tennis, travel, and savor the quality moments with family and friends.
Shellie LaVerde
Certified Divorce Counselor
In 2020, I became an integral part of Byrne Financial Freedom, assuming the role of Director of Women’s Client Relations and Certified Divorce Counselor. My life experiences, in both business and my personal life, position me as an invaluable resource for our widowed, single, and divorced female clients.
Prior to joining Byrne Financial, I spent two decades owning and managing a staffing agency Target Temps Inc. Before this endeavor, I held positions as Branch Manager and Vice President of Operations at various national and international staffing firms.
My upbringing traces back to Tolland, Connecticut. I then moved to Miami, Florida and pursued my education at Bauder College. By far, my biggest accomplishment is my two adult children: Nicole and Chris.
I find joy in a range of activities, including cooking, reading, dancing, and playing tennis, while splitting my time between Franklin, Massachusetts, and Fort Myers, Florida. In addition to perfecting my golf skills, I enjoy dedicating time to volunteering at various organizations.
Jason S. Weiss
Jason is a seasoned wealth advisor with over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, dedicated to serving individuals, families, and business owners. He adopts a holistic approach to addressing his clients' wealth needs, focusing on creating personalized financial plans and integrating tailored investment strategies to help them achieve their goals. Collaborating with a dedicated team, Jason ensures that his clients receive comprehensive support and personalized, concierge-level service. His areas of knowledge include legacy and estate planning, retirement income planning, tax-efficient strategies, and executive compensation.
Jason emphasizes client education, aiming to provide clarity and confidence in navigating complex markets and financial situations through clear and concise communication. He holds securities series 6, 7, and 63 registrations with LPL Financial, a 65 registration with Byrne Financial Freedom, LLC, and licenses in Life, Accident, and Health insurance.
Actively involved in his community, Jason has served on the Board of AseraCare in Wellesley, MA, and was a dedicated participant in Junior Achievement. He also showcases his commitment to giving back through his active membership in the Business Network International (BNI) Keystone Business Builders and through coaching youth sports in his local town.
Jason graduated from Suffield Academy and Bryant University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Legal Studies. He began his financial career as a banking officer for Citibank and Santander Bank and later served six years as the Vice President of Investment Services at Santander Bank before joining Byrne.
Residing in Medway, MA, Jason lives with his wife, Andrea, and their two young sons, Colton and Owen. When not on an athletic field cheering on his boys, Jason enjoys spending time with his family on the beach, ski slopes, and playing golf at the Franklin Country Club.
Christopher Byrne
I joined Byrne Financial Freedom, LLC in 2019 as a Relationship Manager. Since then, I've become a licensed Wealth Advisor, holding Series 7/65/63 registrations with LPL Financial. My goal is to secure the best risk-adjusted returns for clients on the investment side and maximize tax efficiency in financial planning. I'm passionate about portfolio management and meticulous planning. Most of our clients have generational wealth, and I aim to benefit both them and their successors. If a client isn't comfortable, I haven't done my job. Over the years, many clients have become like family.
I began my career at The Vanguard Group, starting at the Philadelphia headquarters before moving to the Scottsdale, AZ offices. Progressing to the High Net Worth Trading desk, I developed a fascination with the technical aspects of asset management. I learned, questioned, and remained excited.
I studied Economics at Arizona State University and spent a summer studying at The London School of Economics. As I ventured out and experienced the world, I began to discover my true self and realized that anything was possible if I set my mind to it. My family has always been my support system, guiding me in the right direction.
I grew up in small-town Norfolk, MA, which was ideal for raising a family. Norfolk's public education system shaped my critical thinking skills, and my summers were spent biking through the woods with friends. I still remember my mom surprising me with a special gift from the local bike shop. My Dad coached me in everything while building our successful family business. I don’t know how he did it!
In our family enterprise, we echo my dad’s sentiment that "family is everything." While financial matters often reduce to numbers on a screen, we recognize the profound emotional aspect. We advocate for our clients to prioritize creating cherished memories with loved ones, recognizing their true worth transcends any monetary value.
Brian P. Byrne
As the Chief Operating Officer of Byrne Financial Freedom, I am responsible for setting the firm’s strategy, expanding our service offerings, and continually enhancing the client experience. Having grown up immersed in the family business, I spent summers and school breaks learning its intricacies. My full-time career with Byrne Financial Freedom began as a Relationship Manager, where I worked closely with clients to understand their unique needs and goals, guiding them towards achieving financial success.
I'm passionate about helping others achieve financial stability, a passion inspired by my father, Joseph. Through him, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the importance of a comprehensive financial plan.
I grew up in Norfolk, MA, graduated from Xaverian Brothers High School, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Psychology from Roger Williams University. In my free time, I enjoy live music, skiing, surfing, fitness, and spending time with family. Now living in New Hampshire, I love contributing to my community and pursuing my interests.
Jessica Beckett
In March 2022, I joined Byrne Financial Freedom, LLC in Fort Myers, Florida, as a Client Relationship Manager. With over 18 years of financial industry experience ranging from working with Danversbank, Salem Five Bank, Capital Bank (Formerly First National Bank of the South) and most recently Wells Fargo Bank, where I worked as a Relationship Banker. My primary responsibilities included building relationships with clients to fully understand their financial goals and working to help them pursue them. I hold my securities licenses Series 7 & Series 66 with LPL Financial. In addition, I also hold my FL Life Insurance & Variable annuities license.
Most recently, I was promoted to Director of Client Services, a role that will allow me to ensure that our clients receive the best possible customer service from everyone involved.
I was born and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts, and spent several years in Charleston, South Carolina before settling down in Cape Coral, FL with my husband, Chris, and fur-baby Josie. I am a huge dog lover and enjoy cooking, fishing, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
Wendy Chipman
After working for 30 years providing top notch customer service to vendors and manufacturers in the food industry, I joined Byrne Financial Freedom, LLC in Franklin, Massachusetts in March of 2022 as a Client Relationship Manager. My role was to provide support on administrative tasks and client management functions.
I believe that customer service is a lost art and will go above and beyond to over communicate with our clients. Teamwork is also something I believe is crucial to any successful business and working together towards one common goal of supporting our clients. I earned my degree in business management from Eastern Nazarene College.
Most recently I was promoted to Director of Marketing. A role that allows me to use my creativity in expanding our social media presence, organizing fun and informative client events, while continuing to work closely with our amazing clients!
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, photography, relaxing with family, friends, and my feline fur-babies, Tyler & Drew.
Mariah Kramer
Prior to joining the Byrne Financial Freedom, Fort Myers, Florida office in 2023, I attended East Tennessee State University, and graduated with a Bachelors in Corporate Finance.
While pursuing my education and experiencing obstacles, I began to understand the necessity of financial literacy among all ages. I am passionate about delivering excellent customer service and simplifying the path for anyone to pursue their life goals.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, music and creating art.
Ryan J. McCormick
I'm Ryan McCormick, a Junior Wealth Advisor at Byrne Financial Freedom since 2024. My journey with the firm began back in 2019 when I worked as an intern. I hail from Middletown, DE, and attended Salesianum High School. Later, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 2020.
My professional journey includes roles like Retirement Specialist at Vanguard, Trade Support Specialist at Boenning & Scattergood, and Client Relationship Manager at Gibraltar Wealth Management. I've always been driven by my passion for connecting with clients, understanding their needs, and crafting tailored plans to help them pursue their financial objectives and plan their future.
Equipped with Series 7, 63, and 65 registrations under LPL Financial, I'm ready to serve our clients. Outside the office, I volunteer with Beat the Beast, a charity golf tournament, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. My interests include playing ice hockey, skiing, and watching good movies. The Smith Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island is where I currently call home.
