In 2000, the private bank Charlie Haberstroh worked for downsized. He had 4 college-aged children. The dot-com era was crashing.
“What better time to start a new wealth management firm?!” he laughs.
It may not have been the best timing. But Haberstroh was the right man.
This year, CastleKeep Investment Advisors celebrates its 25th year. And the Westport-based firm is doing it the way they’ve done business for a quarter century: by giving back to the community.
The CastleKeep team (from left): Christy Pasqua, Lauren Quesada, Steve Haberstroh, Charlie Haberstroh, Chuck Haberstroh, Mary Hackett.
The highlight of their anniversary celebration at The Bridge at Saugatuck — a few yards away from their Riverside Avenue office — was the announcement of long-term financial support for 2 local groups: Westport’s Department of Human Services, and Staples Tuition Grants.
Both choices were no-brainers.
Patty Haberstroh — Charlie’s wife, and the mother of Chuck and Steve Haberstroh, 2 of her 4 children who are partners in their dad’s firm — died 2 years ago this month, after a long battle with ALS.
She was (among many other activities) a beloved family program coordinator for Human Services.
Patty Haberstroh
Patty ran and supported important initiatives like their annual Back-To-School program that offers backpacks, school supplies and shoe store gift cards to children from low-income families; the Westport Mentor program; summer camperships; after-school scholarships; Thanksgiving dinner donations; MLK Day basketball clinics; Minds in Motion, and Prom and Graduation Gowns programs.
In 2000 Steve was a beneficiary of Staples Tuition Grants — the 83-year-old organization that this year awarded $400,000 to over 100 graduating seniors and alumni.
Chuck served for 4 years on STG’s board. Years ago, a friend established a Staples Tuition Grants fund in the Habestrohs’ family name. Charlie continues to support it. Now there will be an additional scholarship, named for CastleKeep.
CastleKeep’s gifts are not their first to the community. In December they supported Human Services’ Holiday Giving Program with a donation that ensures that all graduating seniors who need help will attend college with their own laptops.
Like many small family-owned businesses — albeit on with nearly $1 billion in invstments under management to clients around the world — CastleKeep reflects the values of its founder. In this case, community service is key.
Charlie chairs the Levitt Pavilion Committee. He’s also chaired the Parks & Recreation Commission; been 2nd selectman; served on the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting, and was president of the Sunrise Rotary Club.
His children have followed their parents’ lead. Chuck, for example, is very involved in his own kids’ Westport sports program. He also co-founded and co-heads the Lou Gehrig Day Committee, which works closely with Major League Baseball.
Chuck joined CastleKeep soon after graduating from Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business. At the time, he says, “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, except I wanted to succeed Theo Epstein as general manager of the Boston Red Sox.”
That seemed unlikely.
“I knew my father needed help at CastleKeep,” Chuck says. “I was willing to do whatever he needed. I had seen what my family had done for each other, and for others. I really wanted to treat colleagues and clients as family, which to me means going above and beyond.”
Steve joined the company afer 5 years with a publicly traded financial planning firm. He gained valuable experience and leadership training there. But, he says, the family aspect attracted him — and helps him attract clients.
Over 25 years — through good times and bad — the firm has grown. They’ve added employees. Every partner began as an intern.
The CastleKeep “family” — blood relatives and others — is proud of that quarter century.
They’re even prouder of the role they play in their community. Both Human Services and Staples Tuition Grants agree: They’re a keeper.
