Saugatuck Financial has a great story.
But as exciting as the growth of the financial planning firm — which in the past 2 years has doubled in size, in an office with a spectacular 4th-floor view of the Saugatuck River — they’re more eager to talk about their commitment to giving back, to Westport and the world.
Founding partners Justin and Christy Charise could do that for hours. And still not cover Saugatuck Financial’s philanthropic reach.
But first, the couple’s own back story. He grew up in Norwalk; she in a small town in New York State.
They met at Cornell’s business school, then went to work in New York: He for Goldman Sachs, she for Bain Capital.
Justin and Christy Charise.
Seventeen years ago, when their son Austin was 1 and they wanted more space. they moved here. At the same time they took a leap of faith, and started their own firm.
Saugatuck Financial handles financial, retirement, insurance, income distribution and estate and legacy planning. For the first years, Justin spent 3 to 5 days a week in New York.
When COVID caused clients to disperse and remote work zoomed, he had more time for Westport.
The Charises had long been enamored with the town. They loved living and working on the river, and Westport’s many other amenities. From his corner office, Justin can watch his kids — members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club team — as they glide past.
Five years ago, driving home from a charitable event for the West Point lacrosse program — Justin captained the team in 2000 — he and Christy talked about their company’s charitable efforts.
While they said “yes” to most requests, they realized they were reactive — not proactive. They were in a position to do more. They vowed to change their approach.
Have they ever.
In the past few years, Saugatuck Financial has helped:
- Fund 2 water projects in India, and a community pump in Malawi
- Support dozens of veterans, as a lead sponsor of Catch a Lift Fund’s Connecticut events
- Develop young leaders, through West Point and FFA programs
- Build a garden at Wakeman Town Farm
- Revitalize the Earthplace Birds of Prey exhibit, as a lead sponsor
- Contribute to the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 100th celebration; Westport Library’s “Booked for the Evening” event; Staples’ soccer, football, lacrosse, music and drama programs
- Work with projects like Boston University’s walk for the homeless, Soundwaters, Filling in the Blanks, Westport PAL and Norwalk Little League, Lustgarden Foundation, Al’s Angels, Wreaths Across America, A Better Chance of Westport … and more.
The Saugatuck Financial team, at a Catch a Lift event.
They’ve ramped up their long involvement with the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation annual Santa visits, including shopping and wrapping for gifts for families that need help, and hosting a party at the Senior Center.
New ideas come from clients and Saugatuck Financial team members. “We try not to say no,” Justin says.
The Charises think about the opportunities they’ve been given. Both their mothers were nurses. Their fathers were a mechanic and insurance agent. Scholarships helped pay for school.
“We’re lucky enough to be in a position to have an impact on this and other communities, and people less fortunate” Christy adds. “We’re grateful to be able to take advantage of it.
“Hands reached out to help us. We’re holding out our hands to others. They’ll drive their own destiny.
“We have a deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve wherever we can, whenever we can: clients, team, community, and like-minded folks who value community and look to leave things better than they find them.”
Some of the many organizations aided by Saugatuck Financial.
Westport is blessed with generous businesses. The couple hope even more will follow their leads.
Meanwhile, Saugatuck Financial continues to grow. And grow closer.
Nearly all team members live no more than 10 minutes away. They’re in the office 4 days a week. There are plenty of team activities.
“We are committed to treating our team like our #1 client, and creating a culture that attracts and keeps top talent,” Christy says. She notes proudly that director of investments Luke Andriuk — a Staples High graduate — was recently recognized with a Westfair Business Journal “40 Under 40” award.
“We’re very deliberate about who we bring in,” Justin says. “How people are built matters most. We look for someone who is hard-wired to over-deliver, but also wants to know: How can I be a better worker, spouse, parent? We’re training the next generation.”
And — from a modern office, with a killer view of the Saugatuck River — providing a wealth of resources for this town, our neighbors, and communities halfway around the world.
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