Profiles in partnership – an interview with Mary Beth Fanelli
How did Grace Wealth Partners start? What was your motivation?
It was born out of my 15-year partnership with my mother, who was my mentor and is my best friend. As a woman, she had to fight for her position as a financial advisor in a male-dominated industry – it was a huge challenge for her. When she retired, Mom left a void in my life, my business model and, most importantly, her clients’ lives.
It sounds like starting Grace Wealth Partners wasn’t based on motivation, but inspiration. Can you tell me more about your mom?
Mom spent her entire career proving people wrong – especially the people who told her, to her face, that she couldn’t be an advisor because she was a woman. And she didn’t just become an advisor. She became an outstanding advisor, who provided wonderful, nurturing service – that’s why her clients loved and respected her. Like I said, her retirement hit everyone hard – but she entrusted me with the care of these very special people with whom she still feels a connection. I take that responsibility seriously and try to be the best advisor I can be – for my clients, Mom and in honor of her dedication to them.
Now, let’s talk about how you continue that legacy.
Well, Grace Wealth Partners is the best part of me: It’s dedicated to outstanding client service and a personal relationship with every person who enters not just our practice, but our family. My team and I are dedicated to being honest, open and treating people with the respect they deserve. A big part of that commitment – maybe the biggest – is that we provide people with a safe space to discuss not just their dreams, goals and visions, but their concerns and worries. We want them to genuinely feel that they are respected and heard with care and without judgment.
And it’s interesting that you used the word “legacy” – because not only is Grace Wealth Partners a nod to my family’s legacy, but also to the legacy of our clients. We’ve had the honor and the privilege of working with generations of families – some well into the 3rd and 4th – conveying family stories and making new investors feel a connection that most advisors cannot provide.
Were you always interested in financial services and being an advisor?
I actually started my career as a music teacher! Being an educator and a single mother of four prepared me for this job in many ways, especially when it comes to making things easier for a student of any age or subject to understand. I’m all about straightforward language when I’m talking with clients, getting them excited and engaged with investing for their future: I want them to come to the table, not push away from it!
Another carryover from my days as a teacher is being patient with people who are trying to learn and making sure they know the “golden rule”: The only stupid question is the one that doesn’t get asked. I also believe in the power of repetition. No matter how many times someone needs to hear something, I’ll repeat it until they fully comprehend what we’re doing together and why – and nowhere is that more critical than when it comes to someone’s money.
What gets you out of bed in the morning – what gets you excited about what you do?
My excitement comes from my clients. My heart is in one thing: helping them and the people they care about find new and exciting adventures when it comes to their money. To start dreaming that they can save and make their financial dreams come true. Nothing is more exciting to watch than people learning how to dream again – especially when they’re family. And everyone at Grace Wealth Partners – our advisors and our clients – is a part of that family.