When it came time for me to choose a career path, I knew that whatever job I pursued needed to be in line with my passions. Most importantly, I wanted to serve others; to help people in a tangible way, and add value to their lives. Working in the qualified retirement planning world checked both of those boxes, and now, more than 30 years later, I’m still just as passionate about what I do!
Building My Career
I began my retirement career as a wholesale representative for a large international financial institution marketing my company’s retirement product and services to financial professionals. I quickly became their “subject matter expert and resource”, helping them to sell 401(k) and other retirement plans to their clients. While I enjoyed both my career and the company I worked for, I felt I could do more for American employers and their employees. When I entered the world of qualified retirement plans, it became obvious that this was the arena where I could have a positive impact on the lives of my clients. In my mind, I came to believe that everyone I worked with benefited and I could sleep easy knowing that I was helping everyday Americans achieve the American Dream
In 2003 I made the decision to go into private practice. In 2004, I earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) certification. I was determined then, and remain committed today, to bringing large plan services and options to the micro and small-plan markets.
My Career Today
Today, I have over three decades of experience as a retirement plan advisor, and I take a very holistic approach to understanding my clients’ retirement plan needs, including design, compliance, and investments. I am well positioned to recognize the challenges that many employers face when trying to implement a retirement plan for their employees.
As one of the original 100 Accredited Investment Fiduciary® practitioners in America, I also utilize fiduciary best practices to give employees appropriate investments from which to choose and make sure that employers have a well-documented, prudent fiduciary process in place. Ultimately, my work helps employers manage the risks involved in plan sponsorship.
Why I Love What I Do
I love what I do because I truly enjoy working with my clients. As dedicated plan sponsors, my clients recognize the impact their employees have on their own personal financial success. They care deeply about their employees and want to provide meaningful retirement solutions. I take personal satisfaction from knowing that I am helping both employers and their staff. Together, we are able to build a more loyal and productive workforce, knowing that someday they will be able to retire in a more dignified fashion than they would have otherwise been able to achieve.
Take the Next Step
Now that you know a bit about me, I’d love to hear your story. What are you looking for in an employer-sponsored retirement plan? What challenges do you currently face? Schedule a complimentary meeting by emailing dshapiro@dcspensionmark.com to see if I’m the right fit for you.
About Dan
Dan Shapiro is a retirement plan advisor and holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor certifications. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Dan guides his clients through the entire retirement plan process, from plan design to compliance to investment oversight. His goal is to provide his plan sponsor clients with the ability to offer the right retirement plan the Right way to their employees—a plan they can be proud of. He is one of the original 100 Accredited Investment Fiduciary® practitioners in the United States and uses his knowledge and experience to implement best fiduciary practices to ensure employees have appropriate investments to choose from and employers have a well-documented fiduciary process in place to mitigate risk. Dan is known for taking the time to understand his clients’ unique goals and situations and applying his holistic approach to customize and develop tailored strategies to improve outcomes and take some of the plan sponsor burden off their shoulders.
When he’s not working, you can find Dan at the park and marina near his house training his Australian Shepherd. He cherishes his frequent FaceTime calls with his grown children who live in Israel. In fact, Dan and his wife, Rita, consider their proudest life achievement to be raising their two children, Ashley and Joshua, to be productive and principled adults. Dan and Rita love to entertain, especially when it includes making great food with the smoker and barbeque. To learn more about Dan, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Pensionmark Financial Group, LLC (“Pensionmark”) is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Pensionmark is affiliated through common ownership with Pensionmark Securities, LLC (member SIPC).