Meet Our Team
Mitchell Katchen - President
Mitchell founded Katchen Financial Group in 1995, and has been in the financial services industry for more than 30 years. He previously worked for Prudential, Nationwide, and Voya before starting his own firm. As president, Mitchell oversees the other members of our staff on a daily basis, makes decisions regarding employment and affiliation with potential recruits, and maintains his own book of business including life insurance, annuities, and securities.
Mitchell personally advises his clients and tailors a plan to their specific needs, including: retirement planning, college planning, life insurance, securities (including stocks and bonds), and brokerage accounts, among other investment vehicles.
He currently holds the following licenses: life, health, property, and casualty in many states including (but not limited to) NJ, NY, and PA, series 6, 7, 24 and 63 licenses for securities through FINRA, and a B.S. in Business Adminstration from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
In his free time, Mitchell enjoys travel, and spending time with his three daughters and his grandson.
Jon H. Lax - Financial Advisor
Jon came to Katchen Financial Group from Prudential after earning their Life Achievement award for his “extraordinary success in providing clients with personalized financial solutions.” Jon is experienced in pre-retirement planning, post-retirement distribution, and wealth preservation. Jon understands that each individual's financial picture is different, and invests the time to work directly with clients and assist them in developing a strategy that is tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Drawing on his extensive business and aviation background, Jon is also able to offer unique insights to business owners who seek to provide quality, affordable employee benefits and retirement strategy programs. In addition to advisory services and securities, Jon is licensed for life, health, property and casualty insurance.
In his free time, Jon enjoys fly fishing, golf, hiking, and music. He is an active member of Trout Unlimited, NY-NJ Trail Conference, AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilot Assoc.) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers).
Stanley J. Zipkin L.U.T.C.F
Stan started his career in the insurance and financial services industry in 1984 with Prudential Insurance Company. Stan won many awards with Prudential and was promoted to management in 1985. After 9 years as a sales manager, Stan left Prudential to become an independent agent representing many companies.
Stan continued to win recognition with companies like ING and Banner Life for many years. In 2006, he affiliated himself with Katchen Financial Group. He specializes in fixed insurance products like llife insurance, annuities and distributing income in retirement.
Based on his extensive experience, Stan is a real asset to his extensive client base. In 1980, Stan was elected to the Board of Education and served until 1983 and continues his interest in politics and education today. He also spent 8 years as chairman of the local “Juvenile Conference Committee” intervening with juveniles who were in trouble with the law. The committee resolved issues that otherwise would have caused the juvenile to go to court.
In his free time, Stan continues to pursue his interests in history, music, politics and education. He also spends as much time as possible with his children and 4 grandchildren.
Sharon Harlan – Office Manager
Sharon joined Katchen Financial Group (KFG) in 2002. As office manager, she is responsible for numerous tasks including overseeing the running of the office, life insurance case management, licensing and commissions, transitioning to a new Broker Dealer as well as the primary liaison to the President. Sharon's organizational skills, attention to detail, strong work ethic along with her outstanding customer service skills help to keep KFG running smoothly.
In addition to her regular responsibilities Sharon has served as the leader in planning our quarterly sales meetings.
She holds a NJ life and health license and has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Richmond.
Cynthia Konopka-Skirkanish – Life Insurance Case Manager
Cynthia has been with Katchen Financial Group since 2007 and is our Life New Business Coordinator. She is responsible for agent life contracting, assisting agents with quoting, and updating agents weekly on their current business. She will order exams and Attending Physician Statements as required. Please call Cynthia for all your life insurance quotes and case status.
In Cynthia's free time, she enjoys traveling around the country with her husband, Lenny on their motorcycle.
Cindi Gassaro – Marketing Coordinator
Cindi has been working with Katchen Financial Group since 2011, and coordinates marketing, agent relations, and recruitment. Additionally, she helps Sharon plan and execute agency events. Cindi's strengths include problem solving, dedication, and is very self-motivated. For any prospective agents looking to get more information about Katchen Financial Group, please contact Cindi.
In her free time, Cindi is an avid scuba diver and traveler, having visited over 120 countries in her life with over 1800 dives.
Stacey Glassman – Life New Business Case Manager/Customer Service
Stacey is our most recent addition at Katchen Financial Group. She has proven to be a strong asset to our professional, hardworking team. She excells in multi-tasking, which is a strong requirement as Case Manager. In this role, Stacey is responsible for interfacing between the agents and insurance companies. Her attention to detail and strong customer service skills are essential in preparing and facilitating applications. Stacey provides high quality, continuous support to our agents, runs quotes, prepares illustrations, and dilligently follows up with clients' medical exams.
Stacey's professionalism, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to multi-task are essential qualifications that contribute to making Katchen Financial Group the best financial services firm in the area.