PRACTICE PROFILE
A Journey of Integrity and Inclusion
Marianela Collado of Tobias Financial Advisors
Since 1980, Tobias Financial Advisors has blazed a trail with a single guiding principle: “Doing what’s right and what’s best for our clients every day.” This commitment to integrity began early on with the visionary leadership of Benjamin Tobias. When he saw the need for unbiased advice and integrated financial advice, he made the bold decision to remove commissions from the business, becoming an early adopter of the Fee-Only model. Today, CEO & Senior Wealth Advisor Marianela Collado, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CDS®, not only upholds Tobias’ values but creates an inclusive wealth management environment that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities it serves, tailoring support to each client’s unique journey.
Previously a tax and accounting firm supporting business owners and professionals, Tobias has evolved to provide exceptional Fee-Only financial planning and investment management services to over 330 clients, including individuals, families, and business owners. Tobias Financial Advisors boasts a team of 20 dedicated employees and over $800 million in assets under management.
Leading with Diversity
The firm’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace has received esteemed recognition, including the 2024 NAPFA Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Award and features by InvestmentNews. “Workplace diversity is truly the heart and soul of what we do,” Collado says. With a team representing various backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs, Collado actively nurtures a culture where every voice is heard, valued, and respected.
With a workforce that includes many immigrants, Tobias is uniquely equipped to address the challenges faced by those unfamiliar with the American financial system, bridge cultural gaps, and serve clients from various parts of the world. “This empathy drives our commitment to making financial advice accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance,” Collado says.
Typically working with families that have built businesses or professional careers, Collado credits the firm’s success, client loyalty, and referral network to the team’s strategic partnerships and ability to cater to clients with diverse backgrounds and life stages. “When our clients feel valued and see tangible results from our efforts, they become our strongest advocates,” she says. “This organic growth creates a ripple effect, driven by trust and satisfaction, that has proven to be more impactful than any advertising campaign we could run.”
The team continues to expand its scope to serve clients navigating significant life transitions, early-career executives, medical professionals, and financially independent women.
A Melting Pot of Talent
A dedication to DEI is evident in the firm’s various initiatives, such as inclusive hiring practices, education promoting DEI, and social awareness. From honoring Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrating Pride, the firm actively fosters an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and identities within its team.
Beyond representation, diversity extends to the wealth of expertise on the Tobias team. Seasoned professionals and emerging leaders collaborate to offer clients and each other insights into established strategies and fresh, innovative perspectives. This intentional model helps the team remain agile and responsive to the ever-evolving needs of its clients, safeguarding its ability to provide exceptional service for decades to come. For example, Franklin “Franko” Gay, CFP®, EA, recognized as a New Professional in the 2024 NAPFA Awards, exemplifies the firm’s commitment to diverse talents, offering mentorship to younger generations of financial planners and students.
Nurturing Well-Being
With a dedication to excellence and as a self-proclaimed “lover of the grind,” Collado recognizes the delicate balance between her passion for helping clients and her personal well-being. “I love what I do and take it very seriously, so I often find myself tempted to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if I allow myself,” she says.
Collado has implemented healthier personal and professional boundaries to address this challenge, such as focusing on body and mind through exercise and hobbies. With initiatives such as an employee wellness program incorporating intellectual, financial, emotional, spiritual, occupational, physical, environmental, and social wellness, Collado is also championing a culture of balance within her team. “A happy team translates to happy clients,” she notes. Understanding this critical link, Collado sees the benefits of investing in these programs to support her staff, increase engagement, and demonstrate each member’s value to the team.
As Tobias continues to evolve, it does so with a clear vision of remaining a leader in the financial services industry while staying true to its guiding values of integrity, diversity, and client-centricity.