Scott M. English, CLTC
Scott is a managing principal at Ford, English Financial Group, LLC. For more than 25 years, he has focused specifically on the needs of educators. Scott serves a community of hundreds of teachers and administrators. He has built a reputation as a premier professional by providing an outstanding level of personal, specialized service. Numerous union presidents and school superintendents have recommended Scott as a consultant to their districts.
Scott believes in building long-term relationships with his clients. He grew up in the business and wants to help generations develop comprehensive financial plans.
Scott M. English is proud to have been recognized as a President's Club advisor for 2016—a distinction based on annual production attained by 16 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.
Each year, Commonwealth, the broker/dealer–RIA that helps us process investment transactions on your behalf, recognizes President's Club advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. President's Club advisors benefit from an intensive learning and networking experience designed to help them hone their expertise, share best practices, and provide ever-higher levels of service, education, and leadership to their clients.
Brant W. Ford, CFP®, AIF®, CLTC
Brant joined Ford English Financial Group, LLC after working at UBS Financial Services in Syracuse. He graduated from Amherst College where he majored in Economics and Law. Since joining Ford English, he has attained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary®), and CLTC (Certified in Long Term Care) designations. Additionally, he completed a Retirement Strategy Program at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Brant is a retirement income specialist, focusing on portfolios that allow for appropriate income generation for retirees and others attempting to take income off of their investments. Brant is also involved in portfolio risk management which has evolved markedly the past several years. Previously, asset allocations were designed consistent with Modern Portfolio Theory which tended to be more static. Today, Post Modern Portfolio Theory philosophies are being incorporated stressing more dynamic, tactical, and customized portfolios for each client and their individual goals. Brant is a full service financial consultant at Ford English Financial Group, LLC registered through their broker dealer, Commonwealth Financial Network®.
Brant W. Ford is proud to have been recognized as a President's Club advisor for 2016—a distinction based on annual production attained by 16 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.
Each year, Commonwealth, the broker/dealer–RIA that helps us process investment transactions on your behalf, recognizes President's Club advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. President's Club advisors benefit from an intensive learning and networking experience designed to help them hone their expertise, share best practices, and provide ever-higher levels of service, education, and leadership to their clients.
Michael L. Pavlot
A former teacher in the Thousand Islands Central School District, Mike has a special understanding of the needs of educators. He became involved in financial services because he knew how vital it was for teachers to plan properly. "I saw great people making an amazing contribution to the future, the youth," says Mike, "yet, there was no one there to help educators plan for their retirement."
Mike's wife has been a teacher for nearly a decade. Mike is still active in school athletics and is a member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO).
Estate Strategies
Blake J. Ford, CLTC
Blake Ford is a managing principal with Estate Strategies, specializing in estate* and insurance planning.
In addition to establishing Estate Strategies, Blake's experience includes:
- Fifteen years of experience with Ford, English Financial Group through AXA/Equitable, and later with Commonwealth Financial Network®.
- Chief financial officer and comptroller of Oneida County
- Deputy comptroller of the City of Utica
As comptroller and chief financial officer, Blake handled the accounting, internal auditing, and debt issuance for the county. He also served as the public administrator for numerous estates of people who died without wills. It was his invaluable experience that drove Blake to a successful career in estate planning. He sought to address financial concerns before a public administrator was needed rather than after the fact.
Clients include business owners, physicians, educators, and individuals of mid-to-high net worth. Some of the areas Blake reviews with his clients include:
- Estate and gift tax planning*
- Protection of family assets due to infirmities and disabilities*
- Maximizing pension benefits*
- Business buy/sell arrangements*
- Inheritance/wealth transfer planning*
- Advanced life insurance planning*
Blake believes in giving back to the community that has been so good to him. Accordingly, Blake continues to be involved in volunteer activities, including his church, The Neighborhood Center, Upstate Cerebral Palsy, Oneida County Tobacco Authority, and many other charities.
Blake lives in New Hartford, with his wife, Cathy.
* With the assistance of your qualified attorney and/or accountant