Sean Flaherty

James Krakowski is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, he brings extensive expertise in family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, portfolio management, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. His approach centers on understanding clients' values and goals through personalized conversations, ensuring tailored strategies that support their financial and life priorities. Throughout his career, James has worked closely with business owners and real estate investors, leveraging his knowledge to develop wealth plans that consider the impact of closely-held companies on clients' balance sheets. He collaborates with teams across Commercial Banking, Private Banking, and Wealth Planning to provide comprehensive solutions, including M&A advisory and customized financing strategies for direct real estate investing. Prior to his current role, he served as a Wealth Management Private Banker with Wells Fargo Private Bank. James earned his degree from Montclair State University and holds professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). Outside of work, he enjoys baseball, basketball, chess, football, golfing, running, and spending time with his family.

Patrick Preston is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has developed expertise in creating personalized financial strategies that address the complex needs of individuals, families, and businesses. Patrick emphasizes a client-centered approach, aligning his services with the principle that "the client's needs come first." He collaborates with a team of specialists and coordinates with clients' attorneys and accountants to integrate investment management with tax minimization, wealth transfer, and estate planning. Patrick joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1991 after earning his bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he was a student-athlete on the men’s soccer team. He was promoted to Resident Director of the Freehold office in recognition of his client commitment and service delivery. Patrick holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Residing in Freehold with his three children, Patrick actively contributes to the community through board memberships and volunteer work with organizations such as the YMCA of Western Monmouth, Graeme Preston Foundation for Life, Freehold Soccer League, and the Lake Topanemus Park Commission. His personal interests include gardening, golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Joann Polis is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she has worked since 2001. She collaborates closely with colleagues to develop and implement investment strategies for clients, focusing on personalized wealth planning to help individuals achieve their financial goals. Joann’s expertise areas include college education planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, women and wealth, and retirement income. She holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a Master’s Degree from Monmouth University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Gettysburg College. Residing in Middletown, New Jersey, Joann balances her professional career with family life alongside her husband and three daughters. She is committed to community involvement and volunteers her time whenever possible. In her leisure time, she enjoys boating, dancing, practicing yoga, and spending time with family and friends.

Fred Peters is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He applies Merrill’s Goals-Based Wealth Management process to help clients pursue meaningful financial objectives by prioritizing clear decision-making and transparency. Fred serves a diverse clientele including business owners, entrepreneurs, retirees, senior citizens, and families with special needs members, developing tailored strategies for short- and long-term financial goals. With over sixteen years of management experience prior to joining Merrill Lynch in 2016, Fred leverages his expertise to address complex financial challenges such as special needs planning, retirement income, philanthropic planning, and personal retirement planning. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and is pursuing an MBA at Georgian Court University. Fred’s professional designations include Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Fred is active in his community, serving on boards for the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce, Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce, and Ocean County Family Service Organization, as well as participating with the Brick Township Morning Rotary Club. Outside of work, he enjoys chess, football, music, racquetball, running marathons, spending time with his family, and watching movies. As a military parent, he supports armed forces deployments with personal dedication.

Zachariah Ivins is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in financial services. He operates a client-first practice structured similarly to a private family office, providing services such as investment management, estate and trust coordination, business succession strategies, and comprehensive financial guidance tailored to clients’ lives. Serving clients primarily in Monmouth County, NJ, New York City, and across much of the United States and its territories, Zachariah focuses on areas including family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, LGBT wealth planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, special needs planning, tax minimization, and retirement income. Holding the designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Zachariah is committed to understanding what matters most to his clients by asking thoughtful questions and carefully listening. He aims to design and implement customized wealth management approaches that help clients and their families pursue personal financial goals while managing investment risk. Zachariah’s educational background includes a high school diploma from Shore Regional High School. Outside of his professional work, Zachariah enjoys antiquing, boating, cooking, fishing, music, spending time with family, tennis, and traveling.

Anthony Caldarise is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in comprehensive wealth management and financial planning. He works closely with clients to address a range of needs including divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, retirement income, portfolio management, and small business strategies. Leveraging the resources of Merrill and Bank of America, Anthony provides disciplined and innovative financial solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. With extensive experience and a commitment to personalized service, Anthony emphasizes building strong client relationships founded on listening and understanding what matters most to each individual. His approach supports clients preparing for major life events such as retirement or education funding, as well as securing their financial future with long-term care and insurance solutions. He holds professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Anthony is a lifelong resident of Ocean County, New Jersey, where he lives with his family. He is actively involved in his community through organizations such as the Rotary Club of Point Pleasant Beach, Hope Sheds Light, and the Sons of the American Legion. Outside of his professional work, Anthony enjoys dancing, golfing, and spending time with his family. He earned his Associate’s Degree at Ocean County College, graduating with honors in Business with a focus on finance, and holds a High School Diploma from Monsignor Donovan High School.