Team
Christopher Nicholas Lee
Founder-CEO
Nick has been a seasoned advisor in the financial services industry for half a decade, and prides himself on creating a holistic, client focussed experience for any individual or business he helps.
He is extremely personable and his talent is deep rooted in his 5 years of service with a not for profit financial company, servicing the needs of a few select Florida Retirement System(FRS) sponsors. His mission was two fold in nature as he realized the importance of understanding the dreams and values of each client and offering solutions to addressing their respective goals.
Today, Nick has applied these principles and knowledge base to founding his own company with the same vision whilst expanding his clientele to serving small businesses and medical professionals. Aside from the technical, financial planning dynamic of the business, Nick is constantly striving to improve the AWS client service model with his team and reinforces that effective listening and “being interested, not interesting” is paramount to becoming trusted financial professionals. His educational background stems from a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Miami, followed by an MBA from Novasoutheastern University and a highly concentrated, MSc in Finance from Florida International University – Nick has the trifecta of recognized South Florida colleges under his belt. Born and raised in Guyana, S.A., he is an avid car enthusiast, an average golfer and most importantly, holds strong family values!
Jason E. Heller, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®
Director of Financial Planning and Investments
As our Director of Financial Planning & Investment Strategies, Jason Heller plays a critical, yet cohesive role at AWS. His expertise includes the development and implementation of strategies to help clients achieve their goals of growing, preserving, and transferring their wealth.
Prior to joining our firm Jason Heller had worked as an Investment Specialist at Guardian Life Insurance and managed his own private practice for several years. In 2007, Guardian named Jason National Investment Specialist of the year. Jason is a lifetime qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and 8 year qualifying member of the Court of the Table. Years: 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Dave Leali ChFC®, CLU®
Financial Planning Specialist
Dave is our analytical mastermind behind the metrics of each plan created by AWS. Dave leaves no stone unturned when it comes to mapping out strategies for our clients and his findings are entirely objective in nature as he embraces strict fiduciary standard of care. In his free time, Dave enjoys family outings and coaches kids soccer!
Michele Friedlander RHU®, REBC®
Director of Disability Income and Long Term Care Planning
Michele has over 30 plus years of experience in primarily the disability income insurance arena. She specializes in working with clients to help protect their income, and also asset protection needs. She works with the top carriers including Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) presenting plans to both individuals and groups.
Michele has earned the RHU, REBC designations; certified Continuing Education Instructor; Past President of the Women In Financial Services Organization, and a current member Women in Financial Services; 2019 Chapter President Broward NAIFA; and active in the community.
Roy Perez
Director of Operations and Small Business Planning
With over 10 years of experience, Roy is a veteran Financial Adviser and an instrumental figure in the functioning of Artisan Wealth Solutions. His goal is to make business continuity and succession planning a reality for hundreds of small businesses in South Florida. Roy is also focused on recruiting, training and cultivating financial professionals for AWS who are enthusiastic, coachable, organized, ethical, and are entrepreneurial in nature. Roy is officially a workaholic! However during his down time he enjoys boating, golfing and traveling.
Stephanie Serrano
Insurance Specialist
Stephanie adds the perfect balance of enthusiasm and commitment as an Insurance Specialist on the Artisan team. Her passion is evident in her process of mentoring and building rapport with her clients. Stephanie’s methodology involves understanding what is truly important to her clients, then constructing a concise roadmap to help make dreams a reality in the short, mid and long term. Her background in small business consulting with Paychex, in conjunction with her position as a pharmaceutical representative for Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals layed the foundation for her career in financial services. Stephanie loves yoga, working out and fine dining!
Administration & Support
Jennifer Lubieniecki
Client Services Liaison
Jennifer adds a dynamic, client centric skill set to the AWS team! She also plays an integral role in our new business process, primarily between our clients, advisors and institutions alike. In 2016, Jennifer entered the financial services industry and quickly grasped the importance of balancing client relations with effective business functions. Since then, each of our clients have experienced an unparalleled level of service and implementation which is synonymous with the Artisan touch!
Megan Kurtz
Administrative Specialist
A true career financial services professional, Megan started in the financial industry with Wells Fargo specializing in the home equity market as a loan office for first mortgage products. After taking a hiatus from work to raise her now 14-year-old boy/girl twins, Megan returned to the workforce in 2015 with a Registered Investment Adviser firm supporting a select group of financial advisors with administrative tasks and projects concentrated on retirement plans. In 2018, Megan became a remote administrative specialist, now providing organizational support for the team at Artisan Wealth Solutions. Megan holds a BA from the University of Colorado, enjoys South Florida living and most importantly, spending time with her kids.