Meet Our Advisors.

Raymond Pavicich

CFP®, CLU®, CExP, CPWA®

Ray founded Solaris Wealth Strategies after serving his clients through personalized planning for the last 15 years. He prides himself on moving clients through a process of education, discovery, and action. Ray’s work is document-intensive and detailed in nature, combining both qualitative and quantitative aspects to drive decision-making. Above all, however, Ray understands the importance of connecting with his clients and developing a close relationship with them, one that appreciates their values and what drives them.

Prior to entering the financial services industry, Ray had a distinguished academic career, where he graduated summa cum laude with degrees in Philosophy and English from Boston College. In addition, Ray spent time in Europe studying at Oxford University, as well as under a Fulbright Scholarship in Germany. After beginning a Ph.D. in comparative literature, Ray left academia to be part of a career where he felt he could have a greater human impact.

Ray has a commitment to lifelong learning, which has led him to obtain his Certified Financial Planner designation, as well as designations that pertain to advanced insurance planning and business exit planning. Recently he obtained his Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) certification, which is an advanced professional certification for advisors who serve high-net-worth clients. It’s designed for seasoned professionals who seek the latest, most advanced knowledge and techniques to address the sophisticated needs of wealthy clients. The program is unique in that it takes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to wealth management.

Ray is an avid reader, enjoying 19th and 20th-century European literature, poetry, science fiction, and philosophical works on the interplay of technology and human life. Ray enjoys art of all kinds and creates fine artwork when he has time. He enjoys sports, especially college football, and most of all, the time he spends with his wife Gina, their two boys, Frankie & Ray, and their 3 black kittens.

Derek Szczupakowski

Financial Advisor/Investment Specialist

Derek came to Buffalo to attend the University at Buffalo’s business management program with a concentration in finance. After developing a love for the people and the city, he decided to stay. His financial advisory career began during his senior year of college when he began interning with local firms. For the past 13 years, he has helped his clients make sound financial decisions, with an emphasis on investment management. The practice and his clients keep Derek plenty busy, leaving no two days ever alike. The most rewarding part of Derek’s job is knowing the work he does makes a dramatic impact on his clients’ lives.

Derek’s practice is focused on creating valuable investment strategies for his clients. In addition, he heads up the investment arm of Solaris as a firm. His top-down approach uses industry-wide research and input across the areas of economics, financial analysis, and sector rotation to maximize returns. In Derek’s words, “So much of the financial advisory industry revolves around the 60/40 stock/bond portfolio; heavily overweight US equity, and overweight US corporate bonds. There are so many more asset classes that simply do not get the correct portfolio weighting, based on lack of familiarity. I am a proponent of tactical sector rotation, as well as opportunistic purchasing of alternatives, including real assets and real estate.”

Now, Derek currently resides in Williamsville with his wife, Jackie, and their two sons, Jude and Rory. In his free time, he is actively involved with the local Alzheimer’s Association. Derek is also an avid golfer, bowler, and Bills fan.