Learn about Solaris Wealth Strategies’ talented strategic partners and the strengths they bring to financial planning.
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Nicholas Stinson
CFP®, ChFC®, ChSNC®, AEP
Founder, J&S Private Wealth Management
Drawing upon his extensive background in equity research, Nick established his financial services practice in 2018, partnering with Northwestern Mutual. In just a few short years, Nick has made a name for himself as a top young advisor, ranking #8 nationwide. With a passion for helping high-net-worth individuals, Nick has been instrumental in executing tax-efficient wealth-building and estate planning strategies, ensuring his clients are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to grow and maintain their wealth for generations to come.
Nick boasts an impressive academic background, having graduated Summa Cum Laude from Canisius College with dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Economics. He also had the privilege of leading the CFA Research Team at the college, which ranked in the top 5 nationally, further solidifying his expertise in the financial industry.
William Matteson
CLU – CEO, Upstate Wealth Consulting
A proud Utica, NY native, William, or Bill “The Shredder” Matteson greets each day with an unparalleled passion, energy, and integrity for helping others. With his exuberant, infectious laugh paired with 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Bill received the Vision Financial Group Veteran Advisor of the Year in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022, and firm Disability Income Leader in 2019. Bill has also been a proud member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for 15 years now. If he is not in the office, Bill can be found at the Sadaquada Golf Course searching for his golf balls amongst the trees or ripping down a black diamond on his downhill skis. He loves the outdoors, and his hobbies include skiing, golf, travel, and spending time with friends and family.
Phillip Held
CLU – McDermid Financial Group
Phillip Held is a financial services professional with McDermid Financial Group who has worked in the profession since 2007. A consistent Leaders Club and now Blue Chip qualifier, Phil leads a practice focused on advanced estate and business exit planning, supported by deep capabilities across life insurance, long-term care, disability income, asset protection, and executive compensation.
A committed advocate for the profession at both the state and national level, Phil is a past President of Finseca-NY and is active in the Forum 400, a national, advisor-run organization of professionals working in advanced markets. His leadership history also includes service as NAIFA-NYS President and tenure on the NAIFA-NYS and NAIFA-Buffalo boards, including a term as President of NAIFA-Buffalo. He is a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and a member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals.
Phil lives in Clarence with his wife, Michelle, and their four children: Chloe, Holly, Timothy, and Charlie.
Tim Downing
I’m passionate about the protection of lives and lifestyles and am energized by the critical risk management planning that is needed to accomplish that for my clients. Inspired by the Steve Jobs Stanford commencement speech where he told the graduates to leave their “dent” in the universe, I wanted to work in a career that was impactful. Working as a financial advisor, I create strategies for people to help them achieve their financial goals. This has given me a great sense of purpose for more than a decade.
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