How It All Started
"Most small businesses never survive to the next generation. Mine not only survived the transition to my son Vic, but is thriving."
– James R. Conrad
In 1963, James R. Conrad joined what was, at the time, Mutual of New York (MONY). Over the decades, his practice added new services and products to keep pace with the numerous changes in the financial markets and tax code, enabling him to provide coordinated solutions. Jim previously held both the CLU® and ChFC® designations. In 2005, chosen by his peers, Jim was named MONY's "Man of the Year," the highest honor a MONY financial professional can receive. Jim is now retired and spends his days working out, volunteering at his church, antiquing, and keeping tabs on their 18 grandchildren.
James R. Conrad pictured with Jan, his wife of over 60 years.
Raising Your Confidence
Our team has built a solid foundation of trust, underscored by a deep commitment to education. As of December 31, 2025, we are honored that our clients have entrusted us with more than $230,000,000 of their money under our direct stewardship, a testament to the relationships we've nurtured and the confidence we've earned.
I began working with Vic when I was just starting my career and had very little experience with investing. I didn't know what to do with my savings, but I knew I needed someone I could trust to guide me. Vic was recommended by a close family friend who had worked with him and his dad for years. That meeting at an Eat n' Park — now more than two decades ago — turned out to be one of the most consequential meetings of my life.
Over the decades since, Vic has helped me build not just a portfolio, but a sense of financial confidence and greater financial acumen. As my career progressed and I became more knowledgeable about investing, Vic remained my first call whenever markets were uncertain or when I wanted perspective on different investing strategies I'd come across. His steady guidance has helped me stay focused on long-term goals rather than reacting to short-term noise and news.
Thanks to Vic's advice and oversight over the years, my retirement planning is ahead of schedule, and my family's financial future feels secure. More importantly, it has given me the freedom to make life and career decisions without financial pressure. The tremendous peace of mind causes me to often think of our initial meeting all those years ago, and it's something my family and I are deeply grateful for.
—International Consultant and Long-Term Client
The statement was provided 03/10/2026 by a client. This statement may not be representative of the experience of others and is not a guarantee of future performance or success. For additional reviews, search us wherever local businesses are reviewed.
Our Team
Vic Conrad, CFP®, ChFC, AIF®, CPA (inactive)
Founder, Owner & Financial Advisor
Vic graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a B.S. in Accounting. He has over 30 years of experience, is a CPA (inactive), and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional (CFP®). To learn more about Vic's experience, please visit our founder page.
He is fully securities and insurance licensed.
Vic lives in Cranberry Township with his wife, Debbie, their daughter Emma, and twin sons, Jacob, and Adam; along with a Cavachon named Remi. He enjoys public speaking and playing golf.
Vic has received the distinction of a Five Star Wealth Manager from Pittsburgh Magazine every year since its inaugural year in 2012.
2012-2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. The 2025 award was presented in June 2025 based on data gathered within 12 months preceding the issue date. 1,965 advisors were considered, 211 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary.
Vic is proud to have been recognized as a President’s Level advisor for 2025—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 22 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 Level advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. President’s Level 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.
Vic Conrad, CFP®, ChFC, AIF®, CPA (inactive)
Founder, Owner, Financial Advisor
Vic graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a B.S. in Accounting. He has over 30 years of experience, is a CPA (inactive), and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional (CFP®). To learn more about Vic's experience, please visit our founder page.
He is fully securities and insurance licensed.
Vic lives in Cranberry Township with his wife, Debbie, their daughter Emma, and twin sons, Jacob, and Adam; along with a Cavachon named Remi. He enjoys public speaking and playing golf.
Vic has received the distinction of a Five Star Wealth Manager from Pittsburgh Magazine every year since its inaugural year in 2012.
2012-2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. The 2025 award was presented in June 2025 based on data gathered within 12 months preceding the issue date. 1,965 advisors were considered, 211 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary.
Vic is proud to have been recognized as a Vista Club advisor for 2024 – a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 25 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.
Each year, Commonwealth, the broker/dealer–RIA that provides us with compliance supervision, technology, and helps us process investment transactions on your behalf, recognizes Vista Club advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. Vista 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.
Jesse L. Taylor, CFP®
Sr. Financial Advisor and Retirement Plan Specialist
Jesse Taylor is a lifelong Pittsburgh native who earned his degree in Community Development and Applied Economics from the University of Vermont and spent two years working for a nonprofit in Burlington before beginning his career in the financial services industry. With experience across several financial institutions in the Pittsburgh area, he specializes in wealth management, multi-generational planning, portfolio optimization, and risk mitigation.
Jesse is passionate about helping clients navigate complex financial decisions and build strategies that align with their long-term goals. Through a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach that is grounded in trust, transparency, and long-term partnership, he strives to deliver personalized financial guidance that evolves with each client’s life and legacy.
Outside of his professional life, Jesse is an active ice hockey official and currently serves as president of the Western Pennsylvania Hockey Officials Association. He lives in Crafton with his wife, Alexa, and their two young children. They are proud members of Chartiers Country Club.
Sean P. Hannon
Financial Advisor
Sean joined PINNACLE in 2025 after more than a decade with PNC Capital Markets, LLC. A life-long Pittsburgher, he graduated from Shady Side Academy as a four-sport athlete and the University of Notre Dame, cum laude, with a major in Finance.
He is fully securities registered.
Sean lives in Fox Chapel with his wife, Emily, and their five children. He is an active member of Divine Mercy Parish and enjoys coaching and playing sports.
Zoe Sommer
Client Services
“I believe in work, hard work.”
- The Auburn Creed
Zoe has been with PINNACLE since 2021 and assists with all administrative needs for our new and existing clients. She graduated with honors from Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business and moved to Pittsburgh with her husband in 2021 to be closer to family.
When she’s not in the office, she can be found chasing costumed toddlers around the yard, cuddling her dog, Mango, or working on the next great American summer beach read. She will bore you with space facts if given the opportunity.
Remi
Cavachon, Chief Happiness Officer
Remi is an integral team member for PINNACLE Financial Strategies. Her zest for life is infectious, and her charming personality brings smiles to the faces of clients whenever she stops by the office.
