Our Team

Our Team

Richard C. Moldenhauer

Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Estate Planner

Richard C. Moldenhauer, CLU®, ChFC®, CEP, is a Chartered Financial Consultant and a Certified Estate Planner. Rich entered the financial industry as a management trainee in 1971, and in 1974, Moldenhauer & Associates was born as a financial planning firm when the industry was just evolving. The firm grew into one of the largest financial firms in upstate New York.

This growth included eight offices between Jamestown and Watertown, including Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. In 2000, Rich decided that his real love was working with clients on a more personal basis. As a result, Moldenhauer & Associates was reconstructed as a firm focusing on client service and satisfaction.

Rich is recognized and respected in the financial industry. He has spoken to audiences in more than 30 states and several countries on topics ranging from leadership and management to selective benefit plans and estate planning. He has taught continuing education for attorneys, accountants, and financial planners, and he has been a prolific writer on a variety of financial subjects. Also, he has had articles published in newspapers, magazines, and on the internet.

Rich is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, the American College, and the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Buffalo. He is a member of the NAIFA, the Society of Financial Service Professionals, the Western New York Estate Analysts, and the Association of Registered Financial Planners. In 2015, he was inducted into the Ameritas Hall of Fame*.

After college, Rich attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam as a forward observer and a unit commander.

His avocations include fly-fishing, fitness training, public speaking, as well as writing. You can see some of his writings in our monthly newsletter, which is available online and, if desired, in hard copy without cost to clients and friends of the firm alike. Rich has fished in many of the best fly-fishing venues in the country, but he has a special fondness for the waterways of Western New York, where he learned to fish almost 40 years ago.

Since his recovery from transplant surgery, he and his favorite person and wife, Kathy, have become residents of South Carolina. Those who know him and Kathy the best, know that their devotion to each other has been enhanced by the challenges of the past several years. The doctors say that Rich’s recovery has been almost miraculous. While not wanting to overstate what has occurred in their lives, their family has grown stronger and closer in the process.

With two sons in Charleston and two in Western New York, along with eight grandchildren, Rich and Kathy’s lives are extremely full.

While many of Rich’s peers are slowing down and retiring, he is finding new challenges and opportunities. He believes that Moldenhauer & Associates continues to grow into one of the most exceptional financial firms in the industry and is more enthusiastic about the future than ever.

*The Ameritas Hall of Fame recognizes Rich's contributions and leadership in the community, industry, and the Ameritas company.

Brett Moldenhauer

President

I believe delivering value to clients is the most important part of this job. I believe there is no gray area in this industry; rules exist to protect clients and investors, and we have an obligation to follow those rules. I believe that businesses have a responsibility to support their local communities and their industries.

Focusing on these truisms helps me define my purpose:

  1. Do the right thing.
  2. Deliver service far beyond expectations and industry standards.
  3. Provide valuable guidance and counsel based on experience, and the best research in the financial planning industry.
  4. Build and develop a great team that cares greatly for the people we serve and then empower them to deliver great results.
  5. Make positive contributions to my community, industry, and society.
  6. BE THE PERSON MY KIDS DESERVE AS A ROLE MODEL.

My father, Richard Moldenhauer, started this firm after serving in Vietnam. I take the responsibility of running this business with integrity, ethics, and morals just as seriously as he has over a nearly 50-year career. He made me “come up” through the business the hard way. In 2010, I earned the right to become a part-owner of this firm, and in 2015, I became the president of Moldenhauer & Associates (sometimes I have to remind him of this).

For 50 years, we have been there when clients needed us the most. For some, that is getting ready for retirement. Others want to make sure their financial legacies are in order. Some people need help protecting their assets from nursing homes, and some want to make sure they’re starting down the right financial path early in their adulthood.

Andrea and I married in 2011. She understands how important the trust and confidence that clients put in Moldenhauer & Associates. This business wouldn’t be able to serve clients the way we do without her patience and understanding. I heard one time that kids make us better people and the world a better place. I couldn’t agree more, and am so grateful for the laughs, smiles, and love of Ben, Campbell, Ruby, and Landry. I strive every day to live my life in a way that my wife, kids, and parents can be proud of.

Chairmans_seal
 

Brett Moldenhauer is proud to have been recognized as a Chairmans Level advisor for 2021—a distinction based on annual production attained by just 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 Chairmans Level advisors by inviting them to an exclusive gathering of their peers, leading industry experts, and Commonwealth home office staff. Chairmans 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.

John Ring III

COO

John H. Ring III is a 1983 graduate of Allegheny College and graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Law in 1986. Mr. Ring opened his own law practice in February 1990 and continued that practice until accepting the position of COO for Moldenhauer & Associates in June 2016. Mr. Ring’s law practice consisted primarily of bankruptcies and estate planning. He resides in Williamsville with his wife and two children.

Legal services provided by John H. Ring III Attorney at Law, are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.

Jonathan Dombrowski

Financial Advisor

Jonathan Dombrowski joined Moldenhauer & Associates in 2014 and quickly proved to be a great asset to the firm.

A Western New York native, Jonathan attended Canisius High School in Buffalo. He graduated from Bond University in Australia with bachelor's degrees in business management and finance. As a fiduciary asset manager, Jonathan focuses on developing strategies that will best help our clients achieve their investment and retirement goals. He chose to work for Moldenhauer & Associates because he wanted to work for a local firm that has a long-standing positive reputation and takes the time to genuinely understand its clients’ interests. He enjoys studying trends in the market and staying up-to-date on industry news.

Jonathan lives in Boston with his wife and two children and is putting the finishing touches on the home they built from the ground up. He enjoys an active lifestyle, which includes hiking and playing soccer in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Gregory Kotecki

Financial Advisor

​Gregory joined Moldenhauer & Associates in 2015 and currently serves as a financial advisor as well as a member of the Investment Management Committee. He stands firm on the belief that the best product we can offer to our clients is knowledge and guidance to make educated life choices. It is the foundation of everything we do here and is what separates us from our peers. Whether it be cleaning up financial messes for new clients or assisting an existing client in an uncommon circumstance, Greg finds any means necessary to reach the most optimal solution. Being able to assist and benefit each person who walks through the door is an incredibly rewarding experience, of which he is grateful to be a part. Gregory ventured to the other side of the state for his college education, obtaining a bachelor's degree in economics from SUNY Binghamton. He currently resides in Hamburg, with his wife, Amber, and their German Shepherd, Zelda. Greg is active in sports all four seasons of the year, but his favorites include skiing and hiking in the nearby Adirondack mountains, where he became a member of the Adirondack 46ers in 2018.

Patrick O’Connell

Financial Advisor

Patrick O’Connell joined our firm in 2015. Genuine compassion, attentiveness, tact, and trustworthiness are at the cornerstone of every client relationship that he forms. Whether it is turning complex topics into easy-to-understand summaries or lending an ear to a client’s personal circumstances, Patrick enjoys playing a role in his clients’ future success.

Patrick believes that you are in control of your future financial success, and Moldenhauer & Associates is here to provide you with advice on how to work toward that success.

When Patrick is not assisting individuals in attaining their financial goals, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, and doing outdoor activities such as skiing, fishing, and golfing.

Matthew Hayes

Financial Advisor

Matt joined the Moldenhauer & Associates’ advisory team in 2022. He began his career in finance as a stock trader and portfolio analyst in 2019 at a wealth management firm in North Carolina. The year prior, he received his master’s degree in finance (MSF) from the University of Rochester. Matt also earned a BS in finance from SUNY Fredonia. He currently holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations and the New York state life and health insurance licenses and is in pursuit of his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. 

Matt quickly integrated himself into the team. When he’s not meeting with and assisting clients, he assists with market/economic research utilized by the firm, as well as with trading. Matt believes that the greatest value he can provide to his clients stems from knowledge and attention to detail. The foundation of any sound advisor-client relationship is communication, and Matt strives to have consistency in communicating with each of his clients. Matt is grateful to have the opportunity to help anyone create a strong financial plan based on their unique situations.

Out of the office, Matt enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and his family. He also enjoys staying active, whether that be weight training, running, or playing in men’s soccer leagues. Like many others in Buffalo, he is a huge fan of the Buffalo Bills.

Sharon Fiederowicz

Office Manager

Sharon Fiederowicz is the office manager and Richard Moldenhauer’s personal assistant. She has been a crucial member of the Moldenhauer & Associates team since 1980. Sharon lives in Orchard Park. She currently holds her New York life and health insurance license and is a notary public.

Karen Russi

Client Service Specialist

Karen Russi joined Moldenhauer & Associates in 2003 and is our business and administrative professional. She is the friendly face greeting you when you visit our office. Karen resides in Hamburg with her husband and their two children.

Jennifer Williams

Receptionist/Back Office Administrative Assistant

Jennifer Williams lives in East Aurora, where she grew up and raised three children. Jennifer enjoys cooking in her spare time. She is an avid bike rider and every summer goes camping and caving in the Adirondacks.

Jennifer Badzinski

Sales Assistant

Jennifer Badzinski joined Moldenhauer & Associates in 2017, and the firm has benefited from her financial services experience. She prides herself on providing exceptional customer service and derives great satisfaction in helping others.

Jenn grew up in Cheektowaga and attended college at SUNY Fredonia, where she obtained a BS in business administration with a concentration in marketing. She took up a second major in economics and was awarded “Outstanding Junior” and “Outstanding Senior” among all students majoring in economics. She was an active member of the SUNY Fredonia Business Club and had the opportunity to visit the New York Stock Exchange during her final year.

Jenn resides in Hamburg with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys practicing yoga, running, and taking spin classes in her free time. 

Laura Nosbisch

Sales Assistant

Laura joined Moldenhauer & Associates in 2019. She has FINRA Series 6, 63, and 65 securities registrations. She has worked in the financial industry for more than 30 years. She enjoys helping clients and being available as a resource to both clients and our advisors.

Laura grew up in Western New York and attended college at Trocaire, where she obtained an AAS in administration and graduated with high distinction. She is a member of the Insurance Women of Buffalo and is very active at her church. 

Laura resides in Angola with her son. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and enjoys local bands, walking, reading, and gardening.

Patricia Stock

Administrative Assistant

Patricia L. Stock received an associate degree in the Lawyer’s Secretarial Assistant program at Bryant & Stratton in 1992. She has resided in the Western New York area her entire life. She had been employed as a legal assistant to John Ring from 1994 until June 2016 when they joined Moldenhauer & Associates, and she is now an administrative assistant for the firm. Pat resides in Holland with her husband and enjoys spending time with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.