Dayton and Sydney Professionals
At Dayton & Sydney, we are extremely passionate about our team. Each team member has a unique set of skills and experience so regardless of what you need, we can find a financial professional perfect for you.
Associates
Dana R. Sydney
Managing Partner
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Dana Sydney, CFP®, CLU, co-founder of Dayton and Sydney, LLC, is a 25-year veteran of his current broker-dealer, now Equitable Advisors. As a Managing Partner, Dana oversees the operations of 15 financial advisors and support staff across 4 separate office locations between New York and Florida. The company founded in 2002 with Partner Kevin Dayton now has over $800mm in assets placed under management and $1.7billion in assets under advisement. The firm looks to grow and expand the brand as a “boutique” financial services firm offering its clients advice on any financial circumstance they may encounter.
Since joining Equitable Advisors, Dana has been a top performer. In his third year, Dana was honored as the Leading Developing Sales Associate in his branch of over 300 associates. He continued to increase his production at the Centurion level from 1999-present resulting in his membership in the National Leaders Corp (2000-2006), Circle of Excellence in 2005, Summit, Bronze Eagle & Hallmark Award in 2006. And most recently was awarded the Silver Eagle of Excellence, the 2nd highest award to be received by his agency. Committed to his industry, Dana completed the 2.5 year class work required to earn a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation and passed his final exam in March 2004. This was complemented with receiving the Chartered Life Underwriters designation received two (2) years later in 2006. As a leader and experienced financial advisor, Dana is a tenured member of Equitable Advisors Elite Advisor Group at the Paramount Planning Group level. He is part of a select group of financial professionals who are distinguished for having achieved a high standard of experience and service.
Born and raised on Long Island, Mr. Sydney is a 1986 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with a degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering and a minor in Business Management. Indeed, Dana attributes his success in sales due to his Engineering Education, which was specific to Solving Problems, both short term and long, using mathematical based tools in the process. In sales for over 36 years, Mr. Sydney started his career with Pall Corporation in East Hills, Long Island where he was “lucky enough” to have had the sales training of the original “Xerox Selling Process”. Moving up through the ranks as an Account Manager, Mr. Sydney was ultimately responsible for the sales production of three junior sales reps. Following his success at Pall Corporations, Mr. Sydney undertook the technical sales responsibility for the multi-national Betz Laboratory Corp. (now known as Dearborn Chemical) for all of Long Island.
Active in his community, Dana is a 25-year member of Rotary International, in his local Northport Chapter. Here he has served as a director for 10 years as well as a Past President. He has also served as a director on multiple other charities including the Boys and Girls Club, Friends of Karen, Girls Inc, as well as the Red Cross to name a few.
CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM are certified marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The Elite Advisor Group (EAG) is an internal recognition program of Equitable Advisors, LLC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN).
Kevin T. Dayton
Managing Partner
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Kevin Dayton, co-founder of Dayton and Sydney Wealth Strategies Group, LLC, has been a managing partner since the company’s formation in 2002. Kevin has more than 35 years of experience advising both individuals and businesses in the New York and Long Island marketplace. He possesses a thorough knowledge of the financial services industry, including all aspects of pension management and financial planning with a special emphasis on retirement and estate planning strategies.
CA Insurance License # 0E48554
Retirement Planning Specialist title awarded by Equitable Advisors, based upon receipt of Certificate in Retirement Planning from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In a collaboration between the Wharton School and Equitable Advisors’ affiliate, Equitable Advisors Life Insurance Company (NY, NY), coursework for the certificate was developed exclusively for Equitable Advisors FPs, and the title may be used only by FPs who have completed the required coursework and maintain the title through ongoing continuing education requirements. To verify that an FP has earned and holds the title in good standing, contact Equitable Advisors at retirement@equitable.com. Complaints about an Equitable Advisors FP should be directed to customer.relations@equitable.com
Darlene DiMaria
Director of Operations
& Client Management
Darlene DiMaria joined Dayton and Sydney WSG over 15 years ago. She works with the firm’s managing partners, Kevin Dayton and Dana Sydney.
Darlene DiMaria is registered with Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC, and provides administrative support services only.
Denny Mendez
Financial Professional
Graduate of DeVry University – 2002
Bank of New York Equities Trader – 2001
Assistant Director of Equities and Trading; AXA Advisors – 2005-2010
Created Investment and Trading platform for Greenwich, CT Boutique – 2011-2015
Dayton & Sydney WSG member – 2017
Resides in New Rochelle, NY with his Wife Naomi, his Daughter Amelie and Son Daxton.
CA Insurance Lic # 0H55110
Matthew Shaw
Financial Professional
Matthew Shaw is one of the newest hires here at Dayton and Sydney Wealth Strategies Group, LLC. He joined his current broker-dealer, now Equitable Advisors in August of 2013. He is a financial professional who assists individuals, businesses, and endowments in developing customized strategies designed to achieve their financial goals.
Matthew is also a part of the Settlement Planning Group, which focuses on working with Plaintiff attorneys and their clients. He is experienced in designing financial strategies to resolve the unique circumstances that surround personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and complex commercial litigation.
Every client and family that Matthew works with is treated with the same high level of respect and dignity they deserve, regardless of the financial value. It’s this mindset that allows Matthew to connect with clients, build trust, and work towards accomplishing their objectives.
Prior to joining Equitable Advisors, Matthew was a Senior Portfolio Manager at a respected global family office where he led the investment team’s portfolio of domestic equities utilizing a multi-manager platform.
Matthew is a graduate of Syracuse University and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. He holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 registrations, and Life & Health Insurance Licenses in multiple states. He is the recipient of numerous company awards and honors, and is a member of the prestigious Elite Advisor Group (EAG), which is an internal recognition program of Equitable Advisors, LLC, at the Platinum Planning Group level.
Michael Castiglia
Financial Professional
Michael Castiglia does not provide investment advisory services.
Mark Amon
Financial Professional
Mark has over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. He began working at his current broker-dealer, now Equitable Advisors in 1996 and then became a financial strategist for Dayton and Sydney Wealth Strategies Group when they were founded in 2002. As a financial strategist, he works to help his clients deal with the inevitable changes in life with a goal of ensuring they always meet their objectives.
He is a member of the Retirement Benefits Group and works with employees of public schools and non profit organizations to develop their financial strategies. He helps ensure that they are always able to make the most out of their retirement plans and continuously checks in to keep them on track.
With a concentration on building long term relationships, Mark takes pride in the fact that his clients can trust him to protect their families and to give them a plan for a better, more secure life.
Mark has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the New Institute of Technology. Furthermore, he holds FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 registrations as well as his Life & Health Insurance, Sickness & Accident, Variable license.
Retirement Benefits Group is a specialized division of Equitable Advisors, LLC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN)
The Retirement Planning Specialist title is awarded by Equitable Advisors, based upon the Financial Professional’s (FP) receipt of a Certificate in Retirement Planning from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. In a collaboration between the Wharton School and Equitable Advisors’ affiliate, Equitable Advisors Life Insurance Company (NY, NY), coursework for the certificate was developed exclusively for Equitable Advisors FPs, and the title may be used only by FPs who have completed the required coursework and maintain the title through ongoing continuing education requirements. To verify that an FP has earned and holds the title in good standing, contact Equitable at retirement@equitable.com. Complaints about an Equitable Advisors FP should be directed to customer.relations@equitable.com
Carl DellaSala
Financial Professional
Carl DellaSala, a Financial Consultant with Dayton and Sydney Wealth Strategies Group, works with each client to do a comprehensive analysis of their financial goals. In an effort to ensure that both their short and long-term goals are met, he provides a full array of wealth management services and products available through Equitable Advisors and its affiliates.
Carl began his career in the financial services industry over 25 years ago after graduating from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences. He has built his career working with affluent individuals, professionals and business owners in the areas of wealth management and estate planning strategies. Carl prides himself on the relationships he has built over the years by providing the highest level of service to his clients.
He has earned many company accolades and has been honored numerous times for his accomplishments. Active in his community, Carl resides in the Town of Islip with his wife and two children.
Shaun Egan
Financial Professional
Shaun Egan joined his current broker-dealer, now Equitable Advisors in December of 2007 and became a member of Dayton and Sydney Wealth Strategies Group, LLC in 2009. He is a Financial Consultant who assists individuals, businesses, and professionals in developing and implementing strategies to help achieve their financial goals. He is able to do this through strategic investments and risk management.
Shaun holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Stony Brook University. He is also very active within his community and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.
Shaun Egan currently holds the following:
– FINRA Series 7 and 66 Registrations
– Life & Health Insurance, Sickness & Accident, Variable license
– Licensed in NY, NJ, FL, VA
Alfred W. Haber, ChFC®, CLU®
Financial Professional
Al Haber is a veteran with over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. During this time, he has developed longstanding and personal relationships with his clients. He focuses on understanding what a client’s needs may be and working with those clients to deliver an optimal solution for them.
Throughout his career, Al has developed a focus in the retirement and estate planning strategies arena, having taken advanced training courses that earned him the Equitable Advisors titles of Advanced Estate Planner, Executive Benefits Specialist and Qualified Plan Specialist. He works to develop employee benefit programs to help employers of small to medium size companies, as well as associates, attract and retain talent. Al also works with the business owners to aid them in developing appropriate succession planning.
Al is a graduate of Northeastern University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. He has completed the rigorous course of study at the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA to receive the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designation as well as the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations.
Al has earned many industry and Equitable Advisors awards most notably his induction into the Equitable Advisors’ Hall of Fame in 2012 recognizing over 10 years of consistent outstanding performance.
Qualified Plan Specialist title awarded by Equitable Advisors, based upon successful completion of an internal training program and written assessment.
Robert Lozzi CFP®, MBA
Financial Professional
Robert Lozzi is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with Dayton & Sydney Wealth Strategies Group. In 2001 he started working with his current broker-dealer, now Equitable Advisors a leading provider of financial services for individuals and businesses. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Lozzi worked for over twenty years serving client needs in the retail banking industry.
As a financial strategist, Mr. Lozzi’s approach is to focus on meeting both short and long term financial goals by providing objective guidance to both individuals and business-owners. Through a comprehensive financial planning process he assists clients in the areas of retirement planning, asset accumulation, wealth preservation and income and family protection
Mr. Lozzi earned a B.S. degree in Business Management from St. John’s University and an M.B.A. in Finance from Pace University. He obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation in 1996. Mr. Lozzi holds FINRA Securities Registrations Series 7 and 66 as well as a NYS life/accident/health insurance license.
In October 2006 Mr. Lozzi earned a certificate in retirement planning from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania for attending the At Retirement Program. Topics covered included: Understanding the Retirement Marketplace and Estate Planning and Tax Issues in Retirement. Accordingly, Mr. Lozzi has earned the title Retirement Planning Specialist from Equitable Advisors. Mr. Lozzi is recognized as an Elite Advisors Group member at the Paramount Planning Group level based on achieving a certain sales production level among all financial professionals within our organization. Members of the Elite Advisor Group are distinguished, innovative, and respected financial professionals who are highly experienced at addressing the needs of individuals, families and business owners by providing wealth protection, asset allocation, financial and estate planning strategies through a comprehensive range of top-quality investment and financial products from leading financial companies.
Mr. Lozzi is a member of the Financial Planning Association (Long Island Chapter), the New York Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, The Estate Planning Council of Nassau and is a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT®).
CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certified marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The Retirement Planning Specialist title is awarded by Equitable Advisors, based upon the FP’s receipt of a Certificate in Retirement Planning from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. In a collaboration between the Wharton School and Equitable Advisors’ affiliate, Equitable Life Insurance Company (NY, NY), coursework for the certificate was developed exclusively for Equitable Advisors FPs, and the title may be used only by FPs who have completed the required coursework and maintain the title through ongoing continuing education requirements. To verify that an FP has earned and holds the title in good standing, contact Equitable at retirement@equitable.com. Complaints about an Equitable Advisors FP should be directed to customer.relations@equitable.com.
Elite Advisor Group (EAG) is an internal recognition program of Equitable Advisors, LLC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI and TN).
Matthew Hanratty
Financial Professional
Matthew Hanratty is a Financial Consultant with Dayton and Sydney Wealth Strategies Group. He currently works out of the Woodbury, NY office. Matt received his education at The State University of New York at Cortland. Here he received his bachelor’s degree in economics and management science. After graduating he got involved with the sales industry. Since the stock market was always a fascination of his, in 2013 he began working with Dayton and Sydney Wealth Strategies Group as a Financial Consultant.
Currently, he works with his clients to help them reach their financial objectives for themselves, their family or their business. Understanding that we all have different goals and needs, Matt focuses on developing customized strategies for each individual based on their unique personality. Some of his areas of focus include: wealth management, retirement planning, estate planning strategies, business insurance planning and college funding.
After just three short years, Matt has surpassed expectations within the company. He does a lot to help Dayton & Sydney, offering valuable support for new financial professionals during their onboarding period.
In his spare time, Matt enjoys watching sports, reading and spending time with his family. He currently resides in East Rockaway and is very active in his community. This year, he was on the committee for the St. Raymond’s Charity Golf Fundraiser which works to support children of the local elementary school.
CA Insurance Lic # 4043653
Christina McQuilkin
Marketing Director
Christina McQuilkin is a talented brand strategist and marketing consultant. Obsessed with all things digital, Christina helps Dayton & Sydney financial professionals to craft content and strategies that focus less on “the sale” and more on the unparalleled value that we can bring into the lives of others.
Christina McQuilkin provides administrative support services.
Robert J. Murphy, ChFC®, CLU®
Financial Professional
Robert Murphy is a financial professional with Dayton & Sydney Wealth Strategies Group. He has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, having joined his current broker dealer, now Equitable Advisors in 1977. During that time, Bob has built his business on meeting the short and long-term needs of his clients by taking the time to understand their goals, and then recommending strategies to meet them. But his role doesn’t end there. Bob prides himself on the longstanding relationships he builds with his clients. He continually monitors market conditions in relation to client accounts to help ensure that the financial programs in place still meet client needs as his clients move through the phases of their lives (children, grandchildren, marriage, divorce, disability, elder care, etc).
Over the years, Bob has developed a focus in the retirement and estate planning arena, having taken advanced training courses that earned him the Equitable Advisors’ titles of Advanced Estate Planner, Executive Benefits Specialist and Qualified Plan Specialist. Working with employers of small to medium size companies, as well as associations, Bob works to develop employee benefit programs to help them attract and retain talent as well as working with the business owner themselves on items such as succession planning.
Committed to his industry, Bob completed the rigorous course of study at the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA to receive the Chartered Life Underwriters (CLU®) designation in 1987 and the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation the following year. He is a Cum Laude graduate of St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Bob has earned many industry and Equitable Advisors awards most notably his induction into the Equitable Advisors’ Silver Medal of Honor in 2010 recognizing 25 years of consistently outstanding performance. In 2012, he earned his 27th National Leader Corp award.
Active in his community, Bob was a volunteer firefighter for ten years and coached various sporting activities for his children. He currently resides in Shoreham with his wife Cathy where he enjoys running, biking and tennis.
Qualified Plan Specialist title awarded by Equitable Advisors, based upon successful completion of an internal training program and written assessment.
Wayne J. Pfeiffer
Financial Professional
Wayne is a partner in Dayton & Sydney Wealth Strategies Group, LLC. He started with his current broker-dealer, now Equitable Advisors in 1997 and has been assisting clients ever since. Wayne holds the following FINRA Securities Registrations: Series 7, 66 and 24, as well as his NY State Life/Health Insurance License.
Wayne’s practice focuses on assisting high net-worth individuals and small business owners with guidance and implementation of sound financial strategies. Wayne is proficient in the employee benefits field, especially when discussing issues such as group health insurance, company retirement planning, group disability and business succession. Wayne has a strong focus on the construction industry and knows the concerns and issues that face construction business owners and employees.
He is a 1992 graduate of Dowling College with a degree in Political Science. Wayne is recognized as an Elite Advisors Group member at the Paramount Planning Group level based on achieving a certain sales production level among all financial professionals within our organization. Members of the Elite Advisor Group are distinguished, innovative, and respected financial professionals who are highly experienced at addressing the needs of individuals, families and business owners by providing wealth protection, asset allocation, financial and estate planning strategies through a comprehensive range of top-quality investment and financial products from leading financial companies.
Wayne has lived his whole life on Long Island and is an active member in the Long Island community. He is a supporter of several charitable organizations including St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and LIRFH (Long Island Ride for Handicapped). His spare time is spent with his wife Marie and their two boys.
Elite Advisor Group (EAG) is an internal recognition program of Equitable Advisors, LLC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI and TN).
Erica Schultz
Administrative Assistant
Erica Schultz provides administrative support services.
Barrie Sundermier
Administrative Assistant
Barrie Sundermier joined Dayton and Sydney Wealth Strategies Group, LLC over eleven years ago. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Branch Banking Service Manager. Currently, she provides administrative assistance to Al Haber and Bob Murphy.