Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Magee.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to build a career in financial services. My grandfather was an investment advisor, and growing up I saw firsthand the impact he had on people’s lives through the relationships he cultivated over the years. At the same time, my family owned a bar and grille, which became another major influence on me. Watching my family connect with customers and create a true sense of community taught me the value of trust, loyalty, and personal relationships.
Those experiences shaped the way I approach my career today. I realized early on that success in this business is not just about numbers or investments — it’s about helping people feel confident, supported, and understood throughout every stage of life.
I began my career with an internship at Morgan Stanley while attending Towson University, where I earned my degree in Economics and Finance. That opportunity gave me an early look into the industry and further confirmed that this was the path I wanted to pursue. I later spent several years at Merrill Lynch, where I continued to grow as an advisor, working with individuals and high-net-worth clients on comprehensive wealth management and long-term financial planning.
Today, I’m a Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial, where I focus on helping clients build financial confidence through personalized advice and lasting relationships. I now live in Margate, New Jersey, where the strong sense of community and connection reflects many of the same values that shaped me early on — reinforcing my belief that trust, consistency, and genuine relationships are at the core of making a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Looking back, the foundation for my career came from watching both my grandfather and my family’s business — seeing firsthand how authentic relationships and a commitment to others can leave a lasting impression.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. I’m still young in my career, so a lot of the journey has been about learning, growing, and proving myself in such a relationship-driven business. One of the biggest challenges early on was earning trust and building credibility while also trying to grow a client base from the ground up.
There were plenty of long days, constant networking, and moments where I had to step outside my comfort zone. Starting out in this industry teaches you resilience very quickly because success doesn’t happen overnight. You have to stay consistent, continue learning, and genuinely care about helping people.
On a personal level, one of the hardest moments in my life was losing my dad around the same time I was getting started in this business. That experience changed me in a lot of ways. It gave me a different perspective on life, relationships, and the importance of being present for people during difficult times. It also motivated me to work harder and not take opportunities for granted.
Looking back, those experiences helped shape who I am both personally and professionally. They taught me maturity at a young age, helped build my resilience, and reinforced how important trust, relationships, and showing up for people really are.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At GenFocus Wealth Advisors, our business is built around delivering highly personalized financial planning and wealth management designed to help clients navigate every stage of life with confidence. We focus on building long-term relationships with individuals, families, and business owners by creating customized strategies centered around their goals, values, and vision for the future.
What sets our team apart is our relationship-first approach. In an industry that can often feel transactional, we pride ourselves on creating a truly personal experience for our clients. We take the time to understand not only our clients’ financial situation, but also what matters most to them personally — whether that’s preparing for retirement, growing a business, protecting their assets, or creating and passing on generational wealth to future family members.
Our team specializes in comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, risk management strategies, and long-term wealth preservation. We work collaboratively to provide tailored guidance and strategies that evolve alongside our clients’ lives, helping them build confidence and clarity around their financial future.
We want clients to feel like they have a trusted team in their corner — professionals who genuinely care, communicate consistently, and are focused on helping them make informed decisions with confidence. Relationships are at the center of everything we do, and we believe trust is earned through transparency, consistency, and always putting clients first.
What we want readers to know most is that GenFocus Wealth Advisors is not just about managing investments — it’s about helping people build a legacy. We strive to help clients create financial security not only for themselves, but for future generations, while delivering a high level of service, professionalism, and personal attention that truly sets our team apart.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the biggest quality that has helped me in both life and my career is being genuine with people. I’ve always valued relationships and strive to make others feel comfortable, heard, and understood. Growing up around my family’s bar and grille, I saw firsthand how far kindness, consistency, and treating people the right way can go. My grandfather was the same way as an investment advisor — people trusted him because they knew he genuinely cared about them beyond just business.
I try to bring that same approach into my career every day. I never want clients to feel like just another account or number. Instead, I want them to know they have someone they can rely on, call at any time, and grow with over the long term.
Losing my dad as I was getting started in this industry also had a profound impact on me. It gave me perspective at a young age and reinforced how important family, relationships, and time really are. That experience made me more compassionate and more present for others, both personally and professionally.
At the end of the day, I truly care about helping people succeed, protect their families, and feel confident about their future. I think clients can sense when that care is genuine, and that’s been one of the biggest drivers of my success so far.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.magee/profile/
- Instagram: michael_magee_wealth_advisor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569224844439#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-magee-cfp®-crpc™-2b7b4b89
