National Planning Institute
A. Gary Katz, CBEC®
Wealth Preservation Specialist
I am a Wealth Preservation Specialist at Sagemark Consulting, where I focus on educating clients about estate and business succession planning strategies, as well as executive compensation strategies. My role involves implementing techniques tailored to each client's needs, coordinating with other advisors, and utilizing appropriate financial products to ensure the plan is cohesive and effective.
With over 41 years of experience in the financial services industry, I have honed my expertise in estate planning, business succession planning, and executive compensation strategies. I am proud to have earned the CBEC designation, which further underscores my commitment to excellence in my field. Before embarking on my professional journey, I attended The George Washington University, where I laid the foundation for my career.
I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to solve problems for people and address coordination gaps that often arise in financial planning. My approach involves asking probing questions to help clients simplify complex issues and implement effective techniques. I believe that clarity and collaboration are key to successful planning.
Originally from Livingston, NJ, I now split my time between North Caldwell and Holgate, NJ. I am happily married to my wife, Fran, and together we have two wonderful adult sons, Tyler and Spencer. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and pickleball, jogging, and spending quality time at the beach with my family.
CA Insurance License # 0G09597
Barbara P. Phipps, JD*, CRPC, CBEC®
Wealth Preservation Specialist
I am a Wealth Preservation Specialist at Sagemark Consulting, where my primary responsibilities include educating clients on estate planning strategies and business owner exit strategies. I am passionate about designing creative and comprehensive plans to help clients achieve their personal goals. I work closely with clients' other advisors to ensure that every aspect of their planning aligns with their objectives.
With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role. Before transitioning to this field, I worked at a law firm specializing in estate planning and tax planning, which laid the groundwork for my current career. I hold degrees from the Duquesne University School of Law (JD), Wilmington University (MS), and the University of Delaware (BA).
My motivation comes from serving families and knowing that I contribute to their legacies. It is incredibly rewarding to alleviate some of the burdens on parents and grandparents by ensuring their families are protected. Being a trusted advisor is a role I cherish deeply. My inspiration to enter the financial services industry stemmed from the ability to integrate my legal background with financial expertise. I take pride in explaining complex financial strategies in a clear and concise manner. I believe that my clients appreciate that I care deeply about their families and well-being. I am always readily available and consistently offer personalized service to meet their unique needs.
I currently live with my husband, Don, and our daughter, Emily. Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at Emily's school PTA, spending time at the beach, and cherishing family moments. These activities enrich my life and keep me grounded, allowing me to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
CA License Number: 1815841
Paul Vann, MBA, ChFC
Wealth Preservation Specialist
949-756-2624
I have been serving clients in the financial industry for over 40 years, focusing primarily on business owners, executives, and professionals. My objective is to facilitate solutions for busy, successful individuals in the areas of business succession, financial independence, investment management, and estate planning, all aimed at preserving wealth for future generations.
Together with my team, I utilize a holistic, cross-disciplinary approach to comprehensive financial planning. We coordinate closely with our clients' attorneys and accountants to help crystallize their objectives. This collaboration ensures that clients can make informed decisions about any necessary adjustments to their plans.
Before entering the financial industry, I served in the US Navy, an experience that instilled in me discipline and a strong work ethic. After completing my Navy enlistment, I attended NYU, where I obtained a degree in business, followed by an MBA from UCLA.
I have had the honor of serving as past president of both the Wilshire Estate Planning and the West LA Society of Financial Service Professionals. These leadership roles have allowed me to contribute to the field and collaborate with fellow professionals to advance best practices in financial planning.
CA Insurance License # 0450392
Thomas R. Bulloch
Wealth Preservation Specialist
I am an Estate Planner at Sagemark Consulting, where my primary responsibilities include working with clients to implement and update their estate plans. With over 44 years of experience in the financial services industry, I have dedicated more than 35 of those years to Sagemark. Before joining Sagemark, I spent a decade working at Manulife, which provided me with a strong foundation in the field.
I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Manitoba in 1973, and I am proud to be the third generation in my family to serve in the financial industry as an estate planner. This legacy fuels my passion for helping clients and their families understand and choose the estate plans that best suit their needs.
What motivates me most is the pleasure of seeing clients educated and empowered by their estate plans. I find great satisfaction in witnessing the results of planning implemented 10, 20, or even 30 years ago. I believe the greatest value I can provide to my clients is comfort and confidence in their financial futures.
I grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, with a Scottish upbringing, which has instilled in me a strong sense of tradition and dedication. Now, I live in Naples, Florida, with my wife of over 40 years. Together, we have two wonderful adult sons. In my free time, I enjoy skiing, cycling, playing golf, and collecting wine. These activities allow me to relax and enjoy life, complementing my professional commitments.
Yara Abbasi
Practice Manager
I am the Practice Manager at Sagemark Consulting, where I establish that our practice runs smoothly by servicing existing clients and working on new cases. With over 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the field and a commitment to providing exceptional service.
Before joining Sagemark Consulting, I worked at Lincoln Financial Advisors and held the position of Regional Operations Lead for the Metro NJ Offices of Osaic Wealth/Sagemark Consulting. In that role, I handled both the operational and compliance responsibilities of the office, which provided me with invaluable experience in managing complex processes. I have been with Osaic Wealth since 2001, which has given me 23 years of industry experience.
I am a proud graduate of Rutgers University, where I earned my B.S. in Finance and Economics. Additionally, I hold my Series 7 and Series 24 securities licenses, which equip me with the expertise to navigate the financial services landscape effectively.
I currently reside in Northvale, NJ, with my husband and our two daughters, who are 17 and 14 years old. In my free time, I enjoy reading and watching basketball, both of which provide a welcome balance to my professional life. These activities allow me to unwind and stay engaged with my interests outside of work.