meet: Michael Martin

Hello! I’m Michael Martin

I represent the Martin half of the VerWys/Martin team. My goal for our clients is to make complex, in-depth holistic financial planning as palatable as possible. Our partnership is guided by mutual understanding that we are in a multi-decade relationship founded on an at-will arrangement where we, the advisors, guide financial decisions that position our clients to live life on their terms.

I joined Fiduciary Financial Advisors in 2017 with a passion for removing the burden of people's financial stress by finding solutions that meet the client's best interest. With a degree in Finance from Grand Valley State University, and a combined 20+ years of experience, the VerWys/Martin team would be happy to talk with you.

The FFA Advisor team works with a wide variety of clients. However, a typical client the VerWys-Martin Advisory team serves is one of the following:

Why I work with clients who are Business Owners & Executives:

I am passionate about helping Owners build or exit well, on your terms. Most of our clients either currently own, or have owned or run a business; many of whom we helped exit successfully. To see how we help Owners, go here.

Why I am passionate about helping Families with investable assets of $2 million or more:

Our book of business has spent years serving families who achieved financial success from years of hard work, sacrifice, and a high savings rate throughout their career. Many families understand the value of a trusted advisor looking out for their best interests and acting as the family’s CFO. If your family fits this description, I’d love to meet.

Why I often help clients who face Sudden Money Situations:

Having spent so many years working with families who have accumulated wealth, those relationships naturally resulted in having to navigate situations such as inheritances, estate execution, and legal settlements. I enjoy helping someone move beyond the unknown and uncertainty when facing that ‘what to do next’ moment.

Why I love helping clients with Stock Options and Concentrated Stock Holdings:

Whether shares have been accumulated through option grants, RSUs, warrants, an employee stock ownership plan (ESPP), or accumulated over time. We help clients wind down, hedge, and mitigate taxes related to large blocks of stock. This is often complex but highly fulfilling work where we can add significant value.

Personal: Financial Planning is a core piece of how I spend my time and serve people. When I step outside of the world of financial planning, I prioritize three other areas in my life:

• Intentionally placing myself in a social setting to fill my extroverted bucket.

• Taking my beautiful wife, Elli, on a date.

• Working towards a predetermined goal.

I’ll admit the third piece is a bit vague; when I find something fascinating, such as watches or fishing, I cannot leave it alone until I've gained enough knowledge and skill on the subject to engage it comfortably.

If you've taken the time to read this far, you should reach out to me! I'd be happy to grab a coffee or join you for happy hour to learn more about who you are and what you enjoy. 

Our team has been featured in a variety of national media including the following: