Passehl Financial, a Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group, announced the merger of its practice with that of financial advisor Gary Shickora, the addition of Mark Scarlett as a financial planning specialist, and a company rebrand to Passehl Financial Partners. The merger brings together two established financial planning practices with over 50 years of combined experience and a shared commitment to comprehensive planning and client service while expanding the firm’s leadership, resources and capabilities.
In conjunction with the merger, the firm will begin operating under the name Passehl Financial Partners. Existing clients will continue to receive the same personalized service and trusted guidance they have come to expect, now supported by additional leadership and expertise.
As part of the merger, Shickora joins Passehl Financial Partners as a partner, bringing 18 years of experience in the financial services industry and a longstanding commitment to comprehensive financial planning. He previously served as Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual’s Mount Laurel district from 2012 to 2018 and is a two-time South Jersey Top 40 Under 40 honoree. Shickora holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations and remains actively involved in the community through his work with the Greater Philadelphia YMCA and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
“I’m excited to merge my practice with Passehl Financial Partners and build on the strong foundation Geoffrey and his team have established over the past three decades,” said Shickora. “Our firms share a planning-first philosophy and a deep commitment to serving clients and the South Jersey community. Together, we’re even better positioned to support clients today and for generations to come.”
Scarlett joins the firm as a financial planning specialist, where he will support comprehensive financial planning and insurance-related services. He brings experience in holistic financial planning and client service, specializing in life insurance, health insurance, long-term care planning and variable annuities. Scarlett works closely with clients to evaluate their needs, navigate the insurance application and underwriting process and integrate insurance strategies into broader financial plans.
“Gary and Mark bring valuable experience and expertise that immediately strengthen our team and expand our capacity to serve clients,” said Geoffrey Passehl, founder, partner and private wealth advisor at Passehl Financial Partners. “I’ve worked with Gary for nearly two decades and have seen firsthand his commitment to clients and his planning-first approach. Merging our practices is a natural fit that brings together shared values, complementary strengths and a common vision for serving clients for generations to come.”
The transition to Passehl Financial Partners reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to delivering personalized financial guidance. With expanded resources, deeper expertise and a strengthened leadership team, the firm is well positioned to support clients through every stage of their financial journey.