Looking for a Fresh Perspective on Financial Planning?
You’ve come to the right place!
When you picture a wealth management advisor, what comes to mind? Typical responses might include an individual in a suit and tie, always on their cell phone, with the personality that leaves room for improvement. Not here! Upstate Wealth Consulting is not your “typical” financial firm or wealth management organization. In addition to comprehensive, formulated financial plans and investment strategies created with impeccable attention to detail, we also pride ourselves on having a little personality and pizazz!
We are down to earth, likeable, REAL people, just like YOU.
We have hobbies, hopes, dreams, and we like to have FUN! Our entire team shares a deep-rooted love and appreciation for the Mohawk Valley, the Adirondack Mountains, and our local communities; and we can easily become swept away and inspired by the grandeur, beauty, and fervor that surrounds us on a daily basis.
Our Mission
To provide the highest quality of wealth management services, to develop profound and trusting relationships with our valued clients, and to deliver a newfound energy and vibrant, meaningful approach to securing the financial future of individuals and businesses alike.
Our Core Values
Excellence
Our team strives to excel in every aspect of our business, and we are determined to succeed in supporting our valued clients in achieving financial security.
Achievement
We are sincerely passionate about what we do, and our team pours our heart and souls into guiding our clients to financial success. When you win, we win- let’s celebrate together!
Integrity
We are truthful and honest in our personal and professional lives. Our team leads with honor; and our intentions, choices, and decisions will always be ethical while serving our valued clients and each other.
Meet the Team
Jason O. Champion
Founding Partner | Co-CEO
William “Bill” I. Matteson
Founding Partner | Co-CEO
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby
Personal Motto: “Treat others how you would like to be treated.”
Jason Champion, or, “The Champ” is described as “kind, sympathetic and generous” and brings over 22 years of experience in the financial services industry to the table, in addition to a spectacular sense of humor and witty one-liners that will leave you with a lasting chuckle. Jason was born and raised in Utica, NY and has a true love for our local area and the Adirondack Mountains- he loves that there is so much to do within a short drive. He is also deeply involved in our local community and is always looking for way to help others. His hobbies include “all-things automobiles” and any outdoor activities!
Favorite Food: The Nola Burger
Favorite Book: The Common Denominator of Success
Personal Motto: “To receive, you have to give.”
A proud Utica, NY native, William, or Bill “The Shredder” Matteson greets each day with an unparalleled passion, energy, and integrity for helping others. With his exuberant, infectious laugh paired with 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Bill received the Vision Financial Group Veteran Advisor of the Year in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022, and firm Disability Income Leader in 2019. Bill has also been a proud member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for 15 years now. If he is not in the office, Bill can be found at the Sadaquada Golf Course searching for his golf balls amongst the trees or ripping down a black diamond on his downhill skis. He loves the outdoors, and his hobbies include skiing, golf, travel, and spending time with friends and family.
Michael D. Hayduk
Junior Partner
Favorite Food: Chicken Riggies
Favorite Book: Freakonomics
Personal Motto: “Once you quit, it becomes a habit."
Mike "Coach" Hayduk is described as an extroverted, high energy person who knows everyone has a story and is determined to hear as many as possible in his life. A proud Mohawk Valley Native and Clarkson University Alumni, brings a combined 7 years of financial services experience.
A graduate of local Clinton High School, he enters his 5th season of head coaching Varsity Basketball and 7th overall. Coaching is his favorite out of office passion and he will tell you his favorite part is doing it with his family. His father, Mike as his assistant coach, his mother, Gina as the score keeper, and wife Kristen as the team photographer. Outside of coaching, you can find him on the course at Skenandoa with his 2 favorite golf partners, his wife and father and is always open to a 4th person to join for a couple good shots, but importantly, many laughs and memories.
Franca LaBarbera
New Business & Client Relations Coordinator
Favorite Food: Ice Cream
Favorite Movie: A Bronx Tale
Personal Motto: “Never give up something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.”
Franca joins the Upstate Wealth Consulting team after 10 years in the industry, bringing an aura filled with positivity and friendliness to the office. Described as “kind and driven” Franca was born and raised in New Hartford, NY and she loves the changing seasons in the Mohawk Valley, and the unique beauty each one brings. Franca works closely with our valued clients, and has a true passion for helping each individual, family, or business achieve their goals. Her favorite pastime is spending time with family and friends and being a Mommy!
Traci Grogan
Administrative Assistant
Favorite Restaurant: Delmonico’s
Favorite Movie: Brooklyn
Personal Motto: “If at first you don’t succeed, try again!”
A proud Clinton, NY native, Traci joined Upstate Wealth Consulting in September of 2022. She brings twenty-five years of experience as an Administrative Assistant to Upstate, 12 of which were in the financial services industry. Traci has a high level of expertise in all aspects of office administration. She is the “Director of First Impressions”, making all visitors/clients feel welcomed and comfortable whether in person or on the phone. Traci loves spending time with her family which includes five grandchildren. Helping out her children in raising their children is her greatest joy!
Karen Champion
Cashiering & Office Coordinator
Favorite Local Restaurant: The Willows of Utica
Favorite Movie: A Walk in the Clouds
Personal Motto: “When it rains, look for rainbows. When its dark, look for stars.”
Karen Champion, or “Mom”, as she is affectionately called by the team, has over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, and believes in demonstrating kindness above all else. Karen is from Utica, NY, and she has always loved the Mohawk Valley and our local area for its breathtaking scenery, and the four seasons. Karen is thoughtful, hardworking, and caring, making her a true asset to the Upstate Wealth Consulting team. Her greatest joy in life has been raising two wonderful children and being a special “Nonny”. Karen’s hobbies include baking, crocheting, sewing and gardening.
Susie Jenkins
Investment & Retirement Plan Coordinator
Favorite Food: Lobster
Favorite Movie: Wonder
Personal Motto: “Be Silly. Be honest. Be kind.”
Susie hails from New Hartford, NY and brings over 20 years of experience in the industry to Upstate Wealth Consulting, with a specialty in Investment and Retirement Plans. Susie loves calling the Mohawk Valley area “home” since she enjoys living near her family, the friendly people in our local surrounding communities, and the four distinct seasons. She is described as “friendly, energetic, and talkative” all making her an ideal choice to communicate so closely with our amazing clients on a regular basis. Susie has 3 wonderful children, and if she’s not hanging out by the Sadaquada Pool with her kids on her days off, you can find her spending time outdoors, exercising, and cheering for her 3 kids either at courses, courts, fields, stages and pools!
Nick Abounader
Junior Associate Representative
Favorite Restaurant: Pho Vietnam
Favorite Book: The Lord of the Rings
Personal Motto: Live each day as if your sock isn’t slowly slipping off inside your shoe.
Nick was raised in Clinton NY, coincidentally right down the street from his current home! His career began as an international theater performer, leading him to work for several not for profits in the area in directing and event marketing/management. This work on the financial side of arts businesses sparked a new passion in understanding numbers and processes with regard to accounts and investments, bringing Nick into work in banking and finances. Combining his creative background with a numbers driven and methodical focus on accuracy gives him a unique focus on customer service and account servicing here at Upstate Wealth. When not at his desk you can find Nick playing the organ at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, breaking something in his garage with the fullest intention to put it back together, or building something entirely too elaborate to complete in the amount of time he gives himself to do it.