Josh Vilardi began his career by climbing the ladder in the corporate world of banking. In a position where he had no sense of fulfillment and often felt like a robot, Vilardi had a friend who convinced him into the investment world and he launched a career as a financial advisor. Over the next 20 years, he worked for several large and prominent Wall Street firms.
“As my clients grew and their needs became more complex, I began to notice some recurring issues,” said Vilardi. “While the large firms claimed they have services for all clients, that was only true if the client could fit into their corporate structure and check all the boxes. It became frequently embarrassing to tell clients they needed additional assets and didn’t qualify for our services.”
This challenge inspired the concept of Vilardi Wealth Management and Vilardi Financial Center. Vilardi Wealth Management is a wealth and investment management firm with a mission to help clients manage their financial goals and future. “Our center seamlessly brings together a comprehensive array of financial services, catering to the diverse needs of individuals, and serves as a hub for addressing the most common financial aspects that impact everyone’s lives,” said Vilardi.
As a leader, Vilardi said he has a strong desire to think outside the box. “I’m not content with merely achieving success for myself; I’m driven by a desire to leave a legacy and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” he said. “Whether it’s through helping my clients achieve the retirement they have always dreamed of, advocating for diversity and inclusion, or giving back to my community, I’m always looking for ways to use my business and knowledge for the greater good.”
Since launching the firm during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Vilardi has led his team to double sales from $580,000 to over $1 million. His initial team of two has expanded to five and he offers attractive employee benefits, contributing more toward medical expenses and covering 100% of dental and vision costs.
“Throughout my journey, I encountered very little encouragement for pursuing my vision, and instead, I faced an abundance of comments insisting it couldn’t be done or wouldn’t succeed,” said Vilardi. “For them, their advice was valid, but not for me. Despite the doubts, I moved ahead in faith and fear. Now, my vision is not only a reality but also thriving and expanding.”
