Meet Lumiere Financial Group

Zachary Brody, CFP®, CFC®

MANAGING PARTNER

Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to make people feel safe, which is what led me to start my own security alarm company in high school. Later on, however, I realized the one area in which people consistently felt unsafe wasn’t necessarily home security—it was personal finance. After graduating college, I felt drawn to help people through their financial challenges. This is what led me to my first job at Axa Advisors. In each job thereafter, I’ve continued to follow my passion for helping people attain financial security and autonomy. Lumiere is a culmination of my nine years of industry knowledge and experience guiding individuals and families to achieve financial success at all levels. Every day, I find new ways to better serve our clients. And with a team that shares the same values and vision as I do, I have no doubt Lumiere Financial Group will continue to grow and make a real difference in our communities. Outside of work, you can find me at the gym, traveling, and visiting museums. Designations, Registrations & Licenses

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation
• Chartered Financial Consultant® (CFC®)
• FINRA Series 7, 9, 10, 24 series 66

Lina Botchoukova

MANAGING DIRECTOR

I hold my Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bentley University. My career began with over five years of experience at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, then another five years at Athena Capital, which was acquired by Fiduciary Trust/Franklin Templeton.  

When I’m not working, I enjoy playing tennis, skiing, snorkeling, and traveling to emerging destinations.

Designations & Licenses

• CFA Level II Candidate 
• Series 7
• Series 63
• Series 65
• NY Life, Accident and Health Licensure

Affiliations

• Bentley NYC Alumni Network 
• Patron, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Geno Cipollini

CHIEF OF STAFF, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

As the Chief of Staff to the Managing Partner, I am responsible for the strategic planning and operations for the firm. I lead operational and transition support to ensure that new Financial Professionals have a smooth transition to our firm. As a financial advisor, I strive to promote financial literacy and provide my clients when it comes to their finances. Seeing my clients reach their goals and feel comfortable with their financial situation gives me great pride and is ultimately why I love my career. One part of my job that I’m extremely passionate about is helping people overcome wealth disparity, which I do by providing resources to lower-income individuals. I earned my B.S. in Information Technology Science from the American Military University. I continued my education at the Keller Graduate School of Management, where I got my M.S. in Information Systems Management, and then I went to Thomas Edison State University for my MBA in Business Administration. After spending over 9 years with the United States Army, I joined AXA Advisors in February 2019 and Prudential in November 2019. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, reading, Muay Thai, and spending time with my fiance, Raisa, and our pet Shih Tzu, Bogart. I’m also dedicated to giving back to the community by volunteering with veterans groups. Designations, Registrations & Licenses

• Series 7 and 66
• State Registrations: NY

Affiliations

• American Legion
• Veterans of Foreign Wars
• Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Rick Botwinick

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

I hold my Bachelor's of Science in Accounting from LIU Post University. I began my career in commercial banking in the Summer of 1979. After twenty four years of working in commercial banking, I realizing that I liked helping clients more than working on financial models. This led me to transition to retail financial services in the Spring of 2003. I have dedicated the past nineteen years of my career to helping clients achieve their financial goals.

When I’m not working, I enjoy playing golf & softball, spending time with my two sons and four grandchildren, and of course my lovely wife of thirty nine years, Victoria.

Designations & Licenses 

• Series 6
• Series 63
• NY Life, Accident and Health Licensure

Affiliations

• POP's Softball League, Board Member

Richard Tolway

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

I’ve always been passionate about helping people improve their lives. When I moved to New York City, I would help friends fix up their apartments and improve their living situations. During that time, I also brought friends into my business, showed them the ropes, and got them started operating their own service-based businesses. That is when I really began to find fulfillment, being of service to others and helping them build something. This eventually segued from building homes to helping clients build the financial future that they want.

I hold a B.Sc. in Marketing from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. While at ASU, I became involved in the comedy club to pursue my interest in sketch comedy.

Designations & Licenses

• NY Life, Accident, and Health Licensure
• Series 65

Affiliations

• North Brooklyn Angels (volunteer)
• Patron, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens 

Joseph Milici

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

I began my career in the Financial Services industry in 2012 at Equitable (formally known as AXA). I have been working with educators, non-profits, and employees of municipalities. Since then, I have expanded my practice to not only help educators but also to help transition pre-retirees into retirees by ensuring that they have adequate funds to continue the lifestyle that they are accustomed to.

Over the past decade of my career, I have successfully helped retire hundreds of families. Transitioning from working to retirement can be a stressful undertaking without proper guidance. However, this is some of the most rewarding work for a Financial Advisor.

I earned my B.S. in Marketing from Quinnipiac University. While at Quinnipiac, I helped lead various learning teams through projects.

In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Designations, Registrations & Licenses

• Series 7
• Series 63
• Series 65
• Connecticut Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License
• Certified Retirement Education Specialist

Affiliations

• Quinnipiac University Alumni Association