The Management Team
Bruce Sham, CLF
Vice President, Agency Sales,
Director of Associate Development
bsham@financialguide.com
Bruce graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Liberal Arts. He began his financial services career in 1978. After qualifying for President’s and Master’s Club, and obtaining his FINRA Series 6 and 63 registrations, he was appointed Sales Manager in 1984. He has been interviewed by Advisor Today magazine for his recruiting efforts and has been a featured speaker at several insurance company national sales meetings. In 1998 and 1999, he qualified for Sales Manager Council and Council Associate. The highlight of his career is his membership in Million Dollar Round Table in 2003. Bruce is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Associates of Insurance and Financial Advisors, has served as an Ambassador for the General Agents and Managers Association from 2001-2002 , and is a member of the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council.
Carl DiTore, CFS
Vice President, Agency Sales
cditore@financialguide.com
Carl began his career in financial services in 1999 and quickly worked his way into management with an emphasis on continuing education. Carl holds the Certified Fund Specialist designation as well as Board Certified in Mutual Funds from The Institute of Business and Finance. He has served as Vice President of the South Jersey National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and coaches for the local South Jersey recreational sports at different levels. He has also been featured in The Who’s Who of South Jersey Management in Financial Services.
James Flanagan, LUTCF
Vice President, Agency Sales
jamesmflangan@financialguide.com
Jim received his BA from LaSalle College in 1984 and started his career in financial services as an agent with Prudential that same year. He became a sales manager in 1986, and spent the next 14 years recruiting and training successful agents throughout NJ. Jim qualified for Prudential's Top Sales management honor, The President's Citation, 6 times. Prior to joining First Financial Group, Jim spent the last 10 years focusing in the mature market, consulting agents and their client's on how to avoid the risks associated with living a long life and securing your financial goals in retirement.
Chuck Paff, CLU, ChFC, CFP®
Vice President, Agency Sales
cpaff@financialguide.com
Chuck entered the insurance industry as an agent with New York Life. He served as a home office employee and quickly progressed into management. He was a Managing Partner for 24 years, 10 years in Pittsburgh and 14 in Philadelphia. In 1999, Chuck founded his own financial planning firm and in 2003 associated his agency with First Financial Group. Always active in the industry, Chuck has served as President of the Association of Life Underwriters and President of both the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia General Managers Association. He is also very active in his community. Chuck is a member of the Pittsburgh Rotary Club, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, and the University of Pittsburgh Boosters Club.
Chris Metkiff
Vice President, Agency Sales
cmetkiff@financialguide.com
Chris graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. While attending the University, he played varsity basketball for the Fighting Blue Hen’s. Chris began his career as a financial services professional in 2006, wanting to build a practice that helps people reach their financial goals. He strives to provide each client with the tools and education they need to help develop and build a strong foundation for their financial journey. In 2011, Chris took on a new role as a Vice President of Agency Sales. In addition to working with his clients, Chris recruits, manages, and mentors new associates that join the firm. He enjoys helping new associates grow and develop their practice.
Joe Murray, CLU, ChFC, CFBS
Executive Vice President
jwmurray@financialguide.com
At FFG since 1989, Joe has remained a top producer while continuing to be a mentor to new producers and a key trainer and promoter of comprehensive financial planning. Joe’s wit and humor make him a favorite presenter for business owner workshops, where his high speed deliveries evoke the everyday fast pace of the real business world. Joe furthers his cause by remaining on the external faculty of the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA, teaching fellow professional producers business and estate planning, drawing on his education and firsthand experience in these fields of more than 22 years. Joe most enjoys helping business owners with charitable inclinations and enough wealth to give.
Frank Lazarus, CLU, ChFC, CASL
Brokerage Director & Life Insurance Specialist,
Executive VP
flazarus@finsvcs.com
Frank has been working with life insurance producers in the Philadelphia area for over forty years, the last twenty for First Financial Group. Prior to joining First Financial Group, Frank was a Vice President for The Toner Organization, a large nationally renowned Brokerage General Agency. Today, he works with both Career Agents and independent producers and brokers. Frank has served twice as the President of the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors, Greater Philadelphia Chapter and continues to serve as its National Committeeman. In 2005, he was recognized by NAIFA-GP with its President’s Cup, the most prestigious award for the industry in the Philadelphia area. Frank is a perennial qualifier for MassMutual’s Management Council and Leaders Club, and serves on the Brokerage Director Council.