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Create financial freedom using our holistic approach to financial planning. Through education, long-term relationships, integrity, and innovation, we’ll help you co-design your financial success and your peace of mind.

BlackDiamond Pickle Martini (Trust us, It’s Good)

Blackdiamond Old Fashioned

The BlackDiamond cocktails help.

You may not think financial planning is fun, but we’ll show you how.

Either way, you don’t want to read my twisting story that started with me snowboarding back when it was called Burton Boarding and that somehow ended with me running a bar and being a financial planner.

You want to know that we’re the financial advisors that will help you make wise financial decisions, educate you on how to improve your financial future, and use your assets to have a ton of fun in life. Here’s the nutshell version of how BlackDiamond Wealth got started and where Liar’s Poker comes in.

In college, I (hey. It’s Sean — stick with me. This is the only time we’re going into first person here) was a business major with a fine arts minor. But because of that book, I learned that corporate America didn’t want to hire business students because they’re all cookie-cutter. So, I flipped them.


Maybe it was because my college experience was very art-driven (or maybe something else), I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation and I moved to New York “to figure it out.”

In the first few weeks, I got a job as a stockbroker on Wall Street. And I was miserable. I went back to my roots of t-shirts and skater shoes and not playing into the “typical New Yorker” mentality.

That led me to day trading and buying a bar in the East Village. That bar led me to a job working as an investment specialist at a financial planning firm for 13 years where I met a lot of the people I work with today.

Ever since I’ve started BlackDiamond, I’ve tried to build a brand I can stand behind, in terms of service, clients, and a team approach. I don’t want it to be my company, I want it to be our company. And for you, our clients, I want it to be an experience, not just feeling like you’re another number.

Either way, you don’t want to read my twisting story that started with me snowboarding back when it was called Burton Boarding and that somehow ended with me running a bar and being a financial planner.

You want to know that we’re the financial advisors that will help you make wise financial decisions, educate you on how to improve your financial future, and use your assets to have a ton of fun in life. Here’s the nutshell version of how BlackDiamond Wealth got started and where Liar’s Poker comes in.

In college, I (hey. It’s Sean — stick with me. This is the only time we’re going into first person here) was a business major with a fine arts minor. But because of that book, I learned that corporate America didn’t want to hire business students because they’re all cookie-cutter. So, I flipped them.

Maybe it was because my college experience was very art-driven (or maybe something else), I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation and I moved to New York “to figure it out.”

In the first few weeks, I got a job as a stockbroker on Wall Street. And I was miserable. I went back to my roots of t-shirts and skater shoes and not playing into the “typical New Yorker” mentality.

That led me to day trading and buying a bar in the East Village. That bar led me to a job working as an investment specialist at a financial planning firm for 13 years where I met a lot of the people I work with today.

Ever since I’ve started BlackDiamond, I’ve tried to build a brand I can stand behind, in terms of service, clients, and a team approach. I don’t want it to be my company, I want it to be our company. And for you, our clients, I want it to be an experience, not just feeling like you’re another number.

Or maybe it was moving to New York for what I thought was only going to be 5 years. Or maybe it was… a lot of things.

Is to blame for all of this.

Michael Lewis

By

Liar’s Poker

As Ken says, “If I get to work with you for 8 hours, I want to make sure I can have a beer with you.”

Here’s the team raising a glass to your success.

Every financial plan needs a drink and a friendly face.

Read More

Besides financial planning, what is your other dream job? NYC Parks Commissioner

Where else besides NYC would you want to live? Any place where the temperature stays above 32 degrees

Partner

Scott Ungar

Read More

What instrument would you play in an airband? Guitar

Fantasy retirement gig? Frontman for a rock ‘n roll band

Senior Managing Director

MBA, ChFC, CLU, CASL, RICP, CLTC

Laurence Greenwald

Read More

Would you be on the slopes or in the lodge? I would definitely be on the slopes as long as it is out west

Skydive or Bungy Jumping?
I have already been skydiving, but I would love to become certified to jump solo

Founder & Managing Partner

ChFC, CFS, CLU, CAS, CLTC

Sean hollitz

Read More

Favorite childhood hobby? Tap Dancing

Who was your teenage crush?
Joey from New Kids on the Block

Client Service Associate

Laura Mårtensson

Read More

Most beautiful place you’ve traveled? Summertime in Finland & Sweden

If you weren’t doing this, what would you do:  Playing or coaching softball

Director of Financial Planning

CFP®

Debra L. Noble

Read More

What is your retirement dream job? Driving that golf cart that picks up balls at the driving range

Best thing you ever ate? Maryland Blue Crabs

Chief Investment Officer

CFP®

Ken Nuttall

Read More

What is your dream retirement location? A villa on the Amalfi Coast with my boat docked on the water out front.

One celebrity you would love to have dinner with? Roger Federer or Matthew McConaughey

Financial Planning Associate

CRPC®

Kevin G. DeRosa

Why BlackDiamond?

Like any skill that you want to refine, wealth management improves the more you do it. It’s like starting on the bunny slopes and working your way to a black diamond run. Hey, did someone say BlackDiamond?

It’s true, our business name is inspired by crisp mountain air. It symbolizes agility, knowledge, and forward-thinking. We’ll co-design a path for your finances based on your goals and make your next run down the mountain the best one yet.

How would you describe yourself?

Individual

Business

Garnish with a blood orange slice and a blackberry.

Add Bourbon.

Round ice cubes are preferred, but we suppose you can use regular ice cubes as long as you know that they aren’t BlackDiamond Approved and are willing to break this long-standing tradition.

Fill the glass with one (1) round ice cube.

Muddle until dissolved.

Place sugar in old fashion glass and saturate with bitters and a dash of plain water. 


Preparation:

• 1 ½ Oz Town Branch Bourbon
• 1 Sugar Cube or cane sugar
• Three dashes of Angostura bitters
• Few dashes of plain water

You’ll Need:

BlackDiamond Old Fashioned

Garnish with a pickle (shapes depend on personal preference, we like a spear).

Strain shaker contents into the chilled glass.

Coat your glass with vermouth.

Empty ice water from your martini glass.

Shake for about 10 seconds or until your shaker becomes frosty if using stainless steel. Shaking too long will result in a sad, watery martini.

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.

If you don't have one, then add ice and water to a warm glass until chilled.

You will need a chilled martini Glass.

Preparation:

•  3 Oz Vodka (Vodka brands are based on customer preference)
•  ½ oz Dry vermouth
•  1 Oz McClure's spicy pickle juice (NO substitution)


You’ll Need:

Pickle Martini

Sean started his career over 20 years ago at a small boutique wealth management firm, but really sunk his teeth into financial planning at Lenox Advisors, where he worked for more than a decade. It was an incredible training ground for comprehensive financial planning, however he was looking to have more freaking fun. So he created a firm with a lot more flare and buttoned-down feel, all while maintaining everything that a typical Wall Street financial firm offers.

CA insurance license #0G59647

ChFC, CFS, CLU, CAS, CLTC
Founder & Managing Partner
shollitz@blackdiamondwealth.com
(212) 858-0705

Sean Hollitz

Following graduate school and a stint in the pharmaceutical industry as an award-winning salesperson, strategic planner and product manager, Larry began a 25-year career on Wall Street as a trading executive before pursuing his passion as a financial planner. As a Managing Partner at BlackDiamond Wealth Management, Larry focuses on designing comprehensive financial strategies encompassing all components of the planning process. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing the guitar, cross-training, and driving his sports cars.

CA insurance license #0G92199

MBA, ChFC, CLU, CASL, RICP, CLTC
Managing Partner
lgreenwald@blackdiamondwealth.com
(212) 858-9115

Laurence Greenwald

With nearly 15 years’ experience in asset management, Scott built his career working with both individual and corporate clients. He specializes in providing clients with integrated solutions for all aspects of their financial life. When not at work you can find him on the beach with his wife Alyssa and his labradoodle Gus.

Scott Ungar

Ken spent 17 years at JPMorgan working in various risk and trading roles. While working, he attended Pace University at night where he obtained his MBA and realized that his real passion is helping people with their personal finances. He made the jump to financial planning a few years back and has enjoyed it ever since. Ken also obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificate in 2014. On the weekends, he can be found either at the golf course or with his wife Brenda.

CFP®
Chief Investment Officer
knuttall@blackdiamondwealth.com
212-328-1762


Ken Nuttall

Over the last 10 years, Debra worked in the financial planning space at UBS and Lenox Advisors, Inc. where her role involved working with advisors to implement estate planning, retirement planning, asset allocation, risk management and tax saving strategies to protect and preserve clients' wealth. Prior to that she spent time at JPMorgan Private Bank and Smith Barney. Debra received her B.A. in Financial Economics from Moravian College and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®. She also holds her life and health insurance licenses. When not at work, you can find Debra out there swimming, biking or running with her Goldcoast Triathlon teammates in Hoboken.

CFP®
Director of Financial Planning
dnoble@blackdiamondwealth.com
(212) 658-1715

Debra L. Noble

Laura Mårtensson

Upon graduating from Marymount Manhattan College, with a BFA in Dance, Laura traveled across the United States and abroad performing in musicals. Laura’s dance training eventually led her to a natural transition into the fitness field, where she found a strong passion for helping people get healthy and enjoy their lives. For the past 6 years, she has been a coach at a boutique gym in Hell’s Kitchen, where she happened to meet Sean Hollitz. Laura is very excited about continuing her passion for customer service with the BlackDiamond team. In her spare time, Laura can be found with her husband, Håkan, chasing around their sweet little boy and two dogs.

Upon graduating from Marymount Manhattan College, with a BFA in Dance, Laura traveled across the United States and abroad performing in musicals like A Chorus Line, Elf and Shrek the Musical. Besides performing onstage, she also took on the creative roles of dance captain and associate choreographer, helping to keep the shows running smoothly and in opening night condition. Laura’s dance training eventually led her to a natural transition into the fitness field, where she found a strong passion for helping people get healthy and enjoy their lives. For the past 6 years, she has been a coach at Mark Fisher Fitness, a boutique gym in Hell’s Kitchen, where she happened to meet the one and only, Sean Hollitz. Laura is very excited about entering a new field, learning from the BlackDiamond team and continuing her passion for customer service. In her spare time, Laura can be found with her husband, Håkan, chasing around their sweet little boy and two dogs.

Kevin is a graduate of Gettysburg College with a BA degree in Economics and Spanish. He has spent the past 4+ years as a financial advisor and para-planner and brings a passion for understanding what is most important to clients while helping them reach their financial goals most effectively. He was a 4-year starter on the Gettysburg College tennis team and is active in both playing and teaching tennis in his free time. In addition to playing tennis, Kevin enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and attending Philadelphia teams’ sporting events.

CRPC®
Financial Planning Associate
kderosa@blackdiamondwealth.com
(212) 518-1714

Kevin G. DeRosa