The David J. Yvars Group - Building Wealth for Generations

Our Team

The David J. Yvars (DJY) Group has the type of collective expertise and experience that you can take comfort in. When you forge a business relationship with us, you can feel confident knowing that you're partnering with a seasoned group of professionals dedicated to giving you the best service and advice possible.

As your Financial Advisor, we believe it is our utmost responsibility to provide sound financial planning and investment advice based on our clients individual sets of circumstances.

After more than 30 years in the industry, we've learned the value of sticking to the plan in the face of wild highs and distressing lows, and we believe this approach is more significant today than it has ever been.

David J. Yvars Sr.

Senior Portfolio Manager
Chief Executive Officer

David J. Yvars, Sr. entered the financial services field in 1981, after earning his finance degree from the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. He began his career as financial advisor for Shearson Loeb Rhodes, one of the predecessor firms of Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney. For the next two decades, David worked in the industry with Shearson Loeb Rhodes/Smith Barney and, from 1997 through 2000, became a member of Smith Barney's Director's Council. This is one of the highest honors that Smith Barney had to offer to its Financial Advisors.

In 2000, David further distinguished himself as one of the top senior portfolio managers - this time in a national capacity - by earning the title of Senior Portfolio Management Director. This is a designation achieved by less than 1% of Smith Barney's financial consultants and was directly related to his success and expertise in managing client portfolios.

During his tenure with Smith Barney, David also went on to earn the additional designation of Fiduciary Portfolio Manager - one only made available to a handful of Smith Barney financial consultants as a result of his expertise and experience in handling the Portfolio Management for Estate Administrations, Trusts, Guardianships, Receiverships and similar important fiduciary matters.

In 2001, David and his group joined UBS Financial Services, where he maintained the designation of Senior Portfolio Manager. During this time, he assembled and led a team of computer programmers from the University of Virginia and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business to develop a quantitative portfolio management valuation modeling system that helped structure and manage optimally allocated portfolios for a wide array of clients. This proprietary valuation system helped propel the David J. Yvars Group into the UBS Financial Services Portfolio Management Program's national top ten in assets under management.

In 2004, David founded the David J. Yvars Group - a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm based in Valhalla, New York. The firm utilizes the vast knowledge learned in years past to offer a full range of wealth management, retirement plan and trust and estate services. All of these areas of practice place great emphasis on giving unbiased, independent and objective financial advice. The firm adheres to the Fiduciary Standard - the highest standard in the Industry.

Presently, David is Chief Executive Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager. He is principally responsible for the management of all securities portfolios for the firm and its clients.

David and his wife Bianca currently reside in University Park, Florida and are active contributors in several community non-profit organizations across the Sarasota and New York metropolitan areas. David’s son, David, Jr., is also a valued member of the David J. Yvars Group, Inc.

David J. Yvars Jr., CFP®

Financial Advisor/Portfolio Manager
Chief Financial Officer

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the Rutgers Business School located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, David joined The David J. Yvars Group in the Spring of 2009.

David is a Certified Financial Planner, CFP®, which is the highest designation in the industry.

In addition to having a CFP® designation, David is certified as a Wealth Management Specialist (WMS™), Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®) and Certified Cash Balance Plan Consultant.

David specializes in financial planning and is involved in all aspects of financial and retirement planning for the firms Wealth Management clients. In addition, David is a co- portfolio manager for all the firm’s private client portfolios. These include but are not limited to individuals, small businesses, trusts, estates and retirement accounts.

David's other areas of expertise include assisting retirement plan sponsors with the construction, implementation and ongoing due diligence of mutual fund lineups for 401(k) and 403(b) defined contribution plans.

Mary Jo Collabolletta

Director of Retirement Plan Services
Chief Operating Officer

Mary Jo entered the Financial Services industry in 1996 after earning her business management degree at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. She began her career at PaineWebber and UBS Financial Services as a Registered Client Service Associate and Financial Advisor.

Mary Jo joined the David J. Yvars Group in 2002 as Chief Operating Officer, where she managed all Operational and Compliance functions for the firm.

In 2011, Mary Jo earned the designation of Director of Retirement Plan Services. In this role, Mary Jo works closely with business owners, Human Resources Professionals and retirement plan sponsors to secure and manage 401(k) and 403(b) Defined Contribution plans.

Mary Jo's wealth of experience also includes having in-depth knowledge associated with all aspects related to retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. This includes but is not limited to IRAs, Simple IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEPs), Profit-Sharing Plans, Defined Benefit Plans and Cash Balance Plans. This expertise and knowledge in this area assures clients are matched with the most appropriate retirement account vehicles relative to their individual situations.

Mary Jo is originally from the Bronx and now lives in White Plains, New York with her husband Anthony and two daughters Marlena and Viviana. She is an active contributor to several community non-profit organizations across Westchester and Manhattan.

Joseph D. Lee

Vice President
Financial Advisor

Joe joined the David J. Yvars Group in 2001 as a financial advisor after earning a finance degree from Fordham University.

Joe’s area of expertise involves working personally with individuals, families and professional athletes on their financial planning needs.

In addition, Joe currently maintains a part-time position in the New York Yankee organization assisting current players for the team.

In his spare time, Joe enjoys harness racing and both drives and owns harness horses. In 2017, Joe earned national amateur harness driver of the year honors and assists people in the industry with their financial planning needs.

Originally from the Bronx, Joe now resides in Yonkers, New York.

Joanne Pugni

Client Service Manager

Joanne has over 25 years of experience working in the finance industry. Most recently, she worked at Cutwater Asset Management (formerly MBIA Asset Management) as a Client Service Analyst.

Joanne joined the David J Yvars Group in 2013 as a Client Services Associate.

In 2015, she earned the designation of Client Service Manager.

In addition to providing clients with a high level of service, Joanne handles the daily operation of the office, which includes overseeing the firm's compliance program.

Joanne currently resides in Mahopac, New York with her husband Mark.

Allan Jacobs

Of Counsel
Technical Analyst

After graduating from the University of Buffalo, Allan entered the Financial Services industry in 1967 as an equity and options trader and professional investor.

In addition to successfully trading for his own account, Allan's personal views and knowledge of the securities and option markets have been utilized and incorporated in a spectrum of investment strategies used by a diverse group of investment advisors from many financial services firms.

In 2010, Allan brought his four-decade experience to The David J. Yvars Group, Inc. and now acts as a counsel to the firm.

Allan’s focus is in the areas of technical analysis, as well as various corporate capacities.

David J. Yvars Sr.

Senior Portfolio Manager
Chief Executive Officer

David J. Yvars Jr.

Financial Advisor/Portfolio Manager
Chief Financial Officer

Mary Jo Collabolletta

Director of Retirement Plan Services
Chief Operations Officer

Joseph D. Lee

Vice President
Financial Advisor

Joanne Pugni

Client Service Manager

Allan Jacobs

Of Counsel
Technical Analyst