Edward Sokolowski, CFP^®, CLU^®, ChFC^®, AIF^®

Managing Partner Edward “Ed” Sokolowski is a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts. He graduated from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in 1992 with a BS in finance. As a child, he remembers visiting his older sister at her office in downtown Springfield. Mesmerized by the sounds and sights of the stock market tickers, Ed knew finance was in his future. In college, Ed’s economics professor taught him the value of investments, explaining that when you lose money, it takes twice as much effort to earn it back. It was then that he chose to steer clear of quick-fix stock trading and pave a career applying the conservative philosophy of long-term investing.

Ed began the licensing process before graduation and promptly joined EQ Financial Consultants out of college. Within two years, Ed’s hard work and dedication propelled him into management. While he values prudent, long-term investment strategies, Ed excels in dynamic financial environments where high-risk opportunities have the potential to deliver substantial returns - specifically for investors with a strong risk tolerance. In 1995, Ed moved his family to New York, seeking a fast-paced setting to push him out of his comfort zone.

Armed with valuable experience, Ed was recruited back to Western Massachusetts in 1999 to work for Palmer Goodell Financial Group, LLC. Ed witnessed the corporate sale of Palmer Goodell to TD Bank and quickly realized the need to provide a local, relationship-focused, comprehensive approach to financial planning. Together with partners Joseph Leonczyk and Charles Myers, he opened the doors of Pioneer Valley Financial Group, LLC, in March 2002.

When he’s not in the office, you’ll often find Ed lacing up to hit the pavement. After being a casual runner for more than 10 years, he decided it was time to move from casual running and start training for his first marathon. It’s an achievement he is proud to have accomplished after turning 40, and Ed has since completed several marathons and continues to stay physically fit with daily runs.

Ed received an esteemed Volunteer of the Year Award* for his involvement in the preservation of Folley Field/Lake Wallace. During his service as chairman, Ed tirelessly fought, lobbied, disrupted, and influenced community leaders in order to preserve the 66 acres. The land is now a place where children and their families enjoy sporting events, nature walks, and environmental exploration. Having raised two sons and spent more than 15 years coaching football, basketball, and baseball, Ed intrinsically values the development of future generations through education, community support, and outdoor play.

You’ll see that as PV Financial Group has become more successful, the community receives more of the company’s energy, time, and money too. Ed, who wasn’t born wealthy, believes that it is his social responsibility to give back to the community and support children so that they have the opportunity to one day be successful too. Ed handpicks organizations, like the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club, Head Start, and the Michael J. Dias Foundation, to foster child and community development. You’ll often find him volunteering at local events, coffee in hand, alongside his team.

*2010 Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by Town of Belchertown. This award recognizes volunteers who have demonstrated exemplary achievement and commitment to volunteerism that directly impacts the Town of Belchertown. It is not specific to financial services and does not imply an endorsement, recommendation, or reflect the performance of the advisor. Click here for more information.