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Who We Are

Exceptional Culture is at
The Core of Who We are

Thank you for taking the time to investigate the world of possibilities with the Independent Network of Consultants & Advisors (INC Advisors).

As an elite financial advisor, you have already achieved success and have many choices. For decades, the progression of successful advisors has led to a migration toward the independent business model. The growth of, and interest in, the independent model is even more prevalent today.

Going independent doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. INC Advisors has an excellent reputation and a healthy track record of success. As an independent advisor, you will gain the flexibility, transparency and control that only can be realized as a small business owner. We believe this allows you to better serve your clients.

We’ve developed a turnkey proprietary model for helping your business grow and a culture of unified independence that provides you with a variety of solutions. Our economies of scale, financial strength, stability and breadth of wealth management services offers those advisors who embrace a growth mindset the continued opportunity to thrive and compete today and in the future.

There are many independent models to consider when evaluating such an important career decision. Therefore, we promise you that all of our conversations will be confidential, transparent and always with your best interest in mind. We have worked in every channel of the wealth management business; as such we are able to provide a deep understanding and broad perspective of the challenges and opportunities that come with making a move.

We look forward to an engaging conversation with you.

Our Experience and Unparalleled
Track Record is a Differentiator

Proven leadership and experience throughout our careers has produced significant results in all three wealth management channels — Wirehouse, IBD/RIA and Bank Trust.

Richard Dragotta, ChFC®, CRPC®

Founder and Managing Principal
  • Founder President & Chief Operating Officer of INC Advisors
  • 25+ wealth management industry leader and financial advisor (Merrill Lynch, UBS)
  • Expertise: Compliance, Operations, Marketing, Products/ Services, Technology, Succession, Acquisitions, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) Financial Management
  • Learn more about Richard and the INC Advisors’ Team

Our Vision

We aim to be a national premier wealth management firm —
delivering unparalleled service and a commitment to excellence

We believe there is no other firm that combines this level of expertise and experience while giving you the ability to control your business.

Our firm was founded in 2003. Since then, we have flourished and are now one of the largest enterprises affiliated with LPL Financial.

We offer best-in-class infrastructure, practice management and support staff

We have the flexibility to offer multiple affiliation models, customized to suit your business.

We currently have $5BN in AUM, operate in multiple states across the U.S. and have an exceptionally talented professional support team.

We are passionate about
making a difference in people’s lives

Dan Minnis, CFP®

Financial Planning Consultant

Dan has served in various roles in the financial services industry for over ten years. He began his career as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in Hopewell, NJ. He later transitioned to a wholesaling position with New York Life/MainStay Investments, where he distributed mutual fund, ETF, and SMA products to advisors in the Pacific Northwest. After carrying the bag as a wholesaler, he transitioned to being a financial advisor with Charles Schwab in 2018. A native of NJ, Dan, and his family moved back home and joined Integra with the goal of providing his clients with the best planning, wealth, and investment management services.

Dan has his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Spanish from Bucknell University and his Series 7 and 66 registrations are held with LPL Financial, Life/Health, and Variable Annuity licenses. Dan has accomplished a major milestone in his career by obtaining the prestigious designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional. He dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to completing rigorous coursework, exams, and experience requirements. Now, he offers his clients highly focused financial guidance and strategies to help them achieve their financial goals.

When not working to serve his clients, Dan enjoys spending time with his family; his wife, Alex, and their son, Tommy. He can often be found on the beach, surfing, hiking, playing ice hockey, and golf.

Mike Kelly

Advanced Planning Specialist

Prior to founding Life Policy Pros, Inc., I served as the Regional Sales Director for Midland National Life, supporting financial professionals in the state of New Jersey with comprehensive life insurance solutions for the past 10 years. I have 33 years in the financial services industry and am a frequent speaker and presenter on the multiple uses of life insurance.

My experience makes me extremely effective in identifying, implementing and executing life insurance solutions for other financial professionals.

I got my start in the business in 1985, right out of college. I worked for Northwestern Mutual for 20 years and two other carriers before joining Midland National. I have experience as an Investment Advisor Rep (IAR)* and a Registered Principal. My depth of experience includes financial planning, investments and life insurance sales.

I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1985 with a degree in Business Administration where I competed in Men’s Baseball, winning the National Championship in 1982. I hold my FINRA SERIES 6, 63, 66, 7 AND 8 license and my license in Life and Health.

I live in Princeton, New Jersey and am the father of five grown children. I lead an active life and maintain a regular fitness program. I also am an avid outdoorsman. A huge sports fan and recently retired from competitive baseball.

Lillian DeGasperis

Senior Registered CSA

Keri Callison

Administrative Assistant

Born and raised in Bergen County, it’s great to be working in Paramus with Inc. Advisors. I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BS in Business Management in the early eighties. I started my career on Wall Street, working for a Specialist firm on the floor of the NYSE. I loved the chaotic yet exhilarating atmosphere of the trading floor. I spent five years, eventually managing the firms floor clerks and learning how the Specialist ‘makes markets’, order execution/reporting and trading his own account. I then went to Dreyfus Mutual Funds where I managed a team of sales professionals and met my husband. Eventually, I headed to Citicorp Mortgage to manage a team of customer service reps.

After getting married, I spent several years at home raising my three sons. I was very active in my local PTA and Junior Football Program. I managed the Concession Stand for five plus years raising $10,000 plus to the program annually. During these years, I started a residential cleaning service with an old friend, which grew rapidly, keeping me busy juggling the business and my family. As my children got older, I felt the need to go “back to work” full time and enjoyed several years in the retail arena at both Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.

My true passion in life is my love of animals. During my teen years, my family built a log cabin in Delaware County NY where I spent my weekends and developed lifelong friendships. Our weekends centered around our horses, especially trail riding and the equine discipline of Reigning. Currently, I have an English Bulldog named Wally, two cats, two turtles and a family of salt water fish.

Favorite Food- A prime, ribeye steak Favorite Films- Top Gun, Pretty Woman, Trading Places
Favorite Quote- “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome”-Albert Einstein

Laura Vanderwall

Administrative Assistant

Prior to having my 3 children, I managed 2 of the largest accounts worldwide of a major cosmetics company and also held the title of Senior National Artist. During my tenure, I also worked with celebrity clientele, beauty editors, top fashion houses and was featured on Good Morning America. I “retired” to raise my family, but during that time, exercised my entrepreneurial & philanthropic spirit and built a small online cosmetics boutique with over 30 reps nationwide. This new role with INC Advisors is a return to the outside workforce for me and the start of a new chapter in my life, and I’m thrilled to have joined this amazing team that Rich has assembled!

As the first point of contact with our firm, my role is to make our clients, our advisors and our guests feel as valued and as important as they truly are to us.

Growing up I was always aware of the close professional relationship my father had with his financial advisor, which ultimately led to him being able to retire at the age of 50 and live the rest of his life exploring his passions and hobbies. The value of the role my parents’ financial advisor played was never lost on me and I am honored to be even a spoke in the wheel of the vehicle that can help others realize a life and retirement that fulfills all of their dreams. I believe I can add value by taking the initiative, being proactive and adaptable, and always coming to work with a can-do attitude.

On a personal level, I derive the most pleasure from seeing smiles on the faces of those I love. I enjoy trip-planning & travel, great wine and a delicious healthy menu, event-planning, gardening and, to recharge, quiet time with a great book.

I’m inspired by those who walk their talk when no one else is looking. I’m inspired to learn from those who have found success – whatever that may look like in their world – through ingenuity & perseverance and, above all, without compromising their integrity.

Favorite quote: “Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon… must inevitably come to pass!”, Paul J. Meyer
Favorite food: Filet Mignon, done black & blue
Favorite film: If I told you that, I’d have to go back and change all of my password hints! 😉
Team: New York Giants & the Auburn Tigers (War Eagle!)

Leslie Portee

SENIOR CLIENT SERVICE ASSOCIATE

Leslie Ann Portee joins our team with over 17 years of experience in Financial Services. Leslie has previously held several client-facing roles within the LPL Financial network as a Client Service Manager, Associate Relationship Manager, and Senior Operations Specialist. Her experience across different departments has provided her with an expansive skill set as a Senior Client Service Associate with our firm. While she has worn many hats in the past, her main focus has been providing exceptional customer service. Leslie believes that dependability, flexibility, resourcefulness, and a positive attitude are key attributes to being successful in this task.

Leslie currently resides in Monmouth County, NJ, with her husband and two children. Her favorite activities include live music, comedy, traveling, and spending time with family and good friends at the beach.

Maureen Henderson

Client Service Associate

Richard Dragotta, ChFC®, CRPC®

Founder and Managing Principal

As an early and pioneering “breakaway wirehouse” advisor and entrepreneur, Rich founded the Independent Network of Consultants & Advisors (INC Advisors) in 2003 with a vision and spirit of creating Unified Independence. Along with his entrepreneurial spirit, he created and built local infrastructure and economies of scale evolving INC Advisors into one of the largest independent advisor network groups in the country – as well as one of the largest enterprise groups at LPL Financial. Separately, Rich founded and leads a registered SEC hybrid RIA.

As a 25+-year veteran leader in wealth management, Rich’s breadth of experience includes being a successful wealth manager, coach, business manager and leader at both Merrill Lynch and PaineWebber. His deep expertise and knowledge centers around wealth management products and services, practice management, compliance, operations, workflow, service, marketing, technology, human resources and RIAs.

Rich is a graduate of Gettysburg College awarded a BA with a concentration in economics a minor in accounting and is a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon; The International Honor Society for Economics. In addition to holding multiple FINRA securities licenses, Rich also holds designations as a Chartered Financial Consultant® issued by the American College of Financial Services and the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor issued by the College of Financial Planning.

William C Meltzer

Chief Supervisory Principal

I have a 30 year financial services background preforming various tasks. I have held roles in institutional block trading, risk management, financial advisory, retail banking and now supervisory position. I spent a total of 21 years at Smith Barney and Lehman Brothers. More recently 7 years at JPMorgan and the last 2 years as an advisor at LPL Financial. I hold the following Licenses: Series 7, 63, 66 and 24 along with insurance licenses.

I gained a great deal of satisfaction in my career as a financial advisor. It was extremely rewarding to be able to help people – and it some cases dramatically change – their lives for the better.

As a Supervisory Principal, my role is to assist the advisors in staying compliant with the always changing regulatory environment. My success will help the advisors have long and productive careers for themselves and their families, while assisting countless people reach their financial goals.

I am passionate about of my sons’ successes regarding their careers and becoming productive contributors to society. More importantly watching my sons become considerate and generous young men.

Nothing inspires me more than seeing someone who has had serious obstacles put in their way whether it be social economic issues, physical or mental issues and succeeded in accomplishing their goals.

Favorite quote: “A goal without a plan is just a wish”
Favorite food: Spaghetti and meatballs
Favorite film: Cool Hand Luke
Team: New York Giants

Michele Terranova

Branch Adminstrator

I have a 12 year financial services background, specializing in client services. I previously worked at Abner Herrman & Brock as well as Hennion and Walsh. I have an Associates in Business Administration from County College of Morris.

The main objective of my role is to provide excellent support to Advisors and their clients. I believe in giving my full effort in everything I do – no matter how big or small the task is. I am inspired by strong, empowered people who aren’t afraid to go for the things they want.

Working at a few different firms, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with many different types of clients. I enjoy the daily interaction and being able to assist clients with their various requests.

I am most passionate about my family and making sure my children grow up happy, healthy and well-adjusted.

Favorite quote: “Positive thoughts generate positive feelings and attract positive life experiences”, Anonymous
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite film: Grease and Dirty Dancing
Team: Yankees

Jimmy Rodriguez

OSJ Supervisor

Entered the industry in 2008 with Wachovia as a Licensed Financial Specialist. After experiencing the 2008 Credit/Financial Crisis, and industry emphasis on Compliance, I decided to change directions from producer to the back office accepting a position with NEXT Financial as a Surveillance Analyst. After quickly adapting to the role change, I was able to use my sales and research background to move into the Surveillance Supervisor position. Since then, I have operated in a managerial capacity over the last 12 years as a Branch Manager with GLOBAL INVESTOR SERVICES, Mutual Fund Supervisor with INSIGNEO, Regional Supervisory Principal with LPL, and now serving Rich Dragotta’s INC Advisors Group over the last 2 years as an OSJ (Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction) Delegate and now OSJ.