Bryan Castro, CFP®, CLU
Founder/Financial Advisor
Growing up, I was fortunate to have two great influences that have affected my practice - my parents. Immigrants from the Philippines, they taught me to value hard work and to appreciate the opportunity that living in America provided for them.
My mother was a physician. As a child, I spent a lot of time in her office. I remember how much her patients liked her. She would do little things to get to know them and show them that she cared about them. I remember one patient from Poland laughing as she corrected my mother's pronunciation of a few words my mother had tried to learn.
My father was an engineer who designed cranes. He taught me to pay attention to the details - sometimes painfully as he helped me with my homework. The other lesson - observed rather than taught directly - was my father's desire to be helpful to others. He served the Filipino community in Cleveland, Ohio as an organizer and leader.
Although they have passed away, my parents have been a big influence on my practice. I learned the spirit of service, professionalism, and compassion for my clients and I am proud of the relationships I have developed over the years.
Professional Background
As a member of the financial services industry for over 20 years, I have worked at several financial planning firms before founding North Star Wealth. This has provided me a solid foundation upon which I have built my financial planning practice. I am grateful for those mentors who have shared their knowledge and experience with me.
Professional Designations
- Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
Education
- University of Rochester, BA
- University at Buffalo, SUNY, MA
Outside of Work
I reside in Elma, NY with my wife and children. When not working, I enjoy reading, martial arts, and chess. I am an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul church community, where I teach religious education. I am also a member of Toastmasters International and the Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce.