WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
^TEAM

President of Venn Wealth & Benefit Services, Michael is a native to the Altoona area where he played numerous sports, coached soccer and was a PIAA soccer official.  He is married to Tina, a retired schoolteacher with the State College School District, has three children and six grandchildren.

Michael has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial services business.  Along with his work experience, Michael holds a B.S. Degree in Accounting from Penn State University as well as designations of RFC (Registered Financial Consultant) from the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants and AIF (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) from Fi360. The designation is a professional certification awarded to financial professionals who demonstrate a commitment to acting in the best interests of their clients.

Michael is an investment manager and specializes in employer sponsored retirement plans as a consultant and fiduciary.  He has been a speaker and advocate for sponsors and participants of employer sponsored retirement plans and has published numerous articles on the subject for the national trade magazine “Benefit & Compensation Solutions.”

In his spare time, Michael likes lifting weights, MTN biking, spending time with family and watching grandkids play sports.

Christian Halas has been in the financial services industry for over 15 years. He originally helped clients with their insurance and investments and then began helping them with taxes in 2006. He became an Investment Advisor Representative in 2004 and went to straight fee-based investment advice in 2006. In 2018 he earned his Enrolled Agent license in order to better serve tax clients and be able to speak on behalf of his clients at all levels within the IRS if need be.  Christian utilizes his knowledge and experience in insurance, investment, and tax in designing plans and strategies for clients, because having a grasp of the big picture is essential for future success and financial security.

When not working on or in his business, Christian is active as a volunteer firefighter where he has served over 25 years with the Perrysville Volunteer Fire Company. He is currently holding the office of President. In the past he has held the positions of Trustee, and Vice President on the administrative side of the company, as well as 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Captain on the fire side. Christian also likes to shoot 5 stand, trap and skeet at the Millvale Sportsmen’s Club in Franklin Park, PA, as well as hunt, and workout at the gym.

Over 38 Years ago, Robert’s mentor, Roland Bechtel, taught him the single most valuable lesson was to successfully help clients achieve their financial goals. Robert feels following a “Safe Money” mindset can help you create a comfortable & soothing financial environment. Robert can analyze your overall financial situation, provide guidance and assistance on a broad range of financial topics, including:

Planning for health care protection and long-term care needs.

Structuring distributions from pensions, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs and Social Security for a secure lifetime income.

Developing effective estate planning strategies.

You can count on Robert’s expertise, education, and integrity to help you obtain the most beneficial financial results you desire to achieve.

Robert is also a veteran and served in the Air Force. He enjoys traveling, lifting weights, watching high school and college wrestling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Robert and his late wife Nina owned the Bechtel Agency for many years.

Joseph C. Zappia, III, is an award-winning local insurance agent and financial planner. He is a graduate of Clarion University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Information Systems, a business-related degree.

Joe is passionate about helping people get out of debt, build wealth, and live a great retirement lifestyle. Joe has over 20 years of business experience, including 13+ years in the insurance & financial planning industry, working with his father Joseph C. Zappia, Jr., CLU, BSCD, from 2005 until his father’s death in 2014.

Joe believes in education and is a life-long learner. In addition to Continuing Education and Re-Certification requirements, he recently earned the Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) designation awarded by the National Financial Educators’ Council.

Joe enjoys traveling, is health-conscious and loves music, singing and sports. He was in chorus and marching band in high school and college. The dedication & discipline learned in the band has carried over into his business life. When others have quit, he continues on and is successful.

Joe feels that it’s important to be active in the community. He enjoys volunteering for the Jaycees, the YMCA, Run/Walk for Someone Special, the MS Walk, and the Salvation Army. While in college, he helped with Habitat for Humanity.