Our Advisors
HARLAN J. FISCHER, ChFC, CLU, RFC, CRC
Email Harlan
As President of Branch Financial Services, Inc., Harlan has participated in the growth of one of Long Island's most respected financial services organizations since 1974. Located in Setauket, New York, Branch Financial Services, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor.
A graduate of Northeastern University, Harlan received his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) professional designations from the American College in 1983. He also holds both the Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) and the Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC) designations. He is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC.
Harlan is a member of The Financial Planning Association and was the 1990–1991 President of the Suffolk County Chapter of the American Society of Financial Service Professionals. In June 2000, he received the Rudolf Stegeman "Total Professional Award" from the Suffolk Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors - the organization's highest honor. In 2018 Harlan received the “Quality of Life Award” from Cetera Advisors Networks, LLC. As an industry leader, Harlan has served as an instructor for courses on investments and insurance and has lectured nationally on these subjects, as well as on financial strategies and estate planning. As someone well-regarded in his profession, he has been quoted in insurance and financial industry publications.
Harlan and his wife Olivia have lived in the Town of Smithtown since 1973. As evidenced by his involvement with local and national organizations, Harlan welcomes every opportunity to give back to the community. He was the President of the Board of Directors of the Smithtown Township Arts Council from 1992-1997 and was the 1997–1998 President of the Smithtown Rotary Club. Harlan served as Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium until 2000. Harlan currently serves as Chairman of the Planning Board of the Village of Head of the Harbor, New York.
Harlan was named the 2000 “Man of the Year in Business” in Smithtown by the Times Beacon Record newspapers. In April 2006, Harlan was presented with the "Guardian Angel" award from the Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center. In 2005 and 2006, Harlan was the chair of the Walnut Street Securities Representative Advisory Council and in May of 2006, Harlan was the recipient of the Walnut Street Securities prestigious "Distinguished Partner" award. Harlan was the President of the Metropolitan Contemporary Glass Group, where he served for eight years through 2009 and was the President of the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass from 2011 through 2016. Harlan was the President of the board of the Art League of Long Island through December 2019. Harlan and Olivia are founding members of The Ennion Society at The Corning Museum of Glass and are members of the Director's Advisory Circle at the Long Island Museum. They were presented with the “Patron of the Arts Award” at the Long Island Museum in 2018.
Harlan was named the Long Island Business News 2021 “The Business and Finance Award” honoree. The Business & Finance Awards recognize financial professionals for their outstanding performance as stewards of Long Island's corporations, government and nonprofit organizations.
The East End Arts Council selected Olivia and Harlan Fischer as their 2021 Community Impact Award recipients. They were honored at the ARTworks Gala on October 14, 2021 at the Suffolk Theater in Riverhead. He and his wife, Olivia, have been supporters of the East End Arts Council for many years, and are annual Music Masters Mentorship program sponsors.
Two years in a row, on May 12, 2022, and again on May 11, 2023, Harlan was honored at a luncheon held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York and awarded the Executive Circle Award by the Long Island Business News. The Executive Circle Awards celebrates c-suites, directors and other senior level executives who consistently demonstrate remarkable leadership skills, integrity, values, vision, commitment to excellence, company performance, community service and diversity.
The Long Island Business News went on to feature Harlan in the 2022 Book of Influencers in Banking & Finance. The Long Island Business News Book of Business Influencers annually tracks Long Island professionals who stood out as prominent industry leaders.
Due to their many contributions and long history of giving back to the community, Olivia and Harlan received the honor of being named People of the Year by Times Beacon Record Newspaper on December 29, 2022.
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization held a Summer Soiree benefit and honored Olivia and Harlan on June 22, 2023 at the Three Village Inn in Stony Brook for their dedication and benevolence.
The Long Island Business and Finance award is for financial experts whose exemplary performance as stewards of Long Island's corporations, government and nonprofit organizations has made a significant impact on our region. Honorees exhibit a dedication to the Long Island community through community service, nonprofit work, and philanthropy. The LIBN Executive Circle Awards are given annually to c-suites, directors, and other senior level executives who meet the following criteria: A demonstrated vision and leadership over several years, through good times and bad, guiding and inspiring their organization to new levels of growth and achievement. Successful corporate performance, including organizational growth. Innovative business achievements in the organization's market sector and in relationships with employees and customers. Demonstrated social responsibility that uses personal skills and creativity to help the community in which the organization does business. Listing in any publication and/or awards is not a guarantee of future investment success. Recognitions should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.
*Branch Financial Services, Inc. and Cetera Advisors Network are unaffiliated entities.
MICHAEL J. BRESCIA, J.D. Financial Advisor Email Michael
Michael is an Investment Advisor Representative with Branch Financial Services, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor located in Setauket, New York. With years of experience, his primary goal has always been to provide the highest quality of professional service for each individual client.
Michael graduated from Providence College with a degree in Finance. While completing his studies, he was employed at PaineWebber & Co., an investment bank and brokerage firm where he worked to develop and implement financial and investment strategies for high-net-worth clients.
Michael went on to graduate from New England School of Law with a Juris Doctorate. He is admitted to practice in the State of New York, the District of Columbia, and the United States District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. Michael is also an active member of the Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York State Bar Associations.
As an attorney, Michael is also able to provide legal services to his clients. He is the founding member of the Setauket, New York based Law Firm, Michael J. Brescia, P.C., where he focuses his practice on a broad range of trust and estate matters.
Michael has lectured professionals as well as the general public on various aspects of trust and estate planning. Along with his passion for providing financial planning, investment advisory services, and practicing law, he has served on the board of directors for both professional and residential associations.
Michael is also a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and holds Series 7, Series 66 and Life Insurance licenses. He is a principled professional who exhibits true commitment, loyalty, and devotion to his family, partners, co-workers, and clients.
Michael, his wife Jennifer, and their children, Samantha, and Michael Jr., reside in the Village of Nissequogue, New York. Michael also enjoys golfing, skiing, woodworking, and fly fishing.