Retirement is still quite a few years away for Marc Poirier, but he has good reason to believe the financial services business he founded 40 years ago will be in good hands when that time comes. Poirier’s son, Joe, at 26 years of age, is well equipped to take over the family financial services business, and he has been on a track to that goal since the age of 10. Poirier and his son, who is now a junior partner of the firm, recently talked about the days when Joe was helping out around the office nearly every day and recalled how he assisted with the filing from a stepladder. Joe recognized the importance of making clients feel at home and made a point to greet people as soon as they arrived, shaking hands and introducing himself. Joe commented, “I saw from a young age the value of providing financial services to our clients and how fulfilling it is to help people realize their financial goals.”

As an honor student at Lewiston High School, young Joe’s aptitude for financial planning didn’t go unnoticed. In his final semester at LHS, Joe took Entrepreneurship and Business Law in which students were challenged with creating a viable business plan. Joe created a financial planning firm which earned a first place finish from the local chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).

Today, Joe is continuing his training and studying to become a certified financial professional. “Joe has been a fully licensed member of the firm for five years now, but his experience here goes back 16 years,” the senior Poirier pointed out.

“I began in this business 40 years ago,” Poirier said. “I have been blessed to have some very loyal clients who go back with me the whole 40 years. They have been a big part of my success by continuing to refer their friends and family.” Poirier has received several company awards over the years as evidenced by the walls in his conference room. He is a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table and completed a training course at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania in 2007 in which he was certified as a retirement planning specialist.

The business has been at its current location for 18 years. It’s in the renewed Gateway section of Lewiston in a suite of offices on the second floor of the Bilodeau Insurance building at 541 Lisbon Street.

“Fifty percent of our time is spent working with businesses, helping them set up employee benefit plans,” Poirier said. “The other 50 percent is spent with individuals analyzing their financial, retirement and estate planning needs.”

The size of Poirier’s clientele ranges from firms of just one or two people to as many as several hundred employees.

The firm’s range of financial products and services includes fixed-income investments, equity investments, retirement/education planning, and investment accounts. The firm’s risk management products and services include life insurance, annuities, disability income and long-term care planning, health insurance and business planning. “There’s nothing we might be called upon to do related to financial services that is too big or small, and there is nothing that is too sophisticated,” Poirier said. “Newly referred clients often tell us they are pleased to learn they don’t have to travel outside of Lewiston to get quality financial products and services they need along with access to some of the finest financial professionals in the country,” Poirier said.

Sandy Ramich* is another valued member of the Poirier Associates team. She has been the firm’s administrative assistant for the past 24 years. Poirier said she provides important help to clients with back-office support. “Our clients know we are just a phone call away, and that their service needs are handled quickly. Sandy receives compliments for her efficiency from our clients on a regular basis,” Poirier said.

Poirier Associates is one of central Maine’s leading providers of financial services for individuals and small businesses. The firm serves more than 3,000 individuals, families and businesses in Lewiston, Auburn and the surrounding area and is licensed to conduct business in 10 states.

Poirier Associates can be reached by calling 207-786-0651.

*Sandy Ramich provides administrative support services only. Marc R. Poirier and Joseph R. Poirier offer securities through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory products and services offered through AXA Advisors, LLC, an investment advisor registered with the SEC. Annuities and insurance offered through AXA Network, LLC. AXA Advisors and AXA Network do not provide tax or legal advice. Poirier Associates and Highland Financial Group are not a registered investment advisor and are not owned or operated by AXA Advisors or its affiliates. AGE 67697 (3/12) (exp. 03/14)