Downeast Financial by Dan Marois

Working her way up the ranks at Downeast Financial Group, Lena-Jo Hartley first started as the company’s top producer before being named vice president in 2008. She took over the company from former owner and president Michael J. Poulin.

Now, she leads a dynamic financial services agency, “to serve clients with passion, respect and honesty,” the trademark qualities taught to her by her late mentor.

Hartley grew up in Lewiston and graduated in 1994 from Penn State University with a bachelor of science degree in Finance and Health Policy Administration. She has been in the financial industry since 1996, and holds a comprehensive list of securities licenses, through Investacorp, Inc., a Registered Broker Dealer, Member FINRA, SIPC. She is also licensed in life and health insurance and is an independent broker who can shop for services and products from among many providers rather than just one.

“At our firm, we have the client – and only the client – in mind,” said Hartley. “Our mission is to get to know and understand our client’s needs, wants, and long-term goals. We want to help develop, implement, and monitor a strategy that’s designed to address an individual’s situation.”

Downeast Financial Group offers a comprehensive approach to personal finance. The firm is able to manage investment portfolios, monitor and maintain retirement funds, chart money saving goals, and identify and provide insurance needs whether for life, short-term disability, critical illness or accident planning. They even offer corporate and individual tax prep and estate planning.

“We can cover a variety of financial planning for individuals and businesses,” said Hartley, noting that the company website allows clients online access of consolidated financial reports. “Your information can be accessed online and is updated daily.

“Over the years, we have found that a team approach is the best method to help clients who have a wide variety of needs as they maneuver through a complex financial-services world,” said Hartley, noting that she has a team of experts ready to help her clients.

Her husband, Darren Hartley, a former teacher who taught school-to-work transition and career preparation at Lewiston Regional Technical Center for nearly 20 years, joined the firm last year and now specializes in life insurance and voluntary benefits/group plans. He is one of only a small group of certified educators in personal finance in Maine as designated by the Institution for Financial Literacy.

Other team resources at Downeast Financial Group include Carter Mansbach-Stock Trader; Dan Goff, Medicare specialist; Melonie Coutts, administrative assistant; and Martha “Muffy” Ellis, director of First Impressions.

Hartley loves her work and is eager to share her knowledge with current customers as well as new customers seeking financial guidance.

“Every day is new and exciting. My industry is ever changing; it keeps me sharp and on my toes,” admitted Hartley. “The best part is working to meet client needs, product diversity, depth of service providers, product choices and to keep up with the fast-paced environment.”

Downeast Financial Group is at 460 Main Street, Suite A in Lewiston with business hours, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; and by appointment on Saturday and Sunday. Hartley can be reached at 207-777-5400 or at downeast@midmaine.com. For more information, visit www.downeastfinancial.com.

Martha “Muffy” Ellis

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