Meet The Team
Chris Scalese leads a team of qualified financial professionals at Fortune Financial Group who are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their ideal retirements.
Christopher Scalese Founder, President, and Sr. Financial Advisor
As the founder and president of Fortune Financial Group, Chris Scalese has built a successful business around a team of professionals committed to creating a pressure free experience that comfortably lets their clients make informed decisions about their personal retirement. Chris’s personality and ability to maintain a stress- free attitude helps his clients remain focused on working towards pursuing their retirement goals while sometimes navigating challenging retirement issues.
Chris founded Fortune Financial Group in 2000 with the idea of building a team of professionals that focus on creating retirement strategies that make sense based on individual goals as well as helping make each client feel comfortable and cared for throughout their retirement journey.
He has more than 25 years of experience in the financial service industry and holds an MBA in finance. Chris also authored several books about financial topics related to retirement and can be heard weekly on The Financial Forum on WILK radio.
Chris and Mary Beth, his wife and business partner, have four children and live in Dunmore.
MARY BETH SCALESE COO, Co-Owner
As COO and co-owner of Fortune Financial Group, Mary Beth is laser focused on client satisfaction through office accuracy and efficiency. Mary Beth enjoys her work and sets a high standards for the care and service provided to all those who walk through the doors. She works closely with her like-minded team to provide the ultimate client experience by going above and beyond to quickly meet their needs.
Mary Beth wants each client to feel welcomed into the Fortune Financial Group Community. Generosity Changes Everything has been the message that brings their clients together at many of Fortune Financial Groups fundraising and charitable events.
Mary Beth is very family oriented and lives in Dunmore with Chris and their children.
Robert Kudrich Financial Advisor
Robert is a Financial Advisor at Fortune Financial Group. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pure Mathematics, is a registered Investment Adviser Representative and is licensed to offer insurance products.. Robert has also achieved the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
While he enjoys the details and problem-solving aspects of preparing financial analysis, his main focus is on Wealth Management and helping investors determine the right way to responsibly use the stock market in their retirement plans. Bobby is dedicated to helping each client understand their investment choices.
Robert lives in Dunmore with his wife, Kelsey, their daughter, Charlotte, and their rescued greyhound, Iris. He is proud to be part of his family-owned business and shares the same values, work ethic, and discipline as his parents, Chris and Mary Beth.
Danielle Bevenour Director of Operations
In 2024, Danielle Bevenour joined Fortune Financial Group as the Director of Operations. With a strong background in operational oversight and client relationship management, Danielle plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization and fostering long-lasting relationships with clients.
As a dedicated professional, Danielle sets high standards for the care and service provided to all clients of Fortune Financial Group. Her commitment to excellence and passion for delivering personalized service make her an integral part of the
leadership team.
Outside of work, Danielle enjoys life on a hobby farm in Bradford County, where she resides with her husband and their
many animals.
Valerie Stefanac Client Service Coordinator
Valerie joined the Fortune Financial Group team in 2018. Val has an Associates Degree in business and brings over 20 years of customer service experience to her Client Service Coordinator position. Val is detail oriented and deadline focused, which means that client’s requests are processed quickly and efficiently. She is dedicated to eliminating unnecessary stress by getting tasks done swiftly so that clients can get on with their day.
Val lives in Dunmore.
Michael Kelly Advisor Meeting Coordinator
Michael joined the Fortune Financial Group team in 2022 after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Planning (BBA) from Marywood University. His dedication to continuous learning and growth enables him to support our Advisors in addressing client needs and ensuring that every detail is taken care of during meetings and inquiries.
Outside of the office, Michael enjoys staying active through running and home improvement projects and cherishes the time he spends with friends and family.
Hali Mengoni Client Relationship Coordinator
As Fortune Financial Group's Client Relationship Coordinator, Hali is dedicated to fostering strong, long-lasting relationships with clients and ensuring that every interaction feels personal. Drawing on her background in sales and marketing, she often contributes to the firm's marketing initiatives. With a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and Professional Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Hali brings creativity, organization, and heart to all aspects of her work.
Beyond her role at Fortune Financial Group, she remains actively involved in her community, serving as a cheerleading coach and choreographer for musicals at Valley View High School, her alma mater. On weekends, she shares her talent as a vocalist in her local church choir. Happily married, Hali and her husband are excited at the prospect of growing their family.
Ready to Take The Next Step?
For more information about any of the products and services listed here, schedule a meeting today.