OUR HISTORY

Memories

Our founder, Joseph Sgroi, started this business in 1971, and we are so grateful to see how the firm has grown tremendously over the past five decades. Since the beginning, Joe built the success of this business by providing honest financial advice with unparalleled integrity to each one of his clients. This message still resonates as our top priority for each of our clients.

Sgroi Financial is thankful for the dedicated employees that have helped the firm reach this success, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for us as the years progress!

Early Years (1943 - 1955)

Humphrey Joseph Sgroi was born June 2, 1943 in South Buffalo. He grew up with two older brothers, and sister. His father worked as a teacher in the Buffalo Public School system, and also owned a family operated hardware store, Humphrey’s Hardware. At the age of 11, Joe was helping his father out with the family business.

Teenage Years (1956 - 1960)

Joe went to Bishop Timon High School, where he reportedly graduated with a 99-100% average for all 4 years despite “rumors” of him skipping school to play poker at home with the boys.

College Years (1960 - 1964)

After high school Joe attended University at Buffalo, graduating only at the age of 20 with a Business degree. During his time studying at college, Joe joined the Niagara Falls Air Force Reserve.

College Years (1960 - 1964)

In the summer of 1961, Joe first met Elizabeth (Betsy) Clouden. They had their first date in November 1961 where they saw A Summer Place and went to the local hot spot – DuBell’s. Joe said from the beginning that this was the girl he was going to marry.

Post-College Years (1964 - 1968)

Straight out of college in 1964, Joe got a job with General Mills; he was the youngest Personnel Manager at the plant. Joe and Betsy were engaged October 1965, and got married on September 10, 1966.

The two were married for over 50 years.

Air Force Service (1968 - 1969)

In January 1968, Joe was activated for duty after the Pueblo Crisis.

In May 1968, Joe left for Vietnam, where he served until June 1969. Even in Vietnam, Joe was always into making a buck – he became the favorite bartender at the Officer’s Club at night, and collected enough tips for a down payment on his and Betsy’s first home.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Joe remained as an active Reserve at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base.

Beginning of Sgroi Financial & Beyond (1969 - 2017)

When Joe returned from Vietnam, he began working again at General Mills in a new department, working for Ocelo. In 1971, with friend Don Reeves, they started a personnel business. Through this, Joe made contacts with Banker’s Life Insurance, got licensed, and started selling life insurance door-to-door. He told Betsy at the time, “I’ll only do this until something better comes along.”

This was the start of Sgroi Financial.

Beginning of Sgroi Financial & Beyond (1969 - 2017)

Shortly after, Joe learned about TSAs (Tax Sheltered Annuities) and became a TSA Administrator, which he built up to being the administrator for over 65 school systems in WNY. Joe was awarded Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) designation in the insurance, financial and estate planning field, and in turn expanded Sgroi Financial over the next 43 years.

May 1975

Joe & Betsy with their four children, Patrick, Jeffrey, Jennifer, and Gregory.

January 1981

Joe moved the business to 965 Union Road in West Seneca.

1983

Joe joined the West Seneca Rotary Club. During his time, he served as President, Treasurer, Chairman of the Board, Area II Chairman, and was inducted as an Honorary Life Member.

Pictured is Joe helping out at a Rotary Fruit Sale.

1987

Joe purchased the houses next to his office building and began construction to expand the Sgroi Financial building.

1991

Joe with his son Jeffrey, who attended Niagara University and played on the college’s baseball team.

June 1993

Joe celebrates his 50th birthday with a decorated office.

1994

Joe joined the independent broker-dealer, Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc.

Pictured is Joe at a Cadaret Grant seminar meeting Sir John Templeton, an American-born British investor, banker, fund manager, and philanthropist.

1995

Joe celebrating his birthday with his three sons, Greg, Pat, and Jeff.

1996

Patrick & Christa Sgroi’s wedding.

1999

Joe established Harvest Hill Golf Course, including the First Tee of WNY, one of the largest First Tee programs in the nation.

December 2000

Office Christmas party staff photo.

2002

Jeffrey, John, Patrick, and Joe enjoying a family game of golf.

May 2003

As the Sgroi Financial team expanded, so did the building! Construction of the back section our office began, which included adding more office space and an upstairs conference room.

September 2003

Joe welcoming guests at the Grand Opening of the newly remodeled Sgroi Financial building.

2006

Joe and his son, Jeffrey, meeting Jim Kelly.

2007

Joe and Betsy dancing at a Cadaret Grant trip.

2013

Joe & Betsy at Harvest Hill Golf Course, the First Hole dedicated to Joe for his hard work in building the golf course.

December 2013

Sgroi Family Christmas photo.

November 2014

Joe retired from Sgroi Financial after 44 years of service. The office staff gifted Joe with a custom Buffalo Bills jersey.

August 23, 2017

Our esteemed founder passed away at the age of 74.

Sgroi Financial Today

Thank you to our clients & community for 50 years of support!

Joe’s Major Community & Professional Accomplishments

  • 1985 West Seneca Jaycees Man of the Year
  • 1988 West Seneca Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year
  • 1992 West Seneca Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year
  • 2001 Member of Buffalo Baby Joe Mesi Ringleaders
  • 2001 Charter Member of Erie Community College Football Program
  • 2002 Trocaire College’s Reflections Award Recipient
  • Life & qualifying member of the Elite Million Dollar Round Table, its Court of the Table, and Lifetime member of the most prestigious Top of the Table
  • Cadaret, Grant & Co. Top Ten advisor for over 25 years, and 1 of 4 inaugural members inducted into their Hall of Frame
  • President & Treasurer, West Seneca Rotary Foundation
  • West Seneca Rotary Club Honorary Life Member, President, Chairman of the Board, Area II Chairman
  • Honored by Rotary with distinguished Paul Harris Fellow award for outstanding humanitarian achievements
  • President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce
  • Board of Directors (NYS) consultant lecturer & judge at regional state & national competitions for Distributive Education Clubs of America (D.E.C.A.) 1994-2002
  • Co-Chairman Finance Academy West Seneca Schools
  • President, The Mercy Hospital Foundation Board of Directors
  • Sisters of Mercy Development Council Board of Directors, Chairman
  • WNY Child Abuse Prevention Campaign (“Have You Hugged Your Kids Today?”)
  • West Seneca Youth Baseball Coach/Manager for 14 years
  • Established the Harvest Hill Golf Course, including the First Tee of WNY, one of the largest First Tee programs in the nation.
Sgroi Financial: A Family of Employees
Check out some of our favorite memories with our amazing staff!