Get to Know Leslie: Your Go-To Client Service Associate
At Traverse Capital Management, we handle countless client service tasks each day. I wouldn’t be able to handle all these tasks alone, and that’s where our Senior Client Service Associate, Leslie Portee, comes in.
I spend much of each workday meeting with clients, so Leslie assists with tax forms, beneficiary changes, and other essential tasks. Thanks to her efforts, Traverse is able to efficiently and effectively serve our client base.
Our clients entrust their hard-earned wealth to us, and we don’t take that lightly. We believe in forging lasting relationships with each of our clients, so in this article, I’d like to introduce Leslie and tell you a little about how she can make you feel supported.
More Than 18 Years of Experience
Nearly all of my clients have complex financial situations, so the importance of seasoned advisors and support staff can’t be overstated. Leslie has more than 18 years of experience in the financial services realm.
Success in client-facing roles like these is about much more than administrative tasks. For both new and established clients, an operations specialist or client service manager is often the face of an advisory firm.
Clients might meet with their advisors for financial planning sessions, but the rest of the time, like when they’re filing paperwork, moving money, or scheduling, they work directly with client service staff.
In her past roles and in her current role as Senior Client Service Associate at Traverse, Leslie has worn (and continues to wear) many hats. Throughout her career, she has always focused on providing exceptional customer service.
Not everyone who starts a career in client service can withstand the test of time. Leslie tells me that three key attributes have been instrumental to her success: resourcefulness, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
How Leslie Can Help You
Many people imagine that financial advisors spend much of their time planning. Creating and fine-tuning financial plans is a major part of what I do, but there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. Implementing each client’s plan takes time and effort, and there are always portfolios to manage, forms to file, and accounts to monitor.
I can’t be in two places at once. That’s why Leslie works closely with me to bring financial planning and investment strategies to life. She treats each client’s account with the care and attention to detail it deserves.
For some client services, Leslie can work directly with you, streamlining our process even further. Because of Leslie’s dedication to our clients, our operations have become more efficient than ever, which means you can quickly access the services you need.
Outside of the Office
When she’s not working with clients, Leslie enjoys traveling, comedy, and live music. She especially loves going to the beach with family and close friends. Leslie lives in Monmouth County, New Jersey, with her husband and two children.
Get to Know Your Client Service Associate
Whether you’re a longtime client of Traverse Capital Management or you’re setting up a meeting with us for the first time, Leslie and I hope to help you realize your financial vision. We see our relationships with clients as partnerships, and we work with each one to develop a sound, long-term plan to help them get to where they want to be.
Our firm offers a range of client services, including investment management and premium interactive financial planning. To schedule a meeting, call (631) 228-5500 or email Info@TraverseCM.com. Prefer online? Use the scheduling link on the website to book an intro call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does a financial advisor’s client service team provide?
A client service team handles the critical operations that bring your financial plan to life. At Traverse Capital Management, our Senior Client Service Associate, Leslie Portee, assists with essential tasks such as processing tax forms, updating beneficiary designations, moving money, and coordinating account paperwork. While I focus on your high-level strategy and vision, Leslie manages the daily administrative details of your accounts with precision and care.
How often should I hear from my financial advisor and support team?
We believe in proactive communication and building deeper relationships within our local Long Island community. At Traverse, we emphasize ongoing reviews and accountability to keep your plan on course. You work with me for collaborative financial planning sessions and probability-of-success tracking, while our client service staff is available daily to help with operational needs, scheduling, and immediate account questions.
Do you offer specialized planning for corporate benefits and equity compensation?
Yes, we specialize in helping busy corporate professionals and executives navigate the complexities of 401(k) plans, workplace benefits, and equity compensation. Our approach integrates these components (such as RSUs or ISOs) into your overall financial strategy so they aren’t managed in a vacuum. We work with you to maximize what you’ve built, aligning your workplace assets with your long-term retirement goals and time horizon.
About Michael
Michael Palma, President and Founder at Traverse Capital Management in Huntington, New York, believes great financial planning helps people get more out of life, not just their portfolios. Many of his clients are serious about their financial journey and the guidance they’re receiving, and they have important questions in an ever-changing financial landscape. Michael’s role is to help answer those questions in the context of each client’s vision, so decisions feel clearer and more intentional.
Michael began his financial services career after graduating from Lehigh University in 2008. Over the next 11 years at two large firms in Manhattan, he received world-class training, worked with top money managers, and ultimately led the investment division of his team. In 2019, he founded Traverse Capital Management to deliver greater independence for his clients (away from the bias of large firms) and to build deeper relationships within his local Long Island community.
Connecting with people is one of the most fulfilling parts of Michael’s work, and he’s proud to be involved in several community-based organizations. In 2010, he co-founded a weekly networking group for professionals in the Huntington area, and is also involved in the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on the Board of Directors of a nonprofit organization that assists the family members of unsolved crime victims. Michael enjoys hearing about his clients’ successes and how they’ve gotten to where they are—and then using his knowledge to help them continue to thrive.
Michael strives to make his family proud every day. He married his wife, Diane, in 2013, and together they share a life rooted in entrepreneurship, adventure, and family values. They have three spunky daughters: Rose, their oldest, was born with a love for horses and is undoubtedly a future equestrian champion; Stefania, their middle daughter, regularly practices Taekwondo and is well on her way to her black belt; and their youngest, Teresa, is creative and witty and can always make them laugh. In 2023, the family welcomed a playful Labrador Retriever puppy named Chili. Michael’s lifetime passion is skiing, and he loves sharing it with his girls, watching their skills progress alongside one another. To learn more about Michael, connect with him on LinkedIn.
