Partners
Brian P. Amidei AIF®, CRPC®
Chief Executive Officer, Founding Partner
Brian P. Amidei AIF®, CRPC®
Chief Executive Officer, Founding Partner
NMLS# 2229622 | Fortem NMLS# 2315626
CA Insurance License No. 0C12368
Brian is the CEO and a Founding Partner of Fortem Financial. With nearly 26 years of experience in the financial industry, he specializes in creating and implementing wealth management strategies with a focus on risk management, insurance planning and estate planning issues.
Previously, Brian was a Managing Director and Partner at HighTower, as well as have spent 13 years as a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor for Merrill Lynch in Indian Wells, California. At Merrill Lynch, he was a member of the Charles E. Merrill Circle of Excellence, a recognition given to a select group of Financial Advisors. A native of Chicago, Brian began his career by purchasing a seat on the Chicago Board of Trade. As a member of the exchange, he traded Municipal bond and Treasury bond options and futures for his own account.
Brian has been featured in various industry publications, including the Wall Street Journal, CNBC.com, Forbes, On Wall Street and InvestmentNews. Brian was the Financial Analyst for the Desert’s KMIR NBC Television in 2014 and 2015 and has been featured on CNBC and Fox Business News.
Brian is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and a graduate of Executive Program for Financial Planning and wealth management at the Wharton School of Business. He is also a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), as designated by the College for Financial Planning.
Brian served on the Martha’s Village & Kitchen Board for 20 years, President emeritus of Legatus Palm Springs, Founding Corporate Sponsor of the Patrick Warburton Golf for Kids Celebrity Tournament benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and an active supporter and member of the finance council of Saint Francis of Assisi Church in La Quinta, CA.
Office: 760.206.8500
Contact Brian P. Amidei
*Awards and recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, companies, and/or publications should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Fortem is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services; nor should they be construed as a current or past endorsement of Fortem or its representatives by any of its clients.
Item 1: Cover Page
Brochure Supplement
August 9, 2023
Fortem Financial Group, LLC
SEC No. 801-112300
Brian P. Amidei, AIF®, CRPC®
Chief Executive Officer
Individual CRD No. 2965820
44801 Village Court, Suite 201
Palm Desert, CA 92260
email: bamidei@fortemfin.com
phone: 708-206-8500
website: www.fortemfin.com
This brochure supplement provides information about Brian P. Amidei that supplements the Fortem Financial Group, LLC brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure. If you did not receive a brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement, please contact us at 760-206-8500.
Additional information about Brian P. Amidei is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2: Educational Background and Business Experience
Brian P. Amidei (b. 1964) is Chief Executive Officer of Fortem Financial Group, LLC.
A. Educational Background
No post-secondary degree attained
B. Business Background
CEO, Fortem Financial Group, LLC (02/2018-Present)
Investment Adviser Representative, Fortem Financial, LLC (07/2016-02/2018)
C. Professional Designations
Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
The AIF® Designation is a professional certification that demonstrates an advisor or other person serving as an investment fiduciary has met certain requirements to earn and maintain the credential. The purpose of the AIF® Designation is to assure that those responsible for managing or advising on investor assets have a fundamental understanding of the principles of fiduciary duty, the standards of conduct for acting as a fiduciary, and a process for carrying out fiduciary responsibility.
To receive the AIF® Designation, the individual must meet prerequisite criteria based on a combination of education, industry experience, and/or professional development, complete a training program, successfully pass a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of a proctor, and agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. In order to maintain the AIF® Designation, the individual must annually complete six hours of continuing education and satisfy the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. The Designation is administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, the standards-setting body of fi360.
Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM(CRPC®)
Awarded by the College for Financial Planning to professionals who complete a study program and pass a multiple-choice exam with a focus on problem solving for clients, including personal savings, retirement plans, income taxes, retirement cash flow, asset management, estate planning, and more. CRPC® professionals must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.
Item 3: Disciplinary Information
Brian P. Amidei does not have any disciplinary action to report. Public information concerning his registration as an investment advisor representative may be found by accessing the SEC's public disclosure site at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 4: Other Business Activities
Brian P. Amidei is a licensed insurance agent and owner of BPA Capital Management, Inc., and, in such capacity, he may recommend, on a fully disclosed commission basis, the purchase of certain insurance products. A conflict of interest exists to the extent that Brian may recommend the purchase of insurance products where he receives insurance commissions or other additional compensation. Fortem Financial Group has procedures in place to ensure that any recommendations made by its associates are in the best interest of clients regardless of any additional compensation earned.
Item 5: Additional Compensation
Brian P. Amidei receives additional compensation through his business activity described in Item 4 above.
Item 6: Supervision
Supervision of Brian P. Amidei is conducted by Brett D’Orlando, Chief Compliance Officer, through reviews of internal transaction and security holdings reports, electronic and physical correspondence, and other internal reports as mandated by the firm and its regulatory authorities. Mr. D’Orlando can be reached at 760-206-8500.
Joseph G. Romano III AIF®, CRPC®
President, Chief Operating Officer, Founding Partner
Joseph G. Romano III AIF®, CRPC®
President, Chief Operating Officer, Founding Partner
CA Insurance License No. 0D04769
Joseph is President, Chief Operating Officer and a Founding Partner of Fortem Financial. He works with individuals and business owners to develop financial planning strategies, asset allocation solutions and investment plans. Joseph focuses on consulting with small - to mid-sized corporations and public entities on strategies for managing their operating capital, investment portfolios, retirement plans, lending solutions and liquidity strategies.
Previously, he served as a Managing Director, Partner at HighTower, as well as a First Vice President of Investments at Merrill Lynch. Joseph is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(CRPC®), as designated by the College for Financial Planning.
In 2010, Joseph was named one of Palm Springs Life’s ‘40 Under 40’ Professionals to Watch in the Coachella Valley*. A graduate of Kent State University, he studied Marketing and was awarded a full athletic scholarship as the starting placekicker for the Golden Flashes.
Joseph is an active member of the prestigious Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and has championed several board ladder positions for his local chapter. He is also an enthusiastic board member for the Patrick Warburton Golf for Kids Celebrity Tournament that benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as currently holding a position on the Desert Classic Charities Board of Directors.
Office: 760.206.8500
Contact Joseph G. Romano
*Awards and recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, companies, and/or publications should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Fortem is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services; nor should they be construed as a current or past endorsement of Fortem or its representatives by any of its clients.
Item 1: Cover Page
Brochure Supplement
February 7, 2024
Fortem Financial Group, LLC
SEC No. 801-112300
Joseph G. Romano III, AIF®, CRPC®
Chief Operating Officer
Individual CRD No. 4140354
44801 Village Court, Suite 201
Palm Desert, CA 92260
email: jromano@fortemfin.com
phone: 708-206-8500
website: www.fortemfin.com
This brochure supplement provides information about Joseph G. Romano III that supplements the Fortem Financial Group, LLC brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure. If you did not receive a brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement, please contact us at 760-206-8500.
Additional information about Joseph G. Romano III is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2: Educational Background and Business Experience
Joseph G. Romano III (b. 1975) is Chief Operating Officer of Fortem Financial Group, LLC.
A. Educational Background
B.A. Marketing, Kent State University 1998
B. Business Background
Registered Representative, M.S. Howells & Co. 01/2024‒Present
Chief Operating Officer, Fortem Financial Group, LLC 02/2018‒Present
Registered Representative, Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments 08/2016‒12/2023
Investment Adviser Representative, Fortem Financial, LLC 07/2016‒02/2018
C. Professional Designations
Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
The AIF® Designation is a professional certification that demonstrates an advisor or other person serving as an investment fiduciary has met certain requirements to earn and maintain the credential. The purpose of the AIF® Designation is to assure that those responsible for managing or advising on investor assets have a fundamental understanding of the principles of fiduciary duty, the standards of conduct for acting as a fiduciary, and a process for carrying out fiduciary responsibility.
To receive the AIF® Designation, the individual must meet prerequisite criteria based on a combination of education, industry experience, and/or professional development, complete a training program, successfully pass a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of a proctor, and agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. In order to maintain the AIF® Designation, the individual must annually complete six hours of continuing education and satisfy the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. The Designation is administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, the standards-setting body of fi360.
Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM(CRPC®)
Awarded by the College for Financial Planning to professionals who complete a study program and pass a multiple-choice exam with a focus on problem solving for clients, including personal savings, retirement plans, income taxes, retirement cash flow, asset management, estate planning, and more. CRPC® professionals must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.
Item 3: Disciplinary Information
Joseph G. Romano III does not have any disciplinary action to report. Public information concerning his registration as an investment advisor representative may be found by accessing the SEC's public disclosure site at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Page 3 Part 2B of Form ADV: Fortem Financial Group, LLC Brochure Supplement
Item 4: Other Business Activities
Joseph G. Romano III is a licensed insurance agent with Fortem Financial Insurance Services and, in such capacity, he may recommend, on a fully disclosed commission basis, the purchase of certain insurance products. A conflict of interest exists to the extent that Joseph may recommend the purchase of insurance products where he receives insurance commissions or other additional compensation. Fortem Financial Group has procedures in place to ensure that any recommendations made by its associates are in the best interest of clients regardless of any additional compensation earned.
Joseph G. Romano III is dually registered with Fortem Financial Group, LLC, and M.S. Howells & Co. (“MSH”), a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and member of SIPC. As a result, Mr. Romano, in his capacity as a registered representative of MSH, is subject to the oversight of MSH and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). As such, clients of Fortem Financial understand that their personal and account information is available to FINRA and MSH personnel in the fulfillment of their oversight obligations and duties.
Fortem Financial professionals who effect transactions for advisory clients may receive transaction or commission compensation from MSH. The recommendation of securities transactions for commission creates a conflict of interest in that Fortem Financial is economically incented to effect securities transactions for clients. Although Fortem Financial strives to put its clients’ interests first, such recommendations may be viewed as being in the best interests of Fortem Financial rather than in the client’s best interest. Fortem Financial advisory clients are not compelled to effect securities transactions through MSH.
Joseph G. Romano III is also engaged in the following activities:
- JGR Capital Management – S-Corp., managing member
- JGR Logistics, LLC that owns airplane, managing member
- Desert Classic Charities, volunteer board member
- Patrick Warburton for Kids, charity, volunteer board member
- Next Level Doors and Millwork, volunteer board member for ESOP owned company
Item 5: Additional Compensation
Joseph G. Romano III receives additional compensation through his business activities described in Item 4 above, except for those noted as volunteer positions.
Item 6: Supervision
Supervision of Joseph G. Romano III is conducted by Brett D’Orlando, Chief Compliance Officer, through reviews of internal transaction and security holdings reports, electronic and physical correspondence, and other internal reports as mandated by the firm and its regulatory authorities. Mr. D’Orlando be reached at 760-206-8500.
Brett D'Orlando AIF®, CRPC®
Chief Compliance Officer, Founding Partner
Brett D'Orlando AIF®, CRPC®
Chief Compliance Officer, Founding Partner
CA Insurance License No. 0E70142
AZ Insurance License No. 8386526
Brett specializes in portfolio analysis, asset allocation, financial planning, personal lending, lines and letters of credit, and business development.
Previously, he was a Managing Director and Partner at HighTower, as well as a Senior Financial Advisor and Assistant Vice President at Merrill Lynch.
Brett earned a degree in Business Management and Information Systems from Brigham Young University and has successfully completed the Level 1 Exam for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Brett is also an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), and is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) as designated by the College for Financial Planning.
Along with his partners, Brett is a corporate sponsor of Martha’s Village & Kitchen, as well as a Founding Corporate Sponsor for the Patrick Warburton Golf for Kids Celebrity Tournament benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Office: 760.206.8500
Contact Brett D'Orlando
*Awards and recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, companies, and/or publications should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Fortem is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services; nor should they be construed as a current or past endorsement of Fortem or its representatives by any of its clients.
Item 1: Cover Page
Brochure Supplement
August 7, 2023
Fortem Financial Group, LLC
SEC No. 801-112300
Brett C. D'Orlando, AIF®
Chief Compliance Officer
Individual CRD No. 4834120
44801 Village Court, Suite 201
Palm Desert, CA 92260
email: bdorlando@fortemfin.com
phone: 708-206-8500
website: www.fortemfin.com
This brochure supplement provides information about Brett C. D'Orlando that supplements the Fortem Financial Group, LLC brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure. If you did not receive a brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement, please contact us at 760-206-8500.
Additional information about Brett C. D'Orlando is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2: Educational Background and Business Experience
Brett C. D'Orlando (b. 1977) is Chief Compliance Officer of Fortem Financial Group, LLC.
A. Educational Background
B.S. Business and Information Systems, Brigham Young University (2004)
B. Business Background
Chief Compliance Officer, Fortem Financial Group, LLC (02/2018-Present)
Investment Adviser Representative, Fortem Financial, LLC (07/2016-02/2018)
C. Professional Designations
Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
The AIF® Designation is a professional certification that demonstrates an advisor or other person serving as an investment fiduciary has met certain requirements to earn and maintain the credential. The purpose of the AIF® Designation is to assure that those responsible for managing or advising on investor assets have a fundamental understanding of the principles of fiduciary duty, the standards of conduct for acting as a fiduciary, and a process for carrying out fiduciary responsibility.
To receive the AIF® Designation, the individual must meet prerequisite criteria based on a combination of education, industry experience, and/or professional development, complete a training program, successfully pass a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of a proctor, and agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. In order to maintain the AIF® Designation, the individual must annually complete six hours of continuing education and satisfy the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. The Designation is administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, the standards-setting body of fi360.
Item 3: Disciplinary Information
Brett C. D'Orlando does not have any disciplinary action to report. Public information concerning his registration as an investment advisor representative may be found by accessing the SEC's public disclosure site at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 4: Other Business Activities
Brett C. D’Orlando is a licensed insurance agent and owner of BCD Capital Management, Inc., and, in such capacity, he may recommend, on a fully disclosed commission basis, the purchase of certain insurance products. A conflict of interest exists to the extent that Brett may recommend the purchase of insurance products where he receives insurance commissions or other additional compensation. Fortem Financial Group has procedures in place to ensure that any recommendations made by its associates are in the best interest of clients regardless of any additional compensation earned.
Item 5: Additional Compensation
Brett C. D'Orlando receives additional compensation through his business activity described in Item 4 above.
Item 6: Supervision
Supervision of Brett C. D’Orlando is conducted by himself in his capacity as Chief Compliance Officer through reviews of internal transaction and security holdings reports, electronic and physical correspondence, and other internal reports as mandated by the firm and its regulatory authorities. Mr. D’Orlando be reached at 760-206-8500.
Wealth Advisors & Client Services
Veronica (Vern) Sickenberger
Director of Operations
Veronica (Vern) Sickenberger
Director of Operations
Veronica (Vern) has more than 25 years of experience in the financial industry. Vern has worked since 2007 in a team with Brian Amidei, Joseph Romano and Brett D’ Orlando. She has worked with the team at Fortem Financial since 2016. Prior to that, the team worked together at HighTower, where she was a member of HighTower’s Client Service Council and the client associate west coast training coach for 5 years, and at Merrill Lynch, where Vern was the 5-office complex training coach for 7 years. Her emphasis is providing pro-active client service and operational support to Fortem Financial’s clients. Vern’s goal is to provide Fortem Financial’s clients with the “ Ultimate Client Experience.” Vern resides in La Quinta with her husband Mark.
Office: 760.206.8500
Contact Veronica (Vern) Sickenberger
Lisa Kazandjian
Director of Portfolio Management
Lisa Kazandjian
Director of Portfolio Management
Lisa has over 30 years’ experience in the Financial Services Industry. She received her BA from California State University, Los Angeles, where she majored in English Literature and Business Administration. Lisa has worked on a team with Brian Amidei, Joseph Romano, and Brett D’Orlando for nearly 20 years. She has worked with the team at Fortem Financial since 2016. Prior to that, the team worked together at HighTower and at Merrill Lynch.
Lisa served as Vice President of Portfolio Management Marketing at Prudential/ Wachovia Securities. She specialized in Fixed Income investments, having spent much of her career working on Institutional sales desks at First Interstate Bank, Piper Jaffray and Prudential Securities. Lisa’s current responsibilities include the analysis of High Net Worth portfolios to determine appropriate asset allocation. She manages all fixed income portfolios for all of Fortem’s clients with a specialty in Municipal, Government and Federal Agency bonds. Lisa resides in Indio, CA with her beloved dog, Zuzu.
Office: 760.206.8500
Contact Lisa Kazandjian
Blaine Amidei
Director of Lending
Blaine Amidei
Director of Lending
NMLS# 2111866 | Fortem NMLS# 2315626
Blaine is the Director of Lending at Fortem Loans, a division of Fortem Financial. She brings over 12 years of experience in client relationship building through her strong foundation that began in the Hospitality industry.
Blaine earned her Bachelors of Science degree from San Diego State University where she majored in Recreation and Tourism Management with an emphasis in Recreation Systems Management. This firm basis in leadership, organization, and management skills allowed for a natural transition into the Financial industry.
From start to finish, it is her goal to collaborate with clients to find the perfect financing options available in the market today. Her philosophy is based on the concept of continued lending solutions, as opposed to an isolated transaction-oriented approach. She focuses on the achievement of the clients' stated objectives and building client relationships that have continued success stories.
Blaine enjoys being involved in the local community and coaches Cheerleading throughout the desert. She is an avid traveler, lover of reality television, and checking off concerts on her bucket list. Above all, her favorite thing to do is to spend quality time with her family, friends, and beloved pets.
Office: 760.206.8500
Contact Blaine Amidei
Awards
- 2019 Recipient of Imagination First Award | Encompassing the company culture of delivering inspired experiences to clients by making the impossible possible.
- 2019 Recipient of Service Obsession Award | Identified client’s needs and delivered 100% above and beyond expectations.
- 2019 Recipient of Top Customer Service Award company-wide | 48 programs/corporate events operated, 100% of the Customer Satisfaction Surveys returned reflecting a cumulative 99.1% satisfaction overall rating.
- 2019 Top 3 in Sales Regionally as First Year Regional Sales Manager
- 2017 Record-setting Team Sales Company-Wide as Regional Account Manager
Claudia Cruz
Client Associate
Claudia Cruz
Client Associate
Claudia Cruz is a dedicated Client Associate at Fortem Financial, bringing over 16 years of experience in the Financial Industry. With a strong background in Sales spanning 22 years and a commitment to exceptional Customer Service, Claudia has built a reputation for her professionalism and expertise. Born and raised in vibrant Coachella Valley, Claudia brings a deep understanding of the local community to her role.
Outside of the office, Claudia's passions extend to exploring new destinations, soaking up the sun at the beach, and relishing outdoor adventures with her four children and beloved pets. An avid sports enthusiast, she proudly cheers for the Lakers in basketball and shares a love for football as well. Having joined Fortem Financial in January 2024, Claudia embodies a dedication to excellence and a commitment to fostering lasting client relationships. With her wealth of experience and knowledge, she enriches the team and contributes to the firm's success.
Fortem Financial is a boutique wealth management firm based in Palm Desert, CA. The name Fortem was inspired by the infinite staying power and quiet strength of the surrounding San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountain ranges. As a trusted financial advisor company with decades of combined experience, we believe in transparency, accountability and partnership.
Fortem Financial offers personalized service and sound investment advice designed to accomplish your individual goals. Our dedicated team of fiduciary advisors puts your investment interests first – not some bloated financial institution's concept of what that should be.
Fortem Financial is a member of the Focus Financial Partners network. Focus Financial Partners is a leading partnership of independently managed fiduciary wealth management firms. Focus provides access to best practices, resources, and continuity planning for its partner firms who serve individuals, families, employers and institutions with wealth management, benefits consulting and investment consulting services. Focus partner firms maintain their operational independence, while they benefit from the synergies, scale, economics and best practices of a market leader to achieve their business objectives.
They say there’s strength in numbers.
Fortem Financial was founded on transparency, accountability and partnership. If you share in these values and possess the skill set required to help our clients reach their financial goals, contact us today.