Chris Garofalo CFP®, CLU
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional, Chris has worked with high-net-worth families, professionals, and incorporated business owners in Waterdown, Dundas, and the surrounding Hamilton and Niagara regions in Ontario, Canada, to develop and implement tailored, comprehensive planning strategies since 2001.
Under Chris’s leadership, Garofalo & Associates Private Wealth Management distinguishes itself by moving beyond recommendations to actively overseeing the implementation of agreed-upon strategies. Rather than presenting a plan and leaving next steps to clients or external professionals, Chris and his team take responsibility for coordinating, monitoring, and following through to ensure thoughtful advice is translated into meaningful action.
A Client-First Philosophy
Chris brings clarity to complex financial situations. He focuses on helping clients preserve wealth, minimize tax exposure, thoughtfully manage risk, and align their financial structures with their long-term goals. His approach is rooted in deep listening and disciplined planning, recognizing that each client’s circumstances are unique and continually evolving. Chris and the team are committed to delivering thoughtful advice, multi-generational continuity, and trusted guidance designed to support families today and for years to come.
Chris' philosophy is simply to put people and service first. Life is rich and varied; your financial plan should be too.
Shawn Seguin CFA, CFP®
Shawn believes that effective wealth management is built on disciplined strategy, thoughtful structure, and a deep understanding of each client’s unique financial landscape. For him, strong planning integrates investment management, tax efficiency, risk oversight, and long-term family objectives into one coordinated framework.
Since joining IG Wealth Management in 2005 and becoming an integral part of the Garofalo & Associates practice in 2011, Shawn has worked closely with Chris Garofalo to develop and execute comprehensive planning strategies for high-net-worth families, professionals, and incorporated business owners across the Waterdown, Hamilton, and Niagara regions of Ontario.
As both a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional, Shawn combines institutional-level investment insight with comprehensive financial planning experience. He designs strategies tailored to each client’s circumstances, ensuring that portfolios, cash flow structures, tax considerations, and long-term objectives are aligned within a cohesive plan.
Under the team’s implementation-focused approach, Shawn plays a key role in translating strategy into action by monitoring progress, refining structures, and ensuring that carefully designed plans are executed with discipline and precision.
Shawn earned his Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University. Outside of work, he and his wife, Melodie, enjoy travelling and embracing new adventures, bringing the same curiosity and perspective to life that he values in his professional practice.
Austin Garofalo B.COM (Hons) CSC
Austin Garofalo is dedicated to helping clients gain clarity and confidence in their financial decisions. As an Associate Consultant, he works directly with clients while supporting the team through paraplanning, financial analysis, practice operations, and client service. He brings a strong academic foundation, a collaborative mindset, and a strategic approach that fosters intention, alignment, and long‑term success for clients and their families.
Austin supports the practice’s work with high-net-worth families, business owners, and established professionals. He plays an integral role in multigenerational planning and is committed to bridging generational gaps to ensure shared understanding and cohesive family goals. Supporting the next generation, especially younger individuals and families, is a core aspect of his work. He helps clients build strong financial habits, gain confidence in key decisions, and develop long‑term strategies that promote clarity and continuity across generations.
Austin earned his Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Management Economics and Finance from the Lang School of Business and Economics and is dedicated to ongoing professional development as he works toward obtaining his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP) designation. Outside of work, Austin stays active through hockey and golf. He is passionate about giving back, contributing to mental health initiatives, cancer research, and Easter Seals Ontario. He also aspires to coach hockey in the future, combining his love of the sport with mentorship and community involvement.
Jodi Lester
Jodi has been a cornerstone in the financial sector for over ten years, excelling as an executive assistant and client experience manager. Her comprehensive skillset includes the precise processing of financial transactions and elevating the client experience through exemplary service. Her dedication to operational excellence has been a hallmark of her career. Jodi has played a key role in enhancing transactional processes, maintaining compliance with industry regulations, and bolstering the financial health of the organizations she has worked with.
In her role as a mentor, Jodi has generously shared her wealth of knowledge with new colleagues, navigating them with patience and clarity through the financial sector’s complexities. Jodi’s work is characterized by integrity, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. Her ambition extends beyond fulfilling her responsibilities competently; she aims to cultivate a cooperative and dynamic work environment for her team.
Stephanie Hatcher
Stephanie Hatcher is an invaluable member of the Garofalo Donato & Associates team, contributing to the practice's commitment to excellence in private wealth management. Stephanie's professional journey is characterized by a keen understanding of client needs and a passion for financial services. Beginning as a Customer Service Representative with a Canadian bank while attending college, Stephanie gathered experience and industry knowledge while developing relationships with clients and assisting with their financial transactions. After completing her college education, Stephanie transitioned into the sports and events industry but returned to financial services to apply her precise eye for detail and problem-solving skills daily.
Lisa Garofalo
Lisa graduated from the University of Guelph in 1992 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) and joined IG Private Wealth Management in 2001. She works closely with the team in the creation and support of client events.