Our Team
Small World Wealth Management was founded by Wealth Management Advisor Joseph Small. He started his work with Northwestern Mutual in 1992 and has grown from a single representative to a robust team professionals. Several team members have worked together for 10 or more years and have developed incredibly deep knowledge and expertise in their specific areas. The binding force behind the team is the true dedication to personal client care and holistic planning with an easy-to-understand approach. Each team member is empowered and motivated to provide the best personal experience possible for each client.
Leadership Team
Joe Small is truly living his life purpose to “care for and protect loved ones now and for generations to come.” His work, family, and life are all guided by this principal as he is building one of the most dynamic financial planning practices at Northwestern Mutual.
His team has grown sizably over 29 years to include several full-time representatives, insurance specialist(s), a dedicated investment team and a full staff of support personnel. This extraordinary growth is attributed to the maturation of his practice along with a higher than average client retention rate. If you ask Joe, he would say it is the combination of seasoned expertise with genuine care and personal attention to his client's needs.
His approach is to provide holistic, broad based planning and strategy customized for each client. He is not a stockbroker or an insurance salesman or an accountant. He is a strategist, a planner, a creative solution maker in the areas of investment, tax strategy, and estate planning. He guides and advises clients to a path for overall financial health and prosperity. As his life purpose says, for generations to come.
He holds the FINRA series 7, 6, 63, 65, and 26, and is licensed in more than 28 states. Joseph Small is also a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier Association of Financial Professionals, a National Quality Awardee, National Sales Achievement Awardee, recognized as a Forum Leader and more.
In Joe’s personal life, he likes to spend just as much energy and vigor as in his business endeavors, whether he is tracking his “race” car, shooting sporting clay, zipping up the Hudson in his Formula 228 boat or working around the house on home improvement projects. He also has a zest for traveling the world and discovering far-away places such as Greece, Portugal, Italy, Africa, Thailand and many others.
He and his family are strong community supporters and have significantly contributed to or volunteered with a number of organizations including: Unshattered, Grace Smith House, Making Strides, Astor Home, Family Services, Girl Scouts, Counselling in Schools, Boy Scouts – Hudson Valley Council, WalkWay Over Hudson and many others. He is currently a board member of Eleanor Roosevelt Vall-Kil Center.
Joe resides in Hyde Park, NY with his significant other, Tricia, and some of their children (8 in total with some all grown), three dogs and a cute kitty named Chloe.
Tricia O'Malley , MPA
Chief Operating Officer
Tricia has spent most her 29 year career in nonprofit, healthcare management holding such positions as Foundation Executive Director and Chief Advancement Officer, most often at complex healthcare systems and hospitals. She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Marist College and an Advanced Degree in Healthcare Leadership from Yale University. She brings her vast philanthropic experience and applies it to the financial services industry.
She has also graduated from several leadership programs including: Leadership Orange '96, Pattern for Progress Fellowship'11 & Naugatuck Valley Leadership '15. She is a long term facilitator at Leadership Dutchess and has spoken at various leadership and professional conferences including National Philanthropy Day hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She has operated as consultant to various non-profits in the Hudson Valley specializing in board development, sustainability, strategic planning & CEO coaching.
In her role as Chief Operating Officer, she is responsible for the implementation & integration of the daily practice. She works closely with Joe who is leading the growth efforts. She is charged with creating systems, efficiencies and processes to build capacity. She also provides oversight of marketing and branding.
As the mom to five biological kids, three bonus kids and three dogs & a cat she is fairly adept at managing multiple priorities. In her free time she enjoys yoga, fitness, boating, hiking, travel, chocolate and wine (although not in that order).
Kristine graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. She has been with Northwestern Mutual for nearly 20 years (most of them working closely with Joe Small and Small World Wealth Management) and holds her Life, Accident, and Health insurance license for the state of New York.
Kristine lives in Dutchess County with her husband and daughter. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Stephen holds dual Bachelor’s Degrees in both Business and Accounting. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual in 2015, he was a professional trader on Wall Street for 17 years. Stephen holds a FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 licensing. As the Head of Investment Services for Small World Wealth Management, he is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the stock market, market trends, and investment research.
Stephen resides in Middletown, NY with his wife and their puppy, Birdie Mae. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his 3 grown sons, outdoor excursions with family & friends; most notably fishing and hiking. Steve is also an avid football fan.
Advisors
Christopher M Ball , CLU®, ChFC®
Wealth Management Advisor
Christopher M Ball , CLU®, ChFC®
Wealth Management Advisor
Chris joined Small World Wealth Management in April of 2021 as a Wealth Management Advisor. Chris graduated from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia with a degree in Management/Marketing in 1981. He worked in the computer industry for a number of years and started working with Northwestern Mutual in 1993. His designations through the American College include Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Charted Life Underwriter (CLU). He Holds FINRA Series 7, 6, 63, and 66 and has always enjoyed the financial planning process with his clients.
Chris currently resides in West Chester, PA with his wife Naomi and eight dogs. In his spare time Chris enjoys traveling, jujitsu, shooting and spending time with his two children, three stepchildren, and 5 grandchildren.
After growing up in Houston, TX, Mike went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. During his time at West Point, he diligently managed the academic, physical, and military obligations required, combined with participating in four years of Division 1 NCAA Football. Mike proudly served our country in the US Army as a Junior Officer in multiple capacities and had the honor of developing a leadership philosophy amongst some of the nation’s best and brightest leaders. Following his service, Mike worked in the sales and sales management departments of the spinal medical device market.
Mike joined Northwestern Mutual in 2020 and is currently a Financial Advisor for Small World Wealth Management. He strongly believes that the years of critical situation training and management, practice of servant leadership, and the many trusting relationships he’s fostered in all walks of life brings immense value to clients and their loved ones.
Mike currently resides in Orange County, NY with his wife and twin sons. He enjoys spending time with family & friends, and of course, watching Army football.
Susan is an Associate Advisor with Small World Wealth Management. Over Susan’s financial career, she has earned 2 designations: Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®). In addition, she holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 License as well as Life & Health Insurance license from New York. Susan began her financial career in 1999. Her professional associations include the National Association for Professional Women (NAPW), Association for Divorce Financial Analyst, Association for Divorce Financial Planners (Currently serving on the national strategic planning committee for ADFP), Institute for Divorce Financial Analyst, and the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Susan is a very active member of the community having served as a board member for the Hospice Foundation of the Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley Volunteer Group for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Hudson Valley Community Foundations Board and Grant Committee.
Susan is a lifelong resident of Dutchess County. She raised her two daughters in Red Hook and now resides in Hyde Park. In her leisure time she enjoys staying healthy through exercise, weekend hikes with her favorite furry friend Sophie, challenging herself on the Peleton bike and eating healthy. She is an avid reader and loves to find the perfect antique for her 1950’s cottage. When time allows, she also enjoys making jewelry. Most of all, Susan treasures the time spent with her two daughters, Isabella and Gabrielle, extended family, friends and grandson Mason.
Anthony studied Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Management at UAlbany. Immediately after graduation, he started his first business adventure. What started as a small store in the local mall selling frozen yogurt became a multiple site yogurt franchise.
Several years later, he met Joe Small who was an advisor to several family members and his interest was piqued in financial planning. Since then, he has become series 7 and 63 registered. He joined Small World Wealth Management in 2019 as Associate Wealth Management Advisor. He is technologically astute and stays on point with the newest advances in how to use technology to better serve our clients.
His favorite time of the year is college football season. Many family members including his father went to Ohio State - go Buckeyes! He spends free time on his boat during the summer months up in Lake George, visiting restaurants in NYC, caring for his dog and tackling home improvement projects. He also enjoys travel and would love to go to Australia in the near future.
Josh is a graduate of Hamilton College in Clinton, NY with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He has been working with Joe Small & Northwestern Mutual since 2012. He is licensed in Life, Accident and Health Insurance for State of New York, as well as his FINRA Series 7 and 66 investment services. As an experienced advisor for the team, he brings incredible expertise, skill and knowledge. He is well known for his thorough and detailed analysis and understanding of complex investment strategy and works closely with his support Scott Mete.
When Josh is not working, he can be found spending time with his wife and daughter at their home in New Paltz, NY or on the links someplace in the Hudson Valley. He is an avid golfer and often brings his high school aged daughter for some healthy competition. Josh also enjoys maintaining his home, spending time with his family (including his parents who are close by) and travel.
Don Badgley is a Financial Representative with Small World Wealth Management and is in his 36th year of practice. Don specializes in life, disability and long-term care planning, estate succession analysis and works primarily with business owners, professional people and the wealthy. In addition to insurance planning with clients, Don also teaches seminars around the U.S. for Northwestern Mutual and other companies.
Don is a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and has received multiple industry awards for his skills and production.
He is married to Tracy Badgley, CPA and has two daughters, Marissa, 33 and Alanna, 29.
Scott is a Magna Cum Laud graduate of Marist College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, and also from Pace University with a Master of Business Administration. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual he worked as a managing partner and advisor in the investment real estate market. He is licensed in Life, Accident, and Health for the State of New York, as well as his FINRA Series 6 & 63 and is a registered representative with Northwestern Mutual Investment Service.
When Scott is not working, he can be found at home in Hyde Park with his wife. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his two grown children and numerous outdoor fitness activities with friends and family.
Scott is a frequent volunteer at a number of charity events and fundraisers
Operations
Cindy has been with Northwestern Mutual for over 15 years, mainly in the position of support and service. She currently holds an active Life, Accident and Health License, FINRA Series 6 and 63, State of NY Notary Public and and is registered with Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC. Cindy acts as a liaison between our clients and underwriters and manages client service requests while providing a high level of commitment, professionalism and excellence in service and support to Small World Wealth Management’s practice and clients.
In her free time Cindy enjoys time with family, the outdoors, and reading.
Scott joined Northwestern Mutual in 2018 and brings over 23 years of experience in the Financial Services industry (16 years at Merrill Lynch and 5 years at Wells Fargo Advisors). In these roles, he has always played an important supporting function for high performing Advisors. On our team, he primarily supports Josh Weinerman. He also brings over 10 years of experience in restaurant and hospitality management.
Scott resides in Fishkill, NY with his wife Amy. In his free time, he can be found on the tennis court, at the gym, or enjoying visiting family, hiking and traveling to upstate NY.
Jenn graduated from SUNY Orange in Middletown, NY with an Associates in SWWM she worked in the accounting industry in the Orange County, NY area. She has her Notary License for the state of New York.
She worked as an assistant for an individual Advisor prior to her transition to Small World Wealth Management. In her current role she provides support for a number of advisors.
Jenn currently resides in Middletown, NY and enjoys spending time with her family and camping.
Theodore is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of SUNY Potsdam in Potsdam, New York. There he obtained a B.S in Biology along with a chemistry minor. He also filled his time as a four-year varsity soccer player for the Potsdam Bears in the SUNYAC conference. Since graduation he has worked as a pharmacy technician, as well as an outside sales representative. However, Ted has always had an interest in the finance industry.
Ted’s role at Small World Wealth Management is Assistant to the CEO, Joe Small. In this position he will have direct responsibility reporting to Joe and an opportunity to learn directly from the top. Ted’s looking forward to gaining valuable experience.
Ted Resides in Saratoga County, New York. He enjoys spending his time with family, friends, and his dog Ozzy. He continues to be passionate about the sport of soccer and is now equally passionate about golf.
Connor is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. He previously worked for LBM Advantage as an Accounting Intern, then was granted the opportunity to work full time as an Accounting Specialist. At Small World Wealth Management, Connor holds the position of Assistant to the CEO, where he and his associate Theodore Bruschini will work one on one with Joe Small and assist him in various areas.
Connor strives to live a luxurious lifestyle and enjoys helping others who would like to do the same. In his free time, Connor enjoys global travel and spending time with friends. He is an avid sports fan as well, namely rooting for the Los Angeles Lakers and Buffalo Bills.
Investments
Justin Vernon Copeland
Director of Investments
Justin joined our team in 2017 and has grown his responsibilities from Financial Representative to transition to Director of Investments & Operations. He has a bachelor’s degree in business economics and finance from SUNY Oneonta. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Justin worked as an advisor for Mass Mutual. He is licensed in Life, Accident and Health Insurance for the State of New York, and 6/63 investment services.
Justin and his wife Abigail reside in Fishkill, New York with their daughter Athena Grace. He spends most of his free time with his large extended family and playing soccer or golf. In addition to other fitness hobbies, he is an accomplished martial artist who teaches Bruce Lee’s philosophy of Jeet Kune Do. His consistent positive attitude and friendly demeanor make him a favorite among clients for any servicing questions they may have.
Gia has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2014, mainly in the position of support and service. She currently holds an active Life, Accident and Health License, FINRA Series 6 and 63, State of NY Notary Public and is a registered Associate Agent with Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC. In her current role as Director of Investment Operations and Services, Gia works one on one with Wealth Management Advisor David Urban and joint Small World Wealth Management clients to provide exceptional customer service.
Her previous professional experience includes almost 20 years as a producer and artist representative in the commercial photography realm.
Today, Gia resides in northern NY. In her leisure time she enjoys traveling outside the country, especially to Europe. Her other interests include boating, vintage cars, modern art, and spending time with family & friends.
Chris is a graduate of Stony Brook University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Prior to joining Small World Wealth Management, Chris was an advisor consultant with one of the largest asset management companies in the world. He has more than 10 years of experience and holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 registrations. As Investment Advisor, Chris works with the team's investment process, focusing on due diligence, portfolio analytics, and idea generation.
Chris resides in Wayne, NJ with his wife Kristin and his two young children Francesca and Lorenzo. He enjoys spending time skiing, fishing and shooting clays. He is also active in his community as a Volunteer Firefighter with Wayne Company 3.
Prior to joining the Northwestern Mutual family in 2014, Michael was a software developer and information technology administrator for 14 years. Always an avid math student, Michael spent freshman year studying Accounting at Bryant University before he started building computers on his own. This led to a change in major to Computer Science and a transfer to Marist College. Michael has his FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations, as well as his Life, Accident, and Health Insurance licenses for the state of New York. Michael is our Investment Operations Manager; he also firmly believes in risk-based planning due to his own life experiences.
Michael resides in Cornwall, NY with his wife Marsha and two sons, Albert and Thomas. He is a self-admitted tech geek and interested in anything outdoors whether it is camping, hiking, gardening, birding or photography. Michael is also a music enthusiast; it has been a shared joy from his parents and passed on to his sons… just don’t ask him to sing or play anything.