Meet a TwinBridger: Kevin Marin
Kevin with wife Jennifer and daughters Olivia and Kelsey.
By Richard Landers
Kevin Marin has a big personality. You can easily imagine him as a contestant on a reality TV show like “Survivor.” And his smarts and likable personality would help him last several episodes. But he would be unlikely to win—he’s too straight-forward and guileless. You can’t imagine him responding to a question from the host with, “I didn’t come here to make friends.”
When Kevin enters a crowded room, he will generally go to greet a whole bunch of people. Not a joke teller, he will still put a smile on most of their faces. His friendliness and extroverted nature stand out.
As owner of Marin Wealth Solutions, based in Clifton Park, Kevin knows money, investments and insurance. He’s been a financial advisor since 1994 and an independent advisor since 2007. His biggest customer group is folks about to retire with $1 million or more in assets although some clients are younger and trying to plan ahead. (His main advice to most people in their forties: “save more.”) For those younger clients, life insurance is also a necessity for anyone with dependents.
Born on Staten Island, Kevin’s father was a shipping clerk and his mother an executive assistant. Gowing up with an older sister and brother and a younger brother who has since passed away, Kevin went to an all-boys Catholic high school. Later, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in business marketing from State University College at Plattsburgh.
He enjoyed Staten Island and worked on Wall Street for 10 years but has lived in Clifton Park for most of his adult life. He is committed to that community. Married to Jennifer for the past 25 years, he has two daughters—Olivia and Kelsey.
“I love Clifton Park and it’s been great for the family,” he says. “I know a lot of people here and lots of people know me.” Being ingrained in the community is a key part of his business success.
When he was getting started with his business he joined many organizations including the Chamber, the YMCA and Twin Bridges Rotary. Twin Bridges is one that he stuck with, now a member for some ten years. “These are good people, good vibes, good intentions. It’s a happy group with a purpose and reason for being in the community.”
According to Kevin, Twin Bridges is an organization both helping people and helping other organizations. “Rotary is a conduit to helping people help the community,” he says. “I like to turn up someone else’s dial and Twin Bridges helps me do that. Rotary gives me a chance to be relevant.”
Kevin goes on to say he believes that whether the topic is money or happiness, “there’s more than enough for everybody.” As a fee-based financial advisor, Kevin says there are a clear set of deliverables—“we set up the plan, the clients do the work (which might be saving money) and the results have been good.”
The focus is on the clients, he says, and what’s best for them. “I’m a casual dresser and informal, yet serious, in my approach to clients. There’s no high pressure or really any pressure from me.” While he takes his work seriously, he tries not to take himself too seriously. He tell his clients: “I want to hear your story, dreams, and worries. Then, we'll craft a plan that’s both personal and practical. From there, we’ll consolidate your assets and create a tailored strategy, so you have the support and long-term plan to leverage your wealth to the fullest.”
To sum up, Kevin says, “With me, what you see is what you get. And I’m good with who I am.”