John Cito has long been one of Northern New Jersey's leading independent financial advisors. Now in his third decade leading his own distinctive practice, Cito - affable, charitable and genuinely interested in his clients' well being - has an array of clients reflecting his many years as a trusted advisor: Today his clients range from professionals to local business owners to middle-class families who are either approaching retirement or planning for it. He's had the same State Street offices in Hackensack for more than 15 years.

Cito's office is adorned with tributes and statements of gratitude from veteran's groups and recent returnees from America's wars - among his various charitable activities, Cito for years has mailed support packages to soldiers in combat zones. While working his way through college, he formed John P. Cito Productions, which produced concerts on college campuses for the likes of a young Billy Joel and Boston, among others. He went on to Wall Street, working for well known firms, starting in the mailroom and working his way up; firms included Merrill Lynch and L.F. Rothschild. By the early 90s he joined a New Jersey broker dealer, bringing old clients with him. "My client base originated in Bergen County and has grown state wide. I also have clients from coast to coast," he says today. In 2010 he launched Cito Capital Advisors LLC, a New Jersey Registered Investment Advisor, focusing on what he calls "the worthy but underserved": those with relatively modest-paying jobs but with long-preserved and hidden assets. "In our area the most modest people often have valuable assets - homes, savings and pension accounts - that reflect quietly conservative ways," he says. "The affluent individual 'next door' is less unusual than you'd think."

Cito says his role is "to help prepare for the long-term, and protect their assets, from the tax man, and from excessive risk." He adds, "I have clients who have been with me forever. That's my record. I'm proud of that." Cito is also a Vice Chair and Registered Principal of McDermott Investment Services LLC, a national broker dealer.

Away from the office, Cito has several hobbies, and is a supporter of the arts. He sits on the board of the Mirage Theatre Company and is a member of the The Players, founded by the actor Edwin Booth and located on Gramercy Park in New York City. He lives in Hackensack.