GET TO KNOW US
Meet the Team
Edward G. Benz, Jr.
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Growing up on Cape Cod, Ed always hoped he could find a career that would allow him to return. After gaining 10 years of banking and investment industry experience in Boston, he was happy to bring that knowledge back to Cape Cod in 1995 when he founded Benz Financial. The move from a large product-driven sales environment to his own client-centric business, affiliated with a small independent firm, offered Ed the opportunity to build meaningful and lasting relationships with his clients.
Although it isn’t always easy, Ed does his best to balance his work and life priorities. This is a core philosophy of the Benz Financial team. “We want our clients to enjoy more time living their lives and less time worrying about their finances.” Ed realized early in life that helping people was his calling – whether its mentoring high school or college students considering a career in finance, coaching community soccer, or just connecting with people. Ed takes personal satisfaction in trying to help.
When he is not in the office, Ed enjoys playing golf, tennis, or riding on the Cape’s outer beaches on his fat tire bike or restored International Scout II.
Ed and his wife, Amy, have raised two daughters and he cherishes his memories of coaching them in soccer, trips on college breaks, and picking them up at school on Friday afternoons for ski weekends in Vermont.
Ed graduated from Gettysburg College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 securities registration and he is insurance licensed in life, health, disability and variable insurance. He holds his Long-Term Care Certification and is an Investment Advisor Representative with Commonwealth Financial Network.
"I'm lucky enough to be able to help people every day. I'm proud to be there for my clients, whether it's in times of need or when they're celebrating personal goals or achievements."
Jordan Traub, CFP®
PARTNER & FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Jordan joined Benz Financial Group in 2018, where he works closely with Ed to identify client needs and unlock financial opportunities. Now a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Jordan previously spent several years honing his expertise at large investment firms in Boston before making a permanent move to Cape Cod—the place he spent his summers growing up.
Jordan’s approach to wealth management is deeply rooted in teamwork and mentorship. As a former Division 1 rower and two-year captain at the College of the Holy Cross, he thrives on encouraging others and working collaboratively. He discovered his passion for financial planning through a mentor he met while lifeguarding on the Cape, realizing that being an advisor allowed him to be the trusted guide people turn to. “I get the most satisfaction knowing we’re making our clients’ lives easier by being the people they can trust with their financial worries,” Jordan notes. Jordan found he could be a part of a team and someone you could look to for advice and guidance as a financial advisor.
Outside the office, Jordan’s world revolves around his family and their love for the water. He cherishes life on the Cape with his wife, Jess, and their son, Hugh. In the summer, you’ll find them spending weekends as a family boating through Nauset Marsh or heading offshore fishing. In the winter you’ll fine Jordan covered head to toe in neoprene surfing every available storm.
"Being part of an independent financial planning practice gives me more autonomy to do what I enjoy most in this business, which is helping clients and being part of a great team."
Bonnie Phair
CLEINT RELATIONS & COMPLIANCE MANAGER
Bonnie has been in the financial industry since 2006 and she joined Benz Financial Group in 2009. Bonnie oversees transfers and rollovers, establishes new accounts and banking features, and looks after estate planning matters. She also tracks your transactions to ensure accuracy while helping our firm adhere to compliance regulations.
Bonnie is an outdoors enthusiast and long-term Appalachian Mountain Club Member. She’s currently working on completing the 48 major summits of the White Mountains. When she is on the Cape, Bonnie enjoys cycling the woodland trails, growing vegetables, and making ice cream. “My dog, Chip, and I are currently researching a future book and blog. It’s going to be a travel guide written for people who are planning to visit Cape Cod with their dogs.”
Bonnie holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. She lives in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts with her husband, Travis, and son, Lucas.
"I know at least one thing about every client personally – unrelated to their finances. That clearly speaks to the deep and authentic relationships we build with each of our clients."
Ryan LaCoe
CLIENT ASSOCIATE
Ryan is the newest member of the Benz Financial Group, where he specializes in understanding client needs and supporting the onboarding process. Prior to joining the firm, Ryan spent several years at a large Broker-Dealer in New York City, where he gained valuable experience in a fast-paced, product-driven environment while also building a strong foundation in the capital markets.
Although that experience strengthened his technical expertise, Ryan was ultimately drawn to the more personal, relationship-driven side of wealth management. He is energized by helping clients better understand the financial markets and feel confident and in control of their financial future so they can spend more time doing what they enjoy and less time worrying about their finances.
Ryan graduated from Gettysburg College with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and served as captain of the baseball team. Having spent many summers growing up on Cape Cod, Ryan further deepened his connection to the area during his sophomore year at Gettysburg, when he interned with the Cape Cod Baseball League. This experience solidified his appreciation for the Cape and sparked his desire to return in the future.
Outside of the office, Ryan enjoys spending time on the golf course and skiing whenever he gets the chance. He currently holds his FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 registration.
