Co-founder of Michael Roberts Associates retires

DeWITT — Michael Roberts Associates, Inc. (MRA) in late August announced the retirement of Robert J. Dugan, co-founder and former partner in the locally owned, independent wealth-management firm. 

Dugan established Michael Roberts Associates with Robert Cuculich and Michael Donovan in January 1990. 

A native of Bayonne, N.J., Dugan became a licensed broker in 1975 after moving to Syracuse to work with the Boy Scouts of America. Throughout his career, he was known as an expert in the field of tax-advantaged investing. Dugan was a sought-after speaker and appeared numerous times on WCNY’s “Financial Fitness” TV program, according to an Aug. 20 MRA news release.

Considered the “patriarch” of the MRA organization, Dugan oversaw more than three decades of growth at the company. 

“My philosophy from the beginning was to help my clients keep their wealth, by starting small and growing together,” Dugan said in the release. He opened 67 accounts his first year in business. 

MRA is currently staffed with seven financial advisors and four support staff. The firm says it serves a broad client base of individuals and businesses throughout Central New York and the U.S. 

Current MRA President Neil J. Hoyt said, “We are proud to continue serving clients in the company that Bob built.” Hoyt added “We expect the transition of clients to be seamless,” as plans are in place for Dugan to stay on in a consulting role for the next several months, assisting current clients in meeting MRA advisors. 

MRA honored Dugan in a private ceremony in late September in Syracuse.

MRA is headquartered in a new office on Fly Road in the town of DeWitt, according to its website.