Gregory Fortier

PLANADVISER: Where do you hope to take your career in the retirement plan or advisory industry in coming years?

Fortier: My goal over the next few years is to expand our firm’s national footprint while positioning education at the center of everything we do. Today, information and misinformation are abundant, yet truly personalized guidance is harder to find. As plan advisers, we have a responsibility to cut through the noise and give plan sponsors and participants advice that is clear, actionable and tailored to their unique needs. To deliver on that promise, we are doubling down on technology-driven financial wellness programs that scale personalization. Interactive dashboards, on-demand learning modules and data-powered nudges enable us to reach more participants, surface relevant insights and prompt timely action. When sponsors feel confident in their fiduciary choices and participants make measurable progress toward financial independence, we know we are succeeding. By combining deep subject-matter expertise with innovative delivery, we can widen our impact, deepen client trust and keep raising the standard for retirement-plan advice nationwide.

PLANADVISER: How do you define success in your role?

Fortier: I define success by the outcomes we create for our clients—both at the organizational level and for individual participants. It’s seeing a plan sponsor gain clarity and confidence in their fiduciary responsibilities or watching a participant take meaningful steps toward long-term financial independence. We are constantly working to build a firm that consistently delivers value, earns trust and grows through referrals from those we serve. Success also includes developing and empowering our team. Creating an environment in which team members feel supported, challenged and inspired to grow professionally is just as important as the client outcomes we deliver. When our team thrives, so do our clients.

PLANADVISER: Have you had mentors or role models? Who are they and what lessons have you learned from them?

Fortier: My mentor and colleague on the Boston Bay Advisors Team, John McAvoy, taught me the importance of empathy in our profession. While technical knowledge is essential, John helped me see that connecting with clients on a personal level—truly understanding their fears, goals and emotions—leads to better outcomes. When clients feel heard and supported, they’re more confident in their decisions and more engaged in the process. This goes beyond the frameworks of behavioral finance; it’s not just about recognizing biases or heuristics—it’s about building a relationship grounded in trust and emotional understanding. This is applicable to both company culture at the retirement plan committee level that shapes plan design and to the lives of individual participants. That lesson has shaped how I approach every conversation and continues to influence how I build lasting, values-based client relationships.