In Memory of Steven R. Kaneski, MSFS, Founder
1962 - 2018
Steven R. Kaneski, MSFS financial services professional was founder of Kaneski Associates and a legendary agent with New York Life. Steve’s desire and drive along with his financial acumen led him to a long and illustrious career with New York Life where in 1989 at just 26 years of age he launched Kaneski Associates Financial & Insurance Services. As his practice grew he began to specialize in the personal and professional financial needs of physicians and others in the medical community. His understanding about the value of creating comprehensive financial plans coupled with consistent processes and a strong focus on keeping promises to his clients paved the way for his continuous success. He always conducted business with poise and integrity; he was passionate about the work he did with each and every one of his clients. He often said he was lucky because he worked with interesting and intelligent people who cared about others and most of all who cared about their families.
Steve pioneered a financial seminar series using a process and procedure that focused on coaching medical groups, physicians and clients on how to set and achieve their own financial goals along with a focus on tax advantaged strategies. He took the time to give back to his community and his craft by dedicating his time to mentoring new agents. Steve took mentoring to a higher level when he created a program with his Kaneski Associates team, titled “Keys To Success In The Medical Community”, where he coached over 1500 New York Life agents across the nation. His seminars and Financial expertise along with his dynamic presentation style made him a highly sought after guest speaker where he had invitations to address audiences across the country. He was also interviewed and featured in multiple financial publications including Smart Money, BNET/CBS Market Watch, Life Insurance Magazine, and the NYLIC Review.
Steve was passionate about making sure that his clients had the right plan in place to ensure their needs and their priorities would be protected. Not surprisingly, Steve brought the same level of passion to his own business practice - having had the foresight to create a comprehensive Successorship plan. His highly trained and experienced team members Kelly Kaneski, Blaine Johnson and Ted Young have taken on the commitment and responsibility to carry on his practice and to continue the same high level of service Kaneski Associates clients are accustomed to.
Steve obtained his Masters of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) with the American College. He was a Registered Representative with NYLIFE Securities LLC and a Member of the Nautilus Group, an exclusive planning service for only the top performing agents of New York Life. Steve achieved New York Life’s Council Presidency in 2008, an honor bestowed upon the highest achiever amongst thousands of agents across the United States. He was former Chairman of the Advisory Board of Directors with New York Life Insurance Company for an unprecedented 3 consecutive years. He was a Lifetime Member and Top of the Table qualifier with The Million Dollar Round Table. He was also a member of New York Life’s Chairman’s Cabinet for 23 consecutive years; this distinction is reserved for the top echelon at New York Life.
Behind this finance expert and business guru was a true participant of life. He was a world traveler, an avid skier, a Civil War enthusiast and a collector of fine things and exotic cars. He never missed an opportunity to discuss history, world events and political affairs. Having the ability to uncover life lessons from any topic he was discussing. Steve placed a huge importance on friendship and family but the most important to him were his three children Mason, Aidan, and Scarlet. Never missing an opportunity to humbly boast of their many successes in life.
Steve was a true leader with an enormous presence that filled every room he entered. He dreamed big and achieved big goals; he made possible what most thought to be impossible. We hope that he will be remembered for his dynamic personality, his fearless search for the truth, his honor, his integrity and the lessons and legacies that he leaves behind. May his vibrant, successful life and career remain in our hearts and minds forever.
