Home business beginnings
35 year history within the financial industry
Multi-state reach
Roots in Fairport, Penfield, Webster

Thirty-five years ago, John Forken entered into a career within the financial industry.  He had been serving the community as a social studies teacher and was actively recruited to pursue this job change.  John began working as a financial representative from an office in his home, with his wife Christine helping with the paperwork. Starting in February 1987, his office life evolved through Webster, Penfield, and Fairport locations, involving a growing staff along the way.

John’s focus is on helping individuals, businesses and trusts with financial planning processes.  His service is comprehensive, involving:  investment insurance, asset management, payroll services, group benefits, and trust administration.  A specialty has developed due strong bonds with his clients - - generation planning for families.  This service keeps John traveling across many states, meeting with clients face-to-face.  The growth of services has been supported by staff expansion, now with long-term tenure as a team.

Kellie Wright, a Chamber Board Director and Membership Committee member stated, “Established companies like the Independent Group of Companies are an important foundation for our Chamber.  They are role models for many younger companies, from which to develop.  Chamber President Paul West added, “Our Chamber has a 103 year history and we value the oral history older companies are able to share in this span of time.”

In addition to being a member of the Fairport-Perinton Chamber of Commerce (http://www.fairportperintonchamber.org/?q=member/independent-group-compa...), John also belongs to the Webster Chamber of Commerce and was past President of the International Association for Financial Planning.

From a family foundation, John Forken has built his financial planning services.  His work with other families strengthens their foundations, as he escorts them through their own financial development.