For Mary Jo Metro, wealth management has never been about markets alone — it has always been about people, responsibility, and the quiet promise of security that allows families to live fully and without fear. Across more than three decades in finance, she has built a career defined not by transactions, but by credibility, guiding individuals and families through life’s most important financial decisions with integrity, independence, and care.
This feature highlights women leaders who are redefining wealth management through integrity, long-term vision, and genuine client advocacy. Through this profile, readers gain insight into Mary Jo Metro’s distinguished career, leadership philosophy, and unwavering commitment to helping individuals and families build lasting financial security.
Mary Jo Metro is the President of METRO Financial Strategies, Inc. and serves as a Financial Advisor and Branch Manager with Raymond James. With a professional background spanning corporate finance, accounting, and wealth management, she brings a rare combination of technical expertise and human understanding to her work. Deeply rooted in her community and guided by strong values, Mary Jo’s approach is defined not by short-term outcomes, but by long-term relationships, thoughtful planning, and the belief that financial understanding empowers people to navigate life with peace of mind.
To understand the philosophy, discipline, and values that have shaped her leadership over decades, we sat down with Mary Jo Metro for an in-depth conversation. In her own words, she reflects on the moments, principles, and decisions that continue to guide her work today.
Foundations of Leadership & A Life in Finance
Mary Jo, with over three decades of experience in wealth management, accounting, and financial planning, what defining moment made you realize that helping families build financial security was your true calling?
While working in corporate America, I realized I wanted my life’s work to make a meaningful difference for people, not just corporations. That insight inspired me to become a financial advisor, helping individuals and families build lasting financial security and peace of mind.
You’ve seen the financial industry evolve dramatically over 30 years. What early lessons shaped the advisor you are today, and which still guide you?
The industry has changed significantly, but one truth remains constant: people want the freedom to care for those they love without financial worry. From the beginning, my philosophy has been to put clients first and always do what’s right for them. Earning and maintaining their credibility continues to drive me every day.
Your journey spans corporate America, partnership at Edward Jones, and now leading METRO Financial Strategies. What motivated you to build your own firm and take the independent route with Raymond James?
I chose independence to ensure my loyalty was solely to my clients, not to a corporation. I wanted the freedom to use unbiased research and customized solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Being able to look clients in the eye, whether at church, community events, or even the grocery store and know I’m doing what’s best for them is invaluable.
How has your background in both accounting and investment strategy shaped your holistic approach to wealth management?
My background gives me a comprehensive perspective. With an Accounting degree, an MBA, and experience managing budgets, financial statements, military contracts, and tax preparation, I’m able to guide clients through every aspect of their financial lives with understanding and assurance.
Empowering Families, Generations & Legacies
You’re known for helping clients navigate life transitions, retirement, and legacy planning. How do you balance emotional conversations with analytical decision-making?
Life transitions bring both joy and challenge, and I walk through those moments alongside my clients. I begin by understanding their goals and financial situation, then guide them with honesty and empathy. When emotions run high, clear data and scenario planning help clients make informed decisions with peace of mind.
What do you believe is the biggest misconception families have about generational wealth transfer and how do you help them overcome it?
Many underestimate the complexity of taxes, gifting strategies, and charitable planning. I focus on education and, when appropriate, collaborate with trusted professionals so clients fully understand their options and can make informed legacy decisions.
You’ve built deep, long-term relationships with your clients. What does trust mean to you in wealth management, and how do you earn it over decades?
Credibility isn’t built overnight. It takes years of consistency, transparency, and follow-through. I set clear expectations, deliver on promises, and strive to exceed them, that’s how reliability is earned and maintained.
When guiding a family through retirement planning, what are the first principles or non-negotiables you always start with?
My first principle is that money is a tool for life, not the goal itself. I begin by identifying a family’s lifestyle needs versus their aspirational goals. We must have clarity on cash flow, shifting the focus from ‘how much do I have?’ to ‘how much can I reliably spend?’ Next, the plan must be resilient. This means accounting for the unseen variables like tax, inflation, healthcare costs, and longevity. By building a roadmap that prioritizes these fundamentals, we create a strategy that doesn’t just work on paper; but, adapts to the changing and fluent realities of the future.
How does your role change as clients move from earning years to retirement and legacy planning?
Financial planning is dynamic because life is dynamic. As clients transition, my role shifts from accumulation strategies to smart income distribution, tax efficiency, and estate considerations, always staying ahead of their changing needs. I ensure that my clients don’t just have a plan; but, the confidence that their lifestyle is secure. We then focus on the next generation, wealth transfer strategies, and charitable gifting.
Leadership, Strategy & Building METRO Financial Strategies
As President, Branch Manager, and Principal Advisor, how do you balance leadership with personalized client care?
I see my leadership role as a commitment to quality control for my clients. As President and Principal Advisor, I balance the big picture of branch management with the personal picture of individual wealth strategies. I invest heavily in continuous education, for myself and my team, to ensure that our expertise never plateaus. My leadership is what provides the stability and forward-thinking environment that allows my clients to feel secure and expertly guided through every life transition.
Your firm focuses on tailoring plans to each client. How do you customize strategies based on changes in the economy, markets, and interest rate environment?
Markets and client goals are always evolving. We actively monitor economic shifts and adjust strategies to ensure portfolios remain aligned with what matters most to our clients.
What are the key qualities you look for when building or mentoring your team at METRO Financial Strategies?
Integrity, work ethic, and a genuine commitment to adding value for clients. Those are non-negotiable.
What advantages does your independent affiliation with Raymond James offer clients?
Clients benefit from the resources and research of a large institution while maintaining the independence that allows me to act solely in their best interest, it truly is the best of both worlds.
What recent industry changes, technology, regulations, investor mindset, are reshaping how advisors support clients in 2025 and beyond?
Technology and AI are transforming how we serve clients. We use these tools to be more efficient and proactive, while preserving the personal relationships that define our firm.
Women in Wealth Management: Strength, Perspective & Influence
As one of the most empowering women in wealth management, how do you see the role of female advisors reshaping the industry today?
Female advisors are reshaping the industry by moving the focus from a number only approach to supporting the life approach. We bring a perspective that prioritizes holistic well-being and clear communication, which is exactly what modern clients are searching for.
What unique strengths, empathy, intuition, communication, do women bring to wealth management that are often undervalued?
While everyone is different, women often excel at listening, empathy led planning, and understanding the emotional side of money, qualities that deepen reliability and strengthen long-term relationships.
You’ve become a mentor and advocate for women in finance. What advice would you give to a young woman entering the industry today?
Commit to lifelong learning, investments, taxes, estate planning, and understanding global trends. If you want to make a meaningful difference in people’s life, this career is incredibly rewarding. Credibility takes time to build, but it’s worth every effort.
How do you help clients, especially women, build peace of mind in financial decision-making?
I help my clients build peace of mind by aligning their personal values and long-term goals along with educating and explaining to them different options and scenarios; so, clients feel informed, empowered, and comfortable with their decisions. I try and have an environment free of judgement where I try and translate complex financial jargon into clear actionable insights.
Vision, Values & the Legacy She’s Building
You’re committed to lifelong learning and staying current with market trends. How do you personally stay ahead of economic, micro, and macro shifts?
Through continuous learning, reading, trusted sources, professional education, and industry conferences. Staying informed is essential in this field.
Outside the office, your happiest moments come from family time at the lake and traveling. How do these experiences influence your outlook on life, work, and meaningful wealth?
Family time keeps me grounded and reminds me what truly matters. My faith guides everything I do. Traveling broadens my perspective and deepens my commitment to helping clients live meaningful, fulfilled lives.
Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to leave, on your clients, your community, and the next generation of financial professionals?
My goal has always been to make a real difference. I’m grateful for the trust my clients place in me, and I will continue serving them, supporting my community, and mentoring future advisors.
Finally, as one of The Most Empowering Women in Wealth Management – 2026, what message would you share with those seeking financial understanding and peace of mind?
Financial security is a result of intention, not just luck. Understand your goals, make smart informed decisions, adjust as life changes, stay focused on the long term, and partner with a reliable advisor that truly cares about you and is willing to work hard to gain and keep your trust. Most importantly, enjoy the journey along the way.
Mary Jo Metro is a Financial Advisor and Branch Manager with the Wealth Management division of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Mary Jo Metro and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
METRO Financial Strategies, Inc. engaged CIO Think Magazine for the editorial feature of this profile. This article is provided for informational and editorial purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a recommendation, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security.
Mary Jo Metro may only conduct business in states where she is properly registered or where she is exempt from registration. Any follow-up communication, individualized investment advice, or securities transactions will be conducted in compliance with applicable registration requirements.
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. offers a broad range of brokerage and advisory services, which may result in different types of client relationships and obligations. Readers are encouraged to consult with their Financial Advisor or visit www.raymondjames.com to better understand available services and determine which options are appropriate for their individual financial circumstances.
