Financial Solutions of Michigan Financial Solutions of Michigan was founded in 1995 by Joe Longo with a straightforward goal, to help people plan for the long term and build relationships they could rely on. Generations at Work: Family-Owned Businesses Thriving in Troy, Rooted in Legacy, & Built for the Future Troy-Metro Agency Troy-Metro Agency traces its origins to 1951, beginning as L.O. Schneider & Associates in downtown Detroit. After relocating to Troy in 1969, the agency adopted its current name and expanded its insurance focus under the leadership of Richard Ehlert. Around that time, Richard was brought on to grow the insurance side of the business and later purchased the agency, establishing it as a family-owned operation. In the late 1970s, Richard’s son Max joined the agency at age 23 and eventually became the owner in the late 1990s. The third generation followed years later, with Max’s son Erich beginning work at the agency in 2004 while still in high school through a coop program. Erich and Grant became owners in 2023 when their father retired, continuing a three-generation legacy. Both grew up in Troy and remain closely connected to the city, which they see as home and a natural fit for their business. Based in Troy from the beginning, the firm has benefited from the city’s strong business community and central location, remaining rooted for more than 30 years Joe did not initially expect his daughter, Gina Cetnar, to continue the business. She joined the firm in 1999 as an administrative assistant after trying several other industries and finding none of them to be the right fit. At her father’s suggestion, she gave the family business a chance. The early years were challenging, but earning her CFP® certification in 2015 marked a turning point and confirmed her long-term commitment to the work. Working together shifted their relationship. Joe became a mentor as well as a father, and Gina gained a deeper understanding of both the business and the values behind it. Her husband also works alongside her, providing support and partnership in the day-to-day operation of the firm. Like many family-owned businesses in the community, its strength comes from trust built over time and a commitment to thinking beyond the present moment. Working together allows each of the brothers to focus on his strengths, with Erich managing the operations and Grant leading sales. Growth has remained steady and intentional, with an emphasis on maintaining a small, personal agency where clients are known and calls are answered by real people. As for a fourth generation, the future remains open. Like their father before them, Erich and Grant believe passion must come naturally. If their children one day choose to continue the family legacy, they would welcome it, but above all, they want them to pursue work they truly care about. Grant Ehlert, Max Ehlert, and Erich Ehlert Left Photo: Daniel Cetnar, Mayor Ethan Baker, Gina Cetnar, Joe Longo Right Photo: Joe Longo with Daughter, Gina Cetnar EXPERIENCE TROY | 16
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