Steve Saladino is one of those people who is just as excited today about his job as he was 25 years ago. So excited, in fact, that when he talks to you about his profession, his enthusiasm is so contagious that you begin to think that insurance is the most fascinating job in the world.
“I’m more passionate, and having more fun, helping people than ever,” said Steve. “And really, that’s what the insurance business is all about — helping people.”
Steve is the owner and principal of Saladino Financial Group, LLC, in Northdale. He has clients throughout Florida, with a concentration in north Tampa, Lutz and Land O’Lakes.
“I grew up in Land O’ Lakes — attending Sanders Elementary, Pine View Middle and Land O’ Lakes High,” said Steve. “My father, Joe, has lived in Land O’ Lakes since 1972, and he and his wife Gail, have many, many friends in the area.”
The Saladino family is well known among long-time Land O’ Lakes residents for the two-story log cabin home on Ehren Cutoff they built and lived in for many years. While the family no longer owns the cabin, it remains a landmark for those who travel Ehren Cutoff.
“My brothers and I spent 18 months between 1983 and ’85 helping our Dad put together a log cabin kit for our family. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and taught me the value of hard work and the importance of family,” said Steve.
After graduating from Land O’ Lakes High in 1985, Steve spent four years in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, N.C. as a non-commissioned officer in the Finance and Accounting Department.
After his military commitment, Steve entered the financial services industry and worked as an advisor for Metropolitan Life for 15 years before starting his own independent business in 2005.
“I have spent the past 25 years helping folks achieve their personal and business financial goals,” said Steve. “I never think of my job as selling insurance or financial services. It’s truly about helping people achieve their financial goals and taking care of their loved ones.”
Steve’s approach to his business is based on a needs-based, multi-line philosophy that uncovers his clients’ financial goals, needs and objectives for today, as well as those in the future.
“As an independent agent, I can offer high caliber, unbiased and objective service and solutions,” said Steve. “My goal for every client is to create a clear plan for their financial future by breaking complex ideas into simple-to-perform actions.”
Services provided include insurance, investments, business planning/development, financial need analysis, long-term care planning, life insurance review, risk management, strategic alliances marketing development, point-of-sale support, target market identification and joint field coaching.
Steve’s success and competence is evident by the recognition he’s received in the financial services industry, including the prestigious LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow), which was awarded by The National Association of Life Underwriters after several years of extensive studies. He has also been a LUTCF moderator for many years, assisting with its continuing education program offered by The American College and Florida Department of Financial Services.
Steve is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of insurance agents and financial planners by recruiting top candidates and helping in their training and development.
Steve currently serves on the board of directors as president-elect of the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). He was the NAIFA-Tampa president from 2006-08, and is a 2008 graduate of the organization’s Leadership in Life Institute.
Steve and his wife, Alisa, enjoy fishing, boating, camping, and hunting with their three sons. They volunteer in several community groups and attend Grace Family Church in Lutz.
Please contact Steve if you want to learn more about planning for your family’s financial future. You’ll find him easy to talk to, a good listener and always looking out for the best interest of his clients.
(813) 833-3514
Saladino Financial Group, LLC
Steven Saladino, President
