SOMA Living September 2025

Get to know downtown Maplewood Village Alliance Merchants in this Q+A feature - this month, The GenWealth Group. MEET THE MERCHANT My name is Cherie Leanza and together with my husband, Mike, we own The GenWealth Group. What is your USP? What sets your business apart from others? As a boutique financial advisory firm, we get to know our clients in a way that allows us to customize financial plans and investment strategies to fit the specific lives and goals of every individual client. We do not sell clients a “one size fits all” investment portfolio, but rather individual planning and investing help. We are not just managing investments, we are helping clients make thoughtful decisions about their entire financial lives. Whether someone is deciding how to finance a car, purchase a home, plan for college tuition, or navigate retirement, we are there to provide guidance rooted in their personal goals and circumstances. Our clients’ lives are unique, diverse and complex, and their financial plans are just as tailored, thorough, and thoughtful. Both Mike and I began our careers in the financial industry working for larger institutions. Over time, it became clear that the corporate environment often placed more focus on meeting quotas and pushing products, than on understanding the person behind the portfolio. That never felt right to us. We wanted to build something different. Our goal was to create a firm where client relationships come first, where we could be fully present for our clients and help them navigate their financial lives, goals and hopes, with clarity and confidence. Founding The GenWealth What inspired you to get into this business? What is your name and the name of your business?

Group allowed us to align our values with our work and to make a real impact in the lives of the people we serve, growing their assets through our investment strategy.

Why Maplewood Village?

Mike had already established roots in Maplewood through his previous work as a financial advisor at Bank of America here in town. Over the years, we developed a deep appreciation for the spirit of this community. Maplewood is vibrant, welcoming, and filled with people who are passionate, creative, and community-minded. Choosing to open our firm in Maplewood Village was a natural decision. Not only do we have the privilege of working with our clients, but we also get to share this town with them as neighbors, friends, and fellow local business owners. There is something truly rewarding about seeing your clients in town, on the train platform, or at a local event, knowing you are supporting their financial journey in a place you all call home.

W here are you located?

We are located at 6 Inwood Place, right in the heart of Maplewood Village. We welcome anyone interested in learning more about planning their financial future to stop by or reach out.

ErinRose Baldry Executive Director • Maplewood Village Alliance maplewoodvillagenj@gmail.com

ErinRose is the Executive Director of the Maplewood Village Alliance (MVA), the nonprofit District Management Corporation of the Maplewood Village Special Improvement District. The MVA’s main mission is to create a welcoming, interesting, and engaging experience for visitors, provide a favorable environment for businesses in which to thrive, and preserve the character, charm and history of Maplewood Village.

SEPTEMBER 2025 | SOMA LIVING 31

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