John Pickarski, ChFC
Founder and Retirement Planner
John founded our firm in 1993 after a 15-year career in law enforcement, a subsequent MA, and a successful stint doing planned giving for a Columbus-area hospital. From the beginning, his vision was to create a firm that would give small businesses and individual clients access to the tools and advice that bigger companies were utilizing.
His friendly, one-on-one style of working with people caught on, and John Pickarski & Associates, LLC quickly grew from a small estate and tax planning firm to a resource throughout the region. In just a few short years he was handling referrals and partnerships from lawyers, accountants, and professionals in Ohio, Kentucky, and beyond.
Today, John continues to serve as a retirement planner and the heart and soul of our firm. When he’s not visiting with clients across the country, he can be found fishing, spending time with his wife and grandkids, or serving as a referee for high school and college football.
Michael Pickarski, AIF, MBA
CEO and Retirement Planner
Mike Pickarski joined the family business in 2012 after a 10-year career in commercial banking. His first order of business was to expand the firm and bring several new talents and specialties in-house, completing the transition to the Pickarski Financial Group that clients know today.
Along with his father, Mike sets the tone for the company alongside his retirement planning work with individual clients. A graduate of Wittenberg University with an MBA from Ohio Dominican, he points to client victories (like retirement parties) as the best part of his job.
When he’s not looking for ways to grow and innovate the family business, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Megan, and their two kids. He also serves as a referee for football and lacrosse for both high school and college competitions, sometimes working games alongside his father and brother.
Pam Fordham-Smith
Executive Assistant
Pam serves as a bridge between John, Michael, and our retirement planning clients around the country. For 15+ years she’s been a visible fixture in our office, drawing on her love for people to make sure everyone we work with gets personal attention.
A Florida transplant, Pam is often tasked with finding the right person or answer in a pinch. When she’s not talking with clients or conquering a mountain of paperwork, you can find her spending time with her grandkids or spoiling her Yorkie.
Alisha Karns
President
Alisha isn’t just the operational leader of Pickarski Financial Group, she’s also our model of dedication. Having gone from intern to president in just two years, she is tasked with keeping the company running smoothly and turning big-picture concepts into real-world achievements.
A Wittenberg University graduate, Alisha is a perfectionist who relishes taking on new challenges and tough deadlines. When she is away from the office, she loves spending time with her family and enjoying the outdoors.
Terry Mathews
Senior Accountant
Crystal Lawler
Accountant
Kenya Nored
Tax Specialist