Investing Early, Building Financial Confidence, & Leading Locally - A Conversation with Colby Feane

Send a textIn this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily Miller and Steve McDonnell sit down with Colby Feane, Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Portfolio Manager at Wealth Enhancement Group.A longtime friend of Wilmac and former AAU basketball teammate of Steve, Colby joins the show to close out 2025 with a candid conversation. He reflects on his journey from Upstate New York and two-sport college athletics, to starting his career on J.P. Morgan’s institutional foreign exchange desk in New York City, and ultimately returning to Rochester to build a long-term professional and personal home.With more than two decades in investment management, Colby explains why investing often feels intimidating, especially for younger generations, and why education, time, and consistency matter more than trying to time the market. He also shares how employers can better support employees through financial education and 401(k) participation.The conversation also highlights Colby’s deep involvement in the Rochester community, including his work with the Greater Rochester YMCA, Monroe Community College Foundation, and Hobart College athletics, and why workforce development and accessible education are critical to the region’s future.Here’s what you’ll hear about:Colby’s path from college athletics to Wall Street and portfolio managementLessons from working in high-pressure financial environmentsWhy investing feels intimidating and how education helps close the gapPractical guidance on 401(k) participation and long-term planningHow community involvement shapes leadership and business impactWhether you are navigating your financial future, building a career, or invested in the growth of the Rochester business community, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective to wrap up the year.Episode Breakdown:0:02 Welcome and intro 1:15 Colby’s background and early career 6:45 Life at J.P. Morgan and Wall Street lessons 12:30 Wealth Enhancement Group and financial education 18:40 401(k) basics and investing mindset 26:30 Community involvement and board work 34:50 Rochester’s business community and future outlook 41:30 Closing thoughts and season wrap-upConnect with the speakers:Emily Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-666b66152/ Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ Colby Feane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-feane-cfa-88a814a6/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Cvso2DY4iREpGNdLgE34J?si=3809079add8f4e40