Broker Check

Sports Division

Focusing on Strategy Development for Professional Athletes 

At Northeast Financial Network we help Athletes better prepare for their financial futures.  Through our macro-economic approach, we focus on the strategies that help our clients achieve their financial goals and dreams.

Our priority is helping you take care of yourself and your family. We want to learn more about your personal situation, identify your dreams and goals, and understand your tolerance for risk. Long-term relationships that encourage open and honest communication have been the cornerstone of my foundation of success.

The Perfect Career for Athletes After the Game

You’re used to dominating the field as a former competitive athlete. Now you’re ready to dominate your career path. You need a high-powered career that puts all of your skills to good use and makes you the star of the team. But which jobs are best suited for former athletes?

The characteristics that made you a great competitor are the same skills that can help you excel in the career as a Financial Advisor. Former athletes are focused, educated, diverse — and ready to thrive in individual and team environments. Your athletic career has given you the workplace-ready attributes such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking.

A career as a financial advisor can be one of the most rewarding career paths a person can take. It provides professional and personal flexibility, the ability to define the career path you want, and make a real difference in the lives of the people in your community. Our staff, mentors, and managers play a significant part in training and developing highly motivated people to become successful in the financial planning marketplace.

Are you ready to make the play?

In order for a Guardian financial representative to use the title of Financial Advisor or Advisor, that individual must be a licensed Investment Adviser Advisor Representative or IAR.  The licenses required to become an IAR are Series 6 or 7 and Series 65 or 66.    Either a  CFP, ChFC, CFA, or PFS designation may substitute for the Series 65 or 66.  Neither Mike Salvatore nor Chris Dapolito are licensed IARs and , therefore they do not hold the Financial Advisor title.”

Locker Room to Conference Room with John Valentin

Our Values
Our History
Our Process

John Valentin made his MLB debut as the starting shortstop against the Texas Rangers on July 27, 1992.

His best season was 1995, when he batted .298 with 27 home runs, 37 doubles, 20 stolen basesand 81 walks. Valentin finished ninth in the American League MVP voting and helped lead the Red Sox to its first division title since 1990. Valentin had a .971 fielding percentage in his first three years as a shortstop for the Red Sox.

He signed with the New York Mets as a free agent after the 2001 season and played in 114 games for them in 2002.

In 11 seasons with the Red Sox and Mets, Valentin had a .279 batting average, and accumulated a total of 1093 hits. He hit 124 career home runs, and had 558 runs batted in.

Valentin is the only Major League player to have pulled off an unassisted triple play, hit for the cycle and hit three home runs in a game.

Some of his career highlights include: Silver Slugger Award (1995) and the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame.

John was a coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers for over 10 years after his career as a player for MLB.

From Coaching Players on the Field to Coaching Advisors Become Successful 

Coach Christian Dapolito 

Managing Director  

Dapolito is the coach for our new associates. When you begin your career as a Financial  Advisor, he will be by your side every step of the way.

Prior to being in Financial Services, he was one of the youngest college head football coaches at age 28 for Pace University. His professional football career includes stints as an athlete in Finland and France. He also played college football as a student at Rutgers and Duke University. Dapolito holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Duke University. 

Farrell Pomponio

Financial Representative

When Farrell is not working with her clients in the field, she can be found on the field. Farrell is also a semi-professional soccer player, and has been playing in numerous professional, international futsal competitions. Recently, she was selected to attend the US National Team Camp in California. As a high-level athlete, Farrell understands the importance of hard work, focus, goal-setting, and teamwork. These same qualities are reflected in her work with clients, and she is passionate about helping other athletes by ensuring they are protected and well-prepared for their financial futures. A graduate of Georgian Court University, Pomponio holds a bachelor's degree in social sciences.  

Christian Schneider 

Financial Professional  

Christian Schneider, a former member of the United States Soccer Federation's (USSF) professional soccer team, has been appointed as a Registered Representative of Northeast Financial Network's Sports Division.  

Prior to working in financial services, Christian played 4 years of collegiate soccer at Springfield College and upon graduation played 4 years professionally in both the United Soccer League (USL) and National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). 

During my time playing professional soccer here in the United States, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the importance of financial education within the sports industry. As a result, I made the choice to join Northeast Financial Network because they are and have always been working to fill that need. Having now joined a team with a great culture and a clear vision of bringing comprehensive planning to an underserved industry like the insurance industry, it is an exciting and fulfilling experience.

In order for a Guardian financial representative to use the title of Financial Advisor or Advisor, that individual must be a licensed Investment Adviser Advisor Representative or IAR. The licenses required to become an IAR are Series 6 or 7 and Series 65 or 66. Either a CFP, ChFC, CFA, or PFS designation may substitute for the Series 65 or 66. Neither John Valentin, Chris Dapolito, nor Farrel Farrell Pomponio are licensed IARs and , therefore they do not hold the Financial Advisor title.