Membership Spotlight: Mark Katelhon (he/him/his)

Description of product or service:
I am a Financial Advisor who helps LGBTQ clients gain financial clarity in today’s fast paced times. I have an unequalled passion for educating people in the LGBT community on retirement planning risks and protecting themselves and their loved ones. I have almost 30 years experience in serving the community in the areas of life & disability insurance, group health plans as well as investments and wealth management. My clients include individuals, professionals, small businesses and their families.

How many years have you been with company or in business?
I have been with Lincoln Financial for 3 years and in the financial services business for almost 30 years.

What company or organization you respect most and why?
I greatly respect Inter-American University in San Juan Puerto Rico. They treated me as one of their own the entire time I attended the English-speaking trimester program. IAU is middle states accredited by the Middle States Higher Education Association in Philadelphia. The University was founded in 1902 and has an ABA accredited Law school as well. If I come into a lot of money, I will remember IAU in my estate plans.

Which business leader or innovator do you most want to emulate and why?
Probably Mark Segal from the PGN. He is an innovator, publisher and author and believes in our community. He refused to back down from politicians or the police when it was dangerous to do so and we all have benefited from the inroads that he paved for us. His courage has enabled the local LGBT community to thrive and prosper.

What is the most important business decision you’ve made to date?
The two most important business decisions I have made are joining the IBA and transitioning my financial insurance and investment practice over to Lincoln Financial from another company.

What is the most important life decision you’ve made to date?
The most important life decision that I made was to go back to graduate school in 1993 and earn an MBA in 1996 from Inter American University in San Juan, PR. It was a totally rewarding experience. I was immersed in a Spanish speaking environment both at school and in everyday life on the island. Additionally, Puerto Rico has a rich and diverse LGBT community. In fact, it was someone from the LGBT community, Ben Gillespie that started the St. Patrick’s Day parade on the island.

When and why did you join the IBA?
I joined the IBA to make friends and create new business contacts in the LGBT community. I could not think of a better way to accomplish both objectives. And the IBA staff has been supportive as well giving us platforms to meet people such as the Virtual Coffee hour and Connx.

Since joining the IBA, what has been the greatest advantage to you and your business being a member of the Chamber?
The greatest advantage to joining the IBA has been to give me access to business, professionals and entrepreneurs in the LGBT community. Joining the IBA has opened doors that otherwise would not have been opened.

What is your proudest moment, honor, or achievement?
My proudest achievement was obtaining a 3.88/4.0 MBA in Finance and Marketing from IAU

What programs, outreach, or organizations are you involved in that give back to the community?
I have been a sponsor for the Elder Care Initiative as well as have participated in their events. Supporting LGBT seniors is a passion of mine. I have also provided free workshops at the William Way Center over the years on different financial topics to all that show up. I met a lot of diverse and really nice people there.

What is a little known fact about you?
I’m really shy and had to overcome this by practicing public speaking and standing in front of a mirror memorizing a speech until it became second nature.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
I like to explore new restaurants in the city and suburbs. Especially Fishtown and Northern Liberties.

To date, what has been your most favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot over the years has been the Island of Puerto Rico. Since my first trip there in 1986, I have been back and forth at least 40-50 times. I liked it so much that I moved there to attend graduate school. The weather is great, and the people are very friendly. I also like Fort Lauderdale and Orlando for quick get-a-ways.

What is the last book you read?
“I will teach you to be Rich” by Ramit Sethi