We are a dedicated team of marketing and client service professionals who understand the dizzying pace of the investment management environment and the importance of delivering exceptional materials, flawless data and superior service. We have established strong relationships with investment consultants, database managers and other third-party intermediaries, and have broad product knowledge across all asset classes. Our senior professionals have an average of 20 years of experience in marketing support and data management, providing clients with peace of mind and allowing them to devote valuable internal resources to other essential functions within their organizations.

Founder

Lauren Cola is the Founder and CEO of A.S.A.P. Advisor Services, Inc. and is dedicated to the idea that responding to requests for information should not be a burden. Nor should data collection and other administrative tasks take sales and marketing professionals away from their core business of attracting and retaining clients. With over 24 years of progressive line, management, and consulting experience, Lauren's background encompasses investment management marketing and technical product management. Prior to founding A.S.A.P. Advisor Services, Inc., Lauren worked for Citibank Asset Management, Bankers Trust Company, Chase Asset Management, HSBC Asset Management, and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Lauren is a member of the Association of Investment Management Sales Executives (AIMSE) and the Professional Association for Investment Communications Resources (PAICR). She holds a B.S. degree from Boston University and is a graduate of the Wharton/AIMSE Investment Marketing Program. Click here for a video message from Lauren.

Executive Staff

Jill Banaszak is the SVP of Client and Consultant Relations at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. Since joining the firm in 2005, she has been an Account Manager for both traditional and hedge fund managers. Jill has been instrumental in heading the Client Service group, working with all Client Service Managers and the Quality Assurance team to provide exceptional service. Prior to joining A.S.A.P., Jill worked in the marketing and advertising industry, developing marketing campaigns for various businesses.

Jill is an active member of the Association of Investment Management Sales Executives (AIMSE) and the Professional Association for Investment Communications Resources (PAICR). She holds a B.S. degree in Public Relations (with a minor in Business Administration), with highest honors, from the University of Florida.

Melanie Horvath is the Managing Director of Global Sales and Marketing at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. She has over 19 years of investment marketing, product management, and database/RFP management experience. Melanie spent 14 years at Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management (now known as Allianz Global Investors Capital), where she held several marketing management positions, including managing the firm’s product management, database, and RFP teams. Melanie’s specific experience includes developing strategic marketing plans, conducting global competitive analysis, and automating data collection. After spending 8 years as a client of A.S.A.P. Advisor Services, Inc., Melanie joined the A.S.A.P. team in 2009.

Melanie is a member of the Association of Investment Management Sales Executives (AIMSE) and the Professional Association for Investment Communications Resources (PAICR). She holds a B.B.A. degree, with an emphasis on Marketing, from National University School of Business.

Management Staff

Nancy Bowers is the Director of Operations at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. She has more than 10 years of experience in the asset management/alternative investment industry, specifically within accounting and operations. Nancy began her career at Merrill Lynch, where she held several positions in Mutual Fund Accounting. Prior to joining A.S.A.P., Nancy spent 5 years at Goldman Sachs, where she worked in Operations and Portfolio Management.

Nancy holds a B.S. in Accounting, with high honors, from Rider University.

Sharí Cruz is the Business Development Manager at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. She joined the team in 2005 and leads the firm’s sales efforts. During her tenure, Sharí has helped build A.S.A.P. to a base of over 70 asset management clients worldwide. Prior to joining A.S.A.P., Sharí was a Sales & Marketing Associate at kasina, a consulting firm specializing in e-business and distribution for investment managers. She has more than 6 years of experience in the investment management industry.

Sharí is an active member of the Association of Investment Management Sales Executives (AIMSE) and the Professional Association for Investment Communications Resources (PAICR). She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Adelphi University.

Colleen Flentie is a Client Service Manager at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. She has more than 13 years of experience in the investment management industry, primarily in marketing, client service, and database/RFP management. Most recently, Colleen was a Business Development Specialist with Janus Capital Group, Inc., where she was responsible for managing Consultant and Third Party databases.

Colleen holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Management, from Mount St. Mary’s College.

John Foehl is a Client Service Associate at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. He has five years experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining A.S.A.P., John worked for a large hedge fund administrator and then a registered investment advisor. John was responsible for internal/external communications and servicing of existing investors.

John holds a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Arizona State University.

Jessica Gaudette is a Senior Project Manager at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. She joined A.S.A.P. in March 2010 as an independent contractor and became a project manager in October 2010. Jessica has been a virtual professional for the last four years in a variety of roles, including recruiting specialist, data validation technician, and virtual assistant for an Aflac Regional Sales Coordinator.

 

Rachel Goodrich is the Director of Consulting at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. She joined A.S.A.P. in April 2010 as an independent contractor and became a manager in October 2010. She is an operations professional with over 10 years of Client Service management experience and 7 years of data analysis experience. Her experience includes statistical forecasting and the streamlining of processes through LEAN.

Rachel holds an A.A. in Paralegal Studies from Phillips College.

Lisa Hensel is the Director of Client Service at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. She has more than 10 years of experience in the financial services/investment management industry, specifically within marketing, client service, and database/RFP management. Most recently, Lisa was Manager of Marketing and Sales Support for Brandywine Global Investment Management, where she led the Marketing and Sales Support team for both Institutional and Retail channels.

Lisa holds a B.S. in Business Administration, with an emphasis on Marketing, from Messiah College and an M.B.A., with honors, from Goldey Beacom College.

Jim Huber is a Client Service Associate at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. He has more than 8 years of experience in the financial services/investment management industry, specifically within marketing and database/RFP management. Jim spent six years with Wells Fargo Funds Management as Assistant Vice President, where he led the Mutual Funds Information team supporting both Institutional and Retail Channels.

Jim holds a B.S. in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance and Banking, from San Francisco State University.

Nikki Metz is the Director of Automation & IT at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. Since joining the firm in 2009, Nikki has successfully trained and motivated a global workforce while maintaining a focus on client satisfaction, overall quality levels, and operating costs. Nikki began her career in the financial services/investment management industry in 2001 as a personal assistant to a financial advisor, following which she spent 4 years as a team manager at an independent broker-dealer.

Nikki obtained her NASD Series 7 license in 2004. She holds an A.A. degree from Indian Hills Community College.

Ben Smucker is a Business Development Associate at A.S.A.P. Advisor Services. Since joining the firm in August of 2010, Ben has headed a consultative sales initiative to educate clients on A.S.A.P. marketing services. Before joining A.S.A.P, Ben was a sales manager with Peer Analytics, a quant group in San Francisco.

Ben holds a B.A. in Recreational Management from Alderson-Broaddus College.