Bruce Zicari

Bruce Zicari

CEO & Managing Partner. The Bonadio Group

Years in current role: 3.5

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I truly love working with so many smart, energetic, passionate, and dedicated professionals. The people at The Bonadio Group work together with purpose to support each other, our clients, and our communities.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with over the past year?

The past year has presented many different challenges. As the pandemic continues to impact everyone on a personal and professional level, ensuring that our team of professionals and our clients remain safe and healthy, both mentally and physically, has been an ongoing challenge that is incredibly important to us to address.

We’ve also faced the challenge of protecting our company culture and employee experience while addressing the need for workplace flexibility. Our culture is what makes Bonadio unique, and it’s what has allowed us to achieve success over the past 40-plus years. However, the past year has taught us a lot about how and where employees would like to work, and we’re continuously looking to support our people while protecting our culture.

What do you see as the biggest changes in the banking and finance industry in the next 3-5 years?

In the next few years, the people in this industry will work differently and continue to look at their careers and their priorities in a new light. As a result, we must change and innovate in a way that addresses their needs by leveraging things like technology and data analytics to be more efficient and provide better tools for our people. With efficiency comes the ability to maintain a better work-life balance and allow for creativity in the ways we get things done for our clients.

What is the No. 1 tip you would give to people or companies about planning their finances amid uncertain times?

Plan! That is the best piece of advice I can give to anyone in terms of financial success. You should always be prepared for the inevitable instead of leaving things up to chance. This includes embracing financial and tax planning by developing a well thought out action plan with the help of your trusted advisors. During uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to stay the course of your plan and stay focused. While there are many uncontrollable events and circumstances, a strong plan and foundation helps individuals and businesses remain successful when difficult times arise.

What community organizations do you support as a volunteer and why?

Nancy & Friends Fighting Cancer, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding groundbreaking cancer research and providing financial assistance directly to families and individuals who cannot afford to battle the disease of cancer. Nancy & Friends was founded in loving memory of my sister and keeps her mission alive of finding a cure for cancer and helping those who suffer. The funds raised through Nancy & Friends are donated to Wilmot Cancer Institute and the Golisano’s Children’s Hospital to help support cancer research and children fighting the disease. It’s very rewarding to see the work we do and the funds we raise make a difference in a very real, immediate and tangible way.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 30 Banking & Finance list for 2021. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at https://rbj.net/2021/12/17/rbjs-power-30-banking-finance/.