For many business owners, balancing the pursuit of growth, profitability, and employee satisfaction can feel like walking a tightrope. Charles Dweck understands this reality deeply—not just as a financial professional, but as someone who once owned and operated a family-run retail business. That experience gave him firsthand knowledge of the operational and emotional demands entrepreneurs face. Today, he channels that insight into helping other business owners turn their retirement plans into powerful tools designed for financial growth and employee engagement.
From Business Owner to Strategic Advisor
Before entering the financial services world, Charles ran a family business—an experience that shaped his current philosophy. “Managing tax liabilities and retaining top talent were always top concerns,” he shares. “I realized that 401(k) planning offered a solution to both challenges.” That realization sparked a career shift and a passion for helping to design retirement strategies that benefit both business owners and their employees.
Designing Retirement Plans That Do More
Charles’s approach to retirement planning goes far beyond the standard. He designs customized plans that align with both the business’s long-term growth potential and the personal wealth objectives of its owners and executives. “Every plan we develop is unique,” he explains. “We tailor it not only to help control costs and enhance retention but also to serve as a sophisticated financial planning tool for leadership.”
The result? Plans that aren’t just benefits—they could also be considered strategic assets.
Personalized Education That Drives Participation
What truly sets Charles’s model apart is his commitment to personalized financial guidance. “So many retirement providers offer generic education that doesn’t connect with the individual,” he says. “We meet one-on-one with each participant to help ensure they understand how the plan fits into their own financial picture.” We feel that this personalized approach delivers real value—especially in a job market where employees are increasingly seeking more from their employers. A recent Morgan Stanley study found that over half of employees consider access to retirement planning guidance a top priority when evaluating job opportunities.1 Likewise, a 2024 survey by J.P. Morgan revealed that three out of four participants want more direct guidance from financial professionals.2
“By offering access to individualized advice, employers can stand out in a competitive talent market without incurring major additional costs,” Charles adds.
Solving Common Plan Pitfalls
When Charles reviews existing 401(k) plans, he often uncovers a pattern: outdated structures, high fees, and a lack of fiduciary oversight. “Many business owners assume their plan is fine, but it hasn’t been benchmarked or updated in years,” he notes. His team conducts detailed reviews to help uncover cost savings, improve investment lineups, and ensure compliance.
He stresses that while recordkeepers are important, he feels that it’s the advisor who truly drives value. “Recordkeeping has become commoditized. The differentiator is service—having an advisor who understands both the fiduciary duties and responsibilities of the plan administrator, can help reduce unnecessary expenses, and continually improve the plan.”
The Human Side of Retirement Planning
At the heart of Charles’s work is a genuine appreciation for the people he serves. “The most rewarding part is seeing our clients succeed,” he reflects. “Helping them put the right strategy in place—one that is designed to build wealth and create a more supportive work culture—is incredibly fulfilling.”
A Purpose-Driven Philosophy
Ask Charles what he does, and he’ll tell you: “We help business owners strategically leverage their companies to help fund their personal financial goals, while simultaneously fostering a work environment that is engaging, rewarding, and enriching for their employees.”
In today’s complex business landscape, that kind of clarity—and impact—is what sets professionals like Charles Dweck apart. Through thoughtful retirement plan design and an unwavering focus on personalized support, he empowers business owners to not only grow their companies but also create lasting financial legacies—for themselves and their teams.
Charles Dweck is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. www.SIPC.org 420 Lexington Ave, Suite 2510 New York, NY, 10170. (212) 578-0300. Neither MML Investors Services, LLC nor any of its subsidiaries, employees or representatives are authorized to give legal or tax advice. Consult your own personal attorney legal or tax counsel for advice on specific legal and tax matters. CRN202805-8695999
1https://www.morganstanley.com/atwork/articles/state-of-workplace-financial-benefits-study