ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL OF ROCHESTER

Membership Spotlight: Victoria Kleehammer, CPA, EFPR Group, LLP

Q: When you're not working, how do you like to spend your free time?

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband Matt and my 2 girls Madison (5) and Rylee (3).  I love watching them learn new things everyday and ask a zillion questions about the world.

Q: What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to be a Child Psychiatrist when I graduated High school, but I also knew I liked numbers. It only took one accounting class in college and I was hooked.  

Q: How did you get started in your field, and what has your career journey looked like?
My journey began in 2007, when I joined EFPR (formerly Eldredge, Fox and Porretti) in their forensic accounting department.  A year later I transitioned into the tax department and have been there ever since.  I was committed to the firm, put my hours in and became Partner in 2021.  Over the years, I found I enjoyed working mostly with Individual & Trust Tax returns and began developing a niche early on in Trust and Estate work.  

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
I enjoy educating my clients and helping them navigate life changes as it relates to their tax return. Filing a tax return can be stressful to some people.  I enjoy talking with the clients and making sure they understand and feel comfortable with what we are filing.  

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Estate Planning Council?
For me, the best part of being a member of the EPC is the networking.  I have made so many professional connections through the EPC, including some friendships.  Building a network of other professionals that focus in Trusts & Estates, is essential when getting into Estate planning.

Past Membership Spotlights

Member Spotlight: Brett Caroselli, MBA, CFP®, CLU®
This quarter, we are excited to shine a spotlight on Brett Caroselli, Financial Advisor at Mapstone Veritas Financial Group. Brett has been a dedicated and valued member of our Estate Planning Council community, and we’re thrilled to learn more about his journey.

Q: How did you get started in your field, and what has your career journey looked like?
Brett’s journey began in 2004, knocking on doors to set up 403b plans for schools. Over the years, his practice evolved into comprehensive financial planning, with a focus on estate planning since 2010. Brett reflects on the early grind and the rewarding growth over time. Building a strong team and client relationships has been at the heart of his success, with key team members like Symantha and Thomas playing crucial roles.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
The most rewarding part for Brett is the relationships he’s built over the years—both with clients and his professional network. Brett values the long-term connections and the constant learning that comes with the ever-evolving nature of financial planning.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Estate Planning Council?
Brett appreciates the camaraderie and learning opportunities within the EPC, where he’s been able to connect with fellow professionals and grow his practice alongside like-minded individuals.

Q: When you're not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
Outside of work, Brett enjoys spending quality time with his wife Jenn and their three children, Charlotte (12), Jake (10), and George (8). Whether it’s outdoor activities or working out, Brett makes the most of his time with family.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
Brett is an avid player of Platform Tennis, also known as “Paddle,” which is a mix of tennis, racquetball, and squash. He’s a regular on the court, especially during the fall, winter, and spring, and loves the great community of players in the area.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Brett and his family love to travel and explore new places. Their next adventure takes them to Paris & Normandy this Spring—a place filled with history, beauty, and adventure!

Brett’s dedication to his clients, his team, and the estate planning community is truly inspiring. We’re proud to have him as a member of the Estate Planning Council!