Today we’d like to introduce you to Dean Ferraro.
Hi Dean, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up with a deep awareness of how money can shape families and communities, for better or worse. As an enrolled member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, I saw firsthand how financial systems often overlooked Native families, leaving many feeling left out of opportunities to build and protect wealth. That experience stayed with me.
My path into wealth management wasn’t traditional. I didn’t come from a long line of investors or bankers; I came from a family that had to work hard to understand and navigate the financial world on our own. Along the way, I saw how intimidating and impersonal the industry could feel—especially for first-generation investors and those with no family history of investing.
Co-founding Longhouse Wealth Management was my way of changing that. The Longhouse is a traditional Mohawk symbol of community, heritage, and family. Our firm carries that same spirit: we exist to guide families through the complexities of investing while honoring their stories, values, and goals.
Today, when I sit with clients—whether they have generations of wealth behind them or they’re just beginning their financial journey—I think back to my own family and community. That perspective grounds me. For me, this work is about more than growing portfolios; it’s about building confidence, creating legacies, and making sure people feel they belong in the world of wealth management.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. In fact, part of what led me to co-found Longhouse Wealth Management were the very challenges I experienced firsthand.
Early in my career, I realized how hard it was for people—especially first-generation investors and Native families—to even get in the door. Many firms set high minimums and spoke in a language that felt inaccessible. I often found myself bridging that gap, spending extra time educating and encouraging clients who didn’t come from a background of wealth. It was rewarding, but also a challenge to balance that with the traditional expectations of the industry.
Starting Longhouse meant taking the leap to create a firm that could do things differently. Of course, entrepreneurship brought its own obstacles—building trust, managing compliance, growing assets under management, and finding the right clients who aligned with our mission. There were times when the weight of starting something new felt heavy, but those moments also clarified why I was doing this in the first place.
The struggles, whether personal or professional, have always been part of the journey. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of staying true to the vision: making wealth management accessible, personal, and rooted in values that matter.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
About Longhouse Wealth Management
Longhouse Wealth Management is proud to be one of the only Native American–owned Registered Investment Advisors in the United States. That fact alone sets us apart in an industry where Native voices are rarely represented at the leadership level.
We’re an independent RIA, which means we put clients first, free from product sales pressures or hidden agendas. Our mission is to guide families through investing, retirement planning, and tax strategies in a way that’s both professional and deeply personal. More than half of our clients are Native American women—a reflection of the trust we’ve earned in communities that financial services firms have historically underserved.
What sets us apart is our approach. At Longhouse, we don’t just manage portfolios—we walk alongside our clients, educating, empowering, and helping them align their money with their values and goals. The Longhouse itself is a symbol of community and heritage, and our firm carries that same spirit into every client relationship.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Longhouse feels different from the typical wealth management firm. We’ve created a space where people feel respected, included, and understood—where no one is “too small” to be taken seriously. At the heart of everything we do is a simple promise: to help families build wealth, protect their legacies, and feel at home in the financial world.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
How to Work With Us
Working with Longhouse Wealth Management is simple:
Become a client: If you’re ready to take the next step in your financial journey, we’d love to talk. Whether you’re starting fresh or managing significant assets, we’ll help you align your wealth with your goals and values.
Collaborate: We welcome partnerships with organizations, tribal programs, and professionals who share our mission of empowering first-time investors and Native families. Let’s team up to expand financial education and access.
Support: One of the best ways to support us is by sharing our story. As one of the only Native-owned RIAs in the U.S.—and with more than half of our clients being Native American women—every introduction and referral helps us continue making an impact.
At the end of the day, we’re here to guide, educate, and empower. If you or someone you know is looking for a trusted partner in building wealth, protecting legacies, and planning for the future, we’d be honored to connect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://longhousewm.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/longhousewm
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/longhousewm
- TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@longhousewealth
- Book an Appointment: longhousewm.com/appointment
- Phone: (760) 642-1100
Image Credits
i own the rights to all the photos
