A serial entrepreneur, Michael J. Perrone, Managing Director – Investments, started his first business in middle school and has dedicated his career to helping high-achieving clients build on their own success. His mission is to serve as a personal “CFO” for his clients, forming lasting relationships while helping them design a plan to align with their specific life goals.

With clients across the United States, Michael primarily works with equity compensated executives, healthcare executives, business owners, and affluent individuals and families. Michael provides objective and timely guidance for building wealth, with a focus on developing and implementing long-term investment strategies.

Michael has more than 15 years of experience guiding clients through complex wealth management decisions. AdvisorHub ranks Michael #6 of 1,000 top advisors evaluated for their 2026 list* of 50 Next Gen Advisors to Watch. Smith Perrone Byrne-Cody Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors earned a spot on the 2026 list of Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams.* Michael has twice been recognized by Forbes on their prestigious Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State list*, in both 2022 and 2025. In 2025, AdvisorHub also named him to their Advisors to Watch Under $1B** list, spotlighting his sophisticated practice, consistent growth, and dedication to client service.

Michael launched his career in wealth management at Merrill Lynch, where he built the foundation of his advisory practice. He later served as a Senior Vice President at Stifel, earning Chairman and President Council honors. In 2023, he transitioned his practice to Wells Fargo Advisors, continuing to provide tailored wealth management solutions and proactive guidance.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Nazareth University (formerly Nazareth College). He understands the importance of continuing education, for both him and his clients. Michael serves on the board of trustees at Nazareth University and frequently speaks to seminar classes to discuss his experiences and career path with soon-to-be graduates.  He also enjoys sharing his insights into how current events impact financial decisions on his LinkedIn blog, Perrone’s Perspective.

Michael is FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 registered and has earned the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, AWMA®, professional certification through the College of Financial Planning and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary, AIF®, designation through the Center for Fiduciary Studies. For these designations he had to complete approved educational programs, pass rigorous examinations and meet stringent experience requirements that demonstrate his commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.

Michael and his wife, Erica, currently reside in Victor, NY with their daughter, Amelia, and their dogs, Sophie, a half-lab/half-pit bull rescue, and a French bulldog named Frank. He is active in the local community and participates in various charities and civic organizations. As the son of an Army Colonel and Sheriff’s Department Major, Michael is proud to support the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Foundation. Outside the office, he is also passionate about physical and mental fitness and enjoys golfing, cooking and the occasional nice glass of wine with family and friends.










*No payments were made in connection with receiving these awards. 2026 AdvisorHub 50 Next Gen Advisors to Watch: Awarded June 2026; Data compiled by AdvisorHub based on the time period from 12/31/24 - 12/31/25 (Source: AdvisorHub). The 2026 AdvisorHub 50 Next Gen Advisors to Watch rating produced by AdvisorHub is based on industry experience, assets under management, revenue, growth, compliance records, professionalism, and other criteria. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. The rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and is based solely on the disclosed criteria. Fee paid for use of Marketing Materials. 2026 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2026; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/24 - 3/31/25 (Source: Forbes.com). Fee paid for use of Marketing Materials. View award disclosures. 2022 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded August 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22 (Source: Forbes.com).  Fee paid for use of marketing materials. View award disclosures. 2025 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded August 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/24 - 3/31/25 (Source: Forbes.com). Fee paid for use of marketing materials. View award disclosures. The 2025 AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch: Awarded June 2025; Data compiled by AdvisorHub based on the time period from 12/31/23 - 12/31/24 (Source: AdvisorHub). Fee paid for use of marketing materials. View award disclosures.

CA Insurance License Number: 0L80437. Resident State: NY.

As a key member of the team, Laurelle Byrne-Cody assists clients on a daily basis with their questions and needs, and she truly has a passion for helping clients achieve their goals in the most efficient way possible. Her work often includes putting together clients’ financial strategies, as well as brainstorming ways they can achieve their objectives and, if all goes according to plan, enjoy a worry-free retirement.

Laurelle joined the financial services industry in 2016, when she began working at Merrill Lynch after graduating from the University of Rochester with a degree in economics. She became an advisor in 2017 and successfully completed Merrill Lynch’s Advisor Development Program. She is FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 registered. Smith Perrone Byrne-Cody Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors ranks #132 in the 2026 list of Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams.* Laurelle also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation, awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.**

Laurelle lives in Rochester, NY with her fiancé Brittany and their English Springer Spaniel Penny. She proudly serves on the Junior Board of Rochester’s Society for Protection and Care of Children. Laurelle loves to travel and appreciates exploring new restaurants. She also enjoys golfing, skiing, and all things having to do with professional sports.

CA Insurance License Number: 4386428. Resident State NY.



*No payments were made in connection with receiving this award. 2026 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2026; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/24 - 3/31/25 (Source: Forbes.com). Fee paid for use of Marketing Materials. View award disclosures.

**Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

CA Insurance License Number: 4386428. Resident State: NY.

Karly Bray works closely with clients to foster trust and build strong, long-term relationships. Karly joined Michael J. Perrone and the rest of the team at Wells Fargo Advisors in 2025. She maintains regular communication, answering questions and ensuring client needs are met efficiently while maintaining high standards of service and compliance. Smith Perrone Byrne-Cody Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors ranks #132 in the 2026 list of Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams.*

Karly earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in marketing from State University of
New York at Geneseo. 

A former Division III student-athlete, Karly was elected captain of her college swim team by teammates and coaches. She stays active with running and Pilates and enjoys beach adventures with her parents and her dog.



*No payments were made in connection with receiving this award. 2026 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2026; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/24 - 3/31/25 (Source: Forbes.com). Fee paid for use of Marketing Materials. View award disclosures.