LNK Taps Veteran Leader for Aggressive Tri-State Expansion

SADDLE BROOK, NJ – January 26, 2026 – In a significant strategic move poised to reshape its presence in the tri-state area, financial services organization Lee, Nolan & Koroghlian, LLC (LNK) has appointed P. Nick Makriannis as its newest General Agent. The 24-year industry veteran joins the firm's leadership team to help drive an ambitious new phase of growth across the highly competitive New Jersey and New York financial markets.

Makriannis will partner with existing General Agents George Koroghlian, Dominick Iorio, and Adam Cherney to guide the MassMutual-affiliated firm, which currently serves over 51,000 clients and manages more than $4.5 billion in client policy, contract, and account values. His appointment is seen as a clear signal of LNK's intent to accelerate its expansion and deepen its market penetration.

A Proven Architect of Growth

Makriannis arrives at LNK with a formidable reputation built over more than two decades at Equitable Advisors. His career trajectory there was marked by a rapid ascent from a top-performing financial professional to a senior executive recognized for building high-performing teams. He began his career in 2001 and quickly became a leading associate before transitioning into management in 2006.

His leadership acumen was immediately evident. Within three years of entering management, he captured three National Builders Trophies, an internal award recognizing excellence in agency growth. His success continued as a Senior Vice President, where his branch contributed to two President's Trophies, an honor reserved for the top 10 offices within the Equitable system nationally. In 2011, his promotion to Executive Vice President of the Atlantic Branch heralded a period of unprecedented success, where he led the team to four President's Trophies.

Before his move to LNK, Makriannis served as the Northeast Complex President for Equitable Advisors, a role that gave him responsibility for the New England, New Jersey, and Connecticut branches, encompassing over 650 advisors and more than 40 Vice Presidents. His extensive experience in managing large, complex teams and his consistent record of driving growth are seen as core assets he brings to his new role.

Fueling an Already Expanding Firm

Makriannis is not joining a company that is standing still; rather, he is being brought in to pour fuel on an already burning fire. Lee, Nolan & Koroghlian, LLC, founded in 1991, has demonstrated a consistent and impressive growth trajectory over the past decade. For comparison, at the end of 2014, the firm served approximately 40,000 clients with over $3.5 billion in client values. Today's figures of over 51,000 clients and $4.5 billion represent a significant expansion of its client base and assets under management.

With a team of over 100 professionals operating from its Saddle Brook, NJ headquarters and offices in Lakewood, Staten Island, Manhattan, and Garden City, LNK has already established a substantial footprint. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, including life and disability income insurance, retirement and estate planning strategies, and long-term care solutions. The decision to bring in a leader of Makriannis's caliber indicates a strategic pivot from steady growth to accelerated market capture.

The Strategy: Talent, Training, and Market Penetration

The appointment is about more than just numbers; it's a strategic investment in human capital. Makriannis is renowned for his ability to recruit, develop, and empower financial advisors. He co-authored Equitable Advisors' field management training curriculum, "Learn to Lead," and was a founding member of a business planning group, underscoring a deep commitment to professional development. This expertise is central to LNK's plan for the future.

LNK's leadership has been vocal about the strategic value of this hire. "We're incredibly fortunate to have him join our Leadership Team. His reputation, depth of industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to advisor development will elevate our entire organization," said Adam Cherney. This sentiment highlights a focus on enhancing the skills and capabilities of the firm's existing professionals while also attracting new top-tier talent.

George Koroghlian echoed this view, adding, "Nick has a long history of agency building and brings a wealth of experience to our team. He has already made an impact in several of our core areas and I am extremely confident that the future of our agency is in great hands." Makriannis's mandate is clear: to leverage his proven methodologies for talent development to build a larger, more effective team of advisors capable of delivering increasingly sophisticated solutions to a growing client base.

A Key Move in MassMutual's Regional Playbook

This high-profile hire also fits perfectly within the broader corporate strategy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). LNK operates as a local sales office of MassMutual, a model that allows the insurance giant to maintain a powerful regional presence through a network of strong, locally-led firms. By empowering its affiliates with top-tier leadership, MassMutual strengthens its own competitive position without centralizing control.

Strengthening a key firm in the critical New Jersey and New York corridor is a strategic power play. It ensures that MassMutual's network remains resilient and dominant in one of the nation's most important economic regions. This move is supported by MassMutual's own robust financial health; the parent company reported a record $274 billion in wealth management client assets in 2024, providing a stable and resource-rich environment for its affiliates to thrive and expand.

The combination of LNK's established regional strength, Makriannis's proven leadership in building advisory teams, and the formidable backing of MassMutual creates a powerful formula for the firm's future. The appointment signals a clear and decisive strategy to not just compete, but to lead the next chapter of financial services in the tri-state area.