Inside Consumer United :: Seth Urbanowski

Seth Urbanowski joined Consumer United in July of last year. Originally from Granville near Springfield, MA, Urbanowski attended Emmanuel College in Boston and spearheads Consumer United's home insurance division helping members in New York and Pennsylvania.

A die-hard beach enthusiast during the summer and skier in the winter, Urbanowski believes in Consumer United's vision to help members save on basic services and enjoys interacting with members throughout the Northeast. “The best part about my job is getting to speak with so many different people each day. They all have different needs and personalities and I enjoy both the challenges and rewards that brings,” he says.

How does Urbanowski save money? “One way I regularly save money is by purchasing most of my groceries and household goods in bulk. I'm able to take advantage of sales to their fullest and reduce trips to the store which conserves gas.”

As far as financial advice, Urbanowski says he turned to his father for help. “He advised me to switch my savings account from a traditional bank to a high-yield Internet savings account. Many of these are offered through well-known national banks but they can only be serviced online or over the phone. The advantage is clear because they often pay interest two or three times that of traditional banks.”

Inside Consumer United :: Justin Petaccio

We welcome Justin Petaccio to our team at Consumer United. Petaccio is working full time as an advocate, and thinks Consumer United is great because it's such a simple idea that can lower monthly bills with very minimal effort.

What is Petaccio's favorite personal finance advice? "Don't eat out! Especially not multiple meals a day. You can make better food in larger quantities for less money in your own kitchen!" Petaccio also tries his best to avoid the unnecessary little things. He finds it too easy to spend money here, there, and then all of a sudden he's spent a lot of money with nothing to show for it. This way he can save up for things he really wants to buy.

Petaccio's free time is spent fixing up a scooter he bought last week. "I know nothing about cars, but there's no better way to learn then to practically rebuild the whole thing myself." Petaccio prefers the outdoors to indoors, and loves to travel. "I've been to 10 different countries, from Costa Rica to India. Most recently I went to Jamaica (for the second time). Ya Mon!"

Inside Consumer United :: Jeffrey Burt

Jeffrey Burt works full time as a Consumer United Advocate helping the average consumer save money on car insurance and home owners insurance. Burt has made new friendships, and enjoys the fast-paced environment that Consumer United offers. "Being a part of a company that is growing at the rate of Consumer United is something special," he says.

What is Burt's favorite personal finance advice? "Set short and long-term goals for yourself, and base all of your decisions upon reaching those goals." Burt saves money by following his own advice, and making sure he doesn't exceed his set budgets.

Outside of work, Burt enjoys being with close friends, and pro-actively works to help the environment. He's a NASCAR aficionado, and also enjoys sailing and playing golf during the summer.

Before Consumer United, Burt worked for Perkins School for the Blind helping out with the manufacturing team building Braille typewriters.

Inside Consumer United :: Brendan Fallon

Brendan Fallon works full time as a Consumer United advocate, helping the average person save money on basic services.

Working at Consumer United, Fallon enjoys interacting with a group of intelligent and motivated young co-workers who believe in what they do, and the goals of the company. "It's refreshing to work with people who care about their jobs and the consumers we help," he says.

How does Fallon save money? "I try to save money by enjoying many of the free activities in and around Boston. Nothing beats a concert or movie at the half shell during the summer." He also shops at clearance sales, but makes sure never to buy anything at first sight. Fallon frequently checks up on products online in order to take advantage of sales.

What is Fallon's favorite personal finance advice? "Finance is all about balance. Yes, you should save for the future but not to the extremes that cut into the quality of life you live. It is important to be prepared for retirement, but you should also have fun along the way."

A Boston University graduate, Fallon enjoys visiting museums, reading the New Yorker, watching VH1 reality television and taking advantage of Boston's night life.

Inside Consumer United :: Philia Yiu

Philia Yiu is a member of our Consumer United team, and works full time as a Consumer United Advocate.

How does Yiu save money? "I save money by knowing how much money I have." And her financial motto? "Have no debt, save and invest!"

Yiu enjoys the people she works with. "Without them, I don't know what I'd do!" She also believes in her advocacy, and believes in better deals together. "Nobody wants to spend more, when you can pay less." Yiu's entire family is currently enrolled in Consumer United services, along with many of her friends.

In Yiu's free time, she hangs around with friends. On Saturday mornings, she volunteers at the Steppingstone Foundation where she tutors kids. Yiu enjoys sports, art galleries, live concerts, camping, swimming and eating.

Before Consumer United, Yiu graduated from Syracuse University in May 2008.

Inside Consumer United :: Peter Richardson

Peter Richardson is our newest Consumer United advocate, helping the average person save money. Richardson enjoys his job because of the people and the general office environment. "It's fun because it's a young office with a lot of positive energy," he says.

How does Richardson save money? "I save money by taking a portion of my paycheck and investing it on a monthly basis into a mutual fund," he adds. Richardson believes in investing early, in order to be financially independent when it's time to retire.

When not at Consumer United, Richardson likes to relax and play video games. He is an avid sports fan and is a member of a few fantasy sports leagues. Before Consumer United, Richardson worked in the trades received room at Brown Brothers, and was a Financial Service Specialist at ICM AIG Financial Advisors.

Inside Consumer United :: Orit Beitler

Orit Beitler's next adventure? Consumer United.

We welcome Beitler to our Consumer United team! Beitler is excited to help negotiate the best services and deals for consumers. Beitler believes in Consumer United because the customers will be able to save money, and receive excellent care and service by the company's representatives.

What is Beitler's favorite personal finance advice? "The future is always cheaper. If you save what can buy you one donut a day, in ten years the compounded amount will buy you several more donuts." Other ways to save? "Compare, compare, compare."

Each season Beitler enjoys doing different things. In winter, Beitler loves skiing, reading, and working out at the gym. In summer, Beitler is a fan of diving ... she was proposed to under water (and said yes)! Come spring and autumn you will find Beitler hiking, and traveling. Beitler has even climbed Mt. Kenya, which is the second highest mountain in Africa.

Before Consumer United, Beitler worked in the telecommunication industry focusing on several areas in the supply chain, operations and sales, both in Israel and the U.S. Beitler is currently a Sloan Fellow student at MIT.

Inside Consumer United :: Bridget O'Sullivan

After working remotely with the content and marketing arm of Consumer United, Bridget O'Sullivan is excited to be back at our Boston-based headquarters on South Street.

Graduating from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland last December, the former intern is back in action... employed full time at Consumer United. "It's amazing to see how much the company has grown in less than two years. The office is full of great energy and talent ... and it's a lot of fun to be here again."

A few of O'Sullivan's responsibilities include collecting and analyzing information on basic-service providers so Consumer United can continue to roll out money-saving deals for its members.

Advice from O'Sullivan? "My favorite personal finance advice is to put all of the money you come across into the bank. You'll be more likely to save it because you have to make that extra effort to take it out again."

Inside Consumer United :: Adam Dvorzak

Consumer United advocate Adam Dvorzak enjoys helping members by providing them with accurate information and money-saving tips on basic services.

Dvorzak believes in Consumer United's vision to help members save on basic services and likes working in an innovative, gung-ho environment. Being a part of Consumer United in its infancy was a thrilling experience for him because in only a short amount of time, he's seen a tremendous amount of growth.

What's Dvorzak's favorite way to save? "Brewing my own coffee each morning and making breakfast at home and not owning a vehicle and using the MBTA," he says.

He brings his lunch to work daily and lives as green as possible because this enables one to save money and the environment at the same time.

When Dvorzak isn't working hard at Consumer United, he's exploring the city, trying new restaurants or hitting the dance floor on the weekends.

"I'm a music junkie!" he emotes. "I enjoy listening to and producing music (favorites include electro, house, hip-hop). I'm also a big hockey and football fan."

Before Consumer United, Dvorzak worked at a history museum and developed an educational program which essentially provided a "Museum in a Box" series of traveling exhibits to students in low-income neighborhoods.

--Noelle Sevoian

Inside Consumer United :: Kristin Williams

Kristin Williams began at Consumer United in September, working full time as a Consumer United Advocate. She loves to save Consumer United members money on basic services, especially for insurance products. Since Williams' arrival, Consumer United has expanded its reach to New Jersey and hired more people.

"It's amazing to see how much the company has grown in such a short time," she says.

What's Williams' favorite personal finance advice? She believes one should shop around, especially at the grocery store. Williams usually sticks to the store brand. "I always look at the price per pound/ounce to know that I'm getting the best deal for my money, and I hardly ever buy name-brand products." Williams also uses a monthly budget as a tool fo saving, and keeping her expenditures in check.

During her off time, Williams volunters at a local theater company called Bad Habit Productions. She loves every minute of it. Williams just finished working on "The Laramie Project," marking her fifteenth show. She works mostly behind the scenes, usually as a stage manager, director or in lighting/sound design. Not only is Williams dedicated to theater, she's a photographer as well. She does mostly landscape work, but loves photographing people.

Williams adds, "Consumer United not only helps people save money but we help people get set up with things they need at a great price, with only a phone call or a few minutes spent on the internet."

Before Consumer United, Williams graduated from Washington State University in May. She worked for an editor of a Scientific Journal while in school earning her degree in Entrepreneurship.

Inside Consumer United :: Aaron Biedrzycki

Aaron Biedrzycki is a man with customer service on his mind and savings in his heart.

As a consumer advocate, Biedrzycki is motivated to save his clients money while navigating through the complexities of switching auto and home insurance providers.

"We're pioneers," the consumer advocate says. "Some select alumni groups or employers can get group discounts with certain insurance companies, but with Consumer United, anyone and everyone who signs up to be a member can enjoy these benefits. We're not elitists, we're just interested in helping those who need it the most to lower their cost of living."

Biedrzycki has experienced an enormous amount of growth since his beginning. The advocate call center has tripled in size. The scope of his job is constantly changing, which means there's never a dull moment at the office. Biedrzycki believes that everyone at Consumer United has contributed in creating a great atmosphere, and everyone is genuinely enthusiastic about the growing membership, one satisfied customer at a time.

How does Biedrzycki save money? He's real big on creating a budget, although he never used to be. "Once you take the time to map out all your expenses, you get a much better idea of how much 'disposable income' you have, and from there you can establish reasonable goals of putting some money aside or making a major purchase." He believes that one should live within one's means. Especially nowadays, there is an increased need to "trim the fat" and not make hasty or unnecessary purchases.

Biedrzycki grew up in New Hampshire, spending a considerable amount of time outdoors. He enjoys camping and hiking every chance he gets, in all seasons and weather conditions. When he's forced to remain indoors, he's a pretty big film/movie buff and enjoys live music whenever he can. Biedrzycki is an eagle scout as well. As soon as the office got wind of this, they immediately started calling him "Eagle,"a moniker that has now become permanent.

And his clients? "My clients can still call me Aaron though."

Inside Consumer United :: Brandon Morrocco

Brandon Morrocco is our newest team member at Consumer United, working full time as a Consumer United advocate. Morrocco feels it's inspiring to be a part of a company that is growing so fast. He says it's even more inspiring to imagine where it will be this time next year.

Morrocco believes in Consumer United and the group's mission to save its members money on basic services. When asked how Consumer United will help the average consumer, Morrocco replies: "Consumer United just plain helps, because every penny saved is another penny that can make life more enjoyable. Big-time companies tend to push the average consumer around, it's great to see an organization fighting for the consumer."

How does Morrocco save money? "I save money by putting it in an account with no debit card, or giving it to my girlfriend and telling her not to spend it. Or, I use Ramen noodles as my sole food group." In his free time, Morrocco likes to relax, spend time with his family and watch TV. He loves sports, and has a passion for food whether it be cooking or dining at one of his many area restaurants.

What is Morrocco's favorite financial advice? "Pay off all your debt before saving or investing. The rates on debts are generally 200 to 300 percent higher than investments so whats the point of investing when you have debt that completely washes out any profit you might accrue?"

Before Consumer United, Morrocco graduated from University of Vermont in 2006. He then moved to Florida and worked for Allstate. Now he's in Boston. Morrocco also enjoys travelling. He has been to Russia, Cuba, Spain, France, Italy and England.

Inside Consumer United :: Dan Marzinotto

Daniel Marzinotto joined Consumer United working full time as a Consumer United advocate showing the everyday consumer how to save on basic services. Marzinotto has developed great friendships and really appreciates what the company is doing for consumers.

When Marzinotto began, there were only seven employees. Now there are over 25. He quickly understood the concept of a start-up company and how vital each and every person's role is in the grand scheme. As a saver himself, Marzinotto believes Consumer United will help consumers band together online and recognize the importance of saving on necessities.

How does Marzinotto save money? By eating out less and buying weekly groceries and cooking at home. "I don't think people understand how much money they can save monthly by buying groceries," he says. Marzinotto sets a weekly budget. Setting a budget is key. "I categorize by necessities, personal spending and saving and investing. Save weekly or monthy and consider the money you save or invest lost. It's not called saving if you want to take from it consistently."

Marzinotto is an artist and focuses on oil painting. His style is realistic. He went to art school and learned an important lesson. Art, technology and Marzinotto do not mix. He is a fine artist, and that's that. He also likes to stay fit and maintains a weekly workout routine. Marzinotto runs 3 times a week, along with lifting, sit-ups and push-ups.

Inside Consumer United :: George Lazar

George Lazar joined Consumer United in September as a part-time member of our online creative team. Lazar attends Emerson College as a graduate student of integrated marketing. As a Consumer United advocate, Lazar wants to help the average consumer get the best deals on basic services.

Lazar joined the team with a strong creative background. He was a copywriter and eventually entered ad film production where he worked as an assistant director. He interned at Arnold Worldwide on the Volvo and RadioShack brands. Lazar received his MBA from Loyola Institute of Business Administration, in Chennai, India. When asked what he likes about Consumer United, Lazar remarks: "I enjoy the informal work environment and the speed at which things are executed. This is a lean-mean outfit without the red tape."

How does Lazar save money? By taking public transportation, and renting a car for long trips. He ventures online to find coupons. "Looking for store specific coupons in my mail box during promos is also a good way," Lazar says. He buys goods toward the end of the month, and at the end of a quarter (financial year). At this time, most stores have added pressure to sell, so they offer great deals. Another sure fire way Lazar saves money is to shop at Haymarket, located in downtown Boston for his fruits and veggies.

Lazar's advice to combat the current financial crisis? "Buy shares when the market is down, as you can make a killing when shares go up. In the case of a well managed company, the shares usually do (go up)."

As a big movie fan, you might find Lazar at your local Boston theater. He makes sure to catch up on all the latest blockbusters. He also enjoys going to new and undiscovered places, away from the crowd. And he cooks one mean chicken curry.

Inside Consumer United :: Daniel Weaver

Daniel Weaver joined Consumer United after moving from Kentucky only months ago. He works full time as a Consumer United advocate and feels great about working for a company that honestly cares about helping people out. Weaver believes he has found a job that fits.

Starting at Consumer United during its infancy has definitely been an excellent educational opportunity for Weaver. "Consumer United is full of bright and talented people. More than any other place I've worked," he says. "Everyone at Consumer United works as a team in order to accomplish our objectives. As we continue to grow, we face a lot of challenges and we are meeting those challenges."

Weaver enjoys getting home from his job and feeling like he's put in a full day. "Working for a start-up company is very rewarding!"

How does Weaver save money? "My personal financial advice is not to pass up any opportunity to earn easy money and save that money. It may seem silly, but I always seem to find spare change while walking around town."

Weaver saves this money and treats himself to something nice when it amounts to something. He's pleasantly surprised when his change jar is worth more than $75. Weaver cooks at home as much as he can and enjoys a great deal of free activities. "They're everywhere!"

Weaver loves to cook and is an avid music collector. He spends a lot of time digging through boxes of records, researching music online and going to shows. He is always trying to find an undiscovered gem. Weaver moved to Boston from the Midwest without ever visiting. He needed a change, and felt New England would be a welcomed change. "I was right!" he says.

How does Weaver believe Consumer United will help the average consumer? "Consumer United will help the average consumer by limiting the unnecessary costs of business. Many consumers don't take the time to research better deals. By doing the research and negotiating better deals, we pass those benefits to the consumer."

Inside Consumer United :: Andrew Carcerano

Andrew Carcerano joined Consumer United in August 2008. He works full time as a Consumer United advocate, enjoying saving people money on services that they need.

How does Carcerano save money? "My favorite personal finance advice is to put 10% of what you make into a 401K." Carcerano recommends to start saving now, or start as young as possible. He also limits his meals to $3 each, but he does splurge once a week. Being a great cook saves him a lot of money, along with enabling him to eat delicious meals.

Carcerano writes and records music in his free time and was previously a touring musician. He adds, "I'm still a rock star... just after 5 p.m."

When asked about his time spent at Consumer United, Carcerano says "It's really interesting learning a new job, along with observing how everyone interacts." He encourages becoming a member of Consumer United, because with it comes the potential to save money and improve the quality of your life.

The services Carcerano are enrolled in? Carcerano will be enrolling in the heating oil program before this winter hits.

Inside Consumer United :: Noelle Sevoian

Noelle Sevoian joined Consumer United in 2008 to work in the marketing department. Being a part of the CU team has inspired Sevoian to think differently about what it means to save money. “Less is more” is her money saving motto, she says. “More stuff will not buy us happiness, but with less, we can focus on the things that really make us happy. Spending less will put more in the bank, too.”

Consumer United can help that savings grow, she says, because as more consumers band together, they will help negotiate even better deals. “This is extremely important due to the rising cost of living.”

In addition to the contributions she makes at Consumer United, Sevoian is an up-and-coming entrepreneur. She started a company that sells vegan granola bars called Noelle’s Bars. She is also a student at Suffolk University where she sings a capella.

Though she will be returning to school in the fall, she will continue as a member of the Consumer United team. “I love the workplace dynamic,” she says. “Everyone is so different and each person has something positive to bring. I love the environment. We are growing so fast and working hard to increase that growth. So far it’s going very well.”

--Bridget O'Sullivan

Inside Consumer United :: Bridget O'Sullivan

Bridget O'Sullivan joined Consumer United during its infancy in 2007. She works in the marketing department as a communications associate and as a regional blogger for Consumer United Advocate.

Advice from O'Sullivan? "My favorite personal finance advice is to put all of the money you come across into the bank. You'll be more likely to save it because you have to make that extra effort to take it out again."

A strong believer in Consumer United, she notes how the company's membership offers savings on basic services which impacts the group's members where it matters most ... their pocketbooks.

O'Sullivan enjoys reading in her free time and almost always has more than one book open at once which sharpens her writing skills. She likes to paint as well and is a senior at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.

When asked about her time spent at Consumer United, O'Sullivan adds: "It was amazing to watch (the group) all sit down and puzzle out the solutions to the challenges facing Consumer United in its early days. When it all got started, we worked mostly out of one room and used a white board to lay everything out. Now that those plans are in action, it's great to see the return."

Inside Consumer United :: Tavern On The Water

Consumer United advocates (L-to-R) Daniel Weaver, Ryan Clauson and Lana Petersson enjoy the breathtaking views of downtown Boston from the pier outside of Charlestown's Tavern on the Water.

Inside Consumer United :: Lana Petersson

Lana Petersson, noted author of the book "Quetzalli," recently joined the Consumer United team as one of our advocates.

Petersson is known for her friendly demeanor and ability to navigate through the complexities of switching auto insurance providers with the new managed competition rules.

Petersson graduated from Clark University in May '08 and wrote a book while studying abroad in Mexico. "Quetzalli," (a bird indigenous to Mexico) studies sensory awareness and illustrates one's relationship to their surrounding space.

When she's not busy saving people money, Petersson lives in Arlington, Mass. with her bull dog/bull-mastiff mix named Reina. Out of work, Petersson enjoys playing ice hockey, enjoying the outdoors and hiking with Reina.