Our Team.
Thomas J. Varga, Jr., CPA, AEP® , CLU, ChFC, JD
Partner
Tom Varga brings over thirty-five years experience in investments, estate planning, estate/gift taxation, life insurance, individual income taxation, and personal financial planning to Financial Associates.
With the formation of the company in 1986, Tom established a unique, specialized firm that offers multiservice work. Investments, individual income taxes, estate planning, retirement plans, and life insurance. With an extensive background in the accounting, tax, financial, and insurance fields, he is committed to providing clients with customized strategies to meet their complex needs.
He is a Registered Representative and Registered Principal for the securities firm of LPL Financial. He is a member of the American Institute and Indiana Association of Certified Public Accountants. He is also a member of the St. Joseph County and American Bar Associations.
Tom has served on several not-for-profit and civic boards, including Logan Community Resources, Inc. and the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. He is a two-time recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash award for his distinguished service to the State of Indiana.
Tom graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame in 1975 with a BBA in Finance. He earned his JD in 1980 from the Notre Dame Law School with an emphasis on Business and Taxation. He began his career at the accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand as an Accounting Senior and later became a Tax Manager responsible for planning, implementation, and compliance for corporations and individuals.
Tom resides in Granger, Ind. with his wife Joan, and has three adult children and five grandchildren. Currently an enthusiastic golfer, Tom played varsity basketball at Notre Dame from 1971-1975. He also enjoys running, biking, and reading.
Christopher Varga
Partner
Chris Varga brings over a decade of financial expertise to Financial Associates, and advises clients as they consider how best to structure and manage their investment portfolios. He holds the Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 Registrations through LPL Financial.
Prior to his tenure at Financial Associates, he served as an employee of the American music group Dave Matthews Band, coordinating elements of extensive tours in the U.S., Europe, South America, and Australia, and aided in the recording and promotion of one of the band’s major label releases. He began his career as a sales representative for Georgie Boy Mfg LLC in Edwardsburg, Mich., a then-subsidiary of Coachmen Industries.
Chris graduated from Ball State University in 2003 with a degree in Marketing. At Ball State, he enjoyed an impressive career as a scholarship tennis player, helping lead his team to four Mid-American Conference championships and three NCAA tournament appearances, culminating in 2003 when he was named the Mid-American Conference’s men’s tennis player of the year.
Chris resides in South Bend, Ind. with his wife Caroline and three children. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis and golf.
Sue Machowiak
Office Manager
Sue Machowiak has been with Financial Associates since its formation. She brings a wealth of experience in operations, administration, and client service to the team.
For over three decades, Sue has been a trusted face and voice of our firm. Clients especially appreciate her responsiveness, trustworthiness, and ability to execute her work with professionalism.
Outside of work, Sue holds a leadership role with The Royal Majestics, Northern Indiana’s premier baton corps. Based in Mishawaka, the Majestics have won numerous national championship titles. Her daughter Ashlee competed with the squad, and now helps coach the team. Sue especially enjoys spending time with her three granddaughters. She lives in South Bend, Ind. with her husband John.