Our Team

John's inspiration for Shield started with his father Greg’s retirement from the New York State Police. After 35 years in B-Troop, it was time to call it a career. We realized there were a number of opportunities and pitfalls awaiting him. Once we got “The General” retired, we knew our work had just begun. 

John is the firm’s principal. His primary role for our firm is retirement planning and investment management. John is a seventh-generation Buffalo native. The Haberstro family has a long and proud history of entrepreneurship and public service in the Western New York community. From the Old German American Brewery and Buffalo Police Department to the New York State Police and Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo, the Haberstro family has proudly served the Buffalo community for over 150 years. John started his career in the financial services industry in 2003 after graduating from Canisius College with a finance degree and a member of the All-College Honors Program. John is NYS Life Insurance License. He completed his financial planning education requirements at the American College. John is an avid reader who enjoys challenging himself to expand his knowledge of his craft. When he's not working, you'll find John on “The Pitch” enjoying a gentleman's game of rugby, these days, as a spectator, unhappily retired. He loves the outdoors and dogs and is interested in physical fitness and leadership. 

 Dawn Robinson was "Built for Blue" from day one. Her father-in-law was a Police Officer, her husband Jim Sr. recently retired from the Lancaster Police Department, where her son Jim Jr. currently serves as a police officer. 

Dawn's primary role with Shield is tax preparation and proactive tax planning.  From advising our clients on proper cash flow management and Roth Conversion analysis to assisting our 9/11 widow(er)s with tax relief and forgiveness. Dawn is an invaluable member to law enforcement across New York State. Dawn earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Canisius College and her enrolled agent designation. 

Dawn is an Investment Advisor Representative having completed her Series 65 license and acts as the firm's Chief Compliance Officer. Prior to joining the Shield team, Dawn worked at Schlabach Enterprises, Inc. and Argus Tax & Accounting. Dawn has more than 25 years of experience, making her an asset in helping individuals and businesses with their accounting and tax needs.  Dawn resides in her hometown, the Village of Lancaster, with her husband, James, and four children. She is committed to continuously improving her community where she served 6 years in village government as trustee and deputy mayor. Dawn has served in numerous volunteer positions including director of finance at St. Mary's Church. Dawn is an advocate for people with dyslexia and previously served on the board of the Western New York International Dyslexia Association.

Dawn’s experience working with clients and taxes makes her a fantastic addition to the Shield team. She can help you navigate complex tax questions and data analysis.

  Brendan Taylor’s primary role with Shield is systems operations and portfolio management. From managing workflow systems, document preparation, processing investment transactions, client communication, and assisting John Haberstro and Bill Hudson on our portfolio management team. Brendan goes above and beyond to make sure the clients needs are met.  Brendan is an investment Advisor Representative for Shield. Brendan also holds a New York State Life Insurance License.  

Prior to joining the Shield team, Brendan went to the University of Oklahoma where he earned two bachelor’s degrees in finance and Management Information Systems. While in college, Brendan competed on the Cross Country and Track teams where he lettered and received academic all Big 12 honors. 

When Brendan is not working or studying, he enjoys fishing, snowboarding and being in the outdoors with his dog, Rory.

Bill is the Principal of Hudson Capital Advisors, LLC. Bill and his team assist Shield with portfolio research and securities analysis. 

Bill earned an M.B.A. from the University of Miami with a specialization in Finance and Telecommunications in 2000 with an award of Academic Merit and a B.A. from Denison University with a Major in Political Science and a Minor in Economics in 1996. Also, Bill has a certificate in Financial Planning from Boston  University and has a CFP® designation.

Bill provides portfolio management and financial planning services to clients.  Prior to Graduate School, Bill worked for Franklin Templeton, a mutual fund company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bill has worked in the Financial Services industry for over 18 years. Bill has two daughters and splits his time between the Washington D.C. area and the main office in Buffalo. In his spare time, Bill likes to play ice hockey, soccer, and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.