About Michael Petruska
Michael Petruska is a realtor with Keller Williams at the Chestnut Hill office in Newton, Massachusetts, serving the Boston MetroWest area. Austin, Texas-based Keller Williams is the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count. It has more than 1,000 market center offices and 162,000 affiliated agents. The franchise is number one in units and sales volume in the U.S.
Before transitioning to real estate, Michael was a successful financial advisor who built a thriving practice and later moved into management, mentoring advisors and helping them grow their own client bases. His deep understanding of investments, market trends, and strategic planning now informs his work in real estate, where he brings the same analytical mindset, client-first approach, and business acumen. Michael is focused on driving real estate sales, cultivating long-term relationships, and building a rich and diverse property portfolio, helping his clients achieve their goals with confidence.
Professional Career
Michael began his career with Equitable Life Insurance as a Financial Advisor, helping individuals and businesses implement customized strategies to build and protect wealth for future years. He managed over 1,500 households and more than $170 million in assets.
As an advisor, Michael educated clients on various financial matters and provided professional recommendations on investment opportunities, products, and services based on each client’s individual needs. He also helped individuals and families build and execute wealth management strategies geared towards appreciation and preservation.
Additionally, Michael assisted clients in preparing financial plans, conducting investment research, and executing trades and transactions to assess and achieve their financial goals.
He conducted weekly seminars and onsite financial literacy events.
Michael’s Transition into Management at Equitable Life
Within several years with Equitable Life, Michael Petruska moved into management. As Vice President and a key member of the Boston office leadership team, he had the opportunity to attract, train, and develop future advisors and leaders to the organization. He identified and cultivated new business opportunities throughout New England, hiring, training, and developing new advisors to advance financial literacy across multiple demographics and business channels.
Under Michael’s leadership, he built a team of advisors with the Retirement Benefits Group who were nationally recognized. He also promoted several advisors to management roles.
He has advised over 5,000 personal and business relationships, managing assets worth over $450 million.
Michael has been a member of numerous industry groups and organizations, committed to staying connected, continuous learning, networking with peers, and engaged within his professional field. These affiliations helped strengthen Michael’s expertise, expand his influence, and reinforce his role as a knowledgeable, trusted advisor within his industry.
Recognized for His Career Success and Achievements
Throughout his career, Michael has been the recipient of several management and industry awards, including the Management Development Award, which recognized him as the number five manager in the country in 2021. He was a recipient of the NAIFA 4 under 40 Award, presented by Advisor Today magazine, which recognizes four outstanding financial advisors under the age of 40 who have demonstrated excellence in their profession and made a positive impact on their clients and communities.
Michael was also the recipient of the Five Star Wealth Manager Award from 2018 to 2021, administered by Five Star Professional to wealth managers with a strong track record of client excellence and retention, assets under management, and a favorable regulatory history.
His Education, Licenses
Michael Petruska graduated from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He did several internships in corporate and personal finance. While at university, he was also active in Greek life, intramurals, and lacrosse. He holds FINRA Series 7, 66, and 24 licenses, as well as licenses for Life, Accident, and Health insurance in multiple states.
On the Personal Side
Michael grew up in Bayonne, New Jersey, and attended St. Peter’s Prep High School in Jersey City. While at Bryant University, he met his wife, whom he married in 2004. Based in Milford, Massachusetts, they have three children. The family also has two French bulldogs, Zoe and Mia.
Michael loves traveling with his family and hiking with the kids. He also enjoys golfing, fitness, and racing, as well as being outdoors.
Giving Back through Volunteering, Donations
For over 10 years, he has volunteered as a coach with the Milford Youth Baseball League for both of his boys. He also coached Milford Youth Football for three years.
Michael regularly donates and supports the PMC (Pan Mass Challenge) every year. The PMC is a Massachusetts-based bike-a-thon that raises funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research, as well as the Jimmy Fund. Always held the first weekend in August, the PMC raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. Since 1980, the PMC has raised $1.047 billion for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
