The honorees were chosen by the editorial team of Lehigh Valley Business.
Fogelsville, Pa. (November 21, 2025)—Lehigh Valley Business recognized Michael J. Fischer, president and CEO of Client 1st Financial, as a 2025 Icon Honors recipient during an awards celebration on Thursday, Nov. 20.
“The 2025 Icon Honors recipients are visionary leaders who make a difference for many in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Their professional achievements, community awareness and action are outstanding, and they are role models for all of us,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Lehigh Valley Business. “They also look to the future by mentoring the next generation of leaders. We at Lehigh Valley Business congratulate this year’s outstanding honorees.”
Throughout his over 37-year-long career in financial services, Fischer has built a reputation for leadership grounded in integrity, long-term relationships and purposeful involvement in local causes. As president and CEO of Client 1st Financial, which he founded in 2012, Fischer leads with a fiduciary philosophy that prioritizes values-based financial planning and legacy-minded decision-making. Under his direction, the company has grown to manage more than $291 million in assets under management across 18 states, serving more than 600 clients.
Beyond the office, Fischer’s philanthropic work reflects his deep commitment to community impact. He established the Client 1st Foundation in 2012 to make charitable giving more accessible and impactful, awarding 78 grants totaling $44,000 to organizations addressing housing insecurity, food access and community development. Through these grants, the Foundation has directly supported organizations including Valley Youth House, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, PBS39’s Leadership Society, New Bethany, Danny’s Ride, VALOR Clinic Foundation and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF). Fischer also serves as board president of New Bethany and on the board of governors for Valley Youth House, championing causes that strengthen families and empower youth.
His professional excellence has been recognized through numerous distinctions, including Top of the Table qualification from the Million Dollar Round Table, Osaic Ovation Conference honors and inclusion on Lehigh Valley Business’ Power List for banking, finance, accounting and wealth management.
“I am truly honored to be recognized among this year’s Icon Honorees,” said Fischer. “For me, success has always been about more than financial achievement; it’s about serving others and contributing to the strength of the community we all share. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do this work and remain committed to helping individuals, families and our region thrive.”
The Icon Honors recognizes Greater Lehigh Valley business leaders over the age of 60 who have left an indelible mark on their fields, and whose integrity, vision and selfless service have elevated the community.
To learn more about Client 1st Financial, visit www.c1fin.com.
About Client 1st Financial
With over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Michael Fischer has earned a reputation among his clients as someone who listens to them and keeps their interests first. Joined by an experienced team of other professionals, Client 1st Financial continues to separate itself from the herd in the financial services industry by supplying focused planning services that provide straightforward answers in a fashion that’s easy to understand. Learn more about Client 1st Financial by visiting www.c1fin.com.
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc, member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.
Information provided to TVL by:
Amiee Goldy
