Five advisors from Wells Fargo have joined Benjamin Edwards & Co., along with one registered representative formerly affiliated with LPL Financial, another from Stifel Financial and one from Sun Trust Bank. They bring some $616 million in combined client assets to the St. Louis-based firm, which now has some $24 billion in AUM.
“Our client-centric approach, our dedication to unparalleled service, and our vast product and service platform continue to drive advisor interest and client satisfaction,” according to Martin “Marty” Altenberger, director of branches for Benjamin F. Edwards “The support we offer to our advisors enables them to focus on what really matters – our clients, as we help them meet their financial goals and objectives.”
Moving to the group from Wells Fargo are Chandler, Arizona-based father and son David Herr, CFP; and Tyler Herr; Bill Raymon, CFP, of Birmingham, Alabama; James Garner of Atlanta; and James Goehl of Woodstock, Illinois;
The advisor joining from Stifel is David Kohlmeyer, CFP, in Wheaton, Illinois; moving from LPL Financial is Kevin Rodeffer of Galesburg, Illinois, and making the switch from Sun Trust Bank is Anthony Swart of Sarasota, Florida.
Raymond James’ Latest Recruits
Meanwhile, Raymond James recruited financial advisor Michelle Spaziani, CFP, to its independent channel in Greenfield, Massachusetts, from Well Fargo, where she managed about $118 million in client assets and had some $940,000 in annual fees and commissions. Her team includes Angela Streeter, who handles client service and office management, and does business as Summit Behavioral Wealth.
“I decided to align with Raymond James because of its client-centric culture, and its commitment to wealth management and financial planning,” said Spaziani, in a statement. “Having an independent practice allows me to best help my clients, in a way that prioritizes them and their goals, with newfound agility and flexibility.
Spaziani began her career as a financial advisor 17 years ago at A.G. Edwards.
Raymond James also recruited financial advisor Michael Trinen, CFP, to its employee channel in Fort Collins, Colorado, according to Pat Allison, Western division director for Raymond James & Associates. The new office is managed by complex manager Dennis Kaboth.
Trinen joins Raymond James from RBC Wealth Management, where he previously managed roughly $182 million and had more than $1.3 million in production.
“We are pleased to welcome Michael to the firm, and we look forward to supporting him and his clients as he continues to grow his practice,” said Allison, in a statement. “We’re proud that Raymond James’ unique combination of culture and support continues to be a gravitating factor for outstanding advisors, as the firm expands its presence in the West.”
Trinen has been in the financial industry for more than 35 years, having worked at John Hancock and later, A.G. Edwards & Sons and Dain Rauscher. He also served as a branch director at RBC and was named to their President’s Council for 20 years.
Breakaway Broker
Advisor Bruce K. Lee, formerly with Merrill Lynch from 2001 to 2018, has partnered with Dynasty Financial Partners to form an independent wealth management firm: Keebeck Wealth Management of Chicago.
Joining Lee are partner and advisor Joseph Polakoff, CIO Mathew Klody; Director of Operations Stephanie Roberts; Vice President of Client Solutions Alexa Hyman; and analyst Matthew Carey.
“Bruce has received consistent, well-deserved industry recognition as one of the country’s top advisors …,” according to Dynasty Financial Partners President and CEO Shirl Penney. “We expect that he and his team at Keebeck Wealth Management will continue to earn accolades as disruptors in the wealth management arena.