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February 06, 2019 at 04:12 PM
Raymond James’ independent channel recruited two advisors in California, with a total of $220 million in client assets: Thad Ortez,, AWMA, in Modesto, who formerly worked for Wells Fargo Advisors, and Michele Ing, CFP and AAMS, in King City, who used to be with Edward Jones.
Ortez has nearly 20 years in the business and has been with Wells Fargo, Wachovia Securities and World Savings (both later acquired by Wells Fargo). Ortez serves a variety of clients, including almond farmers and growers.
Ing spent 14 years with Edward Jones and has more than 30 years of industry experience. Joining her at Raymond James are Alicia Trujillo, office manager, and Christopher Cogar, client services manager.
“Becoming an independent practice and partnering with Raymond James is a great move for my clients and their needs,” according to Ing. “I witnessed firsthand the inclusive culture and access to leadership during the firm’s Women’s Symposium and again at my home office visit to St. Petersburg during my due diligence process.”
More Wells Fargo Departures
LPL Financial said it recruited Team Preheim Advisory from Wells Fargo, a group based in Fresno, California, with about $105 million in assets that was founded by Karl Preheim.
“I have worked with some of my clients for over 25 years and focus on listening and catering to their individual financial needs to be able to help them work toward long-term financial success,” Preheim said, in a statement.
“I had to find an independent broker-dealer that allows me to provide custom wealth management to my clients. LPL’s platform accomplishes that,” the advisor explained, adding that he is working to help his three sons work in wealth management.
Ameriprise, SSN Updates
Ameriprise Financial says that Calvin R. Kong has joined its employee channel from Morgan Stanley in Mitchel Field, New York, on Long Island. The advisor operates his practice as the Kahn and Kong Group, which has about $141 million in assets.
“After careful deliberation, I decided to move to Ameriprise because it is known for its client-centric culture, and its commitment to comprehensive financial advice,” he said in a statement.
Kong started in the business at Edward Jones in 2007. He was with Merrill Lynch from 2012 to 2013, when he moved to Morgan Stanley.
Kong keeps the practice under both his name and that of his late business partner and mentor, Harold Kahn, who died two years ago. The two advisors worked together for eight years. “It’s an honor to continue the legacy he started with my practice,” according to Kong.
In other news, Securities Service Network, which is owned by Ladenburg Thalmann, says it added Retirement Planning Group (RPG), based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., which has some $180 million in client assets. Earlier, the group worked with Ameritas Investment Corporation.
RPG includes three financial advisors, an insurance coordinator and two support staff. Dave Kopyc, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor with 35 years of financial services experience, leads the practice; he also hosts a weekly radio program on retirement planning.
