Top 100 bank advisors (51-75)

December 17, 2019 4:41 PM

Here our list of top 100 bank advisors continues, with numbers 51 through 75.

Our ranking factors in multiple measures of individual performance to make up one composite score. To compile our list, we look at factors including assets under management, production, growth and fee business. The annual AUM and trailing-12 production figures are listed as of the end of August.

51. Gregory Manning

Bank: Citi Personal Wealth Management
Location: New York
TPM: N/A
2019 AUM: $268.7 million
2018 AUM: $252.6 million
2019 Production: $2.26 million
2018 Production: $1.93 million
Fee-based business: 45%
Production/AUM: 0.84%
Years in current job: 7
Total years in industry: 37

Gregory Manning has been working in the financial advisory business for over 30 years, managing ultrahigh-net-worth individuals, as well as organizations and middle-market clients. His background in equity and fixed income continues to provide clients with long-term insight. He embraces new products and continues to be a top producer in the alternative investments group at CPWM.

52. Laura Pedroncelli

Bank: Addison Avenue Investment Services
Location: Santa Rosa, California
TPM: Raymond James
2019 AUM: $268.7 million
2018 AUM: $277.9 million
2019 Production: $1.95 million
2018 Production: $1.85 million
Fee-based business: 79%
Production/AUM: 0.72%
Years in current job: 7
Total years in industry: 21

Laura Pedroncelli specializes in helping clients make the shift from their working years to retirement. “The transition from saving for the last 30 to 40 years to being comfortable taking that hard-earned money out and turning it into a paycheck can be overwhelming,” she says. “I have found that helping educate people with this 180-degree turn from saving to spending is the key to nourishing a relationship and keeping them as long-term, loyal clients.” She considers herself to be not just an advisor, but a teacher. Instead of overwhelming clients with industry jargon, she says, she simplifies the complex world of investments so her clients can understand not just what they are doing but why they are doing it.

53. Dee Jernigan

Bank: Franklin Synergy Bank
Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
TPM: Raymond James
2019 AUM: $268.4 million
2018 AUM: $265.6 million
2019 Production: $1.63 million
2018 Production: $1.70 million
Fee-based business: 80%
Production/AUM: 0.61%
Years in current job: 6
Total years in industry: 23

Dee Jernigan and his colleagues manage and oversee the financial affairs for a select group of families, providing comprehensive planning solutions on a personal level. “We try to get to know our clients on a very personal level,” he says. “We utilize all forms of social media as a powerful marketing and information tool, and use mass email on a selective basis for more-targeted communications.”

54. Brian Allsop

Bank: Bank of Canton
Location: Canton, Massachusetts
TPM: Infinex Investments
2019 AUM: $267.4 million
2018 AUM: $259 million
2019 Production: $1.47 million
2018 Production: $1.44 million
Fee-based business: 75%
Production/AUM: 0.55%
Years in current job: 20
Total years in industry: 30

Brian Allsop’s practice is focused on retirement income planning. He and his team incorporate Social Security and pension distribution strategies to help to maximize a retiree's income. “We get to know our clients on a personal level leading to long-lasting relationships,” he says. “We receive a steady flow of client introductions and referrals as a result of the trust developed through our client-advisor experience.”

55. Edward Vizcaino

Bank: Citibank: Citi Personal Wealth Management
Location: Coral Gables, Florida
TPM: N/A
2019 AUM: $264.9 million
2018 AUM: $264 million
2019 Production: $1.43 million
2018 Production: $1.28 million
Fee-based business: 71%
Production/AUM: 0.54%
Years in current job: 20
Total years in industry: 20

Edward Vizvaino says he and his team aim to add value for their clients, including providing financial education for clients who need more direction. “Clients would say that I care about them and really know them,” he says. “They appreciate the transparency of our relationship because we continue to see rapid growth in our practice, much of which comes from existing clients and their referrals.” He adds that he has expanded his relationship with clients in ways that even include visiting them abroad, including in South America, The Caribbean and Europe. “I work mostly with citizens of other countries besides the U.S., many of whom have more complex investment, banking, lending, and estate planning needs,” he says.

56. Jerry Toney

Bank: Cadence Bank
Location: Starkville, Mississippi
TPM: LPL Financial
2019 AUM: $263.7 million
2018 AUM: $253.9 million
2019 Production: $1.22 million
2018 Production: $1.09 million
Fee-based business: 70%
Production/AUM: 0.46%
Years in current job: 8
Total years in industry: 21

Jerry Toney’s commitment to the economic prosperity and development of the Southeast is evident in the numerous civic, financial and professional organizations he supports. Jerry is actively engaged with his alma mater, Mississippi State University, where he received his degree in real estate and mortgage Finance. In 2015, he was selected as one of the 100 Most Distinguished Alumni by Mississippi State’s College of Business. He recently completed his fourth year as an adjunct lecturer for the University’s Department of Finance & Economics.

57. Jeffrey Alger

Bank: SunTrust
Location: Brentwood, Tennessee
TPM: N/A
2019 AUM: $260 million
2018 AUM: $220 million
2019 Production: $2.40 million
2018 Production: $2 million
Fee-based business: 90%
Production/AUM: 0.92%
Years in current job: 12
Total years in industry: 37

Jeffrey Alger says his comprehensive delivery model in conjunction with my detailed discovery process enables him to uncover specific client needs, goals and objectives. Through this approach, he says, he delivers a particular blueprint to each client that helps them achieve their financial goals. “The wisdom gained over 37 years as an advisor differentiates me from younger, less-tested advisors,” he says. He adds, “Clients don't care what you know until they know that you care."

58. Jeffrey Boessen

Bank: Central Trust Bank
Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
TPM: LPL Financial
2019 AUM: $258.6 million
2018 AUM: $237.2 million
2019 Production: $974,758
2018 Production: $405,728
Fee-based business: 80%
Production/AUM: 0.38%
Years in current job: 2
Total years in industry: 22

Jeff Boessen likes to say retirement is a “work in progress.” The world, especially the financial world, is ever changing. He aims to stay as informed as possible, and use that knowledge to help his clients through markets good and bad. He feels his experience working with people following 9/11 and the financial crisis of 2008-09 has shaped his beliefs about the importance of diversification in a properly allocated investment portfolio.

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59. Tim Novatnack

Bank: Fulton Financial Advisors
Location: Danville, Pennsylvania
TPM: Raymond James
2019 AUM: $257.2 million
2018 AUM: $241.9 million
2019 Production: $1.65 million
2018 Production: $1.36 million
Fee-based business: 42%
Production/AUM: 0.64%
Years in current job: 11
Total years in industry: 33

Tim Novatnack’s mission is to advise individuals and organizations in the most efficient methods of wealth accumulation and preservation. He has developed a keen insight into developing professional and personal relationships. He works closely with his clients in formulating appropriate strategies, and his expertise lies in selecting investments that match each client’s specific goals and objectives.

60. Kevin Koch

Bank: Citibank: Citi Personal Wealth Management
Location: New York
TPM: N/A
2019 AUM: $256.6 million
2018 AUM: $199.8 million
2019 Production: $1.26 million
2018 Production: $741,730
Fee-based business: 33%
Production/AUM: 0.49%
Years in current job: 20
Total years in industry: 23

Kevin Koch is a believer in building long-standing relationships with his clients by actively listening, providing exceptional client service and keeping open lines of communication. He maintains a disciplined approach to understanding his clients’ short- and long-term goals, develops tailored investment strategies and focuses on building their wealth. His ability to adapt and be relationship driven, and his commitment to realizing client goals has allowed him to excel as an advisor.

61. Steven Taub

Bank: Citi Personal Wealth Management
Location: New York
TPM: N/A
2019 AUM: $253.1 million
2018 AUM: $217.1 million
2019 Production: $1.11 million
2018 Production: $917,230
Fee-based business: 63%
Production/AUM: 0.44%
Years in current job: 19
Total years in industry: 25

Steven Taub has a lot of clients who work in finance and are in their prime earning years. He notes that their needs have changed dramatically over the past 10 years, and they expect him to be in a constant state of learning as their net worth grows and their concerns shift. He always looks to partner with clients’ tax advisors and attorneys to help find the best solutions for them. “"My list of clients resembles a club more than a client list,” he notes. “My core ethos is that we invest in each other. We invest our time, our trust and our reputations.”

62. Judith Leahy

Bank: Citi Personal Wealth Management
Location: Rye, New York
TPM: N/A
2019 AUM: $253.5 million
2018 AUM: $234.5 million
2019 Production: $773,666
2018 Production: $640,948
Fee-based business: 75%
Production/AUM: 0.31%
Years in current job: 13
Total years in industry: 32

Judith Leahy understands that no two situations or clients are alike. “Each client experience, therefore, is tailor-made,” she says. She looks at both sides of the balance sheet and refers to a client’s financial plan prior to making any recommendations for allocations or solutions. “Working with the entire family is also important,” she says, “and I try to incorporate all parties as much as possible.”

63. Aaron Schmit

Bank: American State Bank and Trust
Location: Williston, North Dakota
TPM: Raymond James
2019 AUM: $246.4 million
2018 AUM: $234.9 million
2019 Production: $1.14 million
2018 Production: $2.30 million
Fee-based business: 63%
Production/AUM: 0.46%
Years in current job: 13
Total years in industry: 20

Aaron Schmit joined American State Bank & Trust Company nine years ago, and has found working at the bank to be exceptionally rewarding. In addition, he’s found the bank and its trust department to be a wonderful combination with which to work.

64. Anthony Gugino

Bank: Tompkins Trust Company
Location: Pittsford, New York
TPM: LPL Financial
2019 AUM: $244.8 million
2018 AUM: $272 million
2019 Production: $1.41 million
2018 Production: $1.17 million
Fee-based business: 99%
Production/AUM: 0.58%
Years in current job: 5
Total years in industry: 35

Tony Gugino cares deeply about both his clients and his team members. He provides a level of service that looks and feels like a family office for clients who may not even have $500,000 in net worth. He is also selfless in giving back both as a mentor in the business and as a generous benefactor in the community.

65. Charles Gualano

Bank: Trustmark National Bank
Location: Brandon, Mississippi
TPM: LPL Financial
2019 AUM: $243.7 million
2018 AUM: $155.2 million
2019 Production: $2.19 million
2018 Production: $1.58 million
Fee-based business: 86%
Production/AUM: 0.90%
Years in current job: 8
Total years in industry: 22

Charles Gualano joined Trustmark National Bank in June of 1997. In 2013, Bank Investment Consultant featured him in “Managing Clients Fears/Doubts.” In 2013, he was honored by Bank Investment Consultant as one of the Top 50 Bank Advisors in the nation. His other accomplishments include having been a member on the board of directors for the Future Farmers of America foundation. He has also served as a president and board member for the Rankin County Rotary Club. He has been honored through the Rotary Foundation as a Paul Harris Fellow award recipient, Major Donor award recipient and as Rotarian of the Year for Rankin County.

66. Michael Cooney

Bank: Addison Avenue Investment Services
Location: Bellevue, Washington
TPM: Raymond James
2019 AUM: $244.3 million
2018 AUM: $205 million
2019 Production: $1.65 million
2018 Production: $1.54 million
Fee-based business: 86%
Production/AUM: 0.68%
Years in current job: 7
Total years in industry: 14

Michael Cooney’s clients are mostly employees of tech firms such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Facebook, as well as many local start up and video game companies. “My clients have some of the most brilliant minds around and I learn from them in every meeting I have,” he says. “Although they are techies, they still want a relationship with a trusted advisor that knows and cares about them individually.” Cooney says he understands that each client and each family is different, and he is committed to building unique financial strategies for all.

67. Barry Moody

Bank: Pinnacle Bank
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
TPM: Raymond James
2019 AUM: $243.3 million
2018 AUM: $278.4 million
2019 Production: $1.01 million
2018 Production: $1.10 million
Fee-based business: 65%
Production/AUM: 0.42%
Years in current job: 17
Total years in industry: 27

Barry Moody says what matters most in an advisor-client relationship is trust. “For me,” he says, “that begins by actively listening to a prospect’s goals in the initial consultation and throughout the advisory process once they become full-fledged clients.” Moody offers regular face-to-face meetings with every client, and also sends out regular newsletters. He says he has been able to grow his business largely through client referrals and through partnerships with other advisors at the bank.

68. Josh Giuliano

Bank: Citizens Bank
Location: Cranston, Rhode Island
TPM: Citizens Investment Services (NFS)
2019 AUM: $240 million
2018 AUM: $210 million
2019 Production: $1.85 million
2018 Production: $1.56 million
Fee-based business: 57%
Production/AUM: 0.77%
Years in current job: 10
Total years in industry: 15

Josh Giuliano has a financial planning-based practice. He takes time to understand his clients’ needs, and customizes investments to each client, focusing on taking the least amount of risk to meet their specific financial goals. He is always looking to improve his skills by mentoring other advisors, through public speaking and by being active on many steering committees within the firm.

69. Scott Kreter

Bank: SunTrust Private Wealth
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
TPM: N/A
2019 AUM: $239.5 million
2018 AUM: $224.5 million
2019 Production: $1.90 million
2018 Production: $1.74 million
Fee-based business: 85%
Production/AUM: 0.79%
Years in current job: 20
Total years in industry: 27

Scott Kreter and his team are passionate about helping their clients, many of whom are approaching retirement age, to make the most important financial decisions of their lives. He helps clients confidently move from the accumulation to distribution phase. He leverages a team of specialists to deliver customized banking, risk management, trust and estate planning solutions that complement his wealth management strategy. He enjoys knowing his clients on a personal level and considers many of them friends.

70. Michael Lipkins

Bank: Addison Avenue Investment Services
Location: Palo Alto, California
TPM: Raymond James
2019 AUM: $237.6 million
2018 AUM: $243.2 million
2019 Production: $2.40 million
2018 Production: $2.31 million
Fee-based business: 88%
Production/AUM: 1.01%
Years in current job: 7
Total years in industry: 20

With his primary business based in Silicon Valley, Michael Lipkins says staying relevant in the digital space is the norm, so he focuses on the personal. His clients, he says, “don't want just another robo or service center chat session. They need a responsive advisor and a team of people who are always available for counsel, connection and customized service.” His dedication to spending face-to-face time with clients every day, he says, is the crux of his differentiator. “They meet with me, not an associate, not a junior, not a service agent,” he says. “They are important, so they get my time when they want and when they need it.”

71. Pat Faulkner

Bank: TowneBank
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
TPM: Raymond James
2019 AUM: $238 million
2018 AUM: $217.3 million
2019 Production: $1.74 million
2018 Production: $1.55 million
Fee-based business: 82%
Production/AUM: 0.73%
Years in current job: 7
Total years in industry: 34

Pat Faulkner says communication is the key to maintaining client relationships. He and his team blend high-tech and high-touch, he says. He and his colleagues make use of the in-house trading platform to regularly monitor client portfolios in real time, and also meet clients on a quarterly basis, make regular calls and provide monthly personalized updates. “Our clients experience a family office atmosphere and are served based on more than just numbers,” he says.

72. Joseph Hatfield

Bank: Community Bank NA
Location: Syracuse, New York
TPM: LPL Financial
2019 AUM: $236.3 million
2018 AUM: $195.9 million
2019 Production: $1 million
2018 Production: $369,531
Fee-based business: 97%
Production/AUM: 0.42%
Years in current job: 2
Total years in industry: 15

Joe Hatfield specializes in the needs of high-net-worth individuals. He also works closely with businesses to help optimize their pension plans. He strives to build long-lasting relationships and focus on long-term results. This allows him to identity problems and opportunities, tailor solutions and guide clients thru implementation and monitoring of their unique financial plans.

73. Judy Ravenna

Bank: SunTrust Bank (SunTrust Investment Services)
Location: Tampa, Florida
TPM: N/A
2019 AUM: $233.1 million
2018 AUM: $203.6 million
2019 Production: $2.39 million
2018 Production: $1.55 million
Fee-based business: 27%
Production/AUM: 1.02%
Years in current job: 20
Total years in industry: 20

Judy Ravenna places great importance on effective communication skills with her practice. “From the moment I am first introduced to a prospect, I prioritize the flow of communication back and forth between the client and all other areas of the bank,” she says. She makes sure to listen to every aspect of her clients’ prior and current financial situation, and this helps her formulate a financial plan that can best meet their goals. “I am meticulous about checking with them at every opportunity to be sure I understand their financial aspirations and they understand clearly everything we are presenting to them to help accomplish their financial objectives,” she says.

74. Sean Styron

Bank: Citi Personal Wealth Management
Location: Bay Shore, New York
TPM: N/A
2019 AUM: $231.1 million
2018 AUM: $250.4 million
2019 Production: $897,130
2018 Production: $925,207
Fee-based business: 30%
Production/AUM: 0.39%
Years in current job: 7
Total years in industry: 14

Sean Styron says that taking a true interest in a client’s life outside of financials – such as travel, restaurants, special occasions and hobbies – is what truly deepens the relationship. “Clients want a down-to-earth, non-stuffy person who is knowledgeable but can be looked upon as an extension of their family,” he says. “They want someone who will listen to their needs and what is important to them and their family.”

75. Steve Vertrees

Bank: BECU
Location: Seattle
TPM: LPL Financial
2019 AUM: $230.8 million
2018 AUM: $233.1 million
2019 Production: $691,410
2018 Production: $730,979
Fee-based business: 76%
Production/AUM: 0.30%
Years in current job: 18
Total years in industry: 24

Steve Vertrees has a unique approach in terms of how he treats his clients, which is to welcome each as he would a family member into his home. He considers his clients to be a part of his financial family. He enjoys connecting with his clients, getting to know them on a personal level and ultimately getting to problem solve. He makes it a point of learning about their family, their pets and their hobbies in order to build trust. Steve has also developed strong relationships with the branches he covers, and has collaborated with them in terms of referrals.