Raymond James lured six advisors with over $350 million in client assets to its independent channel, Raymond James president Scott Curtis announced Thursday.
The Pittsburgh-based team, which came to Raymond James from Hunter Associates and now operates as Shorebridge Wealth Management, generated $1.6 million in annual commissions and fees. The group is led by Winfield S. Smathers and Fred C. Miller, who are both founding partners and managing directors.
We're pleased to welcome this exceptional team to Raymond James, Curtis said in a statement. Their industry experience, business model, and commitment to their clients needs and interests fit well with the values and culture of Raymond James."
Smathers and Miller both joined Hunter Associates in 1993 and have over half a century of financial services experience between them. In addition to Smathers and Miller, Shorebridge Wealth Management includes managing directors Dean Kartsonas and Kathleen O. Kartsonas, financial advisor Kyle D. Balliet and registered associate Dena R. Karsin.
The team was drawn to Raymond James because it wanted to maintain its autonomy while also securing the expertise and institutional backing of a larger firm.
We spent a lot of time looking for just the right firm, Smathers said in a statement. The differentiator for us with Raymond James was the depth of support available for what we do. Essentially we are portfolio managers, so access to the firms superior equity research - especially for small and mid-cap companies - was very important and a terrific complement to our firms focus. We consider ourselves entrepreneurs and like being independent but enjoy the backing and resources of a major firm.
The announcement comes on the heels of Raymond Jamess
