Stifel’s aggressive recruiting tactics have brought in another six advisors managing more than $400 million in client assets.
Like other regional broker-dealers, Stifel has stepped up its recruiting efforts. The latest additions came at the expense of the firm’s larger rivals: Wells Fargo Advisors, Morgan Stanley, and Edward Jones.
Former Wells Fargo advisor Harold Uszerowicz joined Stifel in Roxbury, New Jersey. He managed $117 million, according to his new employer. Uszerowicz, an advisor of 27 years, had worked at Wells Fargo since 2012, according to FINRA BrokerCheck records.
Also leaving Wells Fargo is Ward Abbey, who managed $50 million while at the wirehouse. Abbey is based in Lima, Ohio. He had been affiliated with Wells Fargo and predecessor firm A.G. Edwards since 1985.
In Altoona, Pennsylvania, Stifel hired former Wells Fargo advisor James Campbell. He managed $17 million and had worked at Wells Fargo since 2015.
Stifel hired two advisors from Morgan Stanley: John Pethokoukis in Chicago and Ron Witter in Newport Beach, California.
Pethokoukis was responsible for $107 million in client assets at his previous firm, Stifel said. He started his career in 1986 and has past experience at Smith Barney and E.F. Hutton in addition to his time at Morgan Stanley, according to BrokerCheck.
Witter oversaw $69 million in client assets while at Morgan Stanley. He is the sixth advisor to join Stifel’s Newport Beach office this year, the firm said.
Scott Witham left Edward Jones to join Stifel’s Medford, Oregon, office. He oversaw $41 million in client assets. Witham had worked at Edward Jones since 2015, having previously worked at Morgan Stanley.
Spokesperson for Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley and Edward Jones declined to comment.
