The race among wealth management firms to attract experienced advisors and teams continues, with Cetera, LPL Financial, and Merrill each announcing new additions this week.
Cetera welcomed Oestriecher Financial Management Services, a multigenerational firm based in Alexandria, Louisiana, overseeing $154 million in assets under administration.
The team, led by Anne Oestriecher, Christopher Daigrepont, and William Whisenant, moved from LPL to join Cetera’s Avantax community, citing the firm’s resources for tax-centric planning and support for next-generation advisors.
Oestriecher, who plans to transition the firm’s ownership to its third generation, said her colleagues “are going to be here for the long haul, which is really important to the families and businesses we serve.” She added that Cetera’s marketing expertise and understanding of tax-focused planning were key factors in the decision to move.
Clint Brookshire, Avantax community leader, described the Oestriecher team as a strong fit, noting their “legacy of client trust, combined with the energy and expertise of the next generation.”
Separately, Cetera added Long Island-based advisor Frank Mezzanotte Jr, who oversees $126 million in assets and previously spent 12 years at LPL. Based on Long Island, New York, Mezzanotte serves a diverse clientele across New York City and throughout the US at his practice, FMD Wealth Management.
LPL Financial announced that Shawn Gentle of Gentle Family Wealth Partners has joined its broker-dealer and RIA platform, bringing approximately $280 million in client assets.
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Gentle brings 37 years of experience to his practice, serving a diverse client base that includes retirees, business owners preparing to transfer their companies, defense contractors, and entrepreneurs. He is known for his hands-on approach to multigenerational planning, often working with third- and fourth-generation clients as families begin the process of estate and succession planning.
Gentle’s work extends beyond traditional wealth management. He collaborates closely with charitable organizations such as the National Christian Foundation, helping clients pursue legacy and philanthropic goals through various charitable vehicles.
“I take the time to truly get to know my clients, their financial goals, their families, their companies, key employees and even the dynamics between family members,” Gentle said. “Now, I’m proud to be working with the third and fourth generations, which often happens when the process of estate and succession planning begins and introduces me to the next in line.”
Merrill also announced several recent advisor hires across the country.
In San Jose, the team of Bill Zurn, Heath Hanich, and Brad Nering joined from Wells Fargo, bringing $550 million in client assets. The group, supported by client associates Sandra Kim and Debora Zurn, is now part of Merrill’s Silicon Valley & Islands Market.
In Morristown, New Jersey, Merrill added Angus Miller, previously at UBS, who oversees $310 million in assets and serves clients in the New York City metro area. Miller is active in several industry and community organizations.
Merrill’s Hartford office welcomed Michael Shoaf and Bryant Shirreffs, both formerly with UBS, who will focus on business succession planning and advising athletes and entertainers. In Austin, Texas, advisor Austin Locklear joined from Edward Jones, serving entrepreneurs and families.
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