LPL Financial has expanded its advisor roster with the addition of two practices, both bringing decades of experience and a focus on personalized service.
In Cheyenne, Wyoming Asset Advisors has launched under the Linsco division within LPL's employee advisor channel.
Advisors Jared Black and Richard Brokaw, who previously worked together at Wells Fargo Advisors, reported managing about $400 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets.
With more than 65 years of combined experience, the team emphasizes collaboration and a client-centric approach, serving a client base that is largely retired. Black and Brokaw, both multi-generational Wyoming residents, have built their practice on principles of honesty, responsiveness and knowledge.
Brokaw said the team’s approach is rooted in understanding clients’ needs and structuring portfolios accordingly. “To ensure happy clients, it’s all about service and communication,” he said in a statement Thursday.
Elsewhere at LPL, Gallagher Wealth Management, led by veteran advisor Kevin Gallagher, has joined LPL’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms.
Gallagher, who began his career as a floor trader in 1997 after serving in the US Marines, brings nearly twenty years of industry experience, most recently at Lincoln Investment.
Based in Brookeville, Maryland, his practice primarily serves current and former federal employees and military members, offering a tailored and collaborative wealth management experience.
Gallagher said his firm’s philosophy centers on deep client understanding and education. “At our practice, we take a collective approach to fostering a deep understanding of our clients’ unique circumstances, motivations and fiscal goals and then educating them on the most appropriate strategies to help them work towards their long- and short-term goals,” he said.
LPL, which has built a reputation around its ravenous rate of recruitment and acquisition, has been riding high lately, with its shares hitting record highs alongside current optimism in the stock market and broader economy.
According to one analysis published in June, its dealmaking strategy is underpinned by a formidable war chest, from which it expects to deploy between $300 million to $800 million per year.
Cetera has also made notable additions, welcoming advisors who cited a desire for stronger service and community.
On Thursday, the firm revealed Doug Shepler, a veteran advisor based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has moved his $110 million practice from LPL to Summit Financial Networks, part of the Cetera Advisor channel.
Shepler – whose 32-year BrokerCheck record also includes stints at Baird and Northwestern Mutual – said his decision was driven by a need for a broker-dealer that matched his commitment to high-touch client service, which includes being available outside traditional business hours.
Cetera Advisor Channel leader Tom Halloran welcomed Shepler, noting that his client-first approach aligns with the firm’s values.
Meanwhile, Ironwood Family Wealth Advisors, led by founder Torsten Saile and his sons Tyler and Tanner, has joined Cetera Investors from Osaic.
The Scottsdale, Arizona-based family-run practice, which manages approximately $158 million in assets, was founded nearly thirty years ago and now spans two generations. The Sailes said their move was motivated by Cetera’s relationship-focused culture.
“For us, this business is all about relationships. We cherish the tight-knit relationship we have as a family-run business and we’re particular about the relationships we take on and maintain with our clients,” Tor Saile said. Tyler Saile added that working with family brings a high level of trust, even if it occasionally presents challenges.
Cetera has gone through significant changes over the past few months. Among other executive changes, it has appointed new leaders to two of its communities, with Ameriprise alum Richard Vogel taking charge of Cetera Advisors and ex-Equitable Advisors executive John Lefferts now overseeing Cetera Investors.
Alongside the launch of its new RIA and branches channel in June, the hybrid RIA giant also welcomed Jen Hanau, formerly from Mariner, to lead its future growth.
Bernstein Private Wealth experts says childless adults hold significant wealth yet rarely have a plan.
Shorter waits for failed SIE and Series 7 candidates take effect Jan. 19, speeding the path to registration
Raymond James and Cetera also welcomed advisors from UBS and LPL as competition for experienced teams stays fierce
Jim Walesa worked in the securities industry for 39 years before leaving in 2021.
As the market turned from pricing in cuts to betting on hikes this year, the developing reality of a K-shaped economy has had real implications for households and investors alike.
Knighthead Life entered the market with a competitive MYGA. A strong launch earned advisor confidence and paved the way for FIAs.
As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor
