Raymond James has strengthened its presence yet again in Colorado, announcing a spate of defectors who previously managed more than $1 billion at rival firms have joined its platform in the state.
Springs Wealth Group, a Colorado Springs-based team with offices throughout Texas, joined Raymond James Financial Services, the firm’s independent advisor channel. The team had managed approximately $950 million in assets at Ameriprise Financial.
Led by managing partners Bob Book, Andrew Inman, Tim Mason, Chris Van Stavern and Chris Young, the group includes five additional financial advisors and a 13-member support staff. Their clients include business owners, families and individuals nearing retirement.
“We chose Raymond James for its strong culture rooted in integrity, independence and advisor support,” Young said in a statement Monday. “It’s clear the firm is deeply committed to empowering advisors and prioritizing what’s best for their clients – values that align perfectly with our own.”
The addition of Springs Wealth Group comes as multiple advisor teams have exited Ameriprise Financial in 2025. Earlier this year, at least two practices have left for LPL Financial, citing operational flexibility and increased independence. Those departures included PCC Wealth Partners in The Woodlands, Texas, who reportedly managed $315 million in assets at Ameriprise; Jackson/Roskelley Wealth Advisors in Scottsdale, Arizona, reportedly managing $345 million, who made their move in February.
There's been no love lost between Ameriprise and LPL, with both firms trading blows in court over what each sees as unfair, unethical, or illegal recruitment tactics employed by the other. In one of the most recent turns, LPL blasted its rival for reportedly sending "false and defamatory" notices with claims of data breaches to clients. A request for a temporary restraining order in federal court was slapped down by the presiding judge in San Diego, with both firms agreeing they'd seek to settle their differences over that matter at Finra.
Elsewhere at Raymond James, the firm welcomed advisor Scott Gajeski, who left US Bancorp Investments to become part of Raymond James & Associates, its employee advisor division, in Denver. Gajeski brings over 19 years of financial services experience and had been with US Bancorp for 13 years. He previously managed more than $214 million in client assets.
Gajeski said his move was motivated by "[Raymond James'] reputation for stability," noting the firm's commitment to advisors and clients "in times of volatility and uncertainty."
He is joined by senior registered client service associate Erica Kohlwaies. Their practice serves a broad range of clients, including families, nonprofits and business owners.
Prior to Gajeski, RJA bolstered its ranks in California with the addition of Walnut Creek-based Hutchinson Wealth Services, led by a former Stifel advisor previously overseeing $135 million in client assets.
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