New Jersey $270M team sets up new wealth firm with LPL

New Jersey $270M team sets up new wealth firm with LPL
The three advisors have left Merrill Lynch to form their independent firm.
AUG 16, 2023

A financial advisor and two of his former interns have established a new independent practice in New Jersey.

Roger Relucio, CFP, CRPC, has spent more than a decade building a team of specialists including those who joined an internship program he created.

Pasqualino “Pat” Ruffa, CFP, CRPC, and David Kraus, CRPC, were part of that program and were hired as advisors by Relucio once they left college. They now join him in the new firm having left Merrill Lynch.

Breakaway Wealth Management, based in Hoboken, New Jersey, has been founded with help from LPL Financial’s Strategic Wealth Services, which has enabled Relucio to tap into his natural entrepreneurial spirit.

“The whole picture of Strategic Wealth Services was really compelling to us,” Relucio said. “It allows us partnered, supported independence so we’re not starting off all on our own. We have a full team behind us to take care of the operational side of the house so that we can concentrate on growing our business and giving clients the boutique-style service they deserve.”

The team has served approximately $270 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets and also includes client services associate Jenna Looney.

“We offer straightforward, actionable advice and financial strategies that are both comprehensive and easy to understand,” Relucio said. “Our job is to empower our clients, not overwhelm them.”

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.