LPL lands two Ohio practices managing $1.15B from Cetera

LPL Financial has added two Ohio-based advisory practices managing a combined $1.15 billion in client assets, the latest win in a recruiting race that has defined the independent broker-dealer landscape through much of 2026.

FHT Advisors and Impel Wealth Management, both former Cetera affiliates, have joined LPL's broker-dealer and registered investment advisor platforms and will continue operating under their respective names. The two practices are led by Brian Toma, CFP, AIF, CEPA, of FHT Advisors and Jesse Hurst, CFP, AIF, of Impel Wealth Management - colleagues who have known one another for 25 years.

The move is consistent with broader trends in the independent channel, where LPL has consistently posted record recruiting numbers and positioned its technology and planning capabilities as central draws for advisors managing complex client relationships.

Ensemble model at the center of FHT's pitch

FHT Advisors operates across 32 states and serves a client base that includes professionals, medical professionals, and families at multiple stages of financial life. The firm is structured as an ensemble practice - a deliberate departure from the solo-advisor model - in which multiple advisors collaborate on client situations rather than managing accounts in silos.

Toma leads a team of eight advisors and several financial consultants. "We've intentionally built FHT as an ensemble because we believe clients benefit when multiple advisors are thinking about their financial lives," Toma said. "LPL gives us access to the technology, resources and capabilities to build on that approach and continue elevating the client experience."

Multigenerational focus drives Impel's strategy

Hurst founded Impel Wealth Management with a focus on retirement planning for corporate executives in the Akron area and has since expanded the practice into what the firm describes as a multigenerational wealth management operation. He said Impel works with dozens of families spanning at least two generations and more than a dozen across three.

The firm employs two additional advisors - Nathan Ollish, CFP, AIF, who works primarily with younger clients, and Irene Zurowski, CFP, CRPS, who concentrates on retirement plans and female executives. The team also produces its own market commentary and financial planning content through blog posts and videos.

"When someone engages Impel, they get our entire firm," Hurst said. "We also believe strongly in sharing ideas with our peers. That abundance mentality makes all of us better advisors and helps us build stronger practices for the clients and families we serve."

Technology and planning resources drove the decision

Both practices cited LPL's technology infrastructure and advanced planning tools as the primary drivers of the transition. Hurst said a visit to LPL's San Diego office was a turning point. "LPL brings together technology, planning resources and services that can help us support complex client needs while giving us more opportunities to grow," he said.

Ken Hullings, executive vice president of business development and head of advisor recruiting at LPL Financial, said the two practices reflect the kind of collaborative culture the firm is seeking to build. "Their 25-year professional relationship and shared belief in exchanging ideas reflect the kind of community we strive to foster at LPL," Hullings said.

The addition of FHT Advisors and Impel Wealth Management extends LPL's string of significant recruiting wins in 2026. The firm, which works with more than 30,000 financial advisors, named Hullings to lead recruiting in October as it continues to build out its advisor development resources following the integration of Commonwealth Financial Network.

Beyond their practices, both Toma and Hurst have maintained active roles in their communities. Hurst said he has served on 14 community boards over the past 30 years.

*Client asset figures are as reported by the advisors and have not been independently verified by InvestmentNews.