Three registered investment advisors announced new advisor additions this week, collectively bringing in practices and individuals spanning Ohio, Illinois, and Florida as the independent channel continues to draw planning-focused talent.
Carson Group, the Omaha, Nebraska-based registered investment advisor with over $65 billion in assets under management has welcomed financial advisors Nikki Lude, CFP, ChFC, CAP, BFA, and Ciara Stewart, CFP, to its independent advisor channel. The pair have launched Heritage Financial & Investment Services, a new firm serving families, retirees, and small business owners across southeastern Ohio.
The women-led team transitions from Commonwealth Financial Services, bringing approximately $120 million in client assets. Their client base includes pre-retirees, small business owners, and women navigating major life transitions, a focus that has defined the team's practice throughout their careers in the region.
Culture and operational flexibility drove the decision to partner with Carson, according to both advisors. "From the beginning, the team was welcoming, honest and thoughtful about how they could support the business we wanted to build," said Lude. "Our clients are our top priority, and we believe Carson's platform gives us the premier resources, technology and planning support to keep raising the bar."
Stewart said the launch reflects something deeper than a platform switch. "Launching Heritage Financial & Investment Services gives us the opportunity to create something that reflects who we are, where we come from and how we want clients to feel when they walk through our door," she said.
Through Carson's platform, Heritage gains access to investment management resources, advanced planning capabilities, tax planning support, and operational infrastructure - all while retaining independent decision-making authority.
Gregg Johnson, national sales director for Carson Group, said the model is built for exactly this kind of launch. "For Nikki and Ciara, that means preserving their local identity and independent decision-making while accessing a broader solutions platform," Johnson said.
Chicago-based Mesirow Wealth Management, a division of Mesirow Financial Investment Management, Inc. and an SEC-registered investment advisor, has announced the addition of Mark K. Nichol, CFP, as a wealth advisor.
The hire is the latest under the firm's Empowered Advisor initiative, which targets experienced advisors seeking greater flexibility, open-architecture resources, and advanced planning capabilities.
Nichol's work focuses on high-net-worth individuals and families, with expertise spanning financial planning, retirement strategy, and coordination with tax and estate planning professionals. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Brian D. Price, CEO of Mesirow Wealth Management, said the hire reflects advisors' growing interest in the firm's structure. "Mark's decision to join Mesirow reflects the value advisors see in our open architecture, collaborative culture, and commitment to helping them build the practice they envision," Price said.
Nichol said the firm's culture and entrepreneurial environment sealed the decision. "It's clear that Mesirow offers advisors the flexibility, resources, and support needed to deliver meaningful outcomes for clients," he said.
Mesirow, founded in Chicago in 1937, has expanded its wealth management division through organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and advisor recruitment. The firm ranks among Barron's Top 100 RIA Firms for 2026.
DayMark Wealth Partners, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based registered investment advisor and member of the Dynasty Financial Partners network of independent advisory firms has expanded into Sarasota with the addition of a four-person team managing approximately $250 million in client assets.
Andrew Cardone, Chuck Brown, Skylar Mosconi, and Michael Callahan join from Wells Fargo and Fidelity Investments. Mosconi transitions as director of client relations from Fidelity, while the remaining three were previously at Wells Fargo. The team advises business owners, high-net-worth multigenerational families, corporate executives, and retirement planning clients, and also works with alternative and private investments.
The Sarasota office is DayMark's third Florida location, following openings in Fort Lauderdale and Stuart in June 2025. The expansion comes after the firm added an $820 million team to its Pepper Pike, Ohio office and launched a Madison, Wisconsin location in July 2026.
Mike Quin, co-founder of DayMark Wealth Partners, said population migration into Florida is driving the firm's geographic strategy. "As an increasing number of people move from the Northeast and Midwest to Florida, DayMark is committed to expanding our presence throughout the state," Quin said.
Shirl Penney, founder and CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners, said the growth reflects deliberate execution. "What stands out is not just the pace of that growth, but the clarity of the vision behind it," Penney said. "DayMark's commitment to a generational planning approach continues to resonate with clients and advisors alike."
These challenges are “changing the economics we see retirement savers face,” said Christopher Ceder of Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Richardson firm joins as Kestra builds out its platform with new leadership, technology, and expanded planning tools.
Retiring RIA seller David Laidlaw alleges the Carnegie valued his stake on $11.7 million EBITA while pitching potential buyers on $21.3 million.
New tool gives RIAs and family offices AI help vetting private market deals, with some users reportedly halving review time.
Investors got projected returns dressed up as real ones, SEC says
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
Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains
