Over the last couple of weeks, LPL announced a number of team additions. These are the details.
$160 Million Advisor Danielle Qualls
On June 25, LPL Financial announced that financial advisor Danielle Qualls has joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms, teaming up with existing firm Bergkamp Financial. And she reported having served approximately $160 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from Stifel, Nicolaus and Co.
As a Kansas native, Qualls started her career in corporate accounting before making the switch to wealth management in 1999. And she focuses on connecting with clients at a multigenerational level to develop financial strategies aimed at building family legacies. With a goal of extending that collaborative approach to a team setting while enjoying the benefits of independence, Qualls turned to LPL to help find an established practice that fit her goals, clients and personality. This led her straight to women-led Bergkamp Financial.
Headed by Managing Partners Amy McKinley and Lori Zern, Bergkamp Financial serves a wide range of clients, focusing on comprehensive wealth strategies, planning for retirement, investments, life insurance, annuities and long-term care insurance. And the practice also includes financial advisors Ryan Zern and Sam Milner, and advisor assistant Katherine Reif.
Bergkamp Financial has been with LPL since 2021 and the Bergkamp team said they appreciate how LPL’s open architecture platform and research capabilities — including the weekly commentary — and insurance product offerings have enhanced their ability to produce strategies that address the unique needs of their broad client base and drive the practice forward.
KEY QUOTES:
“I wanted to provide more services and go farther. I knew that I’d need to work with a team that had different experiences and specialties. With LPL and Bergkamp Financial, there is opportunity to collaborate by teaming up on what works best for clients.”
– Danielle Qualls
“Danielle has the skills and knowledge that we need to build out our services for the benefit of our clients. She shares the same strong work ethic, empathy and compassion, making her the right addition.”
– Lori Zern
“We have a wide client base, from farmers to teachers to business owners, and we’ll continue to build on our rural grassroots business as we go. With Danielle joining us, we are looking forward to enhancing our services as a whole and joining our efforts for more holistic planning. We’re very excited for the future.”
– Amy McKinley
“We welcome Danielle to LPL Financial. At LPL, we are committed to providing independent advisors with robust, integrated capabilities and a comprehensive suite of tools and resources designed to support their unique business goals. We look forward to seeing Bergkamp Financial continue to grow, expand their services and deliver exceptional value to their clients.”
– Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development
$380 Million First Summit Capital Management Team
On June 27, LPL Financial announced that the advisors of First Summit Capital Management have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms, aligning with Momentum Wealth Partners, an existing firm supporting LPL-affiliated advisors. And the First Summit advisors reported having served approximately $380 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets and join LPL from PNC Investments.
First Summit Capital Management in Wilmington, Delaware, is led by principal owner and Managing Partner Thomas J. Cooney, a seasoned financial services veteran with 32 years of industry experience. He also previously owned a successful company in the forest products industry, where he honed his business acumen and strategic thinking.
Cooney is joined by Managing Partner Mark Freed, CFP, CRC, a former professional pitcher for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks, who has over a decade of experience in wealth management. And they are supported by Director of Operations Vicki Pearce.
The team also provides personalized investment strategies and comprehensive financial planning services, including retirement planning, wealth management and estate planning.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our mission is to empower clients to navigate their financial journey with clarity and confidence. We believe in building meaningful relationships based on trust, integrity and transparency, providing straightforward and honest guidance to help clients make informed decisions with sense of assurance.”
– Thomas Cooney
“We are excited to join LPL Financial to gain access to their robust capabilities, open architecture platform and streamlined business solutions that enable us to offer more personalized services and a broader range of investment options. We now have the independence to serve clients as we see fit and put their best interests first. We’re confident this move will help us expand the relationships we have with clients and create more opportunities for the families we work with.”
– Mark Freed
“At Momentum, we cultivate a success-driven mindset, encouraging advisors to improve their practices and commit to outstanding client service. The First Summit Capital team truly represents this philosophy. Thomas, Mark and Vicki, we are delighted to welcome you to Momentum and LPL.”
– Momentum Wealth Partners Managing Partner and Co-Founder Doug Frank
“We welcome Tom, Mark and Vicki to the LPL community and congratulate Momentum Wealth Partners on its continued growth. As the industry continues to evolve, more advisors are looking for a partner that provides flexibility and customization to create differentiated experiences for their clients. At LPL, we understand that and are committed to providing advisors with sophisticated resources and curated choices to create their ideal practice.”
– Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development
$290 Million Zack Wealth Team
On July 1, LPL Financial announced that father and daughter financial advisors James (Jim) Zack and Amanda Zack have joined LPL’s employee advisor channel, Linsco by LPL Financial, to launch The Zack Wealth Group. They reported serving approximately $290 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets and join LPL from Morgan Stanley.
Based out of Washington, D.C., Jim Zack is a seasoned advisor who has always been intrigued by the stock market. He recalled reading the stock pages in the newspaper in his youth and his fascination with numbers, combined with his love of serving others, led to his career as a financial advisor. Amanda Zack witnessed first-hand as her father started his business, went on calls and grew his client base, building lasting relationships along the way. She also followed his footsteps by joining his practice eight years ago.
For more flexibility and the ability to operate as true partners, the father-daughter team chose to move to Linsco by LPL. And Linsco serves financial advisors who value the core tenets of independence, including owning their client relationships and having flexibility to run their practice. With Linsco, employee advisors have access to LPL’s integrated wealth management platform and robust business resources, and with the additional benefits of having support from an experienced branch management team, dedicated marketing consultant, technology consultant and service team.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are a family team committed to helping other families, and it all starts with thorough planning and a deep understanding of our clients’ goals and aspirations. We take a service-oriented, client-centered approach to helping people preserve and manage their wealth, build their legacy and pass their wealth to future generations.”
“We did our due diligence and really liked the direction LPL is heading. We found it’s much easier for us to be a team at LPL, and we appreciate that we have the freedom to run our practice the way we want. Our team is very family-focused so it’s important that we build a business where we can truly put clients’ best interests first and maintain their portfolios without corporate influence, just like if they were our own family.”
– Jim Zack
“We welcome Jim and Amanda to the Linsco community and congratulate them on the launch of The Zack Wealth Group. With LPL’s unprecedented flexibility and support, more advisors are recognizing the importance of freedom as they seek ways to differentiate themselves and enhance the client experience. Linsco grants advisors true client ownership and the freedom to manage and grow their relationships — and businesses — as they see fit. We look forward to a long-lasting and successful relationship with The Zack Wealth Management.”
– LPL Executive Vice President Scott Posner, Business Development
$200 Million Countiss Wealth Management Team
On July 8, LPL Financial announced that father and daughter financial advisors Dan Countiss and Olivia Countiss CEPA, AAMS, have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms to launch a new independent practice, Countiss Wealth Management. And they reported serving about $200 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets and join LPL from Edward Jones.
Based out of Flowood, Mississippi, the advisors have nearly 25 years of combined experience in wealth management, financial planning and investing. Dan Countiss is a U.S. Army veteran who became a financial advisor after owning a successful business and selling it – making him an ideal fit for business owner clients. And Olivia Countiss – who took an interest in investing and financial planning at a very young age – joined the industry as an admin during college and spent time in the home office of her former firm prior to starting her own practice in 2019.
By going independent, they can work together as a team to take more comprehensive care of their clients. And they are joined by Investment Analyst Chandler Duke and Client Services Associate Christy Walker.
The team decided on LPL for improved financial planning services, greater investment flexibility and enhanced technology that makes it easier for clients to access their account information and financial plans. And the integrated capabilities will also help the advisors be more efficient, freeing up time to spend with clients instead of on administrative tasks. They also appreciate that they could now provide guidance on 401(k) investments.
KEY QUOTES:
“By forming Countiss Wealth Management, we can create a new practice that allows us to work together in serving clients long into the future. We see ourselves as now being a multigenerational family serving multigenerational families. By working with and beside Olivia, we can deliver more expertise together to our clients.”
– Dan Countiss
“With 401(k)s often being the first vehicle for retirement savings, clients have been asking for recommendations on how to invest their 401(k) dollars. Countiss Wealth Management will now be able to help clients with this important part of their financial picture. We always want to be in the best place possible to service our clients and their families, and this move to LPL is a wonderful change for the clients who choose us.”
– Olivia Countiss
“We welcome Dan, Olivia and their team to the LPL community and congratulate them on the launch of Countiss Wealth Management. Giving advisors what they need to advance their business on their terms is one of LPL’s mission-critical objectives. We are committed to delivering value by making ongoing investments in new capabilities and innovative solutions designed to help advisors design their perfect practices and optimize their success.”
– Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development
$375 Million Integrity Financial Group Team
On July 10, LPL Financial announced that financial advisors Justin Gore, J.D., and Michael Fusco, CRPC, have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms to launch a new independent practice, Integrity Financial Group. They reported serving approximately $475 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets and join LPL from Ameriprise.
These advisors are longtime friends who teamed up in 2021 to expand their services and grow their presence throughout South Carolina’s Lowcountry. And based in the coastal town of Mount Pleasant, Gore has 26 years of experience in the financial services industry and oversees a range of specialized services including retirement strategies, estate planning and tailored financial planning. Fusco works out of the Myrtle Beach office and has 12 years of experience providing tailored wealth management and investment strategies for individuals and businesses. They are also supported by Tracy Raynor in Myrtle Beach and Beckie Davey in Mount Pleasant.
The team was formerly MG Private Financial, but with the retirement of their previous senior partner Hugh Martin, Gore and Fusco decided to rebrand as Integrity Financial Group, which represents how they aspire to treat their clients and business.
This move to LPL is a strategic one for Integrity Financial Group, which sought a partner that would provide the freedom and flexibility to serve clients’ best interests without mandates or proprietary products.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are committed to providing clients with the highest level of service. We take a client-first approach by working directly with them to understand each person’s unique financial situation, risk tolerance and aspirations. We gather all of this information before making customized recommendations based on their financial goals.”
– Michael Fusco
“We did a lot of soul searching over the last year to find a home that would allow us to put our clients first and grow our business on our own terms. LPL’s integrated platform gives our clients access to a variety of investment products and services, as well as the latest technology and research. At the end of the day, it’s all about our clients. They’re our lifeblood, and we wouldn’t be here without them. Our team’s guiding belief is putting our clients first, always.”
– Justin Gore
“We welcome Justin and Mike to LPL and are honored to support the launch of Integrity Financial Group. At LPL we understand what it takes to build and operate a thriving practice, and we are committed to offering cutting-edge business solutions and integrated capabilities designed to help advisors grow and differentiate their practices – on their own terms. We look forward to supporting Integrity Financial Group for years to come.”
– Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development
$475 Million Integrity Financial Group Team
On July 10, LPL Financial announced that financial advisors Justin Gore, J.D., and Michael Fusco, CRPC, joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms to launch a new independent practice, Integrity Financial Group. They reported serving approximately $475 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets and join LPL from Ameriprise.
These advisors are longtime friends who teamed up in 2021 to expand their services and grow their presence throughout South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Based in the coastal town of Mount Pleasant, Gore has 26 years of experience in the financial services industry and oversees a range of specialized services including retirement strategies, estate planning and tailored financial planning. And Fusco works out of the Myrtle Beach office and has 12 years of experience providing tailored wealth management and investment strategies for individuals and businesses. They are supported by Tracy Raynor in Myrtle Beach and Beckie Davey in Mount Pleasant.
This team was formerly MG Private Financial, but with the retirement of their previous senior partner Hugh Martin, Gore and Fusco chose to rebrand as Integrity Financial Group, which represents how they aspire to treat their clients and business.
This move to LPL is a strategic one for Integrity Financial Group – which sought a partner that would provide the freedom and flexibility to serve clients’ best interests without mandates or proprietary products.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are committed to providing clients with the highest level of service. We take a client-first approach by working directly with them to understand each person’s unique financial situation, risk tolerance and aspirations. We gather all of this information before making customized recommendations based on their financial goals.”
– Michael Fusco
“We did a lot of soul searching over the last year to find a home that would allow us to put our clients first and grow our business on our own terms. LPL’s integrated platform gives our clients access to a variety of investment products and services, as well as the latest technology and research. At the end of the day, it’s all about our clients. They’re our lifeblood, and we wouldn’t be here without them. Our team’s guiding belief is putting our clients first, always.”
– Justin Gore
“We welcome Justin and Mike to LPL and are honored to support the launch of Integrity Financial Group. At LPL we understand what it takes to build and operate a thriving practice, and we are committed to offering cutting-edge business solutions and integrated capabilities designed to help advisors grow and differentiate their practices – on their own terms. We look forward to supporting Integrity Financial Group for years to come.”
– Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development
$750 Million Summit Planning Group Team
LPL Financial announced today that the advisors with Summit Planning Group have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms. This team reported having served approximately $750 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from Lincoln Financial, now Osaic.
Launched in 1995, Summit Planning Group brings together a diverse group of advisors with backgrounds in accounting, finance, tax and investments who work together to address each client’s sophisticated wealth management needs. With registered offices in Branford and Glastonbury, Conn., the team includes financial advisors Brian Onofrio, CPA, AIF, C. David Koncz, Karl Zirolli, CFP, AIF, Jay Pinto, CFP, Frank Navario, CLU, Alison G. Gaffney, MBA, CRPC, and Ben Onofrio, MBA.
The Summit team’s due diligence process and commitment to excellence led the Summit Planning team to LPL Financial, which they called “second to none” in terms of the service experience for both advisors and clients.
KEY QUOTES:
“We understand it takes a multi-faceted group to coordinate the distinct elements of a client’s complex financial situation into one smoothly working, inter-related plan. As entrepreneurs and independent advisors, we take the time to provide customized plans and ongoing guidance for each client’s financial situation. We pride ourselves on our ability to truly understand our clients and communicate complex ideas in a straightforward, simple format.”
“LPL is a stable partner and Fortune 500 company that invests heavily in industry-leading capabilities and strategic business resources. We believe LPL puts our clients in a better suited position as they seek to maximize their returns and reduce risks, all while receiving a higher level of service. Ultimately, we believe that everything LPL offers will help us with the ease of doing business, freeing up more time to spend with clients.”
– Brian Onofrio
“We welcome Summit Planning Group to LPL and look forward to supporting the continued growth and evolution of their firm. Our sole focus is advisors, and we constantly look for ways to support them for the long run through investments in innovative capabilities and strategic business solutions designed to help advisors thrive and win in their market.”
– Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development
