Raymond James announced a couple of major hires. This includes a $290 million advisor team and a $150 million financial advisor.
$290 Million Multigenerational Advisor Team
Amy Smart, the Mid-American regional director of the firm’s employee advisor channel Raymond James & Associates (RJA) announced that the firm recently welcomed Jacob Schmidt, Daniel Schmidt, AAMS and Matthew Schmidt, CFP, CPWA to RJA in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This team arrives from Baird, where they managed over $290 million in client assets, and are joined by senior client service associate Jennifer Taylor and client service associate Kristina Stuller.
Now as Schmidt Wealth Advisors of Raymond James, they operate as part of part of RJA’s Fort Wayne branch, serving business owners, families and individuals, pre-retirees and retirees.
Jacob Schmidt brings over 43 years of financial services industry experience to his role as senior vice president of investments. And he started his career in 1981 at Merrill Lynch and most recently served as an advisor at Baird for over 18 years. He holds an undergraduate degree in finance from Valparaiso University.
Daniel Schmidt brings over 13 years of financial services industry experience to his role as vice president of investments. And he began his career in 2010 at Baird where he served for over 13 years. He holds the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation and an undergraduate degree in financial planning from Ball State University.
Matthew Schmidt is a CFP professional with over nine years of experience in the financial services industry and holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor designation. And his experience is backed by a bachelor’s degree in finance from Ball State University and an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University.
$150 Million Financial Advisor Joanna Knieberg
RJA’s Western Gulf regional director Edward Sudzina has recently welcomed financial advisor Joanna Knieberg to the firm in Frisco, Texas. Knieberg arrives from J.P. Morgan, where she managed $150+ million in client assets. And as Knieberg Wealth Strategies of Raymond James, she serves business owners, corporate executives, families and individuals as a part of RJA’s Frisco branch, led by branch manager Jon Blair.
Knieberg served at J.P Morgan for 12 years, and her professional experience is backed by an undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas. She holds 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, having began her career at Wells Fargo Advisors in 2004.
KEY QUOTES:
“At Raymond James, we found a welcoming culture that offers a high level of independence. This environment allows us to tailor our services to better meet our clients’ needs while maintaining our brand identity. In addition, the firm’s commitment to supporting advisors in their branding efforts was a key factor in our decision to join.”
- Jacob Schmidt
“Raymond James’ novel approach to transitioning our practice to the next generation of family advisors was another significant factor in our decision. This forward-thinking strategy ensures that our clients will continue to receive the high level of service they expect, even as we plan for the future of our practice.”
- Daniel Schmidt
“We appreciate the breadth of technology available at Raymond James, which further augments our ability to meet client goals. The advanced tools and resources provided by the firm enable us to deliver a comprehensive and efficient service, helping to enhance the overall client experience.”
- Matthew Schmidt, associate vice president of investments
“What truly stands out to me about Raymond James is its unwavering client-focused approach and the robust support it provides to financial advisors. The extensive range of support and the expertise of specialized teams empower me to better serve our clients’ diverse needs. Moreover, the culture at Raymond James resonates deeply with my professional values, making this transition an ideal fit for both my clients and my practice.”
- Joanna Knieberg, first vice president of wealth management
