Summit Financial announced a strategic collaboration with Merchant Investment Management, resulting in significant investments in four new partner firms: Crow Financial Advisors, Everest Consultants, Heritage Wealth Partners, and LPF Advisors. These strategic partnerships are a testament to the growing strength of the Summit-Merchant alliance, which facilitates the rapid expansion of Summit’s elite national network of wealth managers who are focused on growth and excellence.
These four newly onboarded firms collectively manage an impressive total of over $1.2 billion in client assets, reinforcing Summit’s reputation as the preferred platform for advisors eager to scale their businesses. With these latest investments, Summit has now completed a remarkable total of 29 investments since the early part of 2024, with a notable 11 of those occurring in 2025 alone. As of July 21, 2025, Summit and its partner firms boast a robust network of over 150 advisors across 23 states, overseeing more than $20 billion in client assets.
1. Crow Financial Advisors
Nestled in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Crow Financial Advisors represents Summit’s expansion into the burgeoning Southwest U.S. The firm, led by the experienced husband-and-wife duo of Tom and Vicki Crow, brings a wealth of expertise, managing over $143 million in client assets as of March 8, 2025. With a legacy spanning over three decades, Crow Financial Advisors has gained a stellar reputation for its integrity, personalized service, and steadfast dedication to acting in the best interests of its clients, regardless of their financial stage.
2. Everest Consultants
Based in Syracuse, New York, Everest Consultants LLC has been a trusted partner since its establishment in 1997. As of March 17, 2025, the firm manages a substantial $633 million in assets. Led by Managing Partner Alexander Pasquale, with key contributions from minority owners Nate Gavitt, AIF, C(k)P, and Anita Lombardi, AIF, Everest is committed to serving a diverse clientele, including individuals, multi-generational families, business owners, and employer-sponsored retirement plans across the Northeast. The firm is recognized for its focus on transparency, diligent service, and a commitment to fostering lifelong partnerships with its clients.
3. Heritage Wealth Partners
Heritage Wealth Partners, situated in Dublin, Ohio, officially joined Summit in May 2025. Under the leadership of President and CEO Matthew Keyes, the firm manages an impressive $176 million in client assets as of March 25, 2025. Keyes and his capable team have cultivated a deep commitment to integrity and an entrepreneurial spirit that drives exceptional client outcomes. Since its inception in 2007, Heritage Wealth Partners has garnered acclaim for excellence in investment management, comprehensive financial planning, insurance services, and tax planning. Their unwavering focus on client-centric solutions allows them to effectively guide individuals and families at every step of their financial journey, making them an ideal fit for Summit’s mission and culture.
4. LPF Advisors
Located in the picturesque city of Sarasota, Florida, LPF Advisors was co-founded by visionaries Mark Picchi and Kristopher Flammang, CRPC, AIF. As of April 15, 2025, the firm oversees a noteworthy $277 million in client assets under advisory. LPF Advisors has successfully established a robust wealth management practice that delivers tailored financial planning and investment advice to its clients. Joining the Summit family in May 2025, LPF Advisors enhances Summit’s reach in the Southeast U.S. while sharing a mutual commitment to providing personalized and innovative wealth management solutions.
For over four decades, Summit Financial has empowered advisors with a growth mindset by offering unparalleled flexibility, coupled with sophisticated and integrated wealth management services specifically designed for high-net-worth clients. Advisors who align with the Summit platform gain valuable access to a dedicated Professional Strategy Team comprised of attorneys, tax specialists, financial planners, and investment strategists dedicated to supporting their success and that of their clients.
KEY QUOTES:
“The addition of these outstanding firms is both a powerful validation of Summit’s momentum and a clear signal that our vision for elevated independence and exceptional client service resonates across the industry. For over 40 years, Summit has been unwavering in our mission to empower advisors to grow with integrity, build enduring legacies, and deliver unparalleled value to their clients—always with a steadfast commitment to fiduciary excellence. Together, we are setting a new standard for what advisors and their clients can achieve.”
Stan Gregor, Chairman and CEO of Summit Financial Holdings
“We decided to partner with Summit because they share our commitment to delivering personalized, dependable, and forward-thinking investment solutions. This collaboration enables us to continue serving our clients with the highest standards of integrity and excellence, while expanding the opportunities available to help secure their financial futures.”
Tom Crow, President and Owner of Crow Financial
“Joining Summit Financial allows us to provide our clients with access to expanded tools, technologies, and support, enhancing our services without compromising our independent, fiduciary approach. Our clients can continue to expect the same level of dedication, transparency, and personalized planning they’ve always received, strengthened by a broader platform aligned with our values.”
Alexander Pasquale
“Joining forces with Summit is the logical next step to better serve the evolving needs of our clients and fuel the next chapter of our growth. We’re proud of the business we built and look forward to taking even better care of clients while achieving success as part of a preeminent, national firm.”
Matthew Keyes
“We’ve found a partner who has created a path to growth and given us advanced capabilities that will empower our clients to maximize and protect their wealth so they can pursue their life goals. We’re excited to gain access to Summit’s technology and investment resources, letting us elevate our services and meet the unique needs of each client.”
Kristopher Flammang
“Each partnership reinforces our core belief that true independence, paired with Summit’s enhanced capabilities and modern resources, creates the best environment for advisors to thrive. Summit looks forward to delivering robust support and innovative solutions, ushering our partners to new levels of success.”
Keith Soltis, ChFC, Summit’s Head of Growth and Business Development
“The addition of four new forward-thinking firms to the network marks another exciting milestone in Summit’s impressive growth journey. We value our partnership with Summit and remain committed to its ongoing success by collaborating on investments, partnerships, and services that deliver meaningful value to visionary advisors and their clients.”
Tim Bello, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Merchant, an investment firm providing growth capital and long-term strategic support to independent advisors and related businesses
