Several financial advisers have joined LPL Financial’s platforms this fall. One – a former Synovus Securities registered investment adviser, and the other – a veteran pair from Morristown Wealth Management, together reported serving nearly $500 million in assets.
Most recently, financial adviser Ashton Medina, CFA, CFP, joined LPL’s broker-dealer and corporate RIA platforms, aligning with existing firm GradePoint Financial Group. He reported having served approximately $155 million in advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets and joins LPL from Synovus Securities.
Based in Miami, Medina is in his fifth year as an adviser following an initial career as a portfolio manager at a private bank. He said he is committed to delivering a broad spectrum of wealth management and financial planning services, with a focus on education to help his clients better understand the complexities of their financial lives.
“I am very passionate about the world of investments,” said Medina, who immigrated from Colombia after graduating high school at age 16. “Transitioning from a portfolio manager to a financial adviser has allowed me to provide clients with a more holistic approach to their needs, so that I can address every facet of their finances and offer a higher level of value.”
Looking for independence and the autonomy to run his business on his own terms, Medina turned to LPL and GradePoint.
“I’m excited to be part of LPL and GradePoint Financial Group,” said Medina. “I really appreciate LPL’s comprehensive digital platform with single sign-on where I can access everything in one place. This will allow me to expand my service offering and create more positive experiences for clients. I am also impressed with GradePoint’s localized support and dedicated resources.”
Earlier this month, Morristown Wealth’s financial advisers Don Giovanello Jr. and Gian Paolella, CFP, and practice manager Ellen Luithle joined LPL’s broker-dealer, RIA, and custodial platforms. They reported having served approximately $340 million in advisory and retirement plan assets and join LPL from Raymond James Financial Services.
The Morristown, N.J., -based family practice was established in 2009 by Don Giovanello Sr., a beloved adviser who sadly lost his battle to cancer in 2018. His son, Don Jr., grew up immersed in the business and joined the practice in 2010 right out of college. He credits his father as a mentor and the driving inspiration for his career path and unwavering work ethic. Paolella, who is Don, Jr.’s brother-in-law, is partner in the firm, joining in 2018 following an initial career in investment product sales.
“Our clients are our top priority, and we strive to understand their unique circumstances so we can create distinctive plans that provide a roadmap for their financial journey,” said Giovanello, who built much of his business by prospecting Penn State alumni. “Guided by dedication and integrity, we focus on creating lasting relationships with clients, not just trading stocks, bonds and mutual funds.”
By affiliating with LPL as younger advisers, both Medina and Giovanello/Paolella seek to benefit from its platform and resources.
“We look forward to leveraging LPL’s open architecture platform, robust technology, and strategic business resources that will enable us to continue growing our business and deliver the best possible services to our clients. We appreciate that LPL doesn’t offer proprietary investment products, meaning as independent advisors, we can choose appropriate products and strategies for our clients,” said Paolella.
“Our industry is experiencing an aging adviser population, with the average age becoming a topic of increasing concern,” said Giovanello, who spent the first seven years of his career with LPL. “As younger advisers, we saw this as an opportunity for Morristown Wealth Management to bridge that age gap and bring a fresh perspective to our clients. LPL is a great platform to support our future growth and help us take my dad’s legacy to the next level.”
Finally, Jeff Hughes, president of GradePoint Financial Group, expressed the firm’s excitement in welcoming Medina.
“Ashton excels at transforming intricate challenges into customized solutions, especially in unique situations. With a keen focus on multi-generational wealth and estate planning, his personalized approach and attention to detail make him a great addition to our team,” concluded Hughes.
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. serves nearly 23,000 financial advisers, including advisers at more than 1,000 enterprises and 580 registered investment adviser firms nationwide. Headquartered in San Diego, its total advisory and brokerage assets totaled $1.56 trillion as of Aug. 30, 2024.
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