A trio of advisors with $1.2 billion in client assets is making the move to Raymond James, according to the firm. Jared Stricklin, Darryl Dunn and Robert Meeder will join Raymond James from UBS, and will join the firm’s employee advisor channel.
Stricklin, a senior vice president of investments and managing director, said that Raymond James’ commitment to its wealth management business was an important aspect in their decision.
“The ability for us to truly own and run our business was a big factor, and that freedom sets the tone for everything management and support teams do here,” he said. “It’s clear they’re here to support our relationships with our clients and our continued growth. We’re excited to be part of such an advisor-centric culture.”
The trio of advisors would also move with financial planning consultants Alin Frentzen and Lucas Harris, as well as senior registered sales associates Deborah Doss and Wendy Jennings. Their clients include medical professionals and engineers, as well as other business owners, C-suite executives and families. They’ll operate out of Kansas City, Kan., with the new name MDS Advisors of Raymond James.
Combined, the trio of advisors have numerous decades in the financial services industry. Dunn served with UBS for 13 years, both as a financial advisor and senior vice president, as did Stricklin, who worked with UBS for 10 years. Meeder has been in the financial services industry since 1980 and specializes in market risk assessment and portfolio construction.
Raymond James and Associates’ Senior Vice President and Midwest Regional Director Michael O’Meara lauded the “high-caliber group” who made the switch from UBS.
“With aligned values and shared dedication putting clients first, they are an incredible representation of Raymond James as we open our new RJA office and expand in the Kansas City area,” he said. “We’re pleased they found the unique culture of freedom and high-level support that Raymond James is known for as the optimal fit for them, their clients and their practice.”
Though Raymond James’ wealth management revenues declined during the fiscal third quarter due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, advisor head count reached an all-time high as of June 30. The firm has continued to acquire more advisors, including a Miami advisory team with about $280 million in assets who joined Raymond James’ Alex. Brown from UBS. In June, Raymond James attracted a team with $350 million in managed assets from Merrill Lynch.