Coming together in times of need

With Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacting communities throughout the Southeast, including in the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay area where Raymond James is headquartered, thousands across the state experienced unprecedented flooding, power outages, property damage and devastation. 

And while the firm’s business continuity processes meant colleagues in Memphis, Southfield, Denver, New York and across the country were there to ensure continuous coverage, the storms left a long recovery road ahead for all in their paths.

Since then, we’ve begun to pick up the pieces and move forward, as we do in both good times and bad: together – as a firm, as a community and as a family.

Rebuilding our communities, restoring hope

“Challenging times like these highlight the importance of always putting people first, which has always been the foundation of Raymond James,” said President Paul Shoukry in a memo to associates and advisors.

Following the hurricanes, the firm and leadership team have contributed almost $11 million to associate and community relief, including stipends for eligible associates and donations to Friends of Raymond James, the American Red Cross, the United Way Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund and other charitable organizations across impacted communities.

In addition to granting associates the time needed to navigate recovery efforts, the firm continues to provide comprehensive resources and benefits – including information about financial support, immediate aid, relocation resources and wellness benefits. 

A celebration of care and community

As soon as the home office was able to safely reopen, a recharge station was set up for those seeking access to air conditioning, power and internet amid the widespread outages.

In appreciation of the tremendous generosity associates have shown one another, and to thank them for their continued dedication and care during a hectic time, the firm also invited associates, advisors and their families to the home office for complimentary hot meals and supplies.

Firm leaders and associates came together to distribute more than 600 hot meals. (Pictured here: Paul Shoukry offering a hot meal kit at the October 15 drive-thru event.)

And hundreds of associates came by to restock their pantries, free of charge, with items such as milk, eggs, bread, snacks and cleaning supplies, many of which are still in short supply at local stores.

(Pictured above) Leaders and associates distributing hot meals and supply kits at the St. Petersburg home office on October 15.

In true Raymond James Cares form, other corporate locations and branches also collected and distributed supplies in support of their local associates and communities.

In the days following, Paul Shoukry and Chief Human Resources Officer Chris Aisenbrey traveled to the Memphis office to personally thank associates for ensuring continuous service to advisors and their clients. With the support from associates throughout our corporate locations, those in the affected areas were able to focus on what matters most – the safety, security and wellbeing of themselves and their families.

“It’s times like these that I feel most proud to work alongside each and every one of you,” said Chair and CEO Paul Reilly in one of multiple memos sent to the firm. “The strength, resilience and commitment you continue to show is admirable. Thank you – and remember, we will get through this together.”

As a people-centered firm, our associates and advisors are the heart of Raymond James.

Follow along as we highlight our stories and celebrate our firm's unique culture.