Raymond James Welcomes Advisor Managing $245 Million in Woodstock, Georgia
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Raymond James welcomed experienced financial advisor Judy T. Ross, AAMS®, to Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS) – the firm’s independent broker/dealer – in Woodstock, Georgia, according to Todd Gartrell, Southeast regional director for RJFS.
Ross operates as J. Thompson Ross Investments and joins the firm from Wells Fargo Financial Network, where she previously managed approximately $245 million in client assets. Joining her at Raymond James are Daren Sexton, director of portfolio management for J. Thompson Ross Investments and RJFS senior registered associate; Patricia Hayton, director of client services; and Lauren Richert, client service associate. Her team serves a variety of clients, including business owners, corporate executives, families and individuals, retirees, sudden wealth clients and women investors.
“Raymond James’ planning tools and technology capabilities are impressive, and reinforce the firm’s commitment to its wealth management business,” said Ross, wealth management advisor. “They develop resources designed to support and strengthen our relationship with our clients, and offer us the flexibility and freedom to run our business. I’m looking forward to leveraging the support and resources at Raymond James as we continue to serve our clients and grow our practice.”
Ross has been a financial advisor for more than 25 years. She began her career at First Union Brokerage Services, transitioning to A.G. Edwards & Sons in 2001 and remaining with the firm through the acquisition by Wells Fargo. She founded her independent practice at Wells Fargo FiNet in 2010. Prior to her career as an advisor, Ross worked in consumer and business banking divisions for 12 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Clemson University. Ross was named among the top advisors in her state in 2018, having been named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list. In 2017, she was named to Working Mother magazine’s list of the Top Wealth Advisor Moms.
Sexton began his financial services career 10 years ago at Colonial Brokerage. He transitioned to Wells Fargo FiNet in 2010 and joined J. Thompson Ross Investments, serving as portfolio administrator. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Georgia Southern University.
Hayton has 20 years of financial services experience at multiple firms including Merrill Lynch and UBS. In 2010, she joined J. Thompson Ross Investments. Prior to her financial services career, she served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years.
Richert recently joined J. Thompson Ross Investments in 2018, following a career in accounting and collections.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Judy, Daren, Patricia and Lauren to Raymond James,” said Gartrell. “Judy leads an exceptional team that truly operates with a client-first approach, and I’m pleased that she found the resources, support and culture at Raymond James to be the best fit for not only their team going forward, but also their clients. We look forward to our partnership with them and to providing the support they need as they continue to grow.”
J. Thompson Ross Investments is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.
About Raymond James Financial Services
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. is a financial services firm supporting more than 4,300 independent financial advisors nationwide. Since 1974, Raymond James Financial Services Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, has provided a wide range of investment and wealth planning related services through its affiliate, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Both broker/dealers are wholly owned subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF) a leading diversified financial services company with approximately 7,800 financial advisors in 3,100 locations throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are $790 billion.
The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of 21,138 advisors nominated by their firms, 2,213 received the award. This ranking is not indicative of advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC.
Data provided by SHOOK™ Research, LLC as of July 2017. The Working Mother and SHOOK research ranking is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data. SHOOK Research considered wealth advisers who are mothers with at least one child living at home and under the age of 18 with a minimum of five years of industry experience. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures derived from telephone and in-person interviews and surveys: service models, investing process, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, etc.; and quantitative criteria, such as assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisers rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC. Neither SHOOK nor Working Mother receives compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Raymond James is not affiliated with Working Mother or Shook Research, LLC. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its financial advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. For more information see SHOOKresearch.com.