Raymond James welcomes $170 million advisor team from LPL in Orchard Park, New York
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Raymond James welcomed financial advisors Robert J. Ellis, Christopher L. Van Son, Joe Starinsky, Jr., CFA®, AIF, and Julie Barr to Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS) – the firm’s independent broker/dealer – in Orchard Park, New York, according to Shannon Reid, Northeast regional director for RJFS.
“We are proud to welcome Chris, Bob, Joe and Julie as they are a talented team with a demonstrated commitment to their clients,” said Reid. “I’m pleased that they found the distinct combination of advisor support and a client-focused culture offered at Raymond James to be a best fit as they continue to grow their practice as independent advisors.”
The team operates as Robert J. Ellis Financial Advisors, LLC and joins the firm from LPL Financial, where they previously managed approximately $170 million. They serve a variety of clients, including small business owners, individuals and multigenerational families. Joining them at Raymond James are Lacey Dale, senior client service representative, Sarah Foss, registered client service representative, and Paula Valentino, client service representative.
“There were several major reasons why we were attracted to Raymond James,” said Ellis, branch manager, RJFS and CEO of Robert J. Ellis Financial Advisors. “Primarily, it is a conservatively run company and management has been stable. During our visit to the home office, we were also excited by what we saw from a technology standpoint. For us, the client comes first – our business is 100% referral, and we have been that way since 1989. It was important to us to join a firm that provides the support we need to continue to serve our clients.”
Ellis began his financial services career in 1983 and has worked at multiple firms, including Merrill Lynch and, most recently, LPL. He graduated summa cum laude from Buffalo State College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business studies.
Van Son, financial advisor with RJFS and president of Robert J. Ellis Financial Advisors, has 34 years of financial services industry experience, beginning at Travelers Equities Sales. Prior to joining Raymond James, he worked as a financial advisor at LPL. He received his bachelor’s degree in marketing and finance from Alfred University, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Starinsky, financial advisor and CFA®, has been in the industry for more than 21 years. He worked as a financial advisor at LPL before joining Raymond James, and before that worked at various firms, including ClearPlan Financial, Prudential and Citigroup. A graduate of Fordham University, he holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in economics.
Barr is transitioning to the role of financial advisor after 19 years with the team as a senior client service representative, having worked most recently at LPL. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from John Carroll University.
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 throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are $753 billion.
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Robert J. Ellis Financial Advisors,LLC, is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.