Raymond James continues expansion in California, welcomes experienced advisors
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Continuing the firm’s expansion in the West, Raymond James welcomed experienced financial advisors Michele Ing, CFP®, AAMS®, in King City, California, and Thad Ortez, AWMA®, in Modesto, California, to Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS) – the firm’s independent broker/dealer – according to Bill Counsman, West regional director for RJFS.
“I am pleased to welcome Thad and Michele to Raymond James, as the firm continues to expand in California,” said Counsman. “We continue to hear from advisors that Raymond James’ exceptional technology, depth of resources and direct access to all levels of management have been important differentiators for them as they work with clients and grow their businesses. We’re proud that Raymond James’ culture and support continue to be driving factors for experienced financial advisors like Michele and Thad, who are looking for more control and support to better serve their clients.”
Ing joins the firm from Edward Jones, where she served as a financial advisor for the past 14 years and where she previously managed approximately $120 million in client assets. A Certified Financial Planner™ professional and Accredited Asset Management Specialist, she brings more than 30 years of experience, having worked on both the corporate and individual investor side. Ing serves a variety of clients, including families, individuals, retirees and women investors. Joining her at Raymond James are Alicia Trujillo, office manager, and Christopher Cogar, client services manager.
“Becoming an independent practice and partnering with Raymond James is a great move for my clients and their needs,” said Ing, financial advisor. “I witnessed firsthand the inclusive culture and access to leadership during the firm’s Women’s Symposium and again at my home office visit to St. Petersburg during my due diligence process. From the advanced technology to the breadth of services provided, I have been so impressed with the company.”
Ortez has nearly 20 years of financial services industry experience and previously managed approximately $100 million in client assets. Before joining Raymond James, he served as a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors, and prior to that worked at Wachovia Securities and World Savings (both later acquired by Wells Fargo). Ortez serves a variety of clients, including individuals and retirees. Living near the almond capital of the world, he also serves a niche client group of local farmers and growers. He graduated from California State University, Stanislaus, with a degree in business administration and earned the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation from the College of Financial Planning.
“When looking at firms, having more control and ownership of my practice and the client experience was important to me,” said Ortez, financial advisor. “Raymond James is a firm that has a reputation of putting clients first. That, coupled with the flexibility they give me to run my practice the way I know is best for my clients, makes me confident that this was the right move for me, and especially my clients. I’m excited to continue growing my business now at Raymond James.”
Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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 $725 billion.