Kestra Financial Adds $2.4 Billion in Recruitment Assets in First Quarter of 2025, With Strong Q2 Outlook

Platform onboards 16 new firms and 26 leading financial professionals to kick off a new year

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kestra Financial, an industry-leading wealth management platform, welcomed 26 financial professionals collectively overseeing more than $2.4 billion in assets under management in the first quarter of 2025.

Financial professionals have the option to operate independently through Kestra Financial or Kestra Private Wealth Services—a registered investment adviser subsidiary of Kestra Financial that offers a comprehensive, full-service platform. Designed to support those transitioning from a wirehouse or W-2 model, Kestra Private Wealth Services provides hands-on assistance with real estate, equipment, technology, and compliance.

Kestra continues to attract top-tier financial professionals drawn to its advisor-first culture and collaborative community. Independent advisors value the concierge-style service model, robust home office support, and a shared commitment to long-term practice growth. For those leaving traditional firms, Kestra’s turnkey path to independence removes the burden of setting up operations, allowing advisors to focus on what matters most: their clients and their business.

“We’re proud to welcome advisors who share our core values: entrepreneurial spirit, collaboration, and a client-first mindset,” said John Amore, President of Kestra Financial. “At Kestra, we’re intentional about growing a community where independence is respected, innovation is embraced, and advisors are truly empowered to lead their way.”

Q1 2025 additions to Kestra Financial and Kestra Private Wealth Services included:

• Brian Menickella, Beacon Financial Services
• Nickolas Ellis, Nick Ellis, & Jeff Lewis, EAG Private Wealth Management
• Dennis Fesser, Fesser Financial
• Scott Fanatico, The Financial Services Center
• Amy Dunham, joined Inspired Wealth Planning*
• Tara Carlson, Magnolia Wealth Partners
• Hugo Marrero, Marrero Wealth
• Shaun Kimball, Momentum Strategic Wealth
• Philip Olstein, Olstein Financial Group
• Karl Schwartz, joined OWL Private Wealth Advisors*
• Stewart Werner, joined PlanWell Private Wealth Services*
• Rebecca Jones, RLJ Wealth Management
• Todd Summers, joined Seasons Wealth
• Mike McMeans, Silverling Financial
• John Marmion & Shea Marmion, Turas Wealth Partners*
• John Pettis, joined Undivided Wealth Management*
• Al Varano & Steve Spong, The Varano Spong Financial Group

(*) represents recruits who joined through Kestra Private Wealth Services.

“Every new advisor adds to the fabric of our community,” said Amore. “When we grow with the right people, we deepen our collective strength — for each other and for the clients we serve. As we continue through the year, we look forward to expanding our community of like-minded entrepreneurs who want a partner that’s invested in their success.”

About Kestra Financial

Kestra Financial is a leading independent wealth management platform headquartered in Austin, Texas. A division of Kestra Holdings and established in 1997, the firm empowers independent financial professionals and wealth management firms – including traditional and hybrid RIAs – by offering personalized support, integrated business management technology, and access to a collaborative community of like-minded financial professionals. With a culture rich in reinvention, Kestra Financial has developed integrated business management technology that, combined with its personalized consulting services, offers exceptional scale and efficiency.

Overseeing $142 billion in assets under advisement (AUA), Kestra Financial supports more than 1,300 producing financial professionals and is committed to delivering superior service that enables their growth, success, and ability to best support their own clients.

The Kestra Financial division includes Kestra Private Wealth Services, LLC (Kestra PWS), Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS) and Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through registered representatives of Kestra IS. Investment advisory services offered through appropriately licensed representatives of Kestra AS or Kestra PWS. Except for the referenced Kestra companies, Kestra IS, Kestra AS, or Kestra PWS are not affiliated with other entities referenced in this publication.

For more information about Kestra Financial, please visit www.kestrafinancial.com.