Experienced advisors serving more than $500 million in client assets join Equitable Advisors
September 19, 2024
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New York, New York – September 19, 2024 – Equitable, a leading financial services organization and principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), today announced that Mark and Jeff Spencer, a father-son team, along with Jerome Hartl, CMT®, and Kirt Kilbourne have joined its wealth management business, Equitable Advisors.
The group of experienced advisors moved their practices from Wedbush Securities, where they managed more than $500 million in combined client assets. Based in Traverse City, Michigan, the advisors were drawn to Equitable Advisors for its supported independence model and technology capabilities that enhance the client experience.
“Jeff and I value the flexibility to run our own practice, while having the technology and support to ensure a smooth transition,” said Mark Spencer. “It was critical for us to partner with a firm like Equitable Advisors that has the resources and tools to help us continue meeting the financial planning needs of our clients for generations to come.”
Mark and Jeff Spencer, who collectively have more than 50 years of experience and serve approximately $460 million in client assets as a multi-generational practice, will operate as Perennial Wealth Management with the move to Equitable Advisors. They also pointed to the culture at Equitable Advisors as a reason for selecting the firm.
“My father and I have been impressed by the caliber of people we’ve interacted with at Equitable Advisors, and the fact that many have been with the firm for decades,” added Jeff Spencer. “We sought a long-term relationship much like the ones we’ve built with our clients, so this was meaningful for us.”
Jerome Hartl, CMT®, also moved his practice to Equitable Advisors for its digital tools and comprehensive resources, such as access to leading market research. Hartl has nearly 30 years of experience helping clients meet their financial goals and manages more than $45 million in client assets.
“As an advisor who collaborates with clients to create individually tailored portfolios, access to insightful market research is invaluable. The quality and depth of these resources at Equitable Advisors was a key factor in my decision,” said Hartl. “In addition, Equitable Advisors’ leading technology will help take our client service and support to the next level.”
As part of the transition, Kirt Kilbourne joined Equitable Advisors to help oversee the operations for both the Spencers’ and Hartl’s practices. Kilbourne, who has more than 30 years of experience as a financial advisor, will also continue to serve his existing clients. The four advisors are joined by Leslie MacKinnon, who leads client services to support their practices. As a vital team member, Leslie will continue to ensure the consistency and excellence of the client experience.
With approximately $94 billion in assets under administration1 as of June 30, 2024, Equitable Advisors has more than 4,300 financial professionals across the country. Experienced advisors who join Equitable Advisors benefit from the firm’s supported independence model, which provides robust capabilities, resources and unparalleled operational infrastructure. This includes an open-architecture platform, leading technology, marketing tools and real estate, as well as support with succession planning, team formation and compliance.
About Equitable
Equitable, a principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), has been one of America’s leading financial services providers since 1859. With the mission to help clients secure their financial well-being, Equitable provides advice, protection and retirement strategies to individuals, families and small businesses. Equitable has more than 8,000 employees and Equitable Advisors financial professionals and serves 3 million clients across the country. Please visit equitable.com for more information.
1 Equitable Holdings Second Quarter 2024 financial results
Reference to the 1859 founding applies specifically and exclusively to Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial) (NY, NY).
Duly registered and licensed Equitable Advisors Financial Professionals offer securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN), offer investment advisory products and services through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor, and offer annuities and insurance through Equitable Network, LLC (Equitable Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC; Equitable Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC; Equitable Network of Puerto Rico, Inc.)
“Advisor” is used as a general term to describe insurance/annuity and investment sales and advisory professionals who may hold varied licensing as insurance agents, registered representatives of broker-dealers, and investment advisory representatives (IAR) of registered investment advisors, respectively. Duly registered and licensed Financial Professionals offer securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN), offer investment advisory products and services through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor, and offer annuity and insurance products through Equitable Network, LLC (Equitable Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC; Equitable Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC; Equitable Network of Puerto Rico, Inc. Equitable Advisors Financial Professionals do not directly manage clients’ assets.