Financial Design Group, a Toledo-based financial services firm, has opened its ninth branch office in Independence, Ohio, through the acquisition of veteran advisor Jim Jack and his team from Ameriprise Financial. This strategic expansion underscores the increasing competition for experienced financial advisors and demonstrates the appeal of hybrid models that combine entrepreneurial ownership with corporate support structures.
The move carries symbolic significance, as the "Independence" location aligns with FDG's supported independence model. This approach allows financial advisors to maintain 100% ownership of their practices while benefiting from institutional-scale resources and dedicated operational support. Michael Clements, President of FDG, emphasized that this model enables advisors to succeed as business owners without building their practices in isolation, providing customized support aligned with each advisor's unique needs.
The Jim Jack team brings decades of combined experience in personalized wealth management, retirement planning, and client-focused strategies to FDG's growing network. Jim Jack, who spent over 30 years with Ameriprise Financial, specifically sought a platform combining LPL Financial's robust resources with personalized support. "I wanted to find a place with the institutional scale and resources that come from LPL combined with an environment of support," Jack stated. This structure allows his team to focus entirely on client relationships while FDG handles administrative burdens and operational details.
Jason Strasser, Executive Vice President of Financial Design Group, highlighted the firm's ongoing investment in technology and support teams designed to help advisors recapture time for client-focused activities. Since affiliating with LPL Financial in March 2023, FDG has experienced significant growth, now supporting 20 advisors across nine offices in five states. The firm provides seamless transitions, back-office handling, AI-powered tools, streamlined workflows, and on-site onboarding to ensure what they describe as a "soft landing" for new advisors.
This acquisition represents FDG's latest success in attracting advisor talent, contributing to seven new advisors joining in the past twelve months from firms including Ameriprise, Osaic, Croak Capital, Stifel, and WesBanco. The trend reflects broader industry shifts as financial professionals seek models that balance autonomy with support infrastructure. For more information about FDG's services, visit https://www.fdgonline.com. Advisors interested in learning about the supported independence model can explore https://JOINFDG.com.
The expansion matters because it illustrates how financial advisory firms are adapting to changing professional preferences in a competitive landscape. As advisors increasingly value both business ownership and operational support, hybrid models like FDG's may reshape how financial services are delivered, potentially affecting client experiences through advisors who can dedicate more time to relationship management rather than administrative tasks. This development could influence industry recruitment strategies and business structures as firms compete to attract and retain experienced professionals in an evolving advisory environment.
