The Top Financial Advisors in the USA: Insights from InvestmentNews
February 10, 2025
In a landscape shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, persistently low interest rates, and the complexities of a boiling election cycle, financial advisors across the United States have found themselves navigating turbulent waters. In this challenging environment, InvestmentNews has recognized the exceptional skills of the nation’s best financial advisors, honoring them as the Top Advisors of 2025. ## Navigating Challenges in Financial Advisory
Dave Goodsell, executive director at the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, highlighted the various challenges faced by financial advisors today. "Investment assumptions are being tested by lower inflation, lower rates, and slowing growth," he stated. In response, clients are turning to advisors for specialized services, demanding not only expertise but also high levels of performance from their investments.
Despite these pressures, the Top Advisors have demonstrated remarkable resilience. From August 2023 to August 2024, this elite group achieved:
- 19% in assets under management (AUM) growth
- 10% in client growth
- Oversight of approximately $77.15 billion in AUM
A common thread among these advisors is their reliance on team collaboration, adept use of technology, and most importantly, the ability to communicate effectively with clients.
Spotlight on Honored Advisors
Several distinguished financial advisors shared their approaches and strategies, revealing what sets them apart in this competitive market.
Jeff DeHaan – Clearwater Capital Partners
- AUM Growth: 28%
- Client Growth: 8%
- Location: Hoffman Estates, IL
Jeff DeHaan attributes his success to a client-centric philosophy that prioritizes deep understanding over quick solutions. "It’s not taking the easy or quick answer, but really digging in with our client families," he explains, emphasizing the importance of holistic recommendations tailored to clients’ complete financial landscapes.
Ted Lauzen – Grey Fox Wealth Advisors
- AUM Growth: 67%
- Client Growth: 90%
- Location: Rockland, DE
Having served as a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Marines, Ted Lauzen brings a unique perspective to his advisory role. "I love to bring stability and build confidence," he says. His approach is characterized by a high standard of client service, which has been crucial in thriving during challenging times.
Wayne McCormick – McCormick Wealth Management of Steward Partners
- AUM Growth: 26%
- Client Growth: 18%
- Location: Manchester, NH
Wayne McCormick distinguishes himself through a commitment to operational efficiency and process improvement. He states, "I have always viewed the competence of an advisor and access to investments to be table stakes." His focus on innovation within client service has empowered him to enhance his firm’s reputation and retention rates.
Tim DiSette – Infinitas LLC
- AUM Growth: 48%
- Client Growth: 16%
- Location: Overland Park, KS
Tim DiSette credits his upbringing in a family farming business as fundamental to his understanding of hard work and compassion in managing clients’ assets. "In today’s age of technology, we would not be able to be the financial planners we are if we didn’t have younger people around us with great technical skills," he notes, emphasizing the blend of experience and modernity.
Gregory Guenther – GRANTvest Financial Group
- AUM Growth: 34%
- Client Growth: 133%
- Location: Matawan, NJ
Gregory Guenther, regarded for his comprehensive financial planning approach, advocates for education as a means to empower clients. "Put the client first and always do the right thing," he declares, a principle that has guided his firm since its inception.
Strategies for Sustained Growth
The success of these financial advisors stems not only from individual efforts but also from deliberate strategies that drive growth. For instance, McCormick has expanded his team to maintain service quality, underscoring the significance of having competent partners. Likewise, Lauzen has focused on enhancing client experiences, which involves careful recruitment to find candidates who align with his values of hard work and service excellence.
Similarly, both DiSette and DeHaan recognize the importance of external consultation in refining their practices. By utilizing advisory services outside their firm, they can gain fresh perspectives and uncover blind spots critical to their growth.
They also share a common concern regarding the challenges that growth presents. As DeHaan rightly notes, “Managing growth is one of the hardest things that any business has to do,” highlighting the necessity of maintaining high standards while scaling operations.
Conclusion
The Top Advisors of 2025 exemplify resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to their clients amid an evolving financial landscape. Their stories not only illuminate the strategies employed across the industry but also inspire upcoming financial advisors to prioritize client relationships, operational efficiency, and personal integrity in their financial practices. As they continue to navigate through uncertainty, the lessons learned from these top advisors will remain relevant and instructive for the entire financial advisory profession.
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