Three registered investment advisors expanded their footprints this week, adding practices and individual advisors across Ohio, Illinois, and Florida. The moves underscore the continued pull of the independent channel for planning-focused talent.
Carson Group launches women-led Ohio firm
Carson Group, the Omaha-based RIA with more than $65 billion in assets under management, has added advisors Nikki Lude, CFP, ChFC, CAP, BFA, and Ciara Stewart, CFP, to its independent advisor network. The pair launched Heritage Financial & Investment Services, a new firm serving families, retirees, and small business owners in southeastern Ohio.
The team, which previously operated under Commonwealth Financial Services, brings roughly $120 million in client assets. Their practice has historically focused on pre-retirees, small business owners, and women undergoing major life transitions. Lude cited Carson's culture and operational flexibility as key reasons for the move. "From the beginning, the team was welcoming, honest and thoughtful about how they could support the business we wanted to build," she said. Stewart added that the launch reflects "who we are, where we come from and how we want clients to feel when they walk through our door."
Through Carson's platform, Heritage gains access to investment management, advanced planning, tax support, and operational infrastructure while retaining independent decision-making. Gregg Johnson, Carson's national sales director, said the model is designed for such launches, preserving local identity while providing broader resources. This move follows Carson's recent phased succession deal with a Wisconsin RIA.
Mesirow adds CFP under Empowered Advisor initiative
Mesirow Wealth Management, a division of Mesirow Financial Investment Management and an SEC-registered RIA, has hired Mark K. Nichol, CFP, as a wealth advisor. The hire is part of the firm's Empowered Advisor initiative, which targets experienced advisors seeking flexibility, open-architecture resources, and advanced planning capabilities.
Nichol focuses on high-net-worth individuals and families, with expertise in financial planning, retirement strategy, and coordination with tax and estate professionals. He holds a BBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Brian D. Price, CEO of Mesirow Wealth Management, said Nichol's decision reflects advisors' interest in the firm's open architecture and collaborative culture. Nichol noted that Mesirow offers "the flexibility, resources, and support needed to deliver meaningful outcomes for clients." Mesirow, founded in Chicago in 1937, ranks among Barron's Top 100 RIA Firms for 2026.
DayMark opens third Florida office with $250M team
DayMark Wealth Partners, a Cincinnati-based RIA and member of the Dynasty Financial Partners network, has expanded into Sarasota with a four-person team managing approximately $250 million in client assets. Andrew Cardone, Chuck Brown, Skylar Mosconi, and Michael Callahan join from Wells Fargo and Fidelity Investments. Mosconi comes from Fidelity as director of client relations; the other three were at Wells Fargo. The team advises business owners, multigenerational families, corporate executives, and retirement clients, with a focus on alternative and private investments.
The Sarasota office is DayMark's third in Florida, following Fort Lauderdale and Stuart openings in June 2025. The firm recently added an $820 million team in Pepper Pike, Ohio, and launched a Madison, Wisconsin office in July 2026. Mike Quin, co-founder, said population migration into Florida is driving the strategy. Shirl Penney, founder and CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners, praised the firm's "clarity of vision" and its generational planning approach. The expansion mirrors broader trends in advisor movement, as seen in record advisor moves in 2025 and other large team recruitments.
