Financial Design Group (FDG), a Toledo-based financial services firm, announced the opening of its ninth branch office in Independence, Ohio, with the addition of the Jim Jack team from Ameriprise Financial. The expansion represents FDG's continued growth in the competitive financial advisory landscape and underscores the appeal of its supported independence model for experienced professionals.
The move carries symbolic significance, as the new location in "Independence" aligns with FDG's business model that empowers financial advisors to own 100% of their practice while benefiting from institutional scale and dedicated support. "With our supported Independence Model advisors can own their practice without having to build it alone," said Michael Clements, President of FDG. "FDG is strategically structured to empower financial advisors to succeed as business owners by providing customized support and services that align with unique needs of each advisor and their clients."
The Jim Jack team brings decades of combined experience to FDG, led by Jim Jack with more than 30 years at Ameriprise Financial, along with wealth advisors Nicholas Bloomhuff and Ryan Montanari. Their expertise in personalized wealth management, retirement planning, and client-focused strategies strengthens FDG's growing network. After his long tenure at Ameriprise, Jack sought a platform combining LPL Financial's 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," said Jack. "I didn't want to have to worry about the back office and systems; I want to just focus 100% of my attention on my clients."
This addition marks FDG's latest success in attracting advisor talent, contributing to seven new advisors joining in the past 12 months from firms including Ameriprise, Osaic, Croak Capital, Stifel, and WesBanco. Since affiliating with LPL Financial in March 2023, FDG has grown to support 20 advisors across nine offices in five states, providing seamless transitions, back-office handling, AI-powered tools, streamlined workflows, and on-site onboarding.
Jason Strasser, Executive Vice President of Financial Design Group, emphasized the firm's ongoing investment in its platform: "We focus on building out our platform with innovative technology and experienced and dedicated support teams to allow our advisors to recapture time so they can focus on the client experience." The new office operates under FDG's commitment to excellence at 4401 Rockside Road, Suite 201, Independence, OH 44131.
For advisors interested in FDG's supported independence model, more information is available at JOINFDG.com. "FDG's model delivers what advisors like Jim and his team are looking for: full ownership without the isolation of going fully independent," said Clements. "We handle the administrative burdens, implementation, and operational details so professionals can prioritize client relationships and growth—proving FDG as the destination firm in today's evolving advisory landscape."
