Broker Check

Real Advisors. Real Talk. 

Discover why many financial advisors began their careers elsewhere—but through growth, experience, and evolving values, ultimately chose Baird as the better fit. These aren’t scripted testimonials. They’re real stories from real advisors who found their way to Baird and never looked back.

Read about these advisor experiences or better yet, call them directly—they’ll tell you themselves. This isn’t marketing. It’s momentum.

Savannah Petronis, CFP®, Financial Advisor 

Savannah Petronis, CFP®, Financial Advisor 

Culture That Truly Cares

"Baird’s culture is the reason my father and I moved our practice here nearly seven years ago. Integrity isn’t just a buzzword at Baird; it’s a guiding principle - and it comes to life in our Leaders who create an environment where people are valued and supported. It’s a place where professionals want to be, and that makes all the difference." 

Call me at 817-339-3408  | Previously at Wells Fargo

W. Clay Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisor 

W. Clay Ryan, CFP®, Financial Advisor 

Empowered by Ownership, United by Culture

“What makes Baird truly special is the sense of family—and that starts with being employee-owned. After coming from a large, publicly traded firm, we found a place where we weren’t answering to outside shareholders, but to ourselves. That gave us the freedom to do what’s right for our clients and for each other. When my father passed away, the firm didn’t just support me—they cared for my family like their own. That kind of culture, rooted in ownership and compassion, is rare. And it’s why Baird is more than just a firm—it’s home.”

Call me at 817-339-3418  | Previously at Wells Fargo

Joseph Sholden, Financial Advisor 

Joseph Sholden, Financial Advisor 

 A Firm That Honors Your Legacy and Elevates Your Clients 

"Late in my career, I was searching for a firm that aligned with my values and would provide continuity for my clients after retirement. Baird stood out with its open architecture, client-first approach, and a supportive transition team that went above and beyond. The technology, personalized support, and independently owned structure—where over 80% of employees are shareholders—create a culture of shared success. Whether in your prime or planning your next chapter, Baird offers a place where advisors and clients can thrive. 

Call me at 817-339-3441 | Previously at Wells Fargo

Andrew Robinson, CFP®, Financial Advisor

Andrew Robinson, CFP®, Financial Advisor

Unmatched Resources, True Independence, and a Culture That Feels Like Home

"Coming from a large institution, I didn’t realize how much wealth management could offer until I joined Baird. The access to in-house experts—estate planners, CPAs, and financial planners—elevates the service I can provide my clients. Baird’s open architecture gives me the freedom to build the best investment plans without pressure to push proprietary products. But what truly sets Baird apart is the culture—collaborative, supportive, and genuinely friendly. Leadership is accessible and invested in our success. It’s a place where you feel empowered, valued, and part of something special." 

Call me at 817-339-3424  | Previously at Fidelity 

Mark Stevanovic, Managing Director & Financial Advisor

Mark Stevanovic, Managing Director & Financial Advisor

Advisor Influence and Collaboration

“At Baird, you truly have a seat at the table. When decisions are being made—whether it’s about new technologies or tools to help us serve clients—executives genuinely listen to what we need. Many of the systems we use today were built from advisor recommendations. It’s a collaborative environment where good ideas are heard, and if they make sense, they’re often implemented. That kind of responsiveness is rare, and it makes a real difference in how we serve our clients.”

Call me at  214-373-2964 | Previously at Morgan Stanley 

Caitlin Kraft, Client Assistant

Caitlin Kraft, Client Assistant

From Classroom to Client Service—A Career Change That Still Makes a Difference

"Transitioning from teaching to financial services was a leap, but Baird made it feel like a natural next step. I was worried I’d lose the sense of purpose I had in the classroom, but here, I still get to make a meaningful impact—helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with care and clarity. The culture is incredibly welcoming, from local teams to corporate leadership, and the support I received made the learning curve feel manageable. Now, I’m not only growing in confidence but also sharing my skills by leading learning sessions for others. Baird has given me a new way to make a difference—and a community that truly celebrates it."

Call me at 817-339-3434 | Former school teacher 

George Gamez, Financial Advisor

George Gamez, Financial Advisor

A Culture That’s Real, Support That’s Reliable, and a Decision That Still Feels Right

"What first drew us to Baird was the promise of a firm that felt like home—and over a decade later, that promise remains true. From the camaraderie in the office to the accessibility of leadership, Baird fosters a culture where everyone matters. The tools and resources we have access to allow us to simplify our clients’ lives and deliver real value every day. We didn’t wait for Baird to find us—we sought them out, and it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made. What we saw then wasn’t smoke and mirrors—it was real, and it still is."

Call me at 817-339-3422 | Previously at Wells Fargo 

Neil E. Grant, CFP®, Managing Director & Financial Advisor

Neil E. Grant, CFP®, Managing Director & Financial Advisor

Independence with Big-Firm Resources 

“When I joined Baird, they told me, ‘We’re going to give you full autonomy. We’ll put you in the corner and let you do good, clean business the way you want to do it.’ That’s exactly what they did. It felt like joining an independent firm—but with all the resources of a big one. At Baird, decisions are long-term because it’s privately held. There’s no pressure from quarterly earnings or stock price swings. It’s a narrow organization where I’m just three steps from the CEO, and everyone sincerely cares about the client—because that’s why we’re here.”

Call me 214-373-2917 | Previously at Morgan Stanley

Jayson Bales, Managing Director & Financial Advisor

Jayson Bales, Managing Director & Financial Advisor

Defining Culture Through People and Purpose 

“Baird is unique in many ways, but what truly sets us apart is our culture—and the culture is people. It’s an environment that encourages you to explore, to experiment, and to always put your clients first. When you focus on good outcomes for clients, good outcomes follow for the firm. It’s a kind, open culture filled with genuinely good people.”

Call me at 214-373-2927 | Previously at Spectrum Financial Group

Cathie G. Coleman, CFP®, Managing Director, Financial Advisor

Cathie G. Coleman, CFP®, Managing Director, Financial Advisor

Multi-Generational Service, Fully Supported 

"As a multi-generational team serving four generations of clients in West Texas, we’ve found Baird to be the perfect partner. Since joining in 2018, Baird has provided the structure, platforms, and peer collaboration that allow each team member—regardless of age or background—to thrive in their highest and best role. The support for family teams and the emphasis on business development have made a meaningful difference in how we serve our clients and grow together." 

Call me at 325-690-4610 | Previously at Wells Fargo 

Joel Berg, Financial Advisor

Joel Berg, Financial Advisor

Highlighting Comprehensive Resources and Culture 

“Baird offers resources I didn’t even know I needed—estate planning tools, tax software, access to CPAs and estate attorneys who will talk directly with my clients. And it’s all part of the service. On top of that, the benefits—from stock ownership and dividends to 401(k) matching and bonuses—are outstanding. But what really stands out is the people. Every time I call, I get help. If someone doesn’t know the answer, they stay on the line until someone who does joins. It’s a culture of follow-through and care.”

Previously at Raymond James Financial 

Kirsten Spacek, CFP®, CPWA®, CDFA®, Associate Financial Advisor

Kirsten Spacek, CFP®, CPWA®, CDFA®, Associate Financial Advisor

Mentorship and Support for Young Advisors 

“Baird has been incredible at supporting me not just as a young advisor, but as a person with goals and passions. Whether it’s pursuing a new designation or joining a local organization, I’ve always felt empowered. The mentorship I’ve received—especially from experienced female advisors—has been my guiding light. Coming straight out of college, it was overwhelming, but that support system is the reason I’m still in the business. It’s been a game changer.”

Call me at 214-373-2909 | Previously at Merrill Lynch

Jonathan Griego, Client Specialist

Jonathan Griego, Client Specialist

People-First Culture

“When I started out in the industry over 15 years ago, it became clear to me early on that people matter most. That’s exactly what Baird brings to the table—a very people-focused culture. The associate promise here is that every associate matters and contributes to the success of the firm. That mindset shapes everything we do.”

Call me at 214-373-2931 | Previously at Scottrade