Raymond James has added a former Merrill Lynch team with $453 million in client assets to Raymond James & Associates, the firm’s employee advisor channel in Lake Charles, La., according to a news release.
Woods Brignac Wealth Management of Raymond James is led by financial advisors Tim Woods, senior vice president, investments; Blake Brignac, first vice president, investments; and Mitchell Woods. They are joined by client service associates Debbie Ardoin and Mackenzie Wright.
“We love Lake Charles, and it’s refreshing to find a firm that is as committed to this community and to our clients as we are,” said Tim Woods, who has been with Merrill Lynch since 1998, when he entered the industry. “Raymond James’ approach to wealth management centers on the advisor-client relationship and empowers us as advisors to act in our clients’ best interests, period."
Brignac began his career with Merrill Lynch in 2013 and Mitchell Woods in 2017. “Part of what attracted us to Raymond James is that they remain focused on wealth management. The firm is fiscally responsible, stable and most importantly, it empowers advisors at the local level to truly be a fiduciary for our advisory clients,” Brignac said.
Jude Huval, Louisiana Complex manager for RJA, noted that Lake Charles has, for years, been the fastest-growing metro area in Louisiana and one of the fastest-growing in the nation. “We have long desired a presence here, but we wanted to establish an office with a team that shares our core beliefs and values. We found that in the Woods Brignac team, and we look forward to the opportunity to invest in Southwest Louisiana long-term,” he said.