U.S. Investors International in Portland, Ore., and Krpalek Financial Services in Albany, Ore., have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer and corporate registered investment advisor platforms with $330 million in combined client assets, according to a news release.

Craig Lewelling, president of U.S. Investors International, manages approximately $225 million in client assets, while Greg Krpalek, president of Krpalek Financial Services, manages $105 million. The two advisors join LPL from SagePoint Financial, part of the Advisor Group network of broker-dealers.

Krpalek became a financial advisor following a brief NFL career as a center for the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.

Lewelling worked in corporate America before purchasing U.S. Investors International from a retiring advisor in 1999.

“We created a succession plan back when no one else was doing it,” he said.

While for years Lewelling and Krpalek led separate companies, that is about to change. With the move to LPL, the two advisors will begin working closely together as part of Krpalek’s business continuity and succession plan.

“We’ll continue to keep our practices independent of each other, but we are excited about this opportunity to work together to provide the best care to our clients,” Krpalek said.

Lewelling said in the news release that their pairing was a perfect cultural fit.

“Greg and I think the same way and share the same approach to clients, with a focus on comprehensive wealth management and full financial planning,” he said.

Both struck up a friendship over the years while attending the same industry conferences. Receiving much of the same training, it seemed natural to partner as each takes the next steps to grow his own business, according to Lewelling.

The duo reportedly moved their business to LPL Financial to take advantage of the firm’s enhanced platforms and technology, while also finding value in the firm’s self-clearing capabilities and its transparency as a publicly traded company.

“LPL brings a depth of service and technology that will take us to the next level,” Lewelling said.

He also said that LPL’s client statements are simple and easy to understand, which he and Krpalek believe will be a differentiator for the two businesses.

“This business and industry is driven by technology, and LPL has made a tremendous commitment in that area,” Krpalek said. “The ability to do business digitally, versus stacks of paperwork, is a win for us, making it easier for us to help meet the relevant expectations that clients have.”

Rich Steinmeier, LPL Financial managing director and divisional president of business development, said that his company looked forward to a long-term partnership with both financial advice practices.

“We are inspired by their foresight to develop a thoughtful plan that is guided by their commitment to their clients,” he said in a news release. “As their partner, we are committed to delivering the differentiated capabilities, technology and service that helps them be successful today and into the future, as the needs of their clients and their business evolve.”

LPL Financial, with headquarters in Fort Mill, S.C.; San Diego; and Boston, is the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer.