LPL Financial Welcomes Financial Advisors Thomas & Chris Varga

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Oct. 21, 2019 – LPL Financial LLC, a leading retail investment advisory firm and independent broker-dealer, today announced that financial advisors Thomas Varga Jr., CPA, CLU, ChFC, and Chris Varga have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer and corporate registered investment advisor (RIA) platforms. They reported having served approximately $150 million in brokerage and advisory assets*. They join from Cadaret Grant.

Thomas founded Financial Associates in 1986 as a unique, specialized firm offering multiple services including investment advice, individual income taxes, estate planning, retirement plans, and life insurance. His son Chris joined the South Bend, Ind., practice in 2012 as a licensed associate advisor, leaving behind a career as a personal assistant to a musician with the Dave Matthews Band. They’re joined by office manager Sue Machowiak, who has been with the business since its formation.

Together, they provide customized service to mass affluent individuals and business owners, with a heavy focus on Individual Retirement Account (IRA) plans. “We don’t have cookie cutter portfolios. Everything is customized to address each client’s complex investment needs,” Thomas said. “I also do the tax return work for the majority of my investment clients, so we have intimate knowledge of their financial situation, preferences and goals.”

Outside the office, both father and son share a love of sports and their community. Thomas played varsity basketball at Notre Dame from 1971 to 1975, while Chris was a scholarship tennis player named the Mid-American Conference’s men’s tennis Player of the Year in 2003. Additionally, Thomas is a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award for his distinguished service to the State of Indiana.

Why the Varga Team Moved to LPL

The Varga team moved Financial Associates to LPL Financial after learning about the firm’s technology capabilities, acquisition resources and service support. “We are interested in LPL’s ability to assist with the valuation of practices and provide acquisition financing. We’ve had success with organic, internal growth, but we believe a merger or acquisition would put us on the path toward significant growth,” said Thomas. The father/son team was also impressed by their visit to LPL’s office near Charlotte, N.C. “The home office visit really gave us the confidence to make the decision to move our business. We are energized by LPL’s commitment to its advisors. We know we’ll have the level of support needed to enhance our business as we help our clients pursue their goal of financial security and success.”

“The firm’s size and scale are a great advantage to advisors,” said Rich Steinmeier, LPL Financial managing director and divisional president, Business Development. “We put our capital to work for them, providing acquisition loans to help them scale their businesses. And we invest back into their businesses by making strategic investments in technology, capabilities and services that help LPL advisors more easily and cost effectively serve the needs of their clients. We welcome Thomas and Chris to LPL, and look forward to connecting them to the resources and support that can help them with their growth plans.”

Read about other firms that recently joined LPL in the LPL Financial News and Media section of LPL.com.

Advisors, learn how to take a proactive approach in the progression and future planning of your firm.

About LPL Financial

LPL Financial is a leader in the retail financial advice market and the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer**. We serve independent financial advisors and financial institutions, providing them with the technology, research, clearing and compliance services, and practice management programs they need to create and grow thriving practices. LPL enables them to provide objective guidance to millions of American families seeking wealth management, retirement planning, financial planning and asset management solutions.

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA / SIPC.

Financial Associates and LPL Financial are separate entities. The Tax/ Accounting/ CPA related services offered through Financial Associates are separate and not affiliated with LPL Financial.

*Based on prior business and represents assets that would have been custodied at LPL Financial, rather than third-party custodians. Reported assets and client numbers have not been independently and fully verified by LPL Financial.

**Based on total revenues, Financial Planning magazine June 1996-2019