Raymond James recently recruited veteran financial advisers S. Benjamin Weiner, CFP®, CIMA®, who will be operating as the Winter Park Wealth Group, an independent firm, in Winter Park.

"We are delighted to welcome yet another accomplished team of advisers to Raymond James," the company said. "Ben and his partners have demonstrated a history of providing excellent client service, consistent with the culture and values at Raymond James. Their decision to affiliate with us reflects their appreciation for our firm's client-first focus, financial strength and extensive support and resources."

"I grew up in this business alongside my father, for whom I have the greatest respect," said Weiner. "He always reminded me, and now I remind myself and my partners, that we must earn our clients' trust and confidence every day. We wanted to join a firm where that would be easy-a firm that was known for its integrity, its independence, and its client-first culture. Raymond James is that firm. Along with its core values, the firm is known for being advisor-centric and for the depth of its resources: offering the best technology, products and services-without any conflicts of interest."

The Winter Park Wealth Group joined Raymond James from Morgan Stanley where they managed more than $550 million in client assets and had annual fees and commissions of over $2.3 million. The team focuses on comprehensive financial planning and wealth management.

An almost 30-year industry veteran, Weiner began his financial services career with Shearson Lehman/American Express as an options strategist in the commodities department. He became a financial advisor in 1986 and remained with the firm through the succession of name changes, including Shearson Lehman Brothers, Smith Barney, Citigroup, and finally, Morgan Stanley. He was a member of Morgan Stanley's leadership councils for many years.

An Orlando native and graduate of the University of Florida, Weiner is active in his community having served in leadership positions at numerous non-profits. To name a few: He has served as president of Jewish Family Services, vice president-investments, Jewish Foundation, Allocation chair, Jewish Federation, treasurer of Kinneret, member of inaugural Bornstein Leadership.

Along with his parents, Dick and Louise Weiner, Ben and his wife Maura were recent recipients of the Jewish National Fund's Guardian of Israel Award.