Steward Partners' Sarasota Anchor: A CEO’s Move Signals a New Era in Wealth Management

SARASOTA, FL – December 05, 2025 – In the world of high finance, corporate expansions are routine. A new office opens, a press release is issued, and business carries on. But sometimes, a new address signifies something more profound. Such is the case with Steward Partners, an employee-owned financial services firm that has not only opened a new, dedicated office in Sarasota but has also seen its CEO, Jim Gold, establish his own base of operations here. This dual commitment is more than a strategic expansion; it's a powerful statement about the future of wealth management, the changing geography of capital, and the growing importance of building businesses deeply embedded in the communities they serve.

For years, the firm has served clients in Sarasota, but the opening of a purpose-built office at 2 N. Tamiami Trail marks a definitive new chapter. It represents a transition from a remote presence to a physical anchor in one of the country's most dynamic economic regions. This move, following the firm's recent headquarters relocation from New York City to Stamford, Connecticut, underscores a deliberate strategy of decentralization, moving leadership and resources closer to where clients and opportunities are flourishing.

The Florida Magnet: Following the Flow of People and Capital

Steward Partners' decision is a direct response to one of the most significant demographic and economic shifts in recent American history: the migration of wealth and talent to Florida. The Sunshine State is no longer just a retirement destination; it is a thriving economic powerhouse. According to recent economic data, Florida is gaining approximately 1,000 new residents daily and benefits from a net annual income migration of over $39 billion. This isn't just inherited wealth; in 2024 alone, over 1,700 young professionals earning more than $200,000 annually relocated to the state, drawn by a favorable tax environment, a pro-business climate, and an appealing lifestyle.

This influx of high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and families has created a fertile ground for the wealth management industry. Sarasota, with its vibrant culture and growing community, has become a key destination within this trend. The local market is already home to a competitive landscape of advisory firms, from large established players to specialized boutiques. Steward Partners' entry with a dedicated office and its top executive signals its intent not just to compete, but to become an integral part of the region's financial fabric. The move is a calculated investment in a market where demand for sophisticated, personalized financial guidance is rapidly expanding.

Leadership on the Ground: A Symbolic and Strategic Commitment

The relocation of CEO Jim Gold is perhaps the most telling aspect of this new chapter. In an industry where leadership is often concentrated in traditional hubs like New York, Gold's move to Sarasota is a powerful symbol. It demonstrates a hands-on commitment to the Southeast and reinforces the firm's client-centric philosophy. By embedding its chief executive in a key growth market, the firm is signaling that its strategic decisions will be informed by direct, local experience rather than a distant corporate perspective.

"This is more than a new address, it's a strategic investment in the future of our firm and our partners," Gold stated in the official announcement. "Sarasota represents the type of community where our model thrives. By opening this office, we're reinforcing our commitment to long-term growth, deeper client relationships, and building a firm that continues to rise to meet the needs of the families and investors we serve."

This on-the-ground leadership can have a tangible impact on company culture, fostering a sense of shared purpose and accessibility. For a firm that prides itself on its partnership model, having the CEO as a local presence can energize the regional team, enhance client engagement, and attract top advisory talent seeking a culture that values proximity and personal connection over layers of bureaucracy.

The Partnership Blueprint: An Innovation in Growth

Behind the geographic strategy lies the core innovation that has fueled Steward Partners' remarkable ascent: its employee-owned structure. Founded in 2013 by veterans of larger wirehouse firms, the company was built on the principle of partnership, where employees are owners with a direct stake in the firm's success. This model is designed to align the interests of advisors, clients, and the firm itself, fostering a culture of collaboration and long-term thinking.

The success of this approach is validated by the firm's impressive growth and industry recognition. Managing nearly $46 billion in client assets, Steward Partners has become one of the fastest-growing RIA firms in the country. Its recent jump to #9 on the prestigious 2025 Barron's Top 100 RIA Firms list, up from #18 the previous year, is a testament to the power of its model. This, combined with repeated recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, demonstrates that a people-first, partnership-driven culture is not just a feel-good story—it's a potent engine for business growth.

This structure offers a compelling alternative for financial advisors who feel constrained by the rigid, top-down nature of traditional financial giants. By offering equity and a voice in the firm's direction, Steward Partners creates an environment where advisors are empowered to act as true fiduciaries and entrepreneurs. The new Sarasota office is designed to be a hub for this culture, providing a modern, collaborative space that supports this high-touch, personalized approach to wealth management.

As the financial services industry continues to evolve, Steward Partners' expansion into Sarasota offers a compelling case study. It illustrates a broader shift away from centralized legacy structures toward a more agile, distributed, and community-focused model. By planting its flag firmly in the Southeast and backing it with the presence of its chief executive, the firm is not just chasing a trend; it is actively shaping a new vision for what a national wealth management firm can be—one built on a foundation of shared ownership and deep local roots.