Shore Group Advisors and Butler Associates Financial Planners Merge to Support Growth, Succession, and Client Continuity

Portland, OR / March 5, 2026 / Succession Resource Group, Inc. (SRG), is pleased to announce the completed merger of Shore Group Advisors and Butler Associates Financial Planners, effective January 1, 2026. The merger brings together two advisory teams affiliated with Osaic Wealth, Inc., united by a shared vision to better serve clients while creating long-term opportunities for their teams. The combined firm will operate under the Shore Group Advisors name, expanding its ability to support clients across multiple states while maintaining continuity, service quality, and trusted advisor relationships. The merger also creates a stronger foundation for future growth, advisor development, and long-term succession planning. “This merger wasn’t about getting bigger for the sake of it,” said Jon Shore, CFP®, BFA™, CEPA®, Managing Director of Shore Group Advisors. “It was about building a structure that supports our clients, creates opportunity for our team, and gives us flexibility to grow thoughtfully over time.” “From the beginning, Jon and I were aligned on what mattered most – our people and our clients,” said Jason Sturm, CFP®, President of Butler Associates Financial Planners. “SRG helped us think through the economics, the transition, ownership, and the long-term vision so we could move forward with confidence and clarity.” Succession Resource Group served as the lead advisor on the transaction, guiding the firms through valuation, merger structuring, legal documentation, state filings, and coordination with tax professionals. SRG’s work helped ensure a smooth transition while aligning ownership, incentives, and future leadership goals. “This merger is a great example of advisors being intentional about their future,” said Nicole Frey, CFP®, Director of Team Solutions at SRG. “Shore Group Advisors and Butler Associates took the time to get the structure right so they can continue serving clients at a high level while creating opportunities for the next generation of advisors.” About Succession Resource Group, Inc. Succession Resource Group is a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in practice valuations, continuity and succession planning, M&A support, and organizational design for independent financial professionals. With deep industry knowledge and proven strategies, SRG helps advisors maximize business value and prepare for the future.Learn more at: www.successionresource.com Media Contact: Succession Resource Groupmarketing@successionresourcegroup.comwww.successionresource.com SOURCE: Succession Resource Group
Ferro Financial LLC Joins Forces with Hassell Wealth Management LLC, Strengthening Fiduciary and Fee-Only Advisory Services

The partnership, expertly facilitated by Succession Resource Group, brings together two top Louisiana RIAs Portland, OR – March 1, 2024 – Succession Resource Group (SRG) is proud to announce the strategic partnership of Hassell Wealth Management LLC and Shelley Ferro, founder of Ferro Financial, LLC. This partnership brings together two of Louisiana’s leading Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), both committed to providing fiduciary, fee-only financial advisory services. Ferro, who built a strong reputation through Ferro Financial, LLC, managing approximately $49.40 million in assets under management (AUM) with 100% recurring revenue, partnered with Hassell Wealth Management to continue delivering client-focused, transparent, and independent financial advice. This collaboration ensures her clients will receive the same high standard of personalized service and low-cost, tax-efficient investment strategies they have come to rely on. Ferro, a distinguished member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), an organization that represents the pinnacle of fiduciary responsibility in financial planning, saw the need to partner with a fee-only, fiduciary RIA. Hassell Wealth Management LLC, led by Stephen Hassell, is well-positioned to support Ferro’s clients with an expanded team of nine professionals, including Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) and other advanced designations, as well as broader resources.. The partnership reflects a shared dedication to maintaining the integrity of fiduciary practices and continuing the legacy established by Ferro. This partnership ensures a seamless experience, with both firms remaining dedicated to their shared mission of helping clients achieve their financial goals. This collaboration was expertly facilitated by SRG, ensuring a seamless transition for all involved. SRG guided the process over an eight-month period, helping to align the values and objectives of both firms. The partnership will allow Ferro to continue playing an active role in the business, providing continuity and assurance for her clients. Kristen Grau, Director of the Seller Advocacy Program at SRG, commented, “Our goal is to make the succession journey straightforward. But finding the right successor takes time, guidance, and a dedicated process. This partnership between Ferro and Hassell Wealth Management is a testament to the importance of a thoughtful and deliberate approach, ensuring clients stay the #1 priority..” This partnership highlights the growing demand for fiduciary, fee-only financial advisors who prioritize the interests of their clients above all else. By joining forces, Ferro and Hassell Wealth Management LLC are poised to offer enhanced services, leveraging their combined expertise and commitment to low-cost, tax-efficient investment strategies, including the use of Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) funds.