William Blair investment counselors John Cultra and Fred Fischer were named to the 2017 America’s Top 100 Financial Advisors by Barron’s magazine this month.
The annual ranking is based on assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of advisors’ practices. Investment performance is not an explicit factor because the advisors serve clients with varied goals and risk tolerances.
Cultra, Fischer, and their teams serve high-net-worth individuals and families, foundations and endowments on investing, trust and estate planning, lending and philanthropy. Team members bring a diversity of expertise and product knowledge to the firm that allows them to customize strategies to best meet their clients’ financial goals.
“This honor highlights the dedication and time Fred, John and their teams have spent building and refining their approach to tailoring an investment strategy for each client,” said Michelle Seitz, head of Investment Management and member of William Blair’s Executive Committee. “Our clients benefit from the collective wisdom of the firm’s research and institutional expertise.”
Cultra and his team members Sarah Clark, Terri Kwiecinski, Mark McKinley, Melissa Mendoza, Sarah Mercurio, Patrick Rule, and Mike Wertz have an average of 22 years of experience in the financial industry and 13 years at William Blair. This is the second year in a row the Cultra team made the Barron’s Top 100 list.
Fischer and his team – Cathy Abbott, Julie Alcala, John Cimaroli, Archie Kantzavelos, Laura Linger, Cam McKinney, Laura-Min Proctor, Candy Vondra – have an average of 22 years of experience in the financial industry and 10 years at William Blair.
“Within our teams we provide very customized services,” said John Brennan, head of Investment Counseling for William Blair. “Our firm size and independence keeps us nimble and provides a collaborative environment that encourages the sharing of ideas which ultimately benefits our clients.”
Cultra and Fischer were among the William Blair advisors chosen by Barron’s in March for its 2017 list of top financial advisors in Illinois. Dan Grant, Louise Lane, and Tom Wilson were the other William Blair advisors named to Barron’s top 60 advisors in Illinois list.