Securities America in the News

January 04, 2012 | Press Releases

Securities America’s Fries Selected for 2011 Advisor Hall of Fame

LA VISTA, Neb. – Jan. 4, 2012 –Denise Fries, owner of Fries Financial Services of Bryan, Texas, was selected for Research Magazine’s 2011 Advisor Hall of Fame. Fries is one of five advisors selected for the magazine’s 21st annual recognition of leaders in the financial services industry who demonstrate superior client service and community involvement. Winners were published in the December issue of the magazine.



Fries was selected for the Hall of Fame by making a difference to her clients, and to her community and communities across the country. Fries began her financial planning career while serving in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1984, with her military peers and college professors as her target market. Twenty-seven years later, she has the largest retirement assets under management in the Texas A&M University system for professors, faculty and staff.



In addition to being a top producer at independent broker-dealer Securities America, Fries owns two other businesses: a gluten-free bakery and a property management company. Between her businesses, she devotes at least two days a week to charities and lends her management and organizational skills to local non-profits.



“She has a bright spot perspective,” said Janine Wertheim, president of Securities America Advisors. “She knows how to put the right perspective on things and look for the bright side. She connects emotionally with people. You can tell she is genuinely interested in them. She’s authentic.”



Fries incorporates charitable work into her financial practice as well. For her company’s 20th and 25th anniversaries, she held events that raised more than $250,000 and helped more than 18 charities. For her 40th birthday, she challenged 40 individuals and businesses to help build six Habitat for Humanity houses.



After her daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease, which requires a lifelong gluten-free diet, Fries became a national advocate for people with gluten intolerance. As part of her efforts, she successfully campaigned for General Mills to make all of its Chex® brand cereals gluten-free. Fries has been honored as a top producer with Securities America annually since joining in August 2008. In addition, she has been a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, an international, independent association of more than 36,000 of the world’s most successful life insurance and financial services professionals from 430 companies in 78 nations and territories.



About the Advisor Hall of Fame



The Advisor Hall of Fame is awarded by Research Magazine. The five advisors selected were chosen from approximately 150 applicants and were evaluated based on tenure in the industry (minimum of 15 years), acquisition of substantial assets under management, demonstration of superior client service and having earned recognition from peers and the broader community for the honor they reflect on their profession. Each award winner is reviewed for regulatory actions and customer complaints. Hall of Fame winners do not pay a fee to be included in the nominations or final list. Scores reflect the decision of the selection committee and may not be representative of any one specific nomination. Working with an Advisor Hall of Fame nominee does not guarantee investment success.



About Securities America

Headquartered in La Vista, Neb., Securities America Inc. is the nation’s eighth largest independent broker-dealer (as ranked by Financial Planning magazine, June 2012, based on 2011 total revenue). For more than 25 years, Securities America’s mission has been to foster the success of financial professionals so they can provide quality, objective counsel and services to their clients. Advisors benefit from the firm’s industry-leading programs in practice management, advisory services and retirement income distribution, supported by state-of-the-art technology. Founded in 1993, Securities America Advisors Inc. is an SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm that offers investment management, financial advice and financial planning through a national network of independent financial advisors. Securities America Financial Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE MKT: LTS). Securities America received the inaugural Thought Leadership Award from the Retirement Income Industry Association in March 2011. Additional information is available at  www.securitiesamerica.com.