Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors List for 2026
Blase Sparma brings over two decades of experience helping individuals and multigenerational families design comprehensive investment strategies tailored to their financial goals and needs. He takes a disciplined, relationship-focused approach to wealth management, providing thoughtful guidance across all areas of clients’ financial lives.
As a portfolio manager in Stifel’s Solutions Program, he adapts strategies designed to combine customized investment management with the ability to quickly react to market conditions for clients who choose discretionary advisory services.
A proud graduate of The Ohio State University and former collegiate and professional baseball player, Blase blends strategic thinking with a team-first mentality.
Blase and his wife, Julie, have been married for over two decades and have raised three children together. Outside the office, Blase finds balance and inspiration in the mountains, where he enjoys exploring the outdoors.
The Solutions program requires a minimum investment, which varies by strategy. Ask your Financial Advisor for a Disclosure Brochure, which further outlines the fees, services, exclusions, and disclosures associated with this program. Since all investment decisions in a Solutions account are made by the Financial Advisor without having to receive prior client approval, it is important that Solutions clients have detailed knowledge of the Financial Advisor’s individual investment philosophy and decision-making process before entrusting him or her with their portfolio. You should consider all terms and conditions before deciding whether the Solutions Program and any particular strategy are appropriate for your needs.
Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rankings are based on the 12-month period ending June 30 of the year prior to publication and selected by SHOOK Research, LLC from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. For more information, see stifel.info/award-disclosures.
With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Stephen Long is dedicated to helping families build, manage, and mitigate risk to their wealth across generations. He earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® designation. Leveraging his education and experience, Stephen specializes in developing personalized strategies that align with each client’s goals, needs, and lifestyle. He takes pride in simplifying complex financial topics and making them approachable and actionable for clients navigating multigenerational planning.
As a portfolio manager in Stifel’s Solutions Program, Stephen adapts strategies designed to combine customized investment management with the ability to quickly react to market conditions for clients who choose discretionary advisory services.
A graduate of Florida State University, Stephen was raised in Venice, Florida, and now lives in Sarasota with his wife, Melissa, and their two sons. Outside the office, he brings the same discipline and focus he applies to wealth management to his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The Solutions program requires a minimum investment, which varies by strategy. Ask your Financial Advisor for a Disclosure Brochure, which further outlines the fees, services, exclusions, and disclosures associated with this program. Since all investment decisions in a Solutions account are made by the Financial Advisor without having to receive prior client approval, it is important that Solutions clients have detailed knowledge of the Financial Advisor’s individual investment philosophy and decision-making process before entrusting him or her with their portfolio. You should consider all terms and conditions before deciding whether the Solutions Program and any particular strategy are appropriate for your needs.
Given his extensive background playing baseball at a high level, Brad brings his deep experience and insight to his work with Major League Baseball players. He helps current and former players build disciplined investment and savings plans tailored to the unique demands of their careers. With a focus on long-term goals, Brad develops holistic strategies designed to grow and preserve wealth – that way his clients can better focus on peak performance on the field.
Brad leverages the full resources of Stifel, and his dedicated team strives to help each client receive the highest possible level of attention, education, and service. A former collegiate and professional baseball player, Brad attended Kansas State University and went on to play six years professionally before spending three additional years coaching.
Brad and his wife, Sandra, are the proud parents of three daughters.
Forbes’ Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors List for 2025
With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Hampton works closely with high-net-worth individuals and families to develop thoughtful strategies designed to preserve and grow their wealth. He believes the cornerstone of successful planning is a deep understanding of what truly matters to each client, and he takes pride in helping clients define and prioritize their most important objectives.
Hampton earned a B.B.A. in Marketing from Radford University. Before entering the financial world, he spent five years competing as a professional golfer touring across the country. That experience instilled in him the value of discipline, focus, and long-term perspective – qualities that now guide his approach to investment planning.
Forbes’ Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors rankings are based on the 12-month period ending March 31 of the year of publication and selected by SHOOK Research, LLC from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. For more information, see stifel.info/award-disclosures.
Michael brings seasoned insight and a steady hand to equity portfolio strategy and market analysis. As they have navigated clients through both exuberant bull markets and challenging downturns, Mike supports the team’s financial advisors in offering a calming, experience-driven perspective that adds valuable depth to their investment approach.
As a Senior Portfolio Analyst, Mike is responsible for guiding portfolio development, evaluating market trends, and applying Stifel and third-party research to help drive thoughtful, long-term strategies for client’s goals. His perspectives come from nearly five decades in the field, providing truly insightful support to the team and clients.
Mike lives in Venice, Florida, with his wife, Joyce. He enjoys golfing with friends and spending meaningful time with their two children and five grandchildren.
Sydney brings a strong foundation in customized wealth management and investment strategy to her role as a Financial Advisor, with a specialized focus on retirement planning for individuals and families. Her mission is to help every client have a clear, well-structured investment and lifetime plan – all designed to provide long-term confidence.
With a professional background as a highly respected accountant, Sydney brings both technical skills and a practical, client-first mindset to her planning process. Her detail-oriented approach helps clients navigate complex retirement decisions.
Sydney earned both a Master of Accounting and B.S. in Accounting at the University of Florida. She lives in Venice, Florida, with her husband, Trent, and their son. She enthusiastically enjoys traveling and exploring new destinations with her family.
Neither Stifel nor its financial advisors provide tax advice. You should consult with your tax advisor regarding your particular situation.
Joseph takes a detail-oriented, client‑first approach to wealth planning, working collaboratively alongside the Harborside Advisory Group Financial Advisors to support investment strategy, portfolio construction, and ongoing client service. He emphasizes simplicity, clear communication, and disciplined execution as the foundation of strong, long‑term advisor–client relationships.
Joseph played collegiate hockey at Utica University and Albertus Magnus College while earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Originally from the Philadelphia region, Joseph traveled extensively throughout North America pursuing a competitive hockey career – an experience that reinforced the importance of discipline, preparation, and teamwork.
With nearly four decades of experience in the financial services industry, Vonda is a cornerstone of our client service team. Known for her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep commitment to service, Vonda plays a vital role in taking care of the account-related needs of many of our Major League Baseball clients.
Whether assisting with account administration or providing day-to-day support, Vonda’s depth of industry knowledge and dedication to excellence help create the high-caliber service experience our clients have come to expect.
Vonda and her husband, George, live in Venice, Florida, and are the proud parents of one adult son.
With over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, Annette brings a deep well of knowledge and a client-first mindset to Stifel. Since joining the team in 2024, she has become a go-to resource for clients, who value her for her ability to solve account-related issues efficiently and for her genuine passion to help others.
Originally from Connecticut, Annette relocated to Florida in 2017 and has quickly embraced all that the Sunshine State has to offer. She is a graduate of Albertus Magnus College and enjoys staying active at the gym, traveling, and exploring new places across Florida.
With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Kristen is known for her efficient, organized approach to client service. She plays an essential role in ensuring client requests are handled promptly, accurately, and with care.
Kristen’s attention to detail and dedication make her an instrumental resource for both clients and team members. She takes pride in helping clients feel supported every step of the way.
Kristen graduated from Dartmouth College. She and her husband, Mike, along with their dog, Rhody, reside in Parrish, Florida.
Susan brings a warm, enthusiastic presence to the front lines of client service. With a financial services industry career that began in 2020 and a background in education, Susan excels at clear communication, attention to detail, and creating a positive client experience.
Originally from Michigan, Susan earned her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University. Before joining our team, she spent 17 years as a middle school teacher, a role that honed her organization, patience, and people skills – traits she now brings to her work supporting clients and the Branch Manager.
Susan moved to Florida in 2011 with her husband, Brian, and their two sons. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and relaxing at home with their two dogs.
Amanda joined our team in 2023, bringing with her a passion for delivering robust client service. Having previously worked at The Ritz-Carlton, Amanda has a natural talent for creating a warm, personalized experience – combining professionalism with a joyous and welcoming demeanor.
Amanda is committed to thoughtful and memorable client interactions, embracing the ideology that service goes beyond expectations and reflects the high standards of our practice.
Amanda lives in Tampa with her husband, Donald, and enjoys being part of a dynamic and client-focused team.
