Summit Financial Invests in Four New Partner Firms Managing $1.2B
Summit Financial, who is backed by Merchant Investment Management, LLC, has announced strategic investments in four registered investment advisory (RIA) firms—Crow Financial Advisors, Everest Consultants, Heritage Wealth Partners, and LPF Advisors—marking a significant milestone in its nationwide expansion. The latest additions represent over $1.2 billion in client assets, bringing Summit’s total to more than $20 billion in managed assets across 23 states and over 150 advisors as of July 21, 2025.
The deals are part of 11 transactions completed by Summit in 2025 and 29 since early 2024. Stan Gregor, Chairman and CEO of Summit Financial Holdings, framed the expansion as a strong vote of confidence in Summit’s hybrid approach. “The addition of these outstanding firms is both a powerful validation of Summit’s momentum and a clear signal that our vision for elevated independence and exceptional client service resonates across the industry,” Gregor said.
Each of the new partner firms brings regional strength and specialized client services to Summit’s expanding platform:
Crow Financial Advisors in Albuquerque, NM manages over $143 million in assets and is led by the husband-and-wife team Tom and Vicki Crow. Everest Consultants LLC, based in Syracuse, NY, manages $633 million in client assets and is led by Managing Partner Alexander Pasquale alongside Nate Gavitt and Anita Lombardi. The firm has served a wide range of clients across the Northeast since its founding in 1997.
Heritage Wealth Partners, located in Dublin, OH, brings $176 million in assets under management. Led by President and CEO Matthew Keyes, the firm offers comprehensive services in investment management, financial planning, insurance, and tax strategy. LPF Advisors in Sarasota, FL, manages over $277 million and is co-founded by Mark Picchi and Kristopher Flammang. The firm focuses on customized financial planning and investment advice.
In March, Summit Financial revealed that Gateway Advisory, a NJ-based firm managing $830 million in assets, joined via Summit Growth Partners, the RIA’s partnership network.