David Blaydes is a CFP®-designated financial advisor with 47 years of industry experience. He is currently affiliated with Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd and LPL Financial LLC, having joined these firms in 2026. His prior experience includes roles at Securities America Advisors, National Planning Corp, and Retirement Planners International. Blaydes is also the author of the book "I Just Got Fired, Now What" and frequently conducts educational webinars related to its content. Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd is an SEC-registered enterprise wealth management firm with approximately $18.6 billion in assets under management and about 366 advisors serving over 24,000 clients. The firm employs an open-architecture investment approach, offering both advisor-managed and model-based portfolios, utilizing a network of independent investment adviser representatives and access to multiple external platforms and third-party manager programs.

James Wilkins is a financial advisor with Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and 34 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at LPL Financial LLC, OSAIC, Securities America Advisors, and National Planning Corporation. He also works as a wealth advisor utilizing variable annuities for financial planning solutions. Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd is an SEC-registered enterprise wealth management firm serving over 24,000 clients through approximately 366 advisors. The firm uses an open-architecture investment approach, offering individualized asset allocations, model portfolios, and third-party manager programs.

James Blaydes is a financial advisor with Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd, holding Series 65 and Series 63 licenses and bringing nine years of industry experience. His prior positions include roles at LPL Financial, OSAIC, Securities America, Inc., Securities America Advisors, and National Planning Corporation. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as president of his condo association, managing administrative duties and maintenance issues. Stratos Wealth Partners is an SEC-registered enterprise wealth management firm serving over 24,000 clients through approximately 366 advisors. The firm offers a range of investment solutions including advisor-managed and model portfolios, third-party manager programs, and various financial planning services, employing an open-architecture approach that integrates multiple external platforms and resources.

Jared Lester is a CFP® with 10 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd. He previously worked at LPL Financial LLC, OSAIC, Securities America Advisors, and National Planning Corporation. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as an assistant soccer coach for a youth team in Naperville, IL. Stratos Wealth Partners, Ltd. is an SEC-registered enterprise wealth management firm serving more than 24,000 clients with roughly $18.6 billion in assets under management. The firm offers a range of advisor-managed and model-based investment strategies through an open-architecture platform that integrates various third-party managers and tools.