McDonald Partners LLC logo

McDonald Partners LLC

Updated today

Client assets under management

$976,515,276

Clients

1,131

26% high-net-worth

Advisors

22

of 29 employees

Firm type

Team

5-30 advisors or >$500M in AUM

Clients per advisor

51

Typical

Average account size

$863,409

About

McDonald Partners serves individual (including high‑net‑worth) and institutional clients — banks, pension and deferred compensation plans, trusts, estates, foundations, charitable organizations, and business entities — offering investment management and financial planning alongside pension and defined‑benefit consulting and brokerage services. Engagements can be structured as discretionary or non‑discretionary portfolio management, one‑time or subscription financial planning, and participation in wrap or advisor programs.

The firm takes a customized approach, tailoring portfolios to client objectives and using fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis across multiple platforms, including an in‑house large‑cap “Core” strategy and RBC‑sponsored advisor and UMA offerings. McDonald Partners also sponsors and advises pooled investment vehicles through an affiliated manager, applies formal valuation policies to illiquid fund holdings, and may waive advisory fees on client investments in those funds under specified offset arrangements.

What distinguishes McDonald Partners from many peers is its dual role as an investment adviser and affiliated broker‑dealer: some financial advisors are registered representatives who may receive commissions and sell insurance products, and the firm has acted as placement agent, sponsor, and manager for private funds. The firm has in the past settled SEC and FINRA enforcement matters related to private fund placements and supervisory deficiencies, resulting in monetary sanctions and agreed‑upon compliance remediation.

Client services

Financial planning Portfolio management Pension consulting Selection of other advisers

Expertise

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy

Occupation focus

Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive

Demographic focus

Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals

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Fee options

Fixed

One-time financial planning flat fee determined by Financial Advisor based on complexity.

Percentage

$0 - $500,000: 1.75% annually (Fixed Income Only Accounts) $500,001 - $1,050,000: 1.25% annually (Fixed Income Only Accounts) $1,050,001 - $2,050,000: 1.00% annually (Fixed Income Only Accounts) $2,050,001+: 0.75% annually (Fixed Income Only Accounts) $0 - $500,000: 3.00% annually (Equity/Balanced Accounts) $500,001 - $1,050,000: 2.50% annually (Equity/Balanced Accounts) $1,050,001 - $2,050,000: 2.00% annually (Equity/Balanced Accounts) $2,050,001+: 1.50% annually (Equity/Balanced Accounts)

Commissions

Commissions on option trades: $9.00 per trade plus $0.50 per option contract (minimum $3.00); Commissions on Michigan municipal tax-free bonds; Selling concessions on new issue securities and secondary offerings.

Performance-based

Carried interest and performance fees related to private funds as disclosed in offering documents; fees waived until advisory fees equal or exceed placement fees.

Subscriptions

Subscription-based financial planning fees: $4,000 to $10,000 annually depending on clientship level.

Other

Account minimum: $5,000 Fee-only: One-time financial planning fees are flat fees determined by Financial Advisor based on complexity; Subscription financial planning fees are $4,000 (Foundation), $7,500 (Growth), $10,000 (Legacy) annually.

Main office location

McDonald Partners LLC

1301 East 9 Th Street, Suite 3700

Cleveland OH 44114, United States

Number of offices

4

Most active in

Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Oregon · Pennsylvania · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin

Disclosures

Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.

Business activities & affiliations

Advisors at this firm

user avatar

Thomas Y

Series 66

Olmsted Falls, OH

McDonald Partners LLC

Thomas Yako is a financial advisor with McDonald Partners LLC, holding a Series 66 designation and 26 years of industry experience. He has been with Thomas McDonald & Associates LLC since 2005. McDonald Partners LLC serves individual investors, including non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth clients, as well as institutional clients such as pension and profit-sharing plans, foundations, trusts, and charitable organizations. The firm provides investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services through a combination of advisory and broker-dealer activities.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
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Jonathan H

CFA®, Series 63

Cleveland, OH

McDonald Partners LLC

Jonathan Hartzler is a CFA® charterholder with 19 years of industry experience. He currently serves as a financial advisor at McDonald Partners LLC and has previously worked at Tyler-Stone Wealth Management, LPL Financial, CBIZ Financial Solutions Inc., and Longbow Securities. McDonald Partners LLC provides investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services to individual investors and institutional clients. The firm combines advisory and broker-dealer activities and offers a range of portfolio management options, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies and access to affiliated private fund management.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
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Rita M

Series 63, Series 65

Cleveland, OH

McDonald Partners LLC

Rita Mansour is a financial advisor with McDonald Partners LLC in Toledo, OH, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 36 years of industry experience. She has been with McDonald Partners since 2006. Mansour is active in the community, serving as a board member of the Toledo Museum of Art and the Ohio Arts Council, and volunteering with the Greater Toledo Community Foundation and the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo. McDonald Partners LLC serves individual investors and institutional clients, offering a range of investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services. The firm combines advisory and broker-dealer activities with affiliated private fund management through multiple program structures and a network of financial advisors.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
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Timothy N

Series 63, Series 65

Boyne City, MI

McDonald Partners LLC

Timothy Norton is a financial advisor with McDonald Partners LLC in Ann Arbor, MI, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 44 years of industry experience. He has been with McDonald Partners since 2006. Outside of his advisory role, Norton serves on the board of directors for Caymus Funding Inc., a portfolio company of McDonald Partners' private funds. McDonald Partners LLC serves individual investors and institutional clients, offering investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services. The firm combines advisory and broker-dealer activities and manages affiliated private funds alongside a variety of portfolio management and financial planning options.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
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Joseph S

Series 63, Series 65

Kirtland, OH

McDonald Partners LLC

Joseph Stanzi is a financial advisor at McDonald Partners LLC with 39 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has been with Thomas McDonald Partners, LLC since 2009. McDonald Partners LLC serves a diverse client base including individual investors, pension and profit-sharing plans, foundations, trusts, and charitable organizations. The firm offers investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services through a combination of advisory and broker-dealer activities, with capabilities in both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
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Steven R

Series 66

Beachwood, OH

McDonald Partners LLC

Steven Rivkin is a financial advisor at McDonald Partners LLC with 12 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has been with McDonald Partners since 2016. In addition to his advisory role, he provides accounting services through his CPA practice and serves as controller for the Rabbinical College of Telshe Inc. He is also involved with the Cleveland Kashruth Organization as a board member and serves as treasurer for the Jewish Voters Association. McDonald Partners LLC serves a diverse client base including individual investors and institutional clients, offering investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services. The firm combines advisory and broker-dealer activities with affiliated private fund management.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
user avatar

John C

Series 66

Toledo, OH

McDonald Partners LLC

John Cates is a financial advisor at McDonald Partners LLC with 10 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at several firms, including The Leaders Group Inc, EPICVanbridge (TDC), Arrowhead Financial, and Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. In addition to his advisory role, he is a licensed life insurance broker involved in life insurance and annuity sales. McDonald Partners LLC serves a diverse client base, including individual investors and institutional clients, offering investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services. The firm combines advisory and broker-dealer activities with affiliated private fund management and provides both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management through various program structures.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
user avatar

Devon M

Series 63, Series 66

Ann Arbor, MI

McDonald Partners LLC

Devon Mcardle is a financial advisor with McDonald Partners LLC in Ann Arbor, MI, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and bringing 26 years of industry experience. He has been with Thomas McDonald Partners, LLC since 2008. McDonald Partners LLC serves individual investors across wealth levels as well as institutional clients, offering investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services. The firm combines advisory and broker-dealer functions and manages affiliated private funds alongside third-party portfolio strategies.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
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Michael M

Series 63, Series 65

Fort Myers, FL

McDonald Partners LLC

Michael McGrail is a financial advisor with McDonald Partners LLC in Fort Myers, FL, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and having 14 years of industry experience. He has been with McDonald Partners since 2011. In addition to his advisory role, he is a licensed insurance agent selling life, health, casualty, and long-term care insurance. McDonald Partners LLC serves a diverse client base that includes individual investors as well as institutional clients such as pension plans, foundations, and charitable organizations. The firm provides investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services through a combination of advisory and broker-dealer activities, including affiliated private fund management.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
user avatar

Paul M

Series 63, Series 65

Boyne City, MI

McDonald Partners LLC

Paul Moody is a financial advisor with McDonald Partners LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 40 years of industry experience. He has been with McDonald Partners since 2015. Outside of his advisory role, Mr. Moody works seasonally as a fly fishing guide and ski instructor in Boyne City, Michigan. McDonald Partners LLC serves a diverse client base, including individual investors and institutional clients, offering investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services. The firm combines advisory and broker-dealer activities with affiliated private fund management and provides both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management through various program structures.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
user avatar

Ted S

Series 63, Series 65

Fort Myers, FL

McDonald Partners LLC

Ted Stone is a financial advisor with McDonald Partners LLC in Fort Myers, FL, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 25 years of industry experience. He has been with McDonald Partners since 2011. Outside of his advisory role, Mr. Stone serves as Vice President of the Farwell Lake Riparian Association, a nonprofit organization. McDonald Partners LLC serves individual and institutional clients, providing investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services. The firm combines advisory and broker-dealer activities and offers a range of portfolio management options alongside private fund management through affiliated entities.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
user avatar

Matthew N

Series 66

Toledo, OH

McDonald Partners LLC

Matthew Norton is a financial advisor at McDonald Partners LLC with 19 years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has been with McDonald Partners since 2010. Outside of his advisory role, Mr. Norton serves as a board member for The Ohio Virtual Academy and is a licensed insurance agent selling life, health, and long-term care insurance. McDonald Partners LLC serves a diverse client base including individual investors, pension and profit-sharing plans, foundations, and charitable organizations. The firm provides investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services through a combination of advisory and broker-dealer activities, including affiliated private fund management.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
user avatar

Jacqueline R

Series 63, Series 65

Paris, OH

McDonald Partners LLC

Jacqueline Randall is a financial advisor with McDonald Partners LLC in Paris, Ohio, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and 32 years of industry experience. She has worked at McDonald Partners since 2013. In addition to her advisory role, Ms. Randall is a licensed insurance agent selling variable annuities, life, accident, and health insurance. McDonald Partners LLC serves a diverse client base, including individual investors and institutional clients, offering investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services. The firm operates as both a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer, combining advisory and private fund management activities.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
user avatar

Arnold M

Series 66

Shaker Heights, OH

McDonald Partners LLC

Arnold Mcdonald is a financial advisor at McDonald Partners LLC with 19 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has been with McDonald Partners since 2010. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as manager and president of several proprietary fund entities affiliated with the firm and is a board member of Signature Investments Montenegro d.o.o., a portfolio company of the firm. McDonald Partners LLC serves a diverse client base, including individual investors and institutional clients, offering investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services. The firm combines advisory and broker-dealer activities with affiliated private fund management and operates multiple portfolio management programs and third-party strategies.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
user avatar

Brian M

Series 66

Cleveland, OH

McDonald Partners LLC

Brian McDonald is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with eight years of industry experience, currently with McDonald Partners LLC. He has been with the firm since 2009, with a brief transition between 2021 and 2022. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as Executive Director of the Joan C Edwards Charitable Foundation and is Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Cleveland School of Science & Medicine. He is also involved in community activities through Heights Audio LLC and the Heights BBQ Association LLC. McDonald Partners LLC serves individual and institutional clients, offering investment management, financial planning, pension consulting, and brokerage services. The firm combines advisory and broker-dealer functions and manages both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolios, including affiliated private fund management.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive Approaching retirement Mid-Career Professionals
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