Meet Our Advisory Team
Our Sarasota-based financial advisors offer personalized financial planning, investment management, and strategic tax planning services to individuals and families. We help our clients make confident, informed decisions about their finances, whether they’re preparing for retirement, planning their estate, or growing generational wealth.
Our team has deep experience working with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and are also proud to work closely with retirees and pre-retirees across Southwest Florida.
If you’re searching for a financial advisor in Sarasota, FL, our team is ready to support your financial goals.
Connect with Us
Outstanding money management. I’ve been with them for years, and they have not steered me wrong yet. They get to know you and tailor their advice to your specific situation.
Wonderful firm! Personalized service and a real person not an answering machine. Been with Jim Cooper now for 20 plus years would not go anywhere else.
We have been clients of Beacon Pointe for several years and are very happy with their services and financial advise. Gregg and his staff are always available to answer questions and keep us informed on current market changes.
[Jim’s] advice and account management has given me the security I needed to know that my retirement was being carefully invested and constantly monitored.
We’ve worked with Jim since we were fairly young and he has made all the difference in our financial security. We highly recommend utilizing Beacon Pointe expertise to secure your future, as they have done for us.
Helped me with investments, now with retirement. Comprehensive, patient, competent.
Over the years [Jim] has shepherded my financial portfolio and counseled my financial anxieties to the point where I have seen growth to the point where I now feel I have a comfortable retirement. I recently took advantage of Beacon Pointe’s relationship with Chapter Medicare advisors. They provided the same outstanding service I have always gotten from Jim and have come to know from Beacon Pointe.
We can trust that we will be requested to meet periodically and at the meeting will have a thorough review our our investments presented in material that we can take see, understand and take home to review. We can have honest discussions so that our relationship with our expenses and finances are known and understood. If a question or situation arises between meetings, I am always certain to receive a quick and friendly response. Best of all a relationship of trust has been established, and that is the essence of what a financial team should be.
My family and I have been using Beacon Pointe Advisors for over 20 years. At a young age, I would tag along with my grandmother to her meetings. I distinctly remember their kindness and personalized attention they provided her. They truly listen and take the time to help you reach your goals. Investments and planning could be intimidating and overwhelming. When my grandmother passed, Beacon Pointe went above and beyond to assist me in getting my grandmother’s financials organized. I cannot thank them enough for guiding me during such a difficult time. I highly recommend Beacon Pointe Advisors; with their expertise they have helped my family invest, plan our retirement strategy, manage assets, and build financial growth.
This staff is very professional. They listen to you and treat you as if you are their only customer. I have dealt with Jim now for a few years and I’m very relaxed that they are working in my best interest.
Started with them several years ago and couldn’t be happier. Greg set me up and my expectations have been more than exceeded. They’re always available for questions and peace of mind.
Greg and Mark have helped me throughout the years managing my money and making sure it’s in the best positions possible for top growth. I mainly deal with Greg now and he is top notch! Highly educated and great customer service. Gets back to me promptly. Only having my best interest at the top of his list when manging my money. I 100% recommend this company. They don’t treat me like just another customer, they treat you like family. Thanks to all of you at Beacon Pointe. Keep it up!
I have worked with the advisors of Beacon Pointe in Sarasota for over 20 years. I absolutely love everyone associated with this office! I can look forward to retirement due to their great money management skills and an individualized plan that fits my needs. Huge shout out to Jim Cooper for his attentive management of my portfolio, and to everyone in the office for keeping the standard of money management high and serving the clientele with INTEGRITY.
Working with Marc, Jim and Greg has been a great experience over the years. They have always taken the time to fully understand my finanical goals. They have a genuine care for my financial well-being. I always feel informed and confident in the decisions we make together. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a patient, knowledgeable and trustworthy financial advisor.
I have been a client of Jim Cooper for over 20 years and for a very good reason. Even during difficult market times, Jim has successfully advised me on my investments to minimize my risks and maximize my worth. Over the years when it was necessary for me to go into their office for a review of my account, the staff was incredibly friendly. They made me feel welcomed and valued as a customer. I would highly recommend Jim as a financial advisor.
I have been with Gregg and his firm for many years now. I have gotten to where I fully trust him and the firm everyone that works there is just wonderful. The staff is very helpful. I cannot say enough and Gregg is always there for me as well as Dee also… I will tell you if you sign up with this firm you will always be grateful that you did.
We have been working with Jim for years and have been extremely pleased. The entire team is very friendly and welcoming.
My family and I have been with Jim Cooper for many years and have been very pleased with his performance and results. We are lucky to have a financial advisor who we know we can trust.
Marc and team are always available to support my wife’s and my investments. I have been with Marc and his staff for over 15 years and have benefitted from his guidance on my investments.
Marc, Greg and Christine have all shown great ability to analyze complicated financial markets and are patient and thorough in helping to explain all situations. Their whole team makes you feel like family and their accessibility and hospitality and most of all the financial expertise they have demonstrated I would recommend to my family and friends.
Excellent advisors, listen to your needs and expectations. Prompt response when needed. Treat you as family!
Outstanding money management. I’ve been with them for years, and they have not steered me wrong yet. They get to know you and tailor their advice to your specific situation.
Wonderful firm! Personalized service and a real person not an answering machine. Been with Jim Cooper now for 20 plus years would not go anywhere else.
We have been clients of Beacon Pointe for several years and are very happy with their services and financial advise. Gregg and his staff are always available to answer questions and keep us informed on current market changes.
[Jim’s] advice and account management has given me the security I needed to know that my retirement was being carefully invested and constantly monitored.
We’ve worked with Jim since we were fairly young and he has made all the difference in our financial security. We highly recommend utilizing Beacon Pointe expertise to secure your future, as they have done for us.
Helped me with investments, now with retirement. Comprehensive, patient, competent.
Over the years [Jim] has shepherded my financial portfolio and counseled my financial anxieties to the point where I have seen growth to the point where I now feel I have a comfortable retirement. I recently took advantage of Beacon Pointe’s relationship with Chapter Medicare advisors. They provided the same outstanding service I have always gotten from Jim and have come to know from Beacon Pointe.
We can trust that we will be requested to meet periodically and at the meeting will have a thorough review our our investments presented in material that we can take see, understand and take home to review. We can have honest discussions so that our relationship with our expenses and finances are known and understood. If a question or situation arises between meetings, I am always certain to receive a quick and friendly response. Best of all a relationship of trust has been established, and that is the essence of what a financial team should be.
My family and I have been using Beacon Pointe Advisors for over 20 years. At a young age, I would tag along with my grandmother to her meetings. I distinctly remember their kindness and personalized attention they provided her. They truly listen and take the time to help you reach your goals. Investments and planning could be intimidating and overwhelming. When my grandmother passed, Beacon Pointe went above and beyond to assist me in getting my grandmother’s financials organized. I cannot thank them enough for guiding me during such a difficult time. I highly recommend Beacon Pointe Advisors; with their expertise they have helped my family invest, plan our retirement strategy, manage assets, and build financial growth.
This staff is very professional. They listen to you and treat you as if you are their only customer. I have dealt with Jim now for a few years and I’m very relaxed that they are working in my best interest.
Started with them several years ago and couldn’t be happier. Greg set me up and my expectations have been more than exceeded. They’re always available for questions and peace of mind.
Greg and Mark have helped me throughout the years managing my money and making sure it’s in the best positions possible for top growth. I mainly deal with Greg now and he is top notch! Highly educated and great customer service. Gets back to me promptly. Only having my best interest at the top of his list when manging my money. I 100% recommend this company. They don’t treat me like just another customer, they treat you like family. Thanks to all of you at Beacon Pointe. Keep it up!
I have worked with the advisors of Beacon Pointe in Sarasota for over 20 years. I absolutely love everyone associated with this office! I can look forward to retirement due to their great money management skills and an individualized plan that fits my needs. Huge shout out to Jim Cooper for his attentive management of my portfolio, and to everyone in the office for keeping the standard of money management high and serving the clientele with INTEGRITY.
Working with Marc, Jim and Greg has been a great experience over the years. They have always taken the time to fully understand my finanical goals. They have a genuine care for my financial well-being. I always feel informed and confident in the decisions we make together. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a patient, knowledgeable and trustworthy financial advisor.
I have been a client of Jim Cooper for over 20 years and for a very good reason. Even during difficult market times, Jim has successfully advised me on my investments to minimize my risks and maximize my worth. Over the years when it was necessary for me to go into their office for a review of my account, the staff was incredibly friendly. They made me feel welcomed and valued as a customer. I would highly recommend Jim as a financial advisor.
I have been with Gregg and his firm for many years now. I have gotten to where I fully trust him and the firm everyone that works there is just wonderful. The staff is very helpful. I cannot say enough and Gregg is always there for me as well as Dee also… I will tell you if you sign up with this firm you will always be grateful that you did.
We have been working with Jim for years and have been extremely pleased. The entire team is very friendly and welcoming.
My family and I have been with Jim Cooper for many years and have been very pleased with his performance and results. We are lucky to have a financial advisor who we know we can trust.
Marc and team are always available to support my wife’s and my investments. I have been with Marc and his staff for over 15 years and have benefitted from his guidance on my investments.
Marc, Greg and Christine have all shown great ability to analyze complicated financial markets and are patient and thorough in helping to explain all situations. Their whole team makes you feel like family and their accessibility and hospitality and most of all the financial expertise they have demonstrated I would recommend to my family and friends.
Excellent advisors, listen to your needs and expectations. Prompt response when needed. Treat you as family!
Managing Directors
Marc Wolff
Partner, Managing Director
Marc Wolff is a partner and the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Sarasota and Bonita Springs, Florida offices and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives by providing clients with comprehensive financial guidance coupled with the highest level of service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Marc founded Southern Trust Financial Planning, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021. Marc leverages over three decades of experience in investment services to craft custom solutions built on sound investment principles and detailed research and analysis. Marc has been awarded the Five Star Wealth Manager award. Marc earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida where he specialized in Finance, graduating with highest honors and a 4.0 grade point average. Outside the office Marc has traveled around the world with the Global Volunteers organization helping in third world countries. In 2010 he founded the Lou Komarov Memorial Scholarship, which awards qualifying high school seniors a 4-year university scholarship. Marc is an accomplished marathon runner, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Rechelle, and is a proud father to their four children Alexandria (Allie), Joshua, Maddison and Questin.
Wealth Advisors
Amy Manley, CFP®, CLTC®
Wealth Advisor
Amy Manley is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Sarasota, Florida office, where she specializes in comprehensive financial planning, including investment, tax, insurance, education, estate, and retirement strategies. With a client-first approach, she partners closely with individuals and families to craft personalized plans that align with their goals and values.
Amy graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics, Business, and Finance. Following 30 years of experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors, Amy became a financial advisor earning the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC®) designations.
Amy is deeply involved in her community, volunteering with churches and several organizations, including the Big Cypress Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (as Parliamentarian), the Colonial Dames of America Everglades Chapter (as a board member), and Providence House. She also offers pro bono financial planning and education. Amy and her partner Yancey live in Naples, Florida. They enjoy spending time with their grown children and their families, ballroom dancing, golfing, snow skiing, and working out at the gym.
Gregory Gionfriddo
Senior Wealth Advisor
Gregory is a Senior Wealth Advisor based in Beacon Pointe’s Sarasota, Florida office, developing customized strategies to help individuals and families meet their financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Gregory was a Senior Wealth Advisor at Southern Trust Financial Planning, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021. Earlier in his career, he spent time in the Recruiting industry. He became a registered representative and entered the financial services industry in 2007 as an investment consultant with Moors & Cabot, Inc, a 117-year-old Boston based NYSE firm. Gregory earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University specializing in Economics and Political Science. Gregory was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida and outside of the office, he enjoys fundraising for children with speech and hearing disabilities as a member of the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota. Gregory enjoys spending time with his family and is the proud father of Hunter and Kaley. He is an avid sports fan as well and enjoys seeing both of his children succeed in various athletic and academic activities.
James Cooper
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
James Cooper is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Sarasota, Florida office. He specializes in customized solutions paired with the highest level of service that help clients meet their investment and wealth planning goals. Retirement income and wealth planning have become a focus of his business. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, James helped build Southern Trust Financial Planning in Sarasota, Florida and was the Senior Vice President of Investments. Southern Trust Financial Planning merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021. James started his twenty-three-year career at Moors & Cabot Financial Advisors, LLC, (a division of Moors & Cabot, Inc), a 117-year-old Boston based NYSE firm. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Florida State University, specializing in Economics and Finance. Outside of the office, James is involved in fundraising and volunteering at many local Sarasota schools. He is the proud husband of Nancy and father of Trisha and Dominic.
Client Service & Operations
Barbara Milhoan
Relationship Manager
Barbara is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized service experience. Her duties include providing a high level of client service, account administration, processing new and existing account paperwork, money transfers, among other duties. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Barbara was a Director of Client Services at Southern Trust Financial Planning. Her early career journey included an unusual series of jobs including administrative positions at two State universities; the director of a large festival with international ties; and as an advertising sales executive. During midlife, Barbara sought a career in the securities industry and acquired the appropriate FINRA licenses required of a financial advisor. Within five years she began a thirty-year association with Marc Wolff and James Cooper as an assistant and office manager until she took a hiatus in 2017 to complete her first book, Unconscious Decisions. She is currently working on her second book but was coaxed out of retirement in late 2019 by James Cooper, to assist him and his clients on a part-time basis.
Carol Winterfeldt
Office Manager
Carol an office manager for the Beacon Pointe Sarasota, Florida office. Carol works closely with the wealth advisors in providing support to clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Carol was an administrative assistant at Southern Trust Financial Planning, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021. Carol earned her bachelor’s degree in Education at Florida Southern College. She is active in the community and enjoys volunteering with local animal rescues. Carol grew up in Long Island and relocated to Florida with her family in 1996.
Christine Harman
Operations Manager
Christine is the Operations Manager for Beacon Pointe’s Sarasota, Florida office and responsible for daily firm operations, implementing policy and procedures, compliance, licensing, and client servicing. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Christine was an Operations Manager at Southern Trust Financial Planning, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021. Christine has worked in the financial field at Prudential Financial Services and Nationwide Insurance, and in the health insurance field at Florida Blue and Meadowbrook Insurance Agency. She is a Notary Public, holds a Real Estate sales license as well as Life, Health and Variable Annuity license. Step-mom to Lance and Heidi, grandmother to Irelyn, best friend to husband Jeff, she shares her Sarasota home with four rescue cats. She enjoys entertaining, reading, traveling and family. On the weekends you will find her scouring neighborhoods for garage-sales for the perfect must-have trinket or the Farmers Market for organic produce.
Dee Stone
Associate, Office Management
Dee provides multi-faceted operational support to Beacon Pointe’s Sarasota, Florida office through a range of administrative, financial, and organizational tasks. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Dee was a Receptionist at Southern Trust Financial Planning, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021. Earlier in her career, Dee worked in Banking, Insurance and Payroll industries and is originally from Chicago. Outside of the office, Dee enjoys spending time with Friends and doing community work. As a Florida JCI Senator, Dee has held many appointed positions within the organization, as well as fundraising for local organizations, as well as working with fellow past Jaycees in providing Thanksgiving Dinner to a local shelter that helps those in need.
Financial Advisory Services Tailored to Your Needs
Our process and attention to detail ensure your wealth plan allows you to make smart choices about your financial future through informed decisions.
Financial Planning
Our holistic allWEALTH® approach addresses all aspects of your financial well-being.
Retirement Planning
We help clients achieve their best retirement by making smart, informed choices now.
Estate Planning
We’ll help ensure you have the necessary documents in place to protect your family and legacy.
Strategic Tax Planning
Our team is well-versed at integrating tax strategies across your portfolio and financial plan.
Investment Management
We offer customized investment solutions with diverse strategies on an open platform.
Healthcare Planning
Our team can guide you in confidently planning for your future healthcare needs.
Asset Protection
Our team uses their expertise to design a protection plan for your family and assets.
Family Office Services
Our role is to help ensure that your wealth will last you and your family for generations to come.
