Experience Makes all the difference

As a team with a national footprint and strategic partners across the firm, we have decades of experience serving the complex needs of accomplished individuals and families. Our Private Wealth Advisors provide exclusive access to the firm’s global resources, deepening the team’s focus on financial planning, investment management, legacy planning and philanthropic strategies.

We build intimate, trusting relationships by delivering comprehensive advice and service. We will work toward the future you envision for your family, and help you create a lasting impact.

Scott Zelniker, CRPC®, CRPS®

Managing Director - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Private Wealth Advisor
Senior Portfolio Manager
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®)
Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS®)
941-364-7271

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Scott has been providing customized solutions for his clients since 1992. He is known for his ability to listen to client concerns, and his willingness to advocate for them when needed really sets him apart. With experience in wealth planning, asset management, risk management, business succession planning, philanthropy and family governance, Scott is an integral piece of any professional advisory network. As a Private Wealth Advisor, he coordinates direct access to the global resources of UBS, especially the intellectual capital his clients need for complex liquidity events and long-term estate planning across generations.

Many of Scott’s clients have been with him for decades. And he has made a real impact on both individuals and institutions. His thoughtful planning and disciplined execution provides clients with the seamless integration of institutional capabilities and multigenerational wealth management. Over the course of his career, he has shared his best practices with industry professionals and has been a panelist for the Money Management Institute (MMI).

Experience

  • Scott began his career in 1992 at Merrill Lynch, building relationships with clients, many of whom are still with him today.
  • While providing investment and planning advice at Smith Barney, Scott teamed up with major universities, lecturing to business owners around the county on the topic of exit and succession planning.
  • In 2016, Scott and his team joined UBS, where they transitioned their business to the Private Wealth platform, providing their clients with access to the vast resources of the firm.

Credentials

  • Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) designation
  • Chartered Retirement Plans SpecialistSM (CRPS®) designation
  • UBS President’s Council member
  • Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses

Education

  • M.B.A. in finance and business management, Hofstra University
  • B.A. in finance, Boston University

Life

  • Scott was born and raised on Long Island, NY.
  • He and his wife of 27 years, Lisa, have recently moved to Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota, FL.
  • He supports several local organizations in the Sarasota area, including: The V Foundation for Cancer Research, whose mission is to find a cure for pediatric cancer; Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation; Ringling College of Art & Design; Ringling Lifelong Learning; The Ringling Museum; The Asolo; The Jewish Federation of Sarasota and Nathan Benderson Park.
  • Scott and Lisa have three grown children: a son who works in Manhattan as a mechanical engineer, a second son who works in Washington, D.C. as a manager of an e-sports organization and their daughter, who is a cheerleader at Syracuse University.
  • Scott coached hockey and served for 15 years as a Great Neck PAL volunteer.
  • Scott is a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.


Registered States:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Peter Dorfman, CEPA®

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Private Wealth Advisor
Senior Portfolio Manager
Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®)
212-713-3644

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



With a specific focus on the complex, long-term wealth management needs of multigenerational families, Peter evaluates the needs of each client through a disciplined and time-tested discovery process. His approach is goals-based and relies on an understanding of his clients’ objectives, rather than industry benchmarks, to select investments and manage their risk.

Peter leads the team’s investment committee, developing strategies based on an immediate, intermediate and long-term market outlook. He oversees portfolio construction and analytics, driving research into equities, fixed income and alternative investments. As a result, clients appreciate his clear communication and individual attention, which often make a tangible impact in their lives.

Experience

  • Peter began his career at Merrill Lynch in 1997 and later joined Scott to create The Zelniker Dorfman Group
  • Moved the practice to UBS Wealth Management in 2016, where they transitioned their business to the Private Wealth platform, providing their clients with access to the vast resources of the firm

Credentials

  • UBS President’s Council member
  • Series 7, 31 and 66 securities licenses

Education

  • B.S., University of Vermont

Life

  • Peter lives in Westport, CT with his wife, Alison, and two daughters, Emme and Kylie.
  • He supports several local and national charities, many of which are important to his clients and their families, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The No Greater Sacrifice Foundation.
  • Peter loves the outdoors and enjoys skiing, wakeboarding, golf, traveling and especially spending time with his family.

 


Registered States:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Michael Carr Jr.

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Athletes & Entertainers Consultant
352-745-7438

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Mike focuses on high-net-worth clients with an emphasis on Professional Athletes, NFL coaches and college football coaches.  By using an institutional approach to investment risk management coupled with a commitment to the highest level of personal service, Mike’s team of dedicated, hard-working, passionate professionals work together to achieve the highest level of satisfaction for their clients.

Mike began his career in Sarasota, FL as a corporate lender with NCNB/Bank of America in 1989.  In 1997 Mike moved to Gainesville, FL to accept a position with Merrill Lynch where he worked for 18 years as a Wealth Management Advisor and was also the Branch Manager for 9 of those years.  In 2015, Mike and his team moved to UBS to open the new Gainesville office and has been the Branch Manager there as well since his arrival.  Mike has been honored the last 3 years by being named as one of the Best-In-State Wealth Advisors for Florida by SHOOK Research and Forbes. Mike earned his undergrade degree in Finance from Florida State University.

Mike and his wife Carrie split time between Gainesville and Sarasota, where he has deep roots in the community.  Their oldest son Trey graduated from Florida State University, their daughter Natalie is a Senior at Auburn University and their youngest son Cannon is a Junior in high school.  Mike is on the board of Climb for Cancer in Gainesville, FL and chairs the Finance Committee.  Mike and his family love being on the water fishing on the West Coast of Florida and attending just about any sporting event they can find.


Registered States:
AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Jason Hughes, CFP®, CPWA, CEPA

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Strategic Partner
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Wealth Advisor
Portfolio Manager
941-364-7257

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Always wanting to help others, Jason grew up wanting to be a doctor. He became interested in economics while earning his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida. After college, Jason helped his uncle run a family business before deciding to use his financial knowledge to help other business owners grow and preserve their wealth.

He earned his Certified Financial PlannerTM certification in 2007. In 2018, Jason added two new designations. In February, he earned the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation, which focuses on helping business owners plan for the day where they will exit their business through a sale or transfer to their family, a key employee or an ESOP. In November, Jason earned his Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation, which is an advanced professional certification for advisors who serve high net-worth clients. The CPWA® designation is designed for seasoned professionals who seek the latest, most advanced knowledge and techniques to address the sophisticated needs of clients with a minimum net worth of $5 million. Unlike credentials that focus specifically on investing or financial planning, the CPWA® program takes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach.

An experienced and personal approach

Jason’s approach to working with his clients is personal and family-oriented. His process starts with discovering his clients’ family picture as well as their immediate financial needs and future aspirations. He then creates a customized investment plan to guide them and their families in achieving their goals. Jason and his team pride themselves on providing a holistic client experience. This means working collaboratively with clients’ attorneys and CPAs, helping multiple generations within families and meeting regularly with clients to review and update financial plans.

Outside UBS

Jason and his wife, Leigh, have two children, Reagan and William. Jason enjoys serving his community on the Advisor Council for the Southeastern Guide Dogs and also as the minister of planned giving for the Church of the Redeemer. He is an avid sports fan and can be found cheering on the University of Michigan football team and the Detroit Tigers.


Registered States:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI


Justin Leins

First Vice President - Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Strategic Partner
Wealth Advisor
Portfolio Manager
941-364-7253

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Justin joined UBS as a Financial Advisor in 2012. Along with Jason Hughes, he is a co-founder of The Heritage Group. He focuses on working with high net worth clients who include professional athletes, medical specialists and affluent retirees. Justin’s investment planning process is highly detail-oriented and centered on the core tenets of diversification and risk management. He is passionate about doing his best to ensure that his clients reach their financial objectives, both personal and professional.

Understanding risk management

Growing up in Sarasota, Justin was exposed to various market cycles and saw many examples where prudent financial planning could have prevented life-altering mistakes. He believes in risk management and in truly understanding what you own and how it will help you reach your goals. Prior to joining UBS, Justin spent two years as an advisor at Morgan Stanley. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University, where he majored in finance and minored in economics.

 

Outside UBS

Justin was born and raised in Sarasota, FL, where he was a star baseball player and avid baseball fan. He has two children, Sawyer and Evangeline. Justin volunteers with military and animal welfare organizations and serves in various roles on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Sarasota County.


Registered States:
AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Molly Townsend, CFP® AIF®

Financial Advisor
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
212-713-3642

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Leading the team’s financial planning process, Molly works closely with a broad range of multigenerational clients to gain an understanding of their priorities and help them articulate their goals. She provides knowledgeable access to the global resources of UBS as she helps to model financial plans and put investment strategies into motion. Analyzing clients' retirement, education, tax, philanthropy and wealth transfer opportunities, she prides herself on her ability to connect individually with clients and talk about the things that matter most to them.

Molly manages the team's 401(k) plan practice, and specializes in insurance, annuities, Social Security, pension income and 529 plans. On any day, she may discuss the risks of a highly concentrated position with an executive, help a widowed client navigate Social Security and survivor benefits, or work with a family to explore lending options for a vacation home. With all the ways her clients turn to her for advice and guidance, Molly prides herself on helping them live their lives to the fullest.

Experience

  • Molly began her financial services career in 2008, working for PEAK6 Investments
  • She joined LPL Financial in her hometown of Chicago in 2010, focusing on Socially Responsible Investing
  • She moved to New York in 2015 and joined the Zelniker Dorfman Group at Merrill Lynch before the team moved to UBS in 2016

Credentials  and education

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation
  • Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as life and health insurance licenses
  • Certificate from the Longevity Training Program from the USC Davis School of Gerontology
  • B.A., international studies, University of Illinois–Champaign

Life

  • Molly is devoted to philanthropy, volunteering with A Leg to Stand On and supporting the Chicago Children's Choir
  • She lives in the Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn with her husband, Alex, and their son, Elliot
  • Molly is an active member of Park Slope Parents Working Moms, and BoCoCa Moms
  • In her free time, Molly enjoys spending time with her family, reading, pilates, international travel and live music


Registered States:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Ryan Lynch, CRPC®

Financial Advisor
Strategic Partner
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®)
941-364-7237

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Ryan joined The Zelniker Dorfman Group in July of 2015 while after working at Merrill Lynch. At UBS, Ryan is a Financial Advisor focusing on client acquisition and the development of new relationships for the team. In October 2018, Ryan moved to Florida to help support the team’s clients and efforts in the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch community. Ryan is a strong communicator who values relationships and develops strong bonds with his clients.

Ryan actively supports many organizations in the area and is a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and their Young Leaders Alliance, as well as the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and their Young Professionals Group.

Ryan holds a B.A. in finance from the School of Business at Villanova University. While at Villanova, Ryan participated in many philanthropic services, including the Villanova Day of Service and volunteered with Catholic Charities, rebuilding homes in New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He was also a captain of the school’s club lacrosse team. In his free time, Ryan enjoys golfing, fishing and skiing. Born in New York City and raised in Chatham, NJ, Ryan is passionate about supporting the New York Yankees and the New York Jets, along with his alma mater’s men’s basketball team. He lives in Lakewood Ranch, FL.


Registered States:
AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Jolene Tepedino

Authorized Officer
Team Administrator
Team Business Manager
212-713-3641

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Jolene has been part of The Zelniker Dorfman Group for more than a decade, handling all aspects of client service and administration, business operations and marketing. She manages client communications, organizes events and information sessions and executes special projects for the team. Jolene prides herself on delivering a truly personalized, concierge experience to every client.

Having developed the team’s client service model over the years, Jolene is sought after as a Client Service Associate coach at UBS, a role in which she shares best practices and serves as a mentor. Whether working with clients or branch peers, Jolene is appreciated for her attention to detail, commitment to accuracy and her prompt, friendly response to all requests.

Experience

  • Jolene began her career in sales and marketing for a start-up firm specializing in corporate preparedness and risk consultancy
  • Joined The Zelniker Dorfman Group while at Merrill Lynch in 2006
  • Serves as a CSA Coach for 29 PWM CSAs in her UBS branch

Credentials

  • Series 7 and 66 securities licenses

Education

  • M.A., corporate communications, Baruch College
  • B.A., psychology, Brooklyn College

Life

  • Jolene lives on Long Island with her husband, TJ, and their dog, Ruffers.
  • She is active in her community and passionate about volunteering and fundraising for local organizations, including Wounded Warriors and Voices of September 11th.
  • She enjoys spending time with her family and has a profound love for animals, especially dogs.


Registered States:
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT


Tina L. Arpaia-Mccann, AWMA®, CRPC®

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®)
352-745-7436

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Tina focuses on high-net-worth clients including professional athletes, business professionals and retirees. She uses a holistic approach when meeting with clients to determine the best investment model and method of execution to achieve a client’s personal and professional retirement goals. Tina is committed to providing an outstanding client experience in all facets of her business and considers her clients as extended members of her family.

Tina has been with Carr & Associates for 19 years. Prior to working in Wealth Management, Tina was in banking for 17 years most recently as a Vice President at Wachovia. She holds her Series 7 license as well as her Series 9 & 10 securities management licenses. She has also obtained her Chartered Retirement Planning Consultant and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designations. Tina holds a BA in Human Resource Management from the University of South Florida.

Tina was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida and has lived in Gainesville for the past 22 years. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding, watching college football and spending quality time with her friends and family. She has been involved in many civic organizations including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Partnership for Strong Families, Ronald McDonald House and Rotary.  


Registered States:
AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Ashley Susan Waddington, CFP®, CRPS® , CDFA®

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS®)
352-745-7437

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Ashley leads the Carr & Associate team’s financial planning process, specializing in retirement planning and investment proposals. Her role as Relationship Manager allows her to fully assist clients from day-to-day admin functions to more complex investment management needs.

Joining the financial services industry in 2008, Ashley interned in wealth management while completing her Finance degree at the University of Florida. She joined the Carr & Associates team in 2012 at Merrill Lynch, later moving with them to UBS Financial Services in 2015. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and has specializations as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA) practitioner and Chartered Retirement Plans SpecialistSM (CRPS®).

Ashley lives in the Haile Plantation neighborhood of Gainesville. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, travel, exercise and spending time with her family. Ashley is passionate about her community and serves on the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House of North Central Florida. She serves as Chair of the Development Committee and sits on the Finance Committee and other subcommittees. Ashley has also served as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer for over five years and coordinates the annual office school supply drive and Christmas wish list drive for the local children in foster care.


Registered States:
AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI


Coty Maree Schade

Wealth Management Associate
941-364-7234

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



As a Wealth Management Associate, Coty believes that making life simpler for her clients is her first priority. She strives to anticipate and proactively address client inquiries. Coty is responsible for managing the Heritage Group’s Client Service Model as well as creating and maintaining policies and procedures that ensure a superior client experience.

Outside UBS

Coty graduated with a B.S. in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. She began working for UBS in Spokane, WA in 2012 and holds her Series 7 and 65 securities licenses. She and her husband, Adam, moved to Sarasota in 2016 and are happy to call it their home.

In addition to her work at UBS, Coty leads local UBS volunteer opportunities. In the past few years, The Heritage Group has helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity, participated in a walk-a-thon for Southeastern Guide Dogs, fed the hungry at the Salvation Army and provided backpacks for Title 1 schools, Cards for Kids and many more.


Registered States:
CT, FL, IL, MT, NM, NV, NY, SC, VA


Amanda Michele Evans

Client Service Associate
941-364-7288

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



How I can help you

Amanda is responsible for assisting the team with marketing, event coordination, team projects and administrative tasks. She enjoys providing personalized service to clients and helping clients utilize technology in their finances by incorporating UBS Online Services.

What makes me knowledgeable

Amanda joined the financial services industry in 2017 with over 15 years of experience in marketing and customer service. She holds her series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Her passion for taking care of clients and pursuing advanced education opportunities has allowed her to excel in this role.

Getting to know me

After attending school at University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, she relocated to Sarasota where she enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband, Jamie, their young daughter, Taylor, and their dog, Lana. She is an avid runner and enjoys fitness challenges of all kinds.


Registered States:
FL, NM, NY


Nicholas Tejeda

Client Service Associate
212-713-2737

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



Nicholas joined The Zelniker Dorfman Group in December of 2018. Prior to his start at UBS he worked in upscale hospitality where he learned the ins and outs of excellent client service. With a massive emphasis on detail, Nicholas is looking to pave his way to a career in finance. He is determined to provide clients with the highest level of service, and to add value to his team however it is needed. Nicholas holds a bachelors in law and society and a minor in journalism from John Jay College of Criminal Justice on the Upper West Side. He is currently working on completing his SIE and Series 7 registrations to advance his role within the team.

A son of Brazilian and Dominican parents, Nicholas is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish and is always looking for ways to use his language skills to help the team. As a lifelong resident of New York City, he understands what it takes to make it in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Life

  • In his free time Nicholas enjoys playing basketball, soccer, going to the beach, and enjoying the company of his friends and family. He currently lives in Queens, NY.


Patrick Tomas Murray

Client Service Associate
941-364-7211

email   Connect with me on LinkedIn



How I can help you

Patrick’s responsibilities include oversight of client accounts as well as the introduction of new business in a relationship capacity. His preparedness, promptness, and professionalism are key aspects of his role in assisting clients with their every-day needs. No two days are the same, and Patrick’s “client first” mentality allows him to provide service that is second-to-none.

What makes me knowledgeable

Before beginning his career at UBS, Patrick worked at a real estate sales group as well as a boutique construction management firm. His focus in these roles primarily revolved around client relationship management, budgeting, and financial analysis for each project.

Getting to know me

Many in the Greater Sarasota Area may recognize Patrick from his time as the placekicker/kickoff specialist for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His memories with the Bucs still hold a special place in his heart and they were a catalyst for moving back to the area with his wife, Sara, daughter, Ellie, and loveable lab, Zoey. Patrick is passionate about his roots and is a volunteer on all things related to Irish sports along the East Coast. Patrick also serves as a volunteer for the Vincent Crotty Memorial Foundation. While with the Buccaneers Patrick was involved in Kicking for Kids, which donates money to three local children’s hospitals, as well as Cut For A Cure which raises money to help fund pediatric cancer research. Patrick is an avid athlete, soccer fan, golfer, and reader who is consistently looking for new ways to challenge himself in every aspect of his life.


Registered States:
FL, NY