We’re certainly proud of what we have accomplished.

We know the effort and dedication it took to get here—from our start more than 30 years ago as an entrepreneur’s idea of what a financial planning firm should be to the hard work of refining our craft and developing our team. The journey has not been easy, but it’s worth every moment. Living, and working, in pursuit of our highest potential is part of who we are.

In addition to our advisors’ professional achievements, such as being selected to serve on Schwab’s National Advisory Board; serving on the ValMark Securities, Inc. National Advisory Board; serving as members and committee members for industry organizations such as the Financial Planning Association, Society of Financial Service Professionals, and the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, and other individual honors, financial advisory board appointments and college professorships, is a listing of some of our firm’s current national and local honors.

For each award/recognition listed below, SFA applied to the sponsoring organization to be considered for and awarded the recognition and is not required to be a subscriber to the sponsoring organizations (with the exception of the Schwab IMPACT Best-in-Business Award- please see below) to be considered to receive their rankings or awards. These rankings and awards are not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of our firm’s future performance. All awards and recognitions have been independently granted as SFA has no affiliation with any of the sponsoring organizations. Please note that awards are not a referral to, endorsement or recommendation of, or testimonial for the advisor with respect to its investment advisory or other services.

 

Weatherhead 100
2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021

The Weatherhead 100 designates more than 100 of the fastest growing companies in northeast Ohio based on revenue from the previous four years. The recognized firm must be headquartered in Ashland, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull or Wayne County, not a franchise or subsidiary of another company between the previous four years and a for-profit organization. No fees were paid or incurred to receive this recognition. However, in 2019, SFA paid the sponsoring organization $2,070 for a table at the ceremony where the awards were presented. You can view our 2021 recognition here. Prior years can be found here 2013, 2016, 2017, & 2019.

One of Barron's Top RIA Firms (Known as Barron's Top 100 RIA Firms in 2021, America’s Best RIA Firms- Top 100 in 2020, and America’s Best RIA Firms- Top 50 in 2019)
2019-2021

In 2021, Sequoia placed 66th on this list (64th in 2020 and 47th in 2019). Barron’s weighs dozens of qualitative and quantitative components, including assets managed, the size and experience of teams, regulatory record of the advisors and firms, succession planning, technology spending, and staff diversity. No fees in any years awarded were paid or incurred to receive this recognition. $8,500 was spent in 2021, $0 in 2020, and $17,240 in 2019 for marketing collateral associated with the award to be used on social media, our website, and email signatures. To view the full Barron’s rankings, click here 2021, 2020, 2019.

Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor Magazine RIA Survey & Ranking
2016-2021

In 2021, Sequoia placed 72nd out of 607 firms on the magazine’s annual ranking of independent advisory firms. Managing approximately $5.5 billion of assets at the end of 2020, the firm experienced just over 20% growth in assets between 2019 and 2020.

To be included in the overall ranking, firms had to be independent RIAs who file their own ADV statements with the SEC, provide financial planning and related services to individual clients, and have at least $50 million in assets under management (as of December 31, 2020). No fees were paid or incurred to receive this recognition. To view a full listing of Financial Advisor Magazine RIA Survey & Ranking, click here: 2021. Other years can be found here: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016

Inc. 5000 List
2015-2021

Inc. 5000 List recognizes the nation’s 5000 fastest-growing private companies according to percentage of revenue growth over a three-year period.  Sequoia ranked 4,247 in 2021. Previous year rankings can be found here: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015. For over 30 years, Inc. has recognized the fastest growing privately owned companies in America on an annual basis, highlighting companies that utilize strategy, service and innovation. The growth rate for the Inc. 5000 changes from year-to-year depending on the pool of applicants that are submitting. Those with a certain percentage of growth may receive editorial coverage and a notable ranking (Inc. 5000 list). Each year, there is a nonrefundable processing fee for all applicants of around $200.

Accounting Today
Accounting Today's Wealth Magnet Top Firms
2016-2021

For over a decade, the Wealth Magnet survey is an annual report that ranks CPA firms and subsidiaries across the nation involved in financial planning according to their assets under management. To be included in the list at least one of the firm’s financial planners must hold a CPA credential.  May 2021, Sequoia recorded approximately $5.5 billion of assets under management as of 12/31/20. Here you can find the full list from 2021. Previous list years can be found here: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016.  No fees were paid or incurred to receive this recognition in any of the years listed.  

Cascade Capital Corporation Business Growth Award
2005-2007, 2010-2013, 2015-2016, 2018-2021

This program honors small businesses located in Summit, Medina, Stark, Portage, Wayne, Ashland, or Holmes counties that have prominently increased sales and/or employment over the past five years. Companies that are recognized must have revenue that increased by 100% or $5 million during the year, and the company’s full-time employee total must have increased by 50% or 25 employees. No fees were paid or incurred to receive this recognition.

WealthManagement.com Thrive Award
2019

To qualify for the WealthManagement.com 2019 Thrive Awards list, applicants had to be based in the U.S., offer financial services to individual clients, and have a minimum revenue of $100,000. Applications were accepted from individuals, teams and companies of all types and sizes—including solo advisors, ensembles, practices, family offices, RIAs and IBD reps. No fees were paid or incurred for this recognition.

Schwab IMPACT Best-in-Business
2019

As Schwab describes, The IMPACT Awards® are given each year to independent advisor firms that have demonstrated excellence through leadership, innovative business practices, client dedication, and fresh thinking. Only Schwab business partners may participate. The Best-in-Business IMPACT Award goes to an independent investment advisory firm that has been in business for at least 10 years, has a track record of growth and excellence, and uses technology solutions to help expand market reach, practice management and employee development techniques, operational efficiencies and responsiveness. Candidates must also use Charles Schwab & Co, Inc. or Charles Schwab Bank as a custodian for client assets, and have at least $25 million in AUM. No fees were paid or incurred for this recognition.