Meet John Pierce

Cutting-edge finance and technology solutions

About me

A proven leader with 25 years of experience in financial services

Work

In my most recent role at Cetera, I directed financial professional recruiting strategy, building and guiding a dynamic recruiting team with a focus on profitable, optimal asset classes. I am also a Strategic Advisor for Advisor Loans and Advisor Box.

In my prior role as Stifel’s Head of Advisor Recruiting, I leveraged my extensive industry expertise to attract and retain top advisor talent for the firm, recruiting approximately $53 billion in optimal assets.

Before Stifel, I spent 14 years at Merrill Lynch, leading fee-based sales and financial planning teams in New York City as well as a Managing Direrctor leading the Philadelphia Complex, and seven years at Ameriprise, where I launched and led the advisor recruiting channel for the firm’s employee division.

Over 25 years I’ve become an expert in my industry, developing solutions that offer stability and opportunity. I’ve built a flexible, scalable approach to financial services transactions which results in increased profitability and enhanced equity performance.

During this time, I’ve also grown a robust professional network through my passion for building leaders and making a difference in others’ lives.

Education

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Cincinnati before earning an MBA from the University of London. Focused on the evolution of fee based business internationally. I earned my Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in 2019 from the University of Pennsylvania and published my dissertation on the impacts of career progression due to external coaching and internal mentoring programs for tenured leaders in financial services.

Interests

When I’m not working, I’m training for my next race. The persistence, endurance, and discipline required to finish 13 full Ironman triathlons have served me well in my professional life. Plus, I often find that the best thinking happens during long runs in the rain.

Closer to home, I’m committed to investing in the communities where I live and work: Juno Beach, Florida and Breckenridge, Colorado. I hope to positively impact the next generation of learners and workers by offering my expertise as a coach and a mentor to business leaders of the future.

I have three wonderful children - Meghan, John III, and Thomas - and as a proud parent enjoy observing and interacting with them as they embark on life’s journey as adults.