With 28 years spent in the world of consumer products, George brings a rare perspective to clients for whom positive financial outcomes are a priority. 

George came to Merrill in 2004 with a longtime interest in the financial markets and a desire to help business owners and other hardworking individuals enjoy the rewards of what he characterizes as “hustling, saving, and sacrificing.” 

Since joining the firm, George has built strong relationships with generations of client families in Ohio and 20 other states. He believes that clients appreciate his humility and integrity. For George, earning the trust of clients allows him to provide a more comprehensive measure of financial advice and guidance – the kind that can enhance both sides of clients’ balance sheets (assets and liabilities), and preserve clients’ wealth for children and grandchildren.

George holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management (and a minor in Economics) from Youngstown State University. Giving back to the community that’s given him so much, George is an active member and volunteer at St. Charles Borromeo Church, as well as a member of the charitable giving committee of his Merrill office (donating time, talent, and funds to several charities). Over the years, George has also served as a Scouting volunteer and Little League coach. Among George’s passions are reading, travel, being outdoors, walking and hiking around Boardman with his dog, and, most of all, spending time with his wife, Michele, and their son and daughter.

Howard entered the financial services industry in 2013 with Merrill. He double-majored in Finance and Accounting at Youngstown State University. Upon graduation, he headed to Florida and earned an MBA in Finance from Nova Southeastern University. Since then, he has been a proponent and practitioner of goals-based wealth management. Howard knows that no two clients are alike and that a highly customized, integrated strategy is the best way to help each client satisfy specific concerns and ambitions for themselves and those they love. Howard finds it especially rewarding to bring a highly analytical, fact-based approach to clients. This allows him to assist with risk-managed investing, client cash flow requirements, legacy concerns, liability management, and overall retirement planning.

In 2017, Howard earned the firm title of Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA), a title belonging to a select group of advisors who have the experience and training to handle small business retirement plans through our Fiduciary Advisory Service.

Howard is also a specially qualified Senior Portfolio Advisor who, in addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, he can draw from his experience to help clients pursue their objectives by building and managing custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment strategies. When servicing clients through the firm’s Investment Advisory Program, a Senior Portfolio Advisor may manage those strategies on a discretionary basis.

Indoors and out, Howard enjoys a healthy lifestyle – with the goal of staying fit both mentally and physically. In addition to working out, golfing, hunting and fishing, Howard enjoys reading and listening to podcast on a wide range of topics. He is also a member of the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals and a mentor for Youngstown State University’s Young Professionals at its Lariccia School of Accounting and Finance. (As an undergrad, Howard was President of the Youngstown State University Student Investment Club. While earning an MBA, Howard was a member of the Nova Southeastern Graduate Business Student Association.)

Linda joined Merrill in 1999 after spending 15 years in the commercial loan departments of Dollar Bank/National City Bank and Mahoning Bank/Sky Bank. Drawing upon her background and the investment resources of Merrill along with the banking convenience of Bank of America, N.A., Linda feels privileged to help clients address a wide range of their financial requirements – from investment and retirement planning, to corporate lending and personal banking. Linda also serves as the responsive “point person” for many clients – handling their transactions, account and administrative needs with the level of attention and commitment they’ve come to expect from The Albertini Hargate Wealth Management Group.

Raised in Youngstown, Linda and her husband, James, Jr., have two children and reside today in Austintown. Linda’s favorite “away from the office” moments are spent babysitting her two grandchildren, sewing, painting rooms, and power walking. She is also a loyal fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indians, and (yes) the Browns. Linda regularly volunteers at her church and has participated with Habitat for Humanity and as a donor at American Red Cross blood drives.