H. Scott Kruse, AIF
Senior Vice President/Investments
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About Me
Scott Kruse joined Stifel in 2017 as a Senior Vice President/Investments.
As a portfolio manager in the Stifel Solutions Program, Scott oversees a discretionary equity portfolio strategy of dividend-paying common stocks. His primary focus is on equities, exchange traded funds (ETFs), options, and futures.
Scott holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation, which identifies individuals who have met the experience requirements of the Center for Fiduciary Studies, a division of Fi360, have gained a fundamental understanding of the principles of fiduciary responsibility and processes for meeting a defined standard of care, and have passed Fi360’s AIF® examination.
After graduating from Washington State University in 1979, Scott began his career in finance as a NASDAQ market maker, specializing in Northwest stocks. From 1983 to 1989, he worked at Dain Bosworth in Bellevue, Washington. He spent the next 28 years at Oppenheimer & Co. and its predecessor firms, where he was promoted to Executive Director/Investments and Senior Portfolio Manager.
Scott and his wife, Cathe, live in Bellevue with their Jack Russell Terrier, Buster. An avid sports fan, Scott especially enjoys football and horse racing. Scott is also a regular supporter of the Little Bit Reigns of Life fundraiser. In his spare time, Scott maintains his competitive edge playing table tennis.
The Solutions program requires a minimum investment, which varies by strategy. Ask your Financial Advisor for a Disclosure Brochure, which further outlines the fees, services, exclusions, and disclosures associated with this program. Since all investment decisions in a Solutions account are made by the Financial Advisor without having to receive prior client approval, it is important that Solutions clients have detailed knowledge of the Financial Advisor’s individual investment philosophy and decision-making process before entrusting him or her with their portfolio. You should consider all terms and conditions before deciding whether the Solutions Program and any particular strategy are appropriate for your needs. Changes in market conditions or a company’s financial condition may impact a company’s ability to continue to pay dividends, and companies may also choose to discontinue dividend payments.
H. Scott Kruse
AIF
AIF
Senior Vice President/Investments
4256373607
Scott Kruse joined Stifel in 2017 as a Senior Vice President/Investments.
As a portfolio manager in the Stifel Solutions Program, Scott oversees a discretionary equity portfolio strategy of dividend-paying common stocks. His primary focus is on equities, exchange traded funds (ETFs), options, and futures.
Scott holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation, which identifies individuals who have met the experience requirements of the Center for Fiduciary Studies, a division of Fi360, have gained a fundamental understanding of the principles of fiduciary responsibility and processes for meeting a defined standard of care, and have passed Fi360’s AIF® examination.
After graduating from Washington State University in 1979, Scott began his career in finance as a NASDAQ market maker, specializing in Northwest stocks. From 1983 to 1989, he worked at Dain Bosworth in Bellevue, Washington. He spent the next 28 years at Oppenheimer & Co. and its predecessor firms, where he was promoted to Executive Director/Investments and Senior Portfolio Manager.
Scott and his wife, Cathe, live in Bellevue with their Jack Russell Terrier, Buster. An avid sports fan, Scott especially enjoys football and horse racing. Scott is also a regular supporter of the Little Bit Reigns of Life fundraiser. In his spare time, Scott maintains his competitive edge playing table tennis.
The Solutions program requires a minimum investment, which varies by strategy. Ask your Financial Advisor for a Disclosure Brochure, which further outlines the fees, services, exclusions, and disclosures associated with this program. Since all investment decisions in a Solutions account are made by the Financial Advisor without having to receive prior client approval, it is important that Solutions clients have detailed knowledge of the Financial Advisor’s individual investment philosophy and decision-making process before entrusting him or her with their portfolio. You should consider all terms and conditions before deciding whether the Solutions Program and any particular strategy are appropriate for your needs. Changes in market conditions or a company’s financial condition may impact a company’s ability to continue to pay dividends, and companies may also choose to discontinue dividend payments.
Robert Schmidt, Jr., CIMA
Senior Vice President/Investments
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About Me
Robert “Bob” Schmidt, Jr. joined Stifel in 2017 as a Senior Vice President/Investments, specializing in asset management strategies. Previously, Bob served in the Private Client Division of Oppenheimer and its predecessor firms from 1997 to 2017. He graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles in 1979 with a B.A. of Economics.
As a portfolio manager in the Stifel Solutions Program, Bob manages four distinct discretionary portfolio strategies: Tax-Exempt High-Yield Bond, Low Volatility Income, Hybrid Moderate, and Hybrid Aggressive. These discretionary portfolio strategies are designed to offer clients an efficient investment strategy at a reasonable cost. Additionally, Bob oversees the use of the team’s alternative investment and separately managed account strategies. Many of these are exclusively available through Stifel.
Bob attained the Certified Investment Management Analyst® certification from the Investment Management Consulting Association, which identifies those individuals who have successfully completed coursework surrounding complex portfolio construction, investment analysis, and comprehensive wealth management.
The Solutions program requires a minimum investment, which varies by strategy. Ask your Financial Advisor for a Disclosure Brochure, which further outlines the fees, services, exclusions, and disclosures associated with this program. Since all investment decisions in a Solutions account are made by the Financial Advisor without having to receive prior client approval, it is important that Solutions clients have detailed knowledge of the Financial Advisor’s individual investment philosophy and decision-making process before entrusting him or her with their portfolio. You should consider all terms and conditions before deciding whether the Solutions Program and any particular strategy are appropriate for your needs. When investing in bonds and interest rate-sensitive securities, it is important to note that as interest rates rise, prices will fall. High-yield bonds and securities have greater credit risk than higher-quality bonds and securities.
Robert Schmidt, Jr.
CIMA
CIMA
Senior Vice President/Investments
4256373621
Robert “Bob” Schmidt, Jr. joined Stifel in 2017 as a Senior Vice President/Investments, specializing in asset management strategies. Previously, Bob served in the Private Client Division of Oppenheimer and its predecessor firms from 1997 to 2017. He graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles in 1979 with a B.A. of Economics.
As a portfolio manager in the Stifel Solutions Program, Bob manages four distinct discretionary portfolio strategies: Tax-Exempt High-Yield Bond, Low Volatility Income, Hybrid Moderate, and Hybrid Aggressive. These discretionary portfolio strategies are designed to offer clients an efficient investment strategy at a reasonable cost. Additionally, Bob oversees the use of the team’s alternative investment and separately managed account strategies. Many of these are exclusively available through Stifel.
Bob attained the Certified Investment Management Analyst® certification from the Investment Management Consulting Association, which identifies those individuals who have successfully completed coursework surrounding complex portfolio construction, investment analysis, and comprehensive wealth management.
The Solutions program requires a minimum investment, which varies by strategy. Ask your Financial Advisor for a Disclosure Brochure, which further outlines the fees, services, exclusions, and disclosures associated with this program. Since all investment decisions in a Solutions account are made by the Financial Advisor without having to receive prior client approval, it is important that Solutions clients have detailed knowledge of the Financial Advisor’s individual investment philosophy and decision-making process before entrusting him or her with their portfolio. You should consider all terms and conditions before deciding whether the Solutions Program and any particular strategy are appropriate for your needs. When investing in bonds and interest rate-sensitive securities, it is important to note that as interest rates rise, prices will fall. High-yield bonds and securities have greater credit risk than higher-quality bonds and securities.
Devon K. Schmidt
Associate Vice President/Investments
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About Me
Devon Schmidt joined Stifel in 2018 as a Financial Advisor and is now an Associate Vice President/Investments. By leveraging Stifel’s financial planning resources, his priority is to develop a comprehensive understanding of clients’ financial roadmap. Guiding his clients to and through retirement, he strives to help them diagnose risk, identify goals, and quantify their lifestyle.
Devon graduated from Chapman University and was a member of both the soccer and lacrosse teams. He began his career at Morgan Stanley, supporting the complex’s internal financial planning services.
With an affinity for all things outdoors, Devon maintains an active lifestyle. An avid mountaineer and skier, you can often find him summiting mountains or swiftly descending down them. When elements prevent him from enjoying these alpine activities, he hits the pitch and plays in a few soccer leagues.
Devon K. Schmidt
Associate Vice President/Investments
4256373638
Devon Schmidt joined Stifel in 2018 as a Financial Advisor and is now an Associate Vice President/Investments. By leveraging Stifel’s financial planning resources, his priority is to develop a comprehensive understanding of clients’ financial roadmap. Guiding his clients to and through retirement, he strives to help them diagnose risk, identify goals, and quantify their lifestyle.
Devon graduated from Chapman University and was a member of both the soccer and lacrosse teams. He began his career at Morgan Stanley, supporting the complex’s internal financial planning services.
With an affinity for all things outdoors, Devon maintains an active lifestyle. An avid mountaineer and skier, you can often find him summiting mountains or swiftly descending down them. When elements prevent him from enjoying these alpine activities, he hits the pitch and plays in a few soccer leagues.
About Me
Leslie Ralph has been a valued member of The Cascadia Group since 2004. With more than 30 years of experience in managerial and administrative roles, her organizational skills and attention to detail help establish our priority of customer service.
Leslie oversees all administrative matters, including new accounts, issuing checks and wires, mobile account access, and account statement questions.
Leslie lives in Renton and enjoys her days off by spending time with her family and friends, reading, going to movies, and attending local concerts.
Leslie Ralph
Client Service Associate
4256373625
Leslie Ralph has been a valued member of The Cascadia Group since 2004. With more than 30 years of experience in managerial and administrative roles, her organizational skills and attention to detail help establish our priority of customer service.
Leslie oversees all administrative matters, including new accounts, issuing checks and wires, mobile account access, and account statement questions.
Leslie lives in Renton and enjoys her days off by spending time with her family and friends, reading, going to movies, and attending local concerts.
Carter Rusch
Registered Client Service Associate
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About Me
Carter Rusch joined Stifel in 2021 and obtained his securities licenses to become a Registered Client Service Associate. Alongside Scott, Bob, and Devon, he assists with the implementation of investment analysis and presentations, while also assisting Leslie with administrative matters.
Carter earned B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Washington. After working in multiple accounting and finance roles throughout college, he sought to join the industry to be a part of a dynamic work environment.
An avid sports fan, Carter enjoys watching football, basketball, and baseball. During his free time, he plays golf, weightlifts, and partakes in recreational sports. He volunteers in the Kirkland area, where he coaches high school baseball and is involved with the Ability Experience, an organization that supports people with disabilities by raising funds and spreading awareness.
Carter Rusch
Registered Client Service Associate
4256373627
Carter Rusch joined Stifel in 2021 and obtained his securities licenses to become a Registered Client Service Associate. Alongside Scott, Bob, and Devon, he assists with the implementation of investment analysis and presentations, while also assisting Leslie with administrative matters.
Carter earned B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Washington. After working in multiple accounting and finance roles throughout college, he sought to join the industry to be a part of a dynamic work environment.
An avid sports fan, Carter enjoys watching football, basketball, and baseball. During his free time, he plays golf, weightlifts, and partakes in recreational sports. He volunteers in the Kirkland area, where he coaches high school baseball and is involved with the Ability Experience, an organization that supports people with disabilities by raising funds and spreading awareness.
