<>
Financial advisor Colin Gates has joined the branch channel of Ameriprise Financial, moving from Merrill Lynch with more than $120 million in client assets. Gates is now based in Boca Raton, Florida, where he has integrated into The Atlantic Group, a growing $2 billion Ameriprise practice led by next-generation advisors Andrew Lerner and Logan Shalmi.
### Practice Integration in Boca Raton
Gates evaluated several options for the next phase of his career before selecting Ameriprise and The Atlantic Group. He prioritized finding a firm and team aligned with his long-term vision for client service and practice growth.
“Ameriprise immediately stood out because of its commitment to helping advisors grow and the investments it continues to make in technology, planning capabilities and operational support,” Gates said in a statement.
Gates and Logan Shalmi share a longstanding personal and professional connection, having attended high school together. That existing relationship and a shared philosophy regarding practice management and client service facilitated the transition.
“As I explored different options, I kept coming back to the combination of Ameriprise and The Atlantic Group,” Gates noted. “Logan, Andrew and the team have built an impressive business with a collaborative culture and a clear vision for where they’re headed.”
### Growth and Momentum at The Atlantic Group
The Atlantic Group has experienced significant expansion since transitioning from Oppenheimer to Ameriprise in October 2025. Over that period, the practice added three financial advisors, three support staff members, and more than $400 million in client assets.
The practice now includes 12 financial advisors and 10 support staff members managing approximately $2 billion in total client assets. Locally, the team receives support from Ameriprise Branch Manager Drew Granauro, Complex Director Daniel Landrau, and Regional Vice President Michael Rearden.
### Ameriprise Recruitment and Expansion Strategy
The addition of Gates aligns with broader recruitment trends at Ameriprise Financial. According to company data, approximately 1,700 experienced financial advisors have joined the firm over the past five years.
Ameriprise supports these incoming advisors through structures such as the Ultimate Advisor Partnership. This program provides resources designed to help practices scale operations, deepen client relationships, and generate referral-driven growth within the firm’s independent and supported channel models.
Related reading