Vicus Capital Company Profile

Background

Vicus Capital, Inc., established in 1978 and headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, is a boutique investment management and advisory firm. The company specializes in designing and implementing comprehensive wealth and security strategies for financial advisors, aiming to assist investors in accumulating, protecting, and transferring wealth. Vicus Capital's mission is to be the trusted partner of choice for financial advisors and their clients by delivering state-of-the-art investment products and high-touch, world-class service. Their vision is to become the most respected investment management services firm, impacting the lives of financial advisors and their clients by consistently delivering exceptional experiences.

Key Strategic Focus

Vicus Capital's strategic focus centers on providing tailored investment solutions that cater to the unique needs of financial advisors and their clients. The firm offers a diverse lineup of advisory managed account strategies, including:

Managed Solutions: Designed to address various wealth planning objectives across every stage of the investment lifecycle.

Custom Solutions: Providing tailored, flexible offerings for unique approaches not obtainable through traditionally managed portfolios.

Open Architecture: Offering flexible options to support different business models, whether through holistic outsourced portfolio management or investment consultation.

Retirement Plans: Supporting advisors in the qualified retirement plan space with in-house fiduciary investment management and partnerships with recordkeeping and administration providers.

These strategic initiatives aim to create efficiencies for advisor offices, increase the time advisors can spend with clients, and generate unique experiences.

Financials and Funding

As of June 25, 2024, Vicus Capital reported assets under management (AUM) of approximately $2.3 billion, serving 8,430 clients. The firm employs 87 financial advisors. The estimated annual revenue is $6.2 million, with an average revenue per employee of $168,000. Specific details regarding funding history and notable investors are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Vicus Capital has demonstrated a history of innovation in investment management:

2012: Pioneered the development and availability of managed ETF strategies in the RIA marketplace.

2012-2015: Launched five investment strategies, including fee-based managed account programs and a proprietary algorithm-based strategy.

2015-2020: Introduced seven investment strategies, encompassing social impact investing, target outcome programs, and proprietary strategies in partnership with industry leaders.

2021-2024: Expanded previously launched strategies and introduced 12 new investment strategies, including proprietary separately managed accounts, additional target outcome programs, and tactical strategies.

In 2021, the firm established a Financial Planning department to further enhance its service offerings.

Leadership Team

Vicus Capital's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to the firm's mission:

Eric Dare, CFP®: CEO & President. Eric spearheads corporate growth strategies and has a deep understanding of the resources financial advisors require to establish and grow successful investment advisory practices. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University and is a Certified Financial Planner® professional.

Ed Dare, CLU, ChFC: Chief Financial Officer. With over four decades in the financial services industry, Ed has served on several boards and held advisory positions with numerous organizations. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Temple University.

Jacqueline Wigfield: Chief Operating Officer. Jacqueline oversees cross-departmental growth initiatives, streamlining production timelines, and creating efficiencies to accelerate deliverables and cultivate growth. She previously worked as an Associate Project Manager at JPMorgan's Operational Headquarters.

Courtney Schmittle: Chief of Staff. Courtney provides strategic guidance and support for the executive team, managing prioritization of initiatives and facilitating communication of the firm's vision across departments. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Education from Shippensburg University.

Alison Martin: Director of Business Development. Alison serves as the recruitment liaison for prospective advisors and business partnerships, overseeing the transition process and developing relationships between new advisors and the Vicus Capital team. She graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications.

Kevin Korenoski: Business Development Associate. Kevin has been in the insurance and financial services industry since 1977, with experience in personal sales, sales management, and as a Senior Regional Vice President. He attended the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Kimberli Casner, Esq.: Senior Vice President & General Counsel. Kim oversees all aspects of the firm's compliance and legal departments, promoting and ensuring compliance with all federal and state financial laws and regulations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctor from the Widener University School of Law.

Dawn Kay: Vice President of Finance. Dawn oversees all financial matters for Vicus Capital, including financial reporting, analysis, and cash management. She majored in Business Management in college and has experience in various management roles and trust accounting.

Tessa Schultz: Vice President, Office Administration & Client Experience. Tessa's role encompasses strategic project coordination, corporate event oversight, and facilities management. She holds double Bachelor's degrees in Studio Art and Theatre from Hope College.

Derrick Parsons: Director of Advisor Engagement. Derrick leads Vicus Capital's strategic sales and marketing initiatives, providing financial advisors with tools and services to maintain and grow successful investment advisory practices. He has been in the financial services marketing arena since 2003.

Rob Hinson, CFA: Director of Investment Operations & Trading. Rob manages all operational aspects of the investment department, including technology systems, vendor relations, and processes. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder.

David Rosenblatt: Director of Investment Strategies. David leads the firm's investment research, ongoing manager due diligence, and portfolio construction process. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and a Master's in Investment Management from Temple University.

Ron Lutz: Director of Information Technology. Ron leads the IT team, leveraging over 30 years of experience in networking, compliance, technology, software and hardware systems, and telecommunications. He joined Vicus Capital in 1996.

Amy Borngrebe: Marketing Manager. Amy oversees all marketing functions, including development and execution of strategic initiatives, communications programs, and brand awareness. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Media Communication from Colorado State University.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The investment management and advisory industry is highly competitive, with firms striving to offer innovative solutions and exceptional client service to attract and retain financial advisors and their clients. The market is characterized by a focus on comprehensive wealth management strategies, technological advancements, and personalized client experiences.