Our team brings decades of experience and a personalized approach to every client
Meet your Investment advisory team
W. Mike Stewart AIF, RFC
Mike entered the financial services industry in 1991 joining MetLife where he was successful helping families meet their insurance and investment needs. During his time there, he earned multiple insurance licenses including those for Property, Casualty, Health and Life Insurance, along with securities licenses from FINRA including the Series 6, 7, and 66 licenses. Mike also qualified for multiple Leaders Conferences, earned multiple years of membership into the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table and rose to the level of an Agency Manager, in addition to earning MetLife’s certification as a Financial Planner. After just over 10 years, his client’s needs led him to leave MetLife and create WMS Group. Mike worked with OneAmerica Securities and later brokersXpress as an independent advisor. Each of these affiliations gave exposure to more certification classes and educational opportunities in financial planning and qualified pension plans.
During this time Mike was able to earn four industry designations, LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow), RFC (Registered Financial Consultant), CSA (Certified Senior Advisor), and AIF (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) to help further his education and abilities to more closely work with and benefit his clients and their unique needs.
From 2002 until 2012, Mike worked as an independent investment advisor, but still through a Broker/Dealer relationship. In May of 2012, Mike decided to open his own Independent firm as a Registered Investment Advisory Firm (RIA). He made this decision so that he could truly work in his client’s best interests by putting them first instead of having a large corporate compliance department dictate his decisions for his clients, therefore creating the dilemma all advisors who work for a broker/dealer face as to whom they answer to: the client or the compliance department. Working through the fee-based model, he is prohibited from accepting commissions. He can only receive fees from his investment service and advice and has NO Broker/Dealer Relationship.
Of the Four industry designations listed above that Mike earned, he keeps two of them active which are a benefit to his clients. The RFC designation is earned through the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants. The “RFC” designation carries a requirement to achieve 40 hours per year of continuing education to keep the designation active. Since Mike first achieved earning the designation in 2001, he has completed 920 hours of qualified continuing education. To keep up with the important role of being a Fiduciary, Mike also obtained the AIF designation (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) so that he can stay on top of the important role of taking a fiduciary role for his clients. Mike resides in Folsom, Louisiana with his wife Elizabeth and two Italian Greyhounds.
Andrew Stewart, RFC
Andrew is a dedicated Investment Advisor with a deep commitment to WMS Group’s client-first principles. A graduate of the University of New Orleans with a degree in Finance, Andrew began his career as a licensed insurance agent, specializing in life and health insurance. Early on, he was mentored by his father, who exposed him to the challenges within the financial services industry and instilled in him the importance of always putting clients’ needs above any potential personal gain.
In 2020, Andrew obtained his Series 65 license and obtained a designation as a Registered Financial Consultant and transitioned to a full-time Investment Advisor role, where he now manages all trading operations for the firm in addition to providing personal care and attention to each of his clients. With a focus on exceptional client service and upholding his responsibility as a Fiduciary advisor, Andrew is dedicated to helping clients achieve their unique goals while safeguarding their best interests.
Rachael Stewart, administrative specialist
From a very young age, Rachael was frequently exposed to the financial industry via her father’s consistent mentorship. Over the years, Rachael has grown a devout commitment to helping others achieve their goals. While acquiring her finance degree at Louisiana State University (LSU), Rachael also began her career as an insurance agent. Specializing in home and car insurance, as well as employee benefits, Rachael’s insurance background has brought a unique perspective on client needs and risk management to WMS Group LLC. Currently serving as an administrative specialist for the firm, Rachael diligently manages client relationships and ensures a seamless experience.
While Rachael brings a strong foundation already having passed the Securities Industry Essentials exam, she is eager to expand her knowledge and responsibility within the WMS Group. Rachael is working towards her Series 65 currently and is dedicated to step into an advisory role soon.
Elizabeth Stewart, administrative Assistant
Elizabeth has an extensive background in multitasking and managing multiple events from her years of being a wife, mother, and CEO of the Stewart household. She has chaired and organized multiple charity events that included auctions, silent auctions, charitable donations with glowing results. Elizabeth is a highly motivated Go-Getter when it comes to helping others. Mike realized after multiple attempts of trying to hire assistants that he had the perfect person at home. He encouraged her to step up in that role as well as CEO of the household and wife. As anyone who has encountered Elizabeth knows, she is a “bulldog” when it comes to getting things done. This happened in 2004 and WMS Group LLC has benefitted immensely from Elizabeth’s contributions. She is now in charge of all operations at WMS Group LLC.