Cetera Expands Its Team with the Addition of Palmetto Investment Consultants Managing $305 Million in AUA

Cetera Welcomes Experienced Financial Advisors

Cetera Financial Group recently announced a significant addition to its roster, welcoming financial advisors John Sloop, CFP®, and John Black, III, ChFC®, AIF®, along with their Palmetto Investment Consultants team. The group, based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, oversees approximately $305 million in assets under administration (AUA). After a 13-year stint with Cetera earlier in their careers, Sloop and Black decided to return, drawn by the firm's boutique service model and resources for growth and marketing support.

Return to Cetera

Sloop expressed that joining Cetera is more than just a career move; it signifies a return to a partnership that he values. "This is a return for me more than a first step with Cetera," he explained. He mentioned that the Summit Financial Networks community offers a personalized feel, one that resonates with their business philosophy to foster client-centric solutions rapidly. With the significant focus on advisory relationships, Palmetto Investment Consultants is committed to education-led advising, particularly aimed at clients in the later stages of their careers.

Strong Community Ties

The financial advisors bring with them a wealth of localized knowledge and a robust community network, emphasizing deep relationships established within Rock Hill and its neighboring Charlotte, North Carolina area. Their clientele includes employees from one of the largest energy companies in the country—indicative of their broad market reach and trusted advisory status.

A New Methodology in Client Engagement

Sloop takes a unique approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding a client's needs over merely offering products. During client interactions, he prioritizes discussing their concerns and specific goals, which helps shape a tailored plan focused on income generation rather than just asset growth. This methodology speaks to Sloop's belief in empowering clients to gain confidence in their financial decisions by helping them understand the rationale behind each recommendation.

The Role of Growth Resources

The decision to join Cetera also stemmed from the access to strategic growth resources, including Growth360. This innovative business planning model provides advisors with in-depth diagnostics to bolster their practice at both the firm and advisor levels. Additionally, the proprietary GrowthLine and Cetera's Regional Growth Team approach aids Sloop and Black in navigating their business landscape more effectively.

Streamlined Operations and Client Experience

The transition to Cetera's Summit has also provided Palmetto Investment Consultants with a more streamlined operational framework. Team members Morgan Hinchen and Allison Grier expressed satisfaction with the new setup, which allows them to maintain their boutique feel while enhancing service capabilities without the need for extensive hiring. "Summit has a 'boutiquey' feel because the customization and concierge approach mirrors the service we like to provide our clients," Grier noted.

Hinchen, leading the marketing strategy for their practice, echoed this sentiment, highlighting their pride in being independent and effective within their small team. This philosophy resonates with their commitment to delivering a high-touch, personalized service to a wider client base.

Looking Ahead

Cetera Advisor Channel Leader, Tom Halloran, welcomed the Palmetto Investment Consultants team, noting their extensive experience and commitment to client education as invaluable assets to Cetera. With the promise of personalized service that aligns with their growth objectives, Sloop and Black are poised for an exciting next chapter in their careers.

To learn more about the Palmetto Investment Consultants and their offerings, visit www.palmettoinvestmentconsultants.com.

About Cetera

Cetera Financial Group continues to be a leader in empowering independent advisors and institutions, focusing on personalized support and flexible affiliation models. As of mid-2026, Cetera firms manage approximately $688 billion in AUA and demonstrate a commitment to long-term value for advisors through a multi-faceted ecosystem that fosters growth and scalability. The firm is dedicated to nurturing its community of financial professionals, marking an essential evolution in the financial services landscape.

For more information about Cetera and its services, please visit www.cetera.com.