ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwired - Sep 29, 2014) - Brokerage firm Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. opened an office in Boynton Beach, Fla. and added five financial professionals, company officials announced today. The location joins Melbourne, Panama City, Pensacola and Destin as the firm's fifth in the Sunshine State. With the opening, the firm now has 49 offices and nearly 200 advisors in locations across 24 states.

"Since opening our first Florida office in Panama City three years ago, investors across the state and around the country continue to embrace our client-first approach," said Marty Altenberger, senior vice president, director of Branch Services and regional manager. "Advisors are also taking notice of our extensive line up of investment products and services, along with our experienced personnel who take pride in the high caliber of service and support they provide our clients."

Joining the firm's new Boynton Beach office are the following advisors:

Jeffrey L. Hill, Branch Manager, Senior Vice President - Investments: Hill worked in the banking industry and served as a bank president and CEO for nearly 25 years before he moved into the securities industry 21 years ago. In addition to his client responsibilities, he has served as a branch manager for 10 years.

Debra Targett, CFP^®, Vice President - Investments: A 30-year veteran of the securities industry, Targett concentrates on a preparing a personalized investment planning process to help guide her clients through the critical financial events of their lives. Educating the public on smart investing is her passion. She also holds her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.

Steve Brill, CFP^®, Vice President - Investments: Brill entered the securities industry in 1992 and worked in New York for several years before moving to Florida in 2005. He also earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2007. His areas of concentration include working with his clients to develop a comprehensive, goals-based financial plan, which can address matters relating to retirement planning and wealth preservation.

Mary McLaughlin, Associate Vice President - Investments: McLaughlin started in the securities industry as an advisor in Boca Raton in 1980. She works with clients on all facets of their financial planning.

Jessica S. Hill, Financial Consultant: Jessica Hill, Jeff Hill's daughter, is moving into the securities industry after working in sales, marketing and management in the mortgage business. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Florida State University.

All but Jessica Hill are transferring from Wells Fargo Advisors.

"Moving to Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. gives us a wonderful opportunity to offer our clients this firm's special brand of client-first service, while also providing the sophisticated investment tools and insights they'll need as they work toward their financial objectives," said Jeffrey Hill, branch manager and senior vice president -- investments. "We're thrilled to be here, and after talking with other advisors who have made the move, we know our clients will be happy and well served."

About Benjamin F. Edwards & Co.
With a tagline of "Investments for Generations" and a company logo anchored by the Edwards crest, Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo. The firm was founded in 2008 by Benjamin F. (Tad) Edwards IV and currently has 49 branches in 24 states and about 400 employees.

A subsidiary of Benjamin Edwards, Inc., Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. is a full-service brokerage and a Registered Investment Adviser, which offers a wide array of financial products, advisory and investment banking services to its clients and financial advisors. For more information about Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., please visit the firm's corporate website, benjaminfedwards.com, GetInAtBenEdwards.com for advisors, or follow the company on Twitter.com/GrowWithBFEC.