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The Gulf Coast Group

No matter what your age, or where you are on your planning journey, we can help steer you down the right path toward retirement. We will work with you to build the foundation of your plan. Over time, as life or market circumstances change, we will work with you to adjust your plan where and when needed. When it comes to retirement planning, it's never too early to start.

Dam

Your primary source for financial advice

We are here to provide quality strategies customized to your needs. We concentrate on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service. You can rely on our personalized advice, first-class solutions, and extensive wealth management experience.

  • Michael Carelli

    Michael Carelli

    Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

    Financial Advisor

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    • AL
    • CA
    • CO
    • CT
    • FL
    • GA
    • IL
    • MI
    • MO
    • MT
    • NC
    • NJ
    • NY
    • OH
    • OR
    • PA
    • RI
    • TN
    • TX
    • WA
    • WI

    With over 26 years of experience as a financial advisor, including 6 years of branch management experience, Mike brings a wealth of expertise and skill to his role as investment manager of our team. Mike enjoys managing client's assets and guiding them to grow and protect their wealth through personalized retirement and estate planning. Born and raised in Florida, Mike has been a resident of Tampa since 1991. He studied business, mathematics and engineering at the University of South Florida prior to completing the Financial Planner Program. Mike is FINRA-registered, holding Series 7, 63, 65, 31, 8, and 24 securities licenses, in addition to licenses for life, health and variable annuities. In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his friends and family, travelling, volunteering and staying active in his local community.

        • Accredited Asset Management Specialist
        101 E Kennedy Blvd
        18th Floor
        Tampa, FL 33602
      • John Benitoa

        John Benitoa

        Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

        Financial Advisor

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        • AL
        • CA
        • CO
        • CT
        • FL
        • GA
        • IL
        • MA
        • ME
        • MI
        • MO
        • MT
        • NC
        • NJ
        • NY
        • OH
        • OR
        • PA
        • RI
        • TN
        • TX
        • WA
        • WI

        As the corporate relationship manager of our team, John is dedicated to ensuring our client's needs and objectives are being met on an ongoing basis through distinctive and personalized business planning. John has over 19 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 4 years in branch and complex management. Born and raised in Tampa, he holds a bachelor's degree in marketing with a minor degree in economics from the University of South Florida. John is FINRA-registered, holding Series 7, 63, 65, 31, 9, and 10 securities licenses, in addition to licenses for life, health and variable annuities. In his spare time, John enjoys riding motorcycles, classic cars, and spending good quality time with his wife Nadia and daughter Tessa Jane and Nova Joon.

              101 E Kennedy Blvd
              18th Floor
              Tampa, FL 33602
            • Ryan Brannon

              Ryan Brannon

              Account Vice President

              Financial Advisor

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              • AL
              • CA
              • CO
              • CT
              • FL
              • GA
              • IL
              • MO
              • MT
              • NC
              • NJ
              • NY
              • OH
              • OR
              • PA
              • RI
              • TN
              • TX
              • WA
              • WI

              Ryan Brannon started his career in the financial services industry in 2008 and joined the The Gulf Coast Group in 2012. He believes his background in client service and planning were an ideal foundation for his work as a financial advisor. Attention to detail, good listening skills and great empathy are symbols of his appreciation by his clients. He is effectively supported by a team that works together to build long-term relationships with their growing client base and provide excellent service. Ryan is a proud recipient of University of South Florida’s Bachelor of Finance degree. His focus is on financial planning to ensure his clients' needs and goals are attainable now and throughout their retirement years. Ryan is FINRA-registered and holds Series 7, and 66 securities licenses, as well as licenses for life, health insurance and variable annuities. Ryan is happily married to his lovely wife Erynn. Away from the business, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and playing golf.

                    101 E Kennedy Blvd
                    18th Floor
                    Tampa, FL 33602
                  • Leslie Smith

                    Leslie Smith

                    Account Vice President

                    Financial Advisor

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                    • AL
                    • CA
                    • CO
                    • CT
                    • FL
                    • GA
                    • IL
                    • MI
                    • MO
                    • MT
                    • NC
                    • NJ
                    • NY
                    • OH
                    • OR
                    • PA
                    • RI
                    • TN
                    • TX
                    • WA
                    • WI

                    Leslie joined The Gulf Coast Group in 2016 where she was able to gain ample experience and insight into the financial services industry, financial markets, and retirement planning. She has transitioned into a Wealth Strategic Associate and works as a Relationship Manager with our corporate clients. She enjoys providing a seamless client experience, bringing a holistic view through financial planning, and communicating with clients. Leslie graduated from the University of Tampa with her bachelor's degree where she pursued a double major in Finance and International Business Management. Leslie holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Being part of a military family, she spent a great deal of her childhood traveling but is happy to now call Tampa home. Due to her Brazilian background, Leslie is fluent in both English and Portuguese. Her hobbies include traveling, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends.

                          101 E Kennedy Blvd
                          18th Floor
                          Tampa, FL 33602
                        • Mark Cleary

                          Mark Cleary

                          Financial Advisor

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                          • AL
                          • CA
                          • CO
                          • CT
                          • FL
                          • GA
                          • IL
                          • MI
                          • MO
                          • MT
                          • NC
                          • NJ
                          • NY
                          • OH
                          • OR
                          • PA
                          • RI
                          • TN
                          • TX
                          • VA
                          • WA
                          • WI
                          • WV

                          Mark joined The Gulf Coast Group in 2019 as a Client Service Associate. After graduating from the University of Tampa with his bachelor's degree, he worked as a currency consultant in foreign exchange before transitioning into client relations for a commercial property developer. Having been born and raised in London, he now calls Tampa and The Gulf Coast Group his home. His hobbies include soccer, golf and travelling.

                                101 E Kennedy Blvd
                                18th Floor
                                Tampa, FL 33602
                              • Dylan Alagood

                                Dylan Alagood

                                Client Associate

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                                • FL
                                • NY

                                Dylan joined The Gulf Coast Group in 2021 as a Client Service Associate after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Finance from The University of Central Florida. With a background in client service and great attention to detail, his ability to enhance the client experience is what he enjoys most. Having been born and raised in St. Petersburg he is happy to call The Gulf Coast Group his home. His hobbies include fishing, golf, and spending time with family.

                                      101 E Kennedy Blvd
                                      18th Floor
                                      Tampa, FL 33602
                                    • Samantha Lagasse

                                      Samantha Lagasse

                                      Client Associate

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                                      • CA
                                      • CO
                                      • FL
                                      • GA
                                      • MT
                                      • NC
                                      • NY
                                      • OH
                                      • PA
                                      • TN
                                      • TX
                                      • WV

                                            101 E Kennedy Blvd
                                            18th Floor
                                            Tampa, FL 33602

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