Let's move forward. Together.

Our team of professionals distinguishes itself with both financial experience and personal service. We strive to earn your loyalty through hard work, the right advice and a dedication to developing long-term relationships.

Michael Carelli

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

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.

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

Credentials

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

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John Benitoa

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

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.

Registered States:
  • AL
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • FL
  • GA
  • IL
  • MA
  • ME
  • MI
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • NJ
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • RI
  • TN
  • TX
  • WA
  • WI
101 E Kennedy Blvd
18th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602

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Ryan Brannon

Account Vice President

Financial Advisor

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.

Registered States:
  • AL
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • FL
  • GA
  • IL
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • NJ
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • RI
  • TN
  • TX
  • WA
  • WI
101 E Kennedy Blvd
18th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602

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Leslie Smith

Account Vice President

Financial Advisor

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.

Registered States:
  • AL
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • FL
  • GA
  • IL
  • MI
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • NJ
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • RI
  • TN
  • TX
  • WA
  • WI
101 E Kennedy Blvd
18th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602

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Mark Cleary

Financial Advisor

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.

Registered States:
  • AL
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • FL
  • GA
  • IL
  • MI
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • NJ
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • RI
  • TN
  • TX
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WV
101 E Kennedy Blvd
18th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602

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Dylan Alagood

Client Associate

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.

Registered States:
  • FL
  • NY
101 E Kennedy Blvd
18th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602

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Samantha Lagasse

Client Associate

Registered States:
  • CA
  • CO
  • FL
  • GA
  • MT
  • NC
  • NY
  • OH
  • PA
  • TN
  • TX
  • WV
101 E Kennedy Blvd
18th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602

Email Me