Better serving you through ongoing education

The Randolph Group believes that learning never ends and while not required we choose to pursue designations that make us more educated and better equipped to support our clients and their needs. We invite you to explore the page below to learn more about our certifications and contact us to discuss how the knowledge we've gained can help you reach your financial goals.

CPWA, Certified Private Wealth Advisor

Team members who hold the designation: John Randolph

Educational requirements

High-net-worth individuals have unique needs that can’t be properly addressed by an advisor with a basic financial planning background. The CPWA® certification program is an advanced credential created specifically for wealth manager who work with these clients, arming them with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide sophisticated clients through the life cycle of accumulation, preservation and distribution. The CPWA certification program teaches advisors how to identify and analyze the challenges high-net-worth clients face and develop specific strategies to minimize taxes, monetize and protect assets, maximize growth, and transfer wealth, according to their goals and objectives.

Why it should matter to you

A CPWA is at the forefront of advanced wealth management trends and strategies, having committed themselves to attaining specialized knowledge in order to guide clients through the most complex issues. Advisors who have earned the CPWA credential know how to identify and analyze challenges facing high-net-worth clients and to develop specific strategies to help clients meet their goals and objectives. Contact John Randolph to learn more about this designation and how his specialized knowledge can help you achieve your goals.

Ben Leistikow, CFP

CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Team members who hold the designation: Ben Leistikow

Educational requirements

This well-regarded certification is awarded by the CFP® Board to individuals that have met rigorous educational, testing, and ethical standards.To obtain the CFP® certification, individuals must complete a comprehensive course of study at an approved college or university covering a multitude of financial planning topics, including: 

  • Investments
  • Estate planning
  • Insurance
  • Income tax planning
  • Wealth transfer strategies

Upon completion of the required coursework, individuals must pass a comprehensive, two-day, 10-hour examination that tests one’s ability to apply the knowledge they have obtained to real-life situations. This test is considered one of the most difficult in the industry, with only a 55-60%* pass rate.

Why it should matter to you

A CFP® professional is well-versed in developing integrated wealth management plans, with a robust theoretical and practical knowledge of investment products and services; an unwavering commitment to the highest ethics; and a steadfast commitment to putting your interests first. Contact Ben Leistikow to learn more about this designation and how it can be used to help you reach your goals. 

CIMA, Certified Investment Management Analyst

Team members who hold the designation: John Randolph

Educational requirements
  • Experience—demonstrated at least three years of experience in investment management consulting or financial services.
  • Examination—passed a background check and qualification examination.
  • Education—completed an educational program from a top-25 business school.
  • Ethical—agreed to adhere to an ethical code of professional responsibility and to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
Why it should matter to you

CIMA® certified advisors have successfully met initial and ongoing standards to provide customized investment advice and guidance to individuals and institutions. CIMA certified professionals apply investment theory and integrate a complex body of investment knowledge systematically and ethically to assist clients in making prudent investment decisions.  Contact John Randolph to learn more about this designation and how this hard-earned knowledge can be used to help you reach your goals.