The Core Group
We believe working as a team helps provide you with access to more possibilities of strategies and helps ensure you benefit from the highest levels of service. While we bring complementary skills and perspectives to our clients, we also share a commitment to responding to your needs promptly, professionally and thoroughly. Our goal is to earn your confidence through not only the quality of solutions we provide you, but also the excellence with which we deliver them.
Managing Director - Private Wealth Advisor, Institutional Consulting Group
Alex co-founded The Core Group in 1995 with partner and financial advisor, Grant DeVaul. He works with successful entrepreneurs and their families developing and implementing appropriate investment strategies, while also constructing wealth management plans for those who have experienced divorce. Spearheading our research, Alex also evaluates and selects our investment advisors and alternative investment managers.
Prior to joining RBC Wealth Management, Alex spent nine years at Morgan Stanley as an executive director. Before that, he spent 19 years as a senior managing director in the Private Client Division of Bear Stearns, where he played an integral role in creating and implementing the firm’s wealth management platform. His knowledge of investment management spans investment policy, money manager selection, alternative investment allocation and performance monitoring.
Alex recently earned global recognition for his dedication to clients by being named a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. He was recognized as a member of the Financial Times Top 400 Financial Advisors in 2019 and 2020. He was also named an Advisor to Watch by Advisor Hub in 2022.
A native of Lincoln, Massachusetts, Alex earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in finance from the University of Denver. His passion for education continues through his support of multiple educational causes, including serving on the board of Hillside School, as well as on the board of Lawrence Academy, a private high school located in Groton, Massachusetts. Alex is also a member of the Boston Estate Planning Council and supports multiple charitable organizations, including Mass General Hospital and the Children’s Hospital.
Financial Advisor
Graham is a seasoned wealth advisor who creates customized wealth plans for families in need of a high level of involvement in managing the complexities of their wealth. Recognizing the many unique challenges of managing family wealth, Graham seeks to help his clients simplify complex financial issues with understanding and precision.
Graham has a different style than many of his peers; he begins by scrupulously listening to what you have to say. By reversing the typical order of measuring your values first before valuing your asset, the big picture becomes clear to him—and to you. The collaborative nature of his process puts you in the driver’s seat with regard to your future. Not only will you feel understood, but also confident in the knowledge that we are helping you effectively manage all the dimensions of your wealth, not just your money.
Graham has more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry. He comes to RBC Wealth Management from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, and prior to that from Bear Stearns, where, as a managing director, he was involved in the successful creation of the firm’s first wealth management platform.
Graham holds an MBA from Brigham Young University’s Marriott School. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and the Chartered Financial Analysts Society of Los Angeles.
Graham supports causes that serve the needy and homeless of Los Angeles. He also currently serves on the board of directors for the Supporters of the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division. Graham lives in Newport Beach with his wife and three children.
Senior Vice President - Private Wealth Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager - Portfolio Focus
As a vital member of The Core Group, Grant works with entrepreneurs and their families to develop and implement wealth management strategies appropriate for their future. With over 20 years of experience, he concentrates on managing fixed-income and equity portfolios for clients and is responsible for the team’s product strategy. Grant co-founded The Core Group with Alex Sugar in 1995 at Bear Stearns, and then spent nine years at Morgan Stanley before ultimately bringing the team to RBC Wealth Management.
Studying political science at Arizona State University, Grant also served as the field coordinator for the Bush Quayle ‘92 presidential campaign as he continued his studies, fueling a lifelong passion for news and current events.
Grant and his wife are committed to philanthropy, particularly focused on supporting education among underprivileged communities in Los Angeles. He serves on the board of 826 LA, a nationally recognized organization devoted to helping students pursue their creative and expository writing talent. Grant lives in Santa Monica with his wife and two sons.
With over 20 years of experience in managing client and family relationships within The Core Group’s wealth management practice, Alex is dedicated to maintaining the group’s high level of service.
Alex launched his career in 1993 with startup computer reseller Catalink Direct, shifting his career following its IPO to enter the training program at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette in 1999. He has been with The Core Group since 2002, joining the predecessor firm of Morgan Stanley from Bear Stearns in 2008.
Alex resides with his wife and son in Newton, Massachusetts.
Associate Vice President - Financial Advisor , Private Wealth Advisor
Greg joined The Core Group in the Boston office as a financial advisor with more than four years of industry experience. Before joining RBC Wealth Management, he worked as a corporate bond analyst for Nomura Securities in New York City, and as a sales associate with Putnam Investments.
Greg uses his strong institutional background to aid in business development for the team, while also assisting in managing fixed income portfolios.
A native of Newton, Massachusetts, Greg attended Newton North High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Yale in 2015, where he was captain of the varsity basketball team. Demonstrating his commitment to community, Greg coaches youth basketball in his hometown.
Associate Vice President, Associate, Business Senior
Tricia joined The Core Group in 2013 and focuses on determining proper asset allocation and risk tolerances for clients, while also developing and implementing appropriate investment strategies. She also supports the team with client reporting and performance tracking.
Tricia graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2007 with dual degrees in finance and economics. A native of Dallas, Texas, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, sons and two dogs.
Senior Registered Client Associate
With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Sheila has been an integral member of The Core Group since 1996. She is responsible for streamlining the back office for the group and carefully monitors and resolves all high net worth client account issues.
Investment Associate
With The Core Group since 2007, Annie brings over 15 years of experience to the service team.
Annie received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern University with a dual major in finance and marketing. She currently resides in Malden, Massachusetts with her husband and daughter.
Registered Client Associate
Lindsey joined The Core Group in 2019 from the St. Paul, Minnesota branch of RBC Wealth Management.
Lindsey received her Associates of Arts degree at Orange Coast College with an emphasis in communications. She enjoys yoga, hiking and spending time with her family and friends.
