Award Information - Disclosures
In each case below, Planned Financial Services (PFS) responded to a questionnaire from the sponsoring organization. In no case does PFS pay a fee upfront to be considered for an award or to participate in rankings, nor is a fee paid after an award or ranking is granted in order to obtain plaques, advertisements or other similar indicia. PFS is not required to be a member of the sponsoring organization in order to be eligible to participate in rankings or to receive such awards. All awards are independently granted.
The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams ranking (awarded, 2024, 2025) was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and team, and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Neither Return on Life Wealth Partners nor any of its financial advisors or RIA firm pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating.
The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking (awarded in 2023, 2024), developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.
Crain's Cleveland Business Notable Leaders in Finance (2024) Nominations that are submitted and accepted by the editors and recognized on the Crain’s 2024 Notable Leaders in Finance list must meet certain criteria, including being based in Northeast Ohio, having at least five years in the profession, and being employed by a financial firm or institution. Of the nominations submitted, 19 honorees were accepted and recognized. Honorees do not pay fees to be considered or placed on this list.
The Weatherhead 100 Enterprise Award (awarded in 2023). The Weatherhead 100 awards are the premier celebration of Northeast Ohio’s spirit of entrepreneurship and the companies leading the way in Northeast Ohio. Each year the organization recognizes a group of companies who represent examples of leadership, growth and success in our region. Weatherhead Enterprise companies represent the fastest-growing companies with 15 or fewer employees or net sales of less than $5 million. Honorees do not pay fees to be considered for this award.
The Weatherhead 100 Upstart Award (awarded in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) was established to celebrate Northeast Ohio’s spirit of entrepreneurship and to reward companies that serve as a beacon to all the region’s businesses. Based on sales growth, employment of 15 or fewer employees, and/or had less than $1 million in net sales. Honorees do not pay fees to be considered for this award.
The NEO Success Award (awarded in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) showcases the success of business in the region annually by recognizing the top-performing companies in Northeast Ohio. Winners reflect the region’s determination to expand and revitalize its economic status. The NEO Success Award is unique in its combined measurement of business success in sales, growth and profitability. Honorees do not pay fees to be considered for this award.
The COSE Ten Under 10 Award (awarded 2008) recognizes the top ten companies with ten or fewer employees for their best practices in innovation, growth/success, value to the community and the environment, diversity promotion and customer service excellence. Honorees do not pay fees to be considered for this award.
The 2018 Distinguished Marketing and Sales Awards (DMSA) (awarded 2018). Presented by the Sales & Marketing Executives of Cleveland (SME Cleveland), the DMSA is a premier honor within its industry acknowledging excellence and providing community recognition for outstanding sales and marketing achievements. Selection criteria is based on exemplary leadership and management, innovative strategies and tactics, extraordinary sales results, and strong community and professional involvement. 39 nominations were submitted; 15 awards granted. Honorees do not pay fees to be considered for this award.
300 Most Influential Defined Contribution Plan Advisors by 401kWire (awarded 2010). Nominations come from both industry players and from the editorial staff of The 401kWire. The final list is based on input from nominated advisors and an objective analysis of statistical information. Honorees do not pay fees to be considered for this award.
The Financial Times Top 401 Retirement Plan Advisors (awarded 2016) The list, produced by financial services publication Financial Times in collaboration with Ignites Research, recognizes the top financial advisers who specialize in serving defined contribution (DC) retirement plans. Advisors were chosen based on several criteria, including the amount of DC plan assets under advisement, growth in his or her DC plan business, specialization in DC plan business, among other factors.
The Power Players of Cleveland Customer Service Award (awarded 2016) honors companies who have demonstrated superior customer service through best practices. 700 nominations were submitted; 400 awards granted.
Third-party recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results. These recognitions should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client's evaluation.