Baird Adds The Hoffman And Hock Group, Expands Presence In Phoenix-Scottsdale Market

Baird, an international employee-owned financial services firm and one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For^®, has added The Hoffman and Hock Group, a well-respected, female-operated financial advisor team, to its Private Wealth Management business, further expanding the firm's presence and expertise in the Phoenix-Scottsdale market. The team, run by founder Leah Hoffman and partner Lana Hock, and including Caralee Allsworth, all of whom are Financial Advisors, manages more than $300 million in assets and is highly regarded in the community and the industry. The group is serving clients from Baird's Phoenix office, located at 2425 E. Camelback Road, Suite 530.

The addition of The Hoffman and Hock Group illustrates Baird's continued commitment to and growth in the Phoenix-Scottsdale market. Baird opened its Scottsdale office in 2002. Business in the region grew quickly and the firm added its Phoenix office in 2004. Today, Baird's Private Wealth Management and Public Finance businesses have nearly 40 associates in the Phoenix-Scottsdale market.

"We are thrilled to welcome Leah, Lana, Caralee and the entire group to Baird," said Mike Schroeder, Director of Baird's Private Wealth Management. "The team has earned the loyalty and trust of their clients by providing straightforward financial advice and exceptional service, which is very compatible with Baird's client-focused culture. Adding such a renowned, female-led team to our current list of wealth management professionals will enable Baird to continue growing its presence in the Phoenix-Scottsdale market to best serve our clients' needs."

The Hoffman and Hock Group has been providing wealth management services for nearly two decades. Over that time, the team has emerged as a recognized leader in wealth management, being named among the top wealth management teams in the country by Bloomberg Wealth Manager magazine seven consecutive years in a row (2001-2007), and recognized annually by the Arizona Business Journal, Arizona Woman magazine and AZ Business magazine as one of the top investment advisory groups in the area.

"We built our practice on the principle of putting clients' interests first," said Hoffman, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor. "Today's clients are looking for sophisticated investment alternatives and have higher service demands. Joining Baird allows us to offer enhanced products and services to meet those increasingly complex needs."

Hoffman is a veteran financial advisor and well recognized in the Phoenix-Scottsdale community as a business leader and local philanthropist. Hock, Hoffman's partner since 1993, is also an accomplished financial advisor, holding more than 25 years experience in financial services. Joining Hoffman and Hock is Allsworth, a 26-year veteran of the financial services industry, and six additional support professionals.

About Baird Private Wealth Management
Using a consultative approach, Baird's nearly 600 Financial Advisors deliver unique wealth management solutions to clients nationwide. They have the resources to oversee the complete financial picture for wealthy families and individuals, employing innovative strategies that address complex financial issues as well as family and philanthropic interests.

Leveraging a network of specialists, Baird Financial Advisors also work closely with business owners and corporate clients to address the specific needs of corporate executives, benefit coordinators and those in need of business transition planning.

About Baird
Baird is an employee-owned, international wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Established in 1919, Baird has nearly 2,200 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients. Baird oversees and manages client assets of nearly $78 billion. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird was recognized as one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work for® in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Baird's principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Baird also has an operating subsidiary in Asia supporting Baird's private equity operations. For more information, please visit About Baird.