Stifel Financial Corp.

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to reflect on our history and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Stifel and the markets will be closed today in remembrance.

In this week’s #StifelSightLines, we share some of our learnings from the 2024 Stifel Blueprint conference. To learn more and watch the full video, visit www.stifelinsights.com

Meet Ben Plotkin, a man who wears many hats (and titles) at Stifel. Ben serves as Vice Chairman of Stifel Financial as well as Executive Vice President of KBW and Stifel. He is also involved with Stifel Bank, Stifel Israel, SF Credit Partners, and the Institutional Group. In his own words, “On any given day, I could be dealing with loan committee approvals at Stifel Bank, helping with a bank client at KBW, or on a commitment committee call for an IPO we’re doing. It’s a diverse set of challenges and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Ben grew up in Miami where his family owned a hardware store and he worked selling everything from tools to lumber. He attributes much of who he is today to his parents and their backgrounds. Both his mother and paternal grandmother were Jewish refugees fleeing persecution – his mother from Nazi Germany, and his grandmother from Russia. Their stories had a significant impact on him growing up and instilled a drive he would possess for years to come. After graduating from Georgetown University’s Law School, he started his career as a corporate lawyer, but quickly realized this path just wasn’t interesting enough for him. In 1987, a head hunter contacted him asking if he wanted to be an Investment Banker with Ryan Beck. “I didn’t know what Investment Bankers did, but I had a pretty good head for business. I told my wife I could go back to practicing law if I fell on my face, but it turned out I was pretty good at it!” Ben quickly rose within the ranks of Ryan Beck and after 10 years became Chairman and CEO. In 2007, Stifel acquired Ryan Beck with Ben as a driving force behind the acquisition. “Ron and I actually outlined the deal on the back of a boat (named ‘The Real Deal’) sitting in New York Harbor. It’s never easy doing large transactions, but it worked out really well as hundreds of ‘Ryan Beck’ers’ are still at the firm today.” In both his professional and personal life, Ben’s ambition is undeniable. He attributes this, and his lifelong commitment to learning and family, to his Jewish-American heritage. This is further reflected in his involvement in organizations outside of work, including The American Jewish Committee, The Young Presidents’ Organization, The Israel Economic Forum, and serving as a Board Member for the University of Florida’s Business School. His marriage of 44 years and relationships with his children and grandchildren are also foundational to his success. So what’s next for Ben, the man who does it all? Professionally, he will continue to go where he’s needed at Stifel. “I don’t know what I’ll be doing, but I know I will continue to contribute.” Outside of work, he plans to maintain his active lifestyle, playing pickleball, boating, snorkeling, and participating in other water activities. He added, “To the extent you keep your mind engaged at work with mental challenges, you need to keep your body working too. Then you’re not going to rust – I would like to not rust.” #PeopleofStifel

#TeamStifel golfer, Harry Higgs, has proven that success is impossible without follow-through. Harry - your perseverance has inspired all of us in our own endeavors. We are proud to congratulate you on a monumental win this past weekend, and can't wait to see what's next! #WhereSuccessMeetsSuccess

Join us in welcoming The Clark Malone Group to our private client group office in West Des Moines! “For our team to effectively operate we need access to world-class investments, best-in-class financial planning tools, access to cash management, and lending capabilities. Quite simply, Stifel rose to the top.” – Grant Clark, Managing Director/Investments Learn more about why they chose Stifel: www.choosestifel.com #ChooseStifel

Congratulations to the 2024 ANNIKA Award winner, Ingrid Lindblad from LSU!

We’re from the Lou, and we’re proud! Proudly featured on the St. Louis Cardinals' newly unveiled City Connect Jerseys. These bold designs are a testament to the traditions we share, the city we love, and the community that helped shape our foundations over 130 years ago. Together, we are #ForTheLou. #WhereSuccessMeetsSuccess

That’s a wrap on Blueprint 2024! From captivating speakers to an engaging expo, our annual conference was full of innovation, inspiration, and celebration. Our financial advisors gained valuable insight into new partnerships and emerging technology, and experienced 1:1 networking with industry experts. Thanks to everyone who helped make Blueprint 2024 an outstanding success! Fontainebleau Las Vegas #Blueprint2024 #BlueprintForSuccess #WhereSuccessMeetsSuccess

We hit the jackpot this year in Las Vegas, the site of Blueprint 2024, our national sales and innovation conference. Thanks to our financial advisors, product partners, and other Stifel associates for making this year’s event a huge success. Stifel CEO Ron Kruszewski joined Fox Business Network from the main exhibit hall for a discussion about the economy, markets, and other topics creating Blueprint buzz!

Join us this #AANHPIHeritageMonth as we spotlight several of our inspiring associates who showcase their unique perspectives, passions, and narratives beyond their roles here at Stifel. This week, get to know Johnny Chen, P.Eng., CFA. #AAPIHeritageMonth #AsianAmericanNativeHawaiianPacificIslanderHeritageMonth