Dustin DeFranco, Founder and Financial Advisor at DeFranco Financial in Wheeling, WV, has earned a place among LPL Financial’s Masters Club Program for 2026. And Financial Advisor, Paul Barnette has earned a place among LPL Financial’s Ascent Club Program for 2026 — distinctions reserved for advisors who set the standard for excellence in their financial practice.*
In today’s dynamic environment, Americans need more than advice — they need a collaborative partner who understands their goals and can help turn plans into progress. DeFranco and Barnett deliver valuable expertise every day, serving clients across the Ohio Valley and in over 28 states with comprehensive wealth management services, including investment management, retirement planning, tax planning, insurance, alternative investments, charitable giving, and estate planning.
“I’m proud to share this recognition with Paul and our entire team,” said DeFranco. “Earning a place in LPL’s Masters Club reflects a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement — and a shared commitment to delivering thoughtful, personalized advice to every client we serve.”
“On behalf of the entire LPL team, I’m proud to celebrate Dustin and Paul for their outstanding achievement,” said Peter Vincent, executive vice president and head of client success for LPL’s advisor channels. “They continue to raise the bar, empowering clients to pursue their aspirations and driving meaningful impact in the Ohio Valley.”
DeFranco Financial has partnered with LPL Financial — one of the fastest-growing firms in wealth management— for 10 years. Through LPL, advisors gain access to advanced tools, resources and support designed to streamline operations, allowing them to focus on what matters most: building relationships and delivering personalized financial advice.
About DeFranco Financial
DeFranco Financial is a Financial Advisory Firm in Wheeling, WV, serving approximately 1,000 households across more than half of the United States. The team helps clients navigate retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, wealth accumulation, and other important financial decisions. DeFranco Financial welcomes clients at every stage of life, from those just beginning their financial journey to high-net-worth individuals and multi-generational families.
About LPL Financial
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports over 32,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,100 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $2.3 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 8 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.
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*Achievement is based on 2025 calendar year production among LPL financial professionals.
