Team

Scott Benesch is a seasoned portfolio manager and private wealth advisor who caters to high-net-worth families and foundations, providing holistic planning solutions and an institutional-level investment experience. Scott collaborates with sophisticated investors, including entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, foundations, and retirees, to achieve long-term financial objectives. Scott provides in-depth financial reviews, developing solutions covering clients' financial picture, encapsulating cash flows, investments, liability management, insurance, and strategic investment planning. Scott's boutique-style practice methodology is built on a foundation of trust and principle, ensuring that his clients receive a concierge’s climate. Scott prioritizes his clients with personalized attention in a welcoming, professional environment.

In September 2022, Scott established the Benesch Investment Group based in Coconut Grove, Florida. The practice operates via Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network. The relationship with Wells Fargo & Company enables clients the platform benefits of one of the premier financial institutions in the United States and of its resources. At the same time, we provide personalized, attention to detail service that our specialty practice is known for, ensuring a high-touch, comfortable experience.

Scott leverages his diverse domestic and international financial background, spanning over 30 years, to execute an innovative approach to preserve capital while taking risks aligned with each client’s objectives. With a concentration on risk management, he balances long-term investing with tactical shifts to help clients optimize market opportunities. Scott’s extensive international work experience offers valuable insights into the nuances of global economic forecasting.

                                                                                              

• Forbes* Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for 2021, 2022, 2023
• Wells Fargo Advisors, Managing Director and Senior Private Investment Manager Miami, Florida (2010-2022)
• US Trust, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager ($750 million under management) Miami, Florida (2007-2010)
• US Trust, Director of Equity Research in New York City (2003-2006)
• Templeton Global Advisors, Co-Portfolio Manager Templeton Global Long Short Fund & Global Media and Industrials Analyst Lyford Cay, Bahamas (2001-2003)
• Top Ranked Asian Analyst and Managing Director Donaldson, Lufkin, and Jenrette (DLJ) and Bear Stearns Hong Kong (1997-2001)
• American International Group (AIG), Senior Analyst Corporate Treasury New York City (1995-1996)
• Federal Reserve Bank of New York, analyst (1994)

Scott has keen experience analyzing global equities and has reviewed 1,000+ companies worldwide. Through his daily extensive proprietary research on companies, capital structures, sectors, market strategies, and global macroeconomics, he provides valuable insights and knowledge to inform strategic decision-making and drive success. As a wealth manager consultant, he is a highbrow, focused, and trustworthy advisor committed to providing the highest standards of service and integrity.

Scott is an Arizona native who has been living in Miami for 17 years. He has an MBA from The American Graduate School of International Management and completed a Custom Executive Training program at Stanford University. He and his wife Michele have a son and a daughter who excel as national competitive sailors. Scott was a former Academic All-American swimmer at Arizona State and is now involved with Team Paradise Sailing and Slow Food Miami.

_{*The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.}

Bertha has been in the Financial Industry for over 30 years.  She is a seasoned bilingual Private Wealth Relationship Associate.  During her career she has specialized in serving high net worth clients and building long lasting relationships with multi-generational families, managing the administrative aspects of the business and acting as a liaison between our bank partners.  

Bertha has earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Trinity International University. She has lived in Broward County, FL for over 25 years and continues to work with high networth clients nurturing their relationships. Bertha is married with two children. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling and watching their son play travel hockey. Bertha is also an avid reader of fiction novels.

Holly Croxall Barnhart, Vice President and Business Development Officer, supports relationships with existing clients, and onboarding new client relationships. As well as leveraging her more than two decades of experience in education and organizational leadership, with the aim of expanding our business.

Prior to joining Benesch Investment Group, Holly worked in Education across multiple states. Throughout her career, Holly emphasized excellence in Education and was recognized for her passion, team leadership mindset, and innovative teaching techniques. Holly executed Professional Development Workshops, conducted future prospect family seminars, and was recognized for developing a mini-economic classroom program.

Originally from Indiana, Holly is a graduate of Purdue University, is completing her master's degree at St. Thomas University, and is presently a candidate for the Certificate Financial Planner. Holly has been an active member of the Jr. League in Indiana, Illinois, Connecticut, and the Miami chapter. Holly resides in Miami, FL, with her two children, is a member of the Coral Reef Yacht Club, and is an active Board Member with ThumbsUp International. Holly was featured in a documentary chronicling ThumpsUp International mission of pairing athletes of different abilities to race together.

Brent leads our team acquiring and managing client relationships, providing advice and solutions tailored to sophisticated high net worth clients. He has over 20 years of experience in business development, marketing, and operations. Prior to joining The Benesch Investment Group, Brent worked in sales and business development at Dentsu Integrated Marketing and Viacom Media Networks. After sales and business development roles with major media organizations he ran global operations at b.little & co, a global promotional marketing agency providing Original Equipment Manufacturing and marketing services for the Quick Service Industry and Consumer Packaged Goods industries. Brent brings an extensive wealth of client management expertise managing Fortune 500 clients such as Disney, Sony, and Hasbro.

After 21 years living and working in New York City, Brent now resides in Coral Gables with his wife and two daughters.