Prentis Wealth Management Group team

(Left to right: Carl Bentata, Joseph Bennett, Michael Knuff, Peter Prentis, Andrew Bevan, Edita Mertira)

Prentis Wealth Management Group

The Prentis Wealth Management Group is a deeply experienced group of professionals backed by extensive resources from Wells Fargo Advisors. Together, we have the depth and breadth of experience to help clients successfully navigate complex wealth challenges and build lasting legacies.

The Prentis Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Top Wealth Management Teams in 2022 and Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams in 2023 and 2024.2

Forbes Top Wealth Management Teams High-Net-Worth 2022 Shook Registered Research Copyright 2022 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2023 Shook Registered Research Copyright 2023 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2024 Shook Registered Research Copyright 2024 Forbes LLC Used with permission

*2022 Forbes Top Wealth Management Teams High-Net-Worth: Awarded November 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22 (Source: Forbes.com). Fee paid for use of marketing materials. High Net Worth designates advisors whose account sizes are typically under $10mm, though may have accounts with higher amounts.

**2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/22 - 3/31/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams: Awarded January 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22 (Source: Forbes.com). Fee paid for use of marketing materials.

The Forbes Top Wealth Management Teams and Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams rating algorithms are 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.

Peter D. Prentis, CFP®

Managing Director- Investments

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
  • Private Wealth Financial Advisor
  • Financial Advisor since 1981
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2024 Shook Registered Research Copyright 2024 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2023 Shook Registered Research Copyright 2023 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2022 Shook Registered Research Copyright 2022 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2021 Shook Trademark Research Copyright 2021 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2020 Shook Trademark Research Copyright 2020 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2019 Shook Research Trademark
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2018 Shook Research Trademark

How I can help you

Peter provides comprehensive investment planning and leads the portfolio management activities for the team. He uses a disciplined and prudent approach to help clients achieve their wealth management goals.


What makes me knowledgeable

Peter is a founding member of Prentis Wealth Management Group and has been helping clients invest with their values for more than four decades. As a Private Wealth Financial Advisor, Peter is among a distinct group of advisors at the firm with a history of serving the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals, families, foundations, and institutions. He is among a select group of financial advisors who are entrusted to manage client portfolios with discretionary authority through the Private Investment Management (PIM)1 program. Peter has been with Wells Fargo Advisors and its predecessor firms, Wachovia Securities and Prudential Securities, since 1981. Peter's honors include being recognized as a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor by Forbes every year from 2018 through 2024. He was also named to 2009 Barron's Top 1,000 State by State Advisors. He is a former Board Member of the International Association of Financial Planning (IAFP)-NY Chapter, was the founding Chairman of the chapter's Wall Street Division and served as Vice-President of Education for three years. He has also taught investment courses at The New School of Social Research. Peter earned a Bachelor’s degree from The Colorado College and his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification from Adelphi University. He holds Series 7, 66, 3 & 5 securities registrations, as well as life, variable and long-term-care insurance licenses.


Getting to know me

Peter lives in Quogue, New York with his wife, Paula. Paula is a licensed social worker and wellness coach. Together, they have four daughters. When not working on their respective life passions, Peter and Paula spend time with their family and friends in eastern Long Island where they enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle at the beach ocean-kayaking, playing golf and tennis.

*2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22 (Source: Forbes.com). 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com). 2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20 (Source: Forbes.com). 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded January 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19 (Source: Forbes.com). 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18 (Source: Forbes.com). 2018 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: (Awarded February 2018; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/16 - 6/30/17 (Source: Forbes.com). 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. Fee paid for use of marketing materials.

**2009 Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: Awarded February 2009; Data Compiled by Barron's based on the time period from Oct. 2007 - Sept. 2008 (Source: Barrons.com). The Barron’s Top 1,000 Advisors ratings are based on the previous year’s assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices. Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

Michael P. Knuff, CFP®, CPWA®, CIMA, CDFA®

Managing Director – Investments

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional
  • Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional
  • Financial Advisor since 2008
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2024 Shook Registered Research Copyright 2024 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2023 Shook Registered Research Copyright 2023 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2022 Shook Registered Research Copyright 2022 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2021 Shook Trademark Research Copyright 2021 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors 2020 Shook Trademark Research Copyright 2020 Forbes LLC Used with permission
Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors 2019 Shook Research Trademark
Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors 2018 Shook Research Trademark Copyright 2018 Forbes LLC Used with permission

How I can help you

Mike provides comprehensive investment planning and co-heads the portfolio management activities for the team. He provides the sophisticated advice clients need to achieve their goals.


What makes me knowledgeable

After an internship with the Prentis Wealth Management Group in 2001, Mike returned to a full-time position in 2008. He is among a select group of financial advisors who are entrusted to manage client portfolios with discretionary authority through the Private Investment Management (PIM)1 program. Prior to joining Wells Fargo Advisors, he worked in Application Engineering and Business Development for Nuclear Power Plants at Flowserve, was a Special Effects Design Coordinator at FXperts Inc.—working on the film Pirates of the Caribbean3, and was a Product Design Engineer at Ingersoll Rand. Mike has been recognized by Forbes as a Top Next Generation Wealth Advisor in 2018, 2019 and 20204, placing him in a select group of advisors nationwide that are leading the wealth management industry into the future. He was also most recently recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor from 2021 through 20242. Mike earned a Master of Science degree in Engineering with a focus in Entrepreneurship and Scientific Decision Making from The Pennsylvania State University, where he also completed a Bachelor's degree as a member of the Schreyer Honors College. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and he earned the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certification from the Yale School of Management. He achieved the Certified Investment Management Analyst® certification from the Wharton School of Business at The University of Pennsylvania. Mike is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® 5 and holds Series 3, 7, and 66 securities registrations, in addition to life, variable, and long-term-care insurance, and a NJ mortgage originators license. CA Insurance License 0N08244. Resident State CT.


Getting to know me

Mike lives in New Canaan, CT and spends his free time with his wife, Lili, and his two children, Belle and Gabrielle. Mike and Lili share passions for world travel, unique culinary experiences, and snow skiing. Mike also enjoys spending time on the open water, surfing and kiteboarding. He is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for a pop/rock cover band called Men or Myth that performs at various charity benefits and private functions. Mike’s music has led to his involvement assisting with the event planning and fundraising efforts of many charitable organizations. He is on the Board of FamilyKind, a non-profit that provides support to families in transition due to separation or divorce. Mike is also a member of the Junior Board of the Metro-NY Make-A-Wish® Foundation and volunteers his time as a “wish granter,” serving as a liaison between the organization and the critically ill children and their families.

* The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit Wells Fargo Advisors or its Financial Advisors to provide legal advice, nor is it meant to imply that the firm or its associates are acting as experts in this field.

**2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22 (Source: Forbes.com). 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21 (Source: Forbes.com). 2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20 (Source: Forbes.com). 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. Fee paid for use of marketing materials.

***2020 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors: Awarded July 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/19 - 3/31/20 (Source: Forbes.com). 2019 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors: Awarded June 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/18 - 3/31/19 (Source: Forbes.com). 2018 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors: Awarded July 2018; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/17 - 3/31/18 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Top Next-Gen 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. Fee paid for use of marketing materials.

Andrew Bevan, CFA®, CAIA®

First Vice President – Investments

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
  • Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®)
  • 8+ years in institutional asset management

How I can help you

Andrew helps clients identify, prioritize and reach for their individual goals. He provides the advice they need to navigate evolving lives, markets and economies. He leads the group’s external manager research and due diligence process and contributes to the team’s broader investment analysis.


What makes me knowledgeable

Andrew joined Prentis Wealth Management Group as a Financial Advisor in 2018 and has been working in the financial services industry since 2010. He began his career in asset management and spent four years with a $10 billion value-oriented investment firm in New York City, where he had responsibilities in business development, sales, and client service. He then worked for eVestment (a NASDAQ, Inc. company), the institutional investment industry’s leading platform used to hire, track, and evaluate professional money managers. Andrew worked closely with many types of clients—pension funds, endowments, family offices, and asset managers—advising them on how to use data and technology more effectively in the investment and overall business decision-making process. He has presented at key industry conferences, national sales meetings, and other executive-level client gatherings of several of the world’s leading asset management firms. Andrew received his Bachelor’s degree from Duke University. He has also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®) designations, two of the investment management industry’s most rigorous graduate-level programs dedicated to security analysis, portfolio management, and wealth planning. He holds Series 7, 63 and 65 securities registrations, in addition to life, variable, and long-term-care insurance licenses.


Getting to know me

Andrew lives in New York, New York and he enjoys spending his free time on music and tennis. He is a classically trained singer and plays electric guitar. He has performed concert solos with the Blue Hill Troupe, a New York City-based musical charity, and most recently with the University Glee Club at Lincoln Center. Andrew volunteers with several New York City charitable organizations, including the Quadrille Ball, which raises scholarship funds for talented graduate and undergraduate students enrolled at U.S. and German universities.

Carl Bentata

Senior Wealth Planning Consultant

  • MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business
  • 10+ years of Wealth Management industry experience

How I can help you

Carl provides comprehensive wealth planning and investment advice and supports team operations. He is dedicated to providing a prudent long-term perspective with a focus on risk management.


What makes me knowledgeable

Carl joined the Prentis Wealth Management Group in 2024 after having been at JP Morgan Wealth Management since 2021. Carl began his career in Wealth Management over 10 years ago at Credit Suisse Securities on a team managing over $3 bn in assets for family offices, individuals, entities, and businesses. His responsibilities included managing discretionary portfolio trading, advising clients on market and economic conditions, business development, and co-leading team operations. Carl migrated to Wells Fargo Advisors as part of the 2016 exclusive recruiting agreement between Credit Suisse Securities and Wells Fargo Advisors. In addition to his practical experience, Carl holds an MBA from Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University, with an exchange semester at Copenhagen Business School, and holds both the Series 66 and Series 7 FINRA securities registrations.


Getting to know me

Carl lives in New York City and enjoys spending his free time on long bike rides, playing pickleball, downhill skiing, and reading books on economics and history. He is an enthusiastic linguaphile and an avid traveler having visited over 45 countries and lived in 5 (US, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, & China). His favorite regions to visit are Latin America and Southeast Asia. Carl participates in several charity races annually, including the TD 5 Boro Bike Tour and the Tunnels to Towers 9/11 5K Run.

Joseph Bennett

Vice President
Senior Registered Client Associate

  • 30+ years advisory, trading and administrative expertise

How I can help you

Joe plays an instrumental role in the group's trading, administration and advisory duties. He is dedicated to providing clients with the highest level of service and assisting them with any needs they may have on a daily basis.


What makes me knowledgeable

Joseph joined Prentis Wealth Management Group in 2007, and brings more than 30 years of advisory, trading, and administration experience to our clients. He began his career as a Financial Advisor at Lehman Brothers in Boston, MA, before being recruited by the Wells Fargo Advisors predecessor firm Prudential Securities in 1994. Joseph’s experience includes special accounts, trading, and administration positions with Oppenheimer and Prudential, catering to affluent individual investors and institutional middle market clients. Joe earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Goldey-Beacom College. He also holds Series 7, 9, 10, 63 and 65 securities registrations in addition to life, variable, and long-term-care insurance licenses.


Getting to know me

Joe lives with his partner of twenty years, Corey, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He enjoys travel, theatre, most genres of music, and thoroughbred horse racing. He is frequently found scouring the studios of contemporary artists, trying to find that one piece that just might go for millions of dollars at auction someday.

Edita Mertira

Associate Vice President
Senior Registered Client Associate

  • 9+ years operational and administrative support experience

How I can help you

Edita takes a solution-oriented approach to helping clients each and every day. She works with empathy and accuracy, providing exceptional client service and ensuring clients have what they need when they need it.


What makes me knowledgeable

Edita has been helping clients to achieve their investment goals since 2011. She joined Prentis Wealth Management Group in 2017. Prior to this, Edita was the Operations Principal at Seven Points Capital. She earned her Bachelor of Administration in Finance and Investments with Honors from Baruch College-City University of New York. Edita holds Series 7, 27, and 63 securities registrations.


Getting to know me

Edita lives in Ridgewood, New York. She spends her free time trying new restaurants, going to concerts and hiking. Her most memorable hike was the two-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Edita enjoys running, Barre classes, and adrenaline-pumping activities like hang gliding, paragliding, and parasailing. Edita has a multi-cultural background and is fluent in three languages: Albanian, Italian and English. Edita is an avid traveler and visits at least one new country every year.

Strategic Resources

The Prentis Wealth Management Group is a deeply experienced group of professionals backed by extensive resources from Wells Fargo Advisors.

Strategic Partnership Resources

Strategic Partnership Resources

Client

  • Your CPA
  • Your Attorney

Advisors

  • Peter D. Prentis®, CFP Managing Director - Investments
  • Michael Prentis Knuff, CFP®, CPWA®, CIMA, CDFA® Managing Director – Investments
  • Andrew A. Bevan, CFA®, CAIA® First Vice President – Investments

Team Support

  • Joseph Bennett Vice President Senior Registered Client Associate
  • Edita Mertira Associate Vice President Senior Registered Client Associate

Strategic Resources

  • Portfolio Management, Contruction and Analytics Tools
  • Alternative Investments Research and Due Diligence
  • ESG and Values-Based Investing Expertise
  • Lending Services through Wells Fargo affiliates
  • Trust and Estate Planning Specialists
  • Multi-Generational Wealth Planning and Education
  • Insurance Services and Specialists
  • Envision® Process for Prioritizing Life Goals and Financial Objectives
  • Philanthropy and Gifting Strategies
  • Cash Management Optimization
  • Independent, Third-Party Investment Research Access

Firm Resources

At the Prentis Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, we provide the concierge-level service of a boutique firm, while also offering the support, safety, and security of Wells Fargo & Company, one of the largest public companies in the world.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.96 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 47 on Fortune’s 2023 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy.

News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories

.

Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com | Twitter: @WellsFargo

Read about the latest ways that Wells Fargo is leading the financial industry: Wells Fargo Stories(wf.com)

Wells Fargo Wealth & Investment Management (WIM) is a division within Wells Fargo & Company. WIM provides financial products and services through various bank and brokerage affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and is one of the largest wealth managers in the U.S., with $2.2 trillion in client assets. WIM provides personalized wealth management, brokerage, financial planning, lending, private banking, trust, and fiduciary products and services to affluent, high-net worth, and ultra-high-net worth clients. WIM operates through advisors in Wells Fargo Advisors, independent brokerage offices, and digitally through Intuitive Investor® and WellsTrade®. The Private Bank is an experience level for qualifying clients of WIM.

Bank products and services are available through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., is a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Brokerage services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. WellsTrade® and Intuitive Investor® brokerage accounts are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services.

1 The PIM program is not designed for excessively traded or inactive accounts, and may not be suitable for all investors. Please carefully review the Wells Fargo Advisors advisory disclosure document for a full description of our services. The minimum account size for this program is $50,000

2 The Forbes Top Wealth Management Teams, Best-in-State and Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors rating algorithms are based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a rating. 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. Fee paid for use of logo.

3 The Barron’s Top 1,000 Advisors ratings are based on the previous year’s assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices. Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.

4 Ranking algorithm based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion.

5 The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit Wells Fargo Advisors or its Financial Advisors to provide legal advice, nor is it meant to imply that the firm or its associates are acting as experts in this field.

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