For nearly 30 years, Chuck Crist has dedicated his career to helping his clients manage, preserve and transition their wealth. He and the rest of the Magnolia team employ a comprehensive planning approach that provides solutions for risk management, estate planning, credit and liability, as well as trust and fiduciary services. He primarily works with affluent families and small business owners who have accumulated wealth and are nearing or already in retirement.

Chuck and his team are dedicated to fully understanding clients’ objectives and how their financial goals impact their life goals. “We want our clients to be as comfortable as possible with their plan and know that we will provide advice that is honest and always in their best interest,” said Chuck. “Honesty and trust are two of the most important qualities in our business.”

Before joining Raymond James in December 2020, Chuck was a senior vice president of investments at BB&T Scott & Stringfellow. He also spent 16 years prior at Wells Fargo Advisors and started his career with Dean Witter in 1996. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Flagler College in St. Augustine in 1991. He currently holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation, awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, and the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ designation through the College for Financial Planning.

Chuck has been involved in his community throughout his career. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Augustine Art Association and is a past board member and two-term chair for United Way of St. Johns County.

Born and raised in Crystal River, Florida, Chuck moved to St. Augustine in 1987 to attend Flagler College. He still lives in St. Augustine with his wife, Kelli. They have three grown children, Dillon, Chloe and Phoebe. They also have two grandchildren, Charlie and Crew. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, surfing, boating, fishing, hunting and most outdoor sports.

Q & A: Personally Speaking

Q. What is your favorite kind of trip? Why?
A. Somewhere that I have not been before. My wife and I like to take trips to places that we have not yet explored. There are so many things to see in this world.
Q. What are your must-have travel items?
A. Coffee and iPhone. I love coffee and need to know that I can find good coffee wherever I am. The iPhone allows me to get things done quickly even if I’m on vacation. It’s also great for directions, and hotel or restaurant reviews.
Q. How do you spend your time outside of the office?
A. Gatherings with family and friends or enjoying the outdoors.
Q. If you weren’t doing what you do today, what other job would you have?
A. My childhood dream was to become a fishing guide. I love fishing and always hoped to turn that into a career. Fortunately, my career as a financial advisor allows me time to pursue that interest.
Q. What’s the one thing that might surprise others about you?
A. I’m a small-town guy. I enjoy visiting cities for short periods but prefer the slower pace of small-town life.
Q. If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A. Probably somewhere in Italy. Maybe Sorrento or the wine country.
Q. What’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
A. The people I care about.
Q. How do you define success?
A. Success to me means helping our clients achieve their goals while being able to find a good balance between work and personal interests.