Our Financial Advisors

Alan K. Scheff
Branch Manager
alan.scheff@raymondjames.com
After more than 35 years in the financial services industry, Alan says he never sees a dull day and always keeps his eyes open. As the chief executive of Scheff Thompson Cress Investment Group, he specializes in retirement planning, taking the time to educate clients and prospects on the investing process and build lasting relationships. Read More
He joined Raymond James in 2005 after working at Smith Barney and A.G. Edwards. The Buffalo native earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Business Administration in finance from Rochester Institute of Technology.
He lives in Clarence with his wife, Michele, who serves as the branch receptionist. They have two children, Jaime and Jason.
In his free time, Alan enjoys traveling and the occasional game of golf.
“I want our clients to be able to look back and thank us for the contribution we have made to their lifestyle.”

HY Scheff
Registered Principal
hy.scheff@raymondjames.com
The president of Scheff Thompson Cress Investment Group, considers himself an old-fashioned stock broker. He guides his clients to their goals with the least amount of risk possible with his friendly, knowledgeable approach. Read More
Before joining Raymond James in January 2005, he served as senior vice president at L.F. Rothschild, among other positions.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in economics and enjoys keeping fit.
“I strive to be a pillar of stability for the people we serve.”

Timothy R. Thompson
Investment Executive
timothy.thompson@raymondjames.com
Tim takes pride in offering unbiased, independent advice to clients. The 30-year veteran of the financial services industry is a partner in the practice and specializes in financial life planning. He excels in helping clients stay the course in times of crisis, helping to keep them on track to meet their goals. Read More
He joined Raymond James in 2010. His previous experience includes leadership positions at Wells Fargo, Wachovia and A.G. Edwards. He is an alumnus of Niagara University and Buffalo State College.
Education is among his passions – in his free time he serves as an adult literacy tutor for the Niagara Regional Literacy Council. Originally from Jamestown, he lives in East Aurora and has two children, Timothy and Jonathan. He is also a wine connoisseur and outdoor enthusiast.
“Treating relationships with clients as sacred is just a smart way to do business.”

David Cress
Investment Executive
david.cress@raymondjames.com
Helping clients realize their financial goals is what motivates David. He uses his 35 plus years of experience and well-balanced judgment to craft financial life plans for clients. Read More
His background in the financial services industry includes his start at Merrill Lynch, as well as leadership positions at Wells Fargo, Wachovia and A.G. Edwards. He joined the ranks of Raymond James in 2010 because he liked the fact that the firm is one of the largest brokerages not owned by a bank.
The New York native is an alumnus of Niagara University and Buffalo State College. He also served his country as a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger – part of an elite infantry unit held to high standards.
He continues to serve through medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic. He’s made several trips over the past 20 years.
He lives in Buffalo with his wife, Dr. Diane Lakomy Cress. They have two children, Adrienne Cress Baldwin and Dr. Evan A. Houck.
“It’s rewarding to be able to guide people toward a plan to provide for their family.”
Bob Cole
Investment Broker
Bob has spent his entire career in finance, having worked at Morgan Stanley and UBS Financial Services before joining Raymond James in 2006. His areas of expertise include retirement planning, stock portfolio management and estate transitions, and his experience and background allow him to focus on establishing financial strategies for his clients. Read More
He earned a Bachelor of Science in business from Daemen College in Amherst and a Master of Business Administration from Medaille College in Buffalo.
“In creating financial strategies, the client’s needs are always at the top of my mind.”

Jacob Katz, CFP®, AAMS®
Financial Advisor
Certified Financial Planner™
jacob.katz@raymondjames.com
Jacob joined the Scheff Team in 2014. He works with clients to build comprehensive financial plans with a focus on education planning and retirement planning. He is especially interested in portfolio optimization, social security maximization and retirement strategies. Read More
Before joining the Scheffs he was pursuing a professional golf career playing on various tours in the southeastern United States.
Jacob graduated from SUNY Binghamton in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. Jacob is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional who holds the series 7 and 66 licenses and Life, Accident, and Health Insurance licenses in New York and also received an Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM certification through the College of Financial Planning.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Ryan Liddell, CFP®, CIMA®, AIF®
Financial Advisor, RJFS
Certified Financial Planner™
ryan.liddell@raymondjames.com
Ryan’s career in finance began in 2012 as an advisor at AXA Advisors. After building his foundation in the industry, Ryan joined the Scheff investment team in 2016. He works closely with individuals and business owners to create tailored solutions to their unique financial situations. Read More
Attention to detail, good listening skills and great empathy are symbols of appreciation by his clients. He is effectively supported by a team of administration, investment and insurance specialists whose teamwork and professionalism help him build long-term relationships with his growing client base and provide excellent customer service.
A Buffalo, NY native, Ryan graduated from Medaille with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and has recently obtained the Certified Financial Planner™ designation.
Ryan lives in Buffalo with his wife and son. Away from the business he enjoys cycling, golfing and spending time with family and friends.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Ronald Ripstein
Financial Advisor
ronald.ripstein@raymondjames.com
You can always expect straightforward advice from Ronald. He concentrates on establishing retirement distribution plans and financial plans that suit a client’s individual needs. His sensible approach takes into account risk tolerance and income requirements. Read More
A partner in the practice, he joined Raymond James after working as an advisor for UBS Financial Services. He earned a Bachelor of Science in economics and a Master of Business Administration from Canisius College in Buffalo.
A native of western New York, he attends St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church and enjoys fly-fishing.
“An important part of my philosophy includes getting to know my clients, really understanding their vision.”

James W. Willson
Financial Advisor
jim.willson@raymondjames.com
James has always had an affinity for numbers and statistics – and he relishes the fact that he can use that trait to help people. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and specializes in portfolio management using bonds, mutual funds and stocks; he also specializes in income-producing securities – taxable and tax-free. Read More
Before joining Raymond James in 2005, he worked as an advisor at A.G. Edwards and Merrill Lynch. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Buffalo State College and also holds a degree in criminal justice.
He lives in Clarence, where he is a member of the Elma Conservation Club. He supports his community by participating in charities that benefit children with cerebral palsy and disabled veterans. His hobbies include hunting, fishing and ice hockey.
“It is a tremendous privilege and responsibility to do the right thing with other people’s money.”
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks "CIMA" and "Certified Investment Management Analyst." Use of CIMA and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute's initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals.