Pilot Financial, a network of over 100 advisors serving approximately $4.6 billion in advisory and brokerage assets nationwide, is pleased to announce Justin McClendon, MBA, has joined the firm as Director of Advisor Recruiting. McClendon will be responsible for leading advisor recruiting efforts on a local, regional, and national level.
As part of the LPL Financial network, Pilot offers advisors various ways to affiliate, gain access to robust support, and pursue true independence. “Justin’s experience and understanding of the industry make him an ideal fit for this role,” said Chris Roney, Partner, Pilot Financial. “His guidance and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we expand our advisor network and help the advisors leverage LPL’s unique opportunities and resources.”
McClendon brings a wealth of experience to the financial industry, having worked as a junior advisor, wholesaler, and recruiter after a stint as an insurance agent, where he uncovered his passion for the financial field. This diverse experience allows him to connect with financial advisors and understand the dynamics of client interactions. With nearly a decade in financial services, he also brings 13 years of experience from coaching basketball, having worked alongside legends like Rusty LaRue at Wake Forest University and Jeff Capel at Virginia Commonwealth University.
His career journey led him to roles as a junior advisor with Prudential, where he obtained his industry licenses, and later as an internal wholesaler with Lincoln Financial. During his time at Lincoln, McClendon completed the Wholesaler Institute program, which led to his promotion to an external advisor recruiting role for the Southeastern United States.
“I’m excited to join the Pilot Financial team and contribute to the firm’s growth and success by attracting a new generation of talented advisors to the network,” said McClendon.
A resident of the Piedmont Triad area, McClendon holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and an MBA from Wake Forest University.