Local Merrill Advisory Team earns fourth consecutive #1 state ranking on Forbes’ Wealth Management Lists
The Payne & Mencias Group with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management has once again been recognized among the nation’s top advisory teams, earning the #1 spot on Forbes’ “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2026 list for the fourth consecutive year. The team also secured a top national placement on Forbes’ “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams: High Net Worth” 2025 list. Rankings are based on data as of March 31, 2025.
“It’s incredibly humbling to receive this recognition for the fourth year in a row,” said Gentry. “Our clients place tremendous trust in us, and that trust drives everything we do. Whether someone is navigating a complex financial situation or simply looking for clarity, our mission is to provide thoughtful, personalized guidance backed by the full resources of a national firm.”
With offices in both Indianapolis and Jasper, the team of 17 continues to expand its reach and capabilities. In Indianapolis, partners Eric Payne, CFP®, Ronald Mencias, CIMA®, CFP®, and Christopher Brooke lead the advisory team. In Jasper, advisors Ken Sendelweck and Peyton Gentry, CFP® continue to serve families and business owners throughout southern Indiana. This year, the team proudly welcomed Michael Olinger and Pam Ruhe to the Jasper office, further strengthening the group’s local presence and client support.
“This team allows me to live out my passion—helping families reach their goals with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind,” said Olinger regarding his role.
The Payne & Mencias Group—now one of the larger teams within Merrill’s Central Division—continues to grow in both size and capability. Their multidisciplinary team includes advisors, relationship managers, investment specialists, and client associates, with several Certified Financial Planner® professionals contributing to the group’s planning?centric approach.
“Because of our team’s depth, the strength of our firm’s resources, and our passion for helping families through complicated financial moments, we’re able to provide a level of support that’s hard to find elsewhere,” said Sendelweck. “Finances can quickly become complicated, and we’re here to help make it simpler.”
The group’s mission remains unchanged: to understand what matters most to clients, ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully, and gain a clear picture of where their wealth stands today and where they want it to be tomorrow. From there, they design and implement customized strategies that help clients pursue their financial goals while managing investment risk.
“Our continued growth has created space for us to deepen relationships with more families in the region. If you’re evaluating your long?term wealth strategy or seeking a discerning second opinion, we’d welcome a confidential discussion,” said Gentry.
To learn more about the Payne & Mencias Group and their client?first philosophy, visit their website or contact their Jasper office at 812?817?5333.
Forbes, along with SHOOK Research (SHOOK), provides the rankings mentioned. Information on Forbes/SHOOK Research, the award, and the methodology can be found on the corresponding pages for State and National rankings.
