Banking | Finance 2025: BERNERT III, LAWRENCE ‘LARRY’

After Clearstead Advisors, an Ohio-based financial advisory firm, acquired the assets of Norfolk-based Wilbanks Smith & Thomas Asset Management last year, Bernert’s job evolved from WST’s principal to senior managing director for Clearstead Advisory Solutions.

Prior to the acquisition, WST boasted more than $5 billion of assets under management, which it added to Clearstead’s portfolio of $47 billion under advisement. The company has more than 270 employees and 12 offices nationwide.

Bernert joined WST in 1995 and previously served as the firm’s director of research. While earning his degree in English literature at the University of Virginia, Bernert studied at Cambridge University. He also earned his MBA at U.Va.

In 2024, the Virginia General Assembly appointed Bernert to the board of trustees of the Virginia Retirement System. Bernert also sits on the boards of The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.

FIRST JOBS: Delivering the morning Virginian-Pilot newspaper, shucking oysters and waiting tables at the Duck-In in Virginia Beach.

PERSONAL MOTTO: “Enjoy every sandwich.” — Warren Zevon. A reminder to stay present and appreciate the ordinary moments.

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