Meet The Partners

As principals of Cornerstone Financial Partners, Inc., we are dedicated to providing uncompromising attention to detail as we review our client’s current financial situation, risk tolerance and personal priorities. We believe that the key to successful investment management is achieving the optimal balance between enhancing returns and managing risk between wealth preservation and portfolio growth. We are committed to serving clients in a manner that aligns with the firm’s core mission to provide clarity and confidence in the ever changing world of wealth management.

JEFFREY A. CARBONE, CFP®
Senior Partner / LPL Branch Manager
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ “Practitioner”, Series 7, 9, 10, 65, 63, Life, Health and Long Term Care Insurance Licensed
Jeff Carbone is a Founding Partner of Cornerstone Financial Partners, Inc. with over two decades of experience in the financial service industry. He began his financial career with American Express Financial Advisors where he gained 8 years of experience as a senior financial advisor and district manager before moving to Prudential Securities. Jeff joined Andy Smith and Brian Needleman in 2001 to form Cornerstone Financial Partners, Inc. He graduated from St. Johns University in New York with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He completed the demanding requirements to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Earning and maintaining the right to use the CFP® mark means that Jeff has passed a rigorous certification examination and continues to meet the CFP® Board of Standard’s specific education, experience and ethical requirements. He is a specialist in implementing advanced retirement income strategies and estate planning techniques for executives, business owners, athletes and entertainers.

Jeff is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the prestigious Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO). He supports the Harrison Nichols Foundation, Special Olympics, Davidson Day School, Ada Jenkins Center, Hope House and the Cornelius Animal Shelter.

Securities are offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC.
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BRIAN T. NEEDLEMAN
Senior Partner / Chief Investment Officer
Series 7, 65, 63, Life, Health and Long Term Care Insurance Licensed
Brian is a founding partner of Cornerstone Financial Partners, Inc., with almost two decades of experience in the financial services industry. He began his career with Merrill Lynch in 1993 and worked with notable firms such as JC Bradford and Raymond James Financial Services. While building his career, Brian had a vision to create an independent firm with its own identity and due-diligence process. In 2001, Cornerstone Financial Partners, Inc. was formed with Andrew Smith and Jeff Carbone.

Brian received his bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY Oswego. Brian directs the investment strategy for Cornerstone Financial Partners, Inc. Brian and his team oversee investment selection and portfolio implementation. His team monitors the markets using macro and micro economics and builds tactical portfolios. He actively manages accounts utilizing individual equities, mutual funds and alternatives for an optimal balance between enhancing returns and managing risk. Brian is an active supporter of Ada Jenkins Center, Hope House and the Cornelius Animal Shelter.

Securities are offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC.
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ANDREW K. SMITH, CFP®, CLTC
Senior Partner / Founding Member
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ “Practitioner”, Series 7, 65, 63, Life, Health and Long Term Care Insurance Licensed
Andy, a founding partner of Cornerstone Financial Partners, Inc, brings over a decade of experience advising individuals, executives and businesses in a wide range of financial matters from risk management, investments, retirement and estate planning. He began his career with First Union Brokerage Services in 1998 and worked with Raymond James Financial Services before forming Cornerstone Financial Partners, Inc. in 2001 with Brian Needleman and Jeffrey Carbone.

Andy graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in material science with a minor in business management. He is also a graduate of Queens University’s Financial Planner Program. He completed the demanding requirements to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Earning and maintaining the right to use the CFP® mark means that Andy has passed a rigorous certification examination and continues to meet the CFP® Board of Standard’s specific education, experience and ethical requirements. Andy specializes in advising pre-retirees and retirees with one of the most important decision of their lives – how and when to retire. His primary objective is to provide retirees with an income they can’t outlive. Andy feels these goals can be achieved by reducing the amount of risk in a portfolio and seeking the return the client needs. These goals can also be reached by implementing proper tax planning and retirement income distribution strategies. He also holds the Certified Long Term Care (CLTC) designation and is dedicated to educating clients about Medicare, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance (LTCi) and elder care planning laws.

Andy is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Andy is an active supporter of Ada Jenkins Center, Hope House, the Cornelius Animal Shelter and the Big Brother/Big Sister programs.

Securities are offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC.
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CRAIG A. RUBRECHT
Senior Partner / Strategic Planning
Series 7, 9, 10, 65, 63 Life, Health and Long Term Care Insurance Licensed
Craig Rubrecht, a Senior Partner with Cornerstone Financial Partners, Inc., has over 15 years of experience in the financial service market. He has a breadth of experience that contributes to his understanding of his clients and their needs which led to his partnership with Cornerstone. Starting with American Express Financial Advisors and then working with Prudential Securities, Craig has held positions as branch manager, vice president, director of training and development, sales manager, district manager and financial advisor. He graduated from Roanoke College with a bachelor’s degree in international relations. Craig specializes in working with small to medium sized businesses providing business succession planning and 401K/pension plan comparisons and guidance. He also prides himself in advising pre-retirees and retirees with one of the most important decision of their lives – how and when to retire.

Craig is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Craig supports the Ada Jenkins Center, Hope House, the Cornelius Animal Shelter and other local charities.

Securities are offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC.
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