The Hershey-Fitzsimmons Group - RBC Wealth Management - Hagerstown, MD
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Email Us | (301) 733-7111 | (800) 344-4413








The Hershey-Fitzsimmons Group - Hagerstown, MD
The Hershey-Fitzsimmons Group
John and Brendan have more than 30 years of combined experience in the financial services industry. They are both Investment Advisor Representatives, and hold securities licenses in more than 25 states. In addition, they both strongly believe in giving back to the community and are active in a variety of organizations.


John Hershey , AWM
Senior Vice President - Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager - Portfolio Focus

(301) 733-7111
john.hershey@rbc.com

John learned the importance of prudent investing from his father, long-time advisor Jack Hershey. John graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Lehigh University in 1985. He has earned the respect of his clients during more than 20 years in the financial services industry.

John has participated in several industry educational programs over his career and has taught investment education classes at Hagerstown Community College, Shepherd University, and Hood College. He has also received the Accredited Wealth Manager designation. The AWM program is an internal, professional designation specifically designed for RBC Wealth Management in conjunction with the Academy of Multidisciplinary Practice, Inc., and is accredited by the Estate and Wealth Strategies Institute at Michigan State University.

John lives in Hagerstown with his two children, Holden and London. John is a strong believer in community involvement, and is a former president of The Washington County Free Library, Hagerstown Downtown Rotary Club and San Mar Children's Home. He currently sits on the Washington County Health System's Endowment Committee and was named as one of the Top Five Outstanding Young Marylanders by the Hagerstown Jaycees. In his spare time, John enjoys running, traveling, fly fishing and spending time with his family.



Brendan Fitzsimmons, AWM
Senior Vice President - Branch Director, Private Client Group
Portfolio Manager - Portfolio Focus

(301) 733-7111
brendan.fitzsimmons@rbc.com

After graduating from Swarthmore College with a Bachelor of Arts in music and history, Brendan attended graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a Master of Arts in historical musicology. He worked in the commercial real estate industry with his wife's family for several years before his interest in the stock market led him to join his former broker, John Hershey, at Ferris, Baker Watts — now RBC Wealth Management — in January of 1999. He formed The Hershey-Fitzsimmons Group with John Hershey in 2001. In December of 2007, Brendan was named one of the Top 40 Advisors Under 40 by On Wall Street magazine. In 2011, he was one of only 20 Branch Directors chosen to participate in an advanced training and advisory program at RBC Wealth Management.

Brendan lives in Williamsport with his wife, Katie, and their children, Barbara and Dalton. He is an avid reader who has been known to disappear into a book for days, and he enjoys spending time with his family, who are all skiing enthusiasts. In addition, his love of music is a great excuse for him to teach an adult education series sponsored by the Maryland Symphony Orchestra.

Brendan believes in giving back to the community and has served as president of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Washington County Historical Society. He is currently the chair of the Finance Committee of the Antietam Healthcare Foundation and a member of the Museum Committee of the Maryland Historical Society.



Laura Spessard
Financial Advisor

(301) 733-7111
laura.spessard@rbc.com

Laura remembers learning about the “bulls and bears” at a very young age from her grandfather, long-time financial advisor, Jack Hershey. She began her career with Ernst & Young in New York City where her first audit client was The NASDAQ Stock Market. Laura was able to expand her knowledge of the markets and investing during the three years she audited NASDAQ.

Laura graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Lehigh University.  While in New York for her first post-graduate job, she also earned her CPA license.

In 2011 Laura made a decision to return to her hometown, Hagerstown, MD. Coinciding with her move back to Hagerstown, The Hershey-Fitzsimmons Group was looking to expand. Laura was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to join the practice and she looks forward to working with clients to help individuals and families meet their financial goals.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves the outdoors, swimming, hiking, and snowboarding. She also enjoys group exercise classes and reading.





Jennifer Brandenburg
Jennifer Brandenburg
Senior Registered Client Associate

(301) 733-7111

Jennifer began her career in the securities industry in 1993 with Ferris, Baker Watts, Inc. Upon integration, she joined RBC Wealth Management in 2009.  She has over 18 years of superior client service experience and has served as the Branch Service Manager and Senior Registered Client Associate for the Hagerstown Branch. 

Jennifer graduated from Towson State University with a degree in Finance and from Frostburg State University with an MBA.  She holds the Series 7, 9, 10, 63 & 65 securities licenses along with her Life & Health Insurance licenses. Jennifer is committed to a high standard of professionalism and exceptional client service. 

Jennifer’s commitment to community involvement includes volunteering on the Board of Directors for The Parent Child Center of Washington County, serves as Committee Chair for the Jump Rope for Heart for Myersville Elementary School and is a member of the Myersville Elementary School PTA and the Middletown Middle School PSTA.  A life long native of Frederick County, MD, Jennifer lives in Myersville, with her husband, Chuck, and their two children, Haven and Jake.  Jennifer enjoys long walks and bicycle rides with her children and spending time with her family and friends.




Bonnie Yetter
Bonnie Yetter
Registered Client Associate

(301) 733-7111

Bonnie joined the Hershey-Fitzsimmons Group of RBC Wealth Management in December 2007.  Bonnie’s main focus is to provide excellent customer service and work diligently to meet client needs.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Frostburg University in 2000 and she holds the Series 7 and 63 securities licenses and is currently studying for the Series 65 license. 

Bonnie lives in Clear Spring, Maryland with her twin sons, Ryan and Eric.  In her free time she enjoys cooking, hiking, skiing and spending time outdoors with her sons, family and friends. 




Gretchen Steger
Gretchen Steger
Client Associate

(301) 733-7111

Gretchen graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design and minors in both Business and Spanish. She began her career in the investment industry with RBC Wealth Management in 2009. 

As a member of the team Gretchen’s focus is in on extending exceptional personalized service to all clients of The Hershey-Fitzsimmons Group as well as providing daily administrative support. 

Born and raised in Maryland, Gretchen is an avid Baltimore Ravens fan. When away from the office she enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as traveling, running and gardening.





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05/21/2012
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