Stafford Lawrence
Senior Advisor
Department: Advisors
Experience: Financial services since 2015
Education: Studied business management/administration and financial services
Stafford joined the team in May 2026 when Flaharty Asset Management became Modern Wealth Management. He works closely with individuals, families, business owners, and athletes to help them navigate important financial decisions and pursue their long-term financial goals. His role includes investment planning, retirement planning, wealth management strategies, risk management discussions, and helping clients create organized financial structures that align with their personal and professional priorities.
Before joining Modern Wealth, Stafford served as a financial advisor and senior vice president with Flaharty Asset Management. Prior to that, he worked as a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch. Before entering the financial services industry, Stafford spent more than 15 years in operations management and business development roles, experiences that helped shape his client-first approach and strong focus on communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
Family has always been a central part of Stafford’s life and values. Originally from Guyana in South America, Stafford spent part of his childhood living throughout the Caribbean before moving to Tampa, Florida at age 12, where he has lived ever since. Those experiences helped shape his appreciation for relationships, community, and the importance of creating opportunities for future generations. He enjoys building meaningful relationships, spending time with loved ones, and maintaining strong connections both personally and professionally. Stafford values loyalty, consistency, and creating lasting relationships built on trust.
The relationships Stafford builds with family, friends, and the people he has the privilege of serving are the most important things in his life. Having experienced different cultures and communities throughout Stafford’s early life, he developed a deep appreciation for trust, loyalty, and staying connected to the people who matter most.
Stafford enjoys traveling, spending time near the water, following sports, grilling and cooking outdoors, and exploring new restaurants and experiences throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond.