Wells Fargo duo managing $230 million goes independent

John M. Houchin III and James A. Ernst, who managed $230 million in assets at Wells Fargo Advisors in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., have gone independent and affiliated with Raymond James. The team, which operates as Houchin Ernst Wealth Advisors, includes their assistant, Linda Davis. Mr. Houchin began his financial services career in 1991 with Great Western Financial Securities Corp. In 1994, he joined Barnett Investments, which was acquired by Banc of America Investments in 1998. In 2008, he moved to Wells Fargo Advisors. Mr. Ernst began his career with First Investors Corp. in 2000 and joined Banc of America Investment Services in 2001. He moved to Wells Fargo in 2008, where he partnered with Mr. Houchin.