ERIC SAMS

Branch Manager
eric.sams@raymondjames.com

Eric has more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. Eric earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™   designation in 2008. Currently, he oversees the practice in serving more than 175 households, mostly centered in the Grass Valley and Nevada City areas. 

Sams Investment Strategies serves the financial needs of families, individuals and business owners. Through coordinated use of tax, investment and real estate planning tools and techniques, Eric assists clients in setting and achieving their financial goals and objectives.  Using discretionary portfolio management, Eric relieves clients of the day-to-day investment decisions by reallocating assets and tactically adjusting holdings in line with our fundamental view of the markets. 

Previously, Eric worked at Merrill Lynch and UBS Financial Services before opening up his own independent financial services office. Eric received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. He maintains a Series 7, 9, 10, 66, Life, Accident & Health Insurance licenses. 

As an active community member, Eric presently serves on several nonprofit boards, including Rotary and the Nevada County Regional Chambers of Commerce. He enjoys playing racquetball and golf. Eric lives in Grass Valley with his wife, Lori, and two daughters, Michelle and Gabrielle. 

Previous positions held	CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ , professional since 2008 Financial Advisor, 2000 Series 7, 9, 10, 66, California Life
Education	Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, concentrations in Economics and Finance, Southwest Baptist University, 1999
Community Groups	Financial Planning Association, Member Rotary Club of Nevada County South, Board Member (2012-2019) South Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, President (2009-10) Nevada County Regional Chambers of Commerce, Vice President (2010-2020)

Neither Raymond James Financial Services nor any Raymond James Financial Advisor renders advice on tax issues, these matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional.

Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation

California Insurance License @0D23383

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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ERIC YATES

Client Service Associate
e.yates@raymondjames.com

Eric enjoys the variety of client service activities and staff support that comprise his role at Sams Investment Strategies. He oversees office administration, customer account services, and assists in marketing projects. Eric is transitioning into the financial services industry and joined Sams Investment Strategies in December 2018, and passed the Series 7 examination in April of 2021. 

Previously, Eric Yates spent more than 15 years as a journalist and editor in the digital space. He’s an award-winning writer who worked primarily in San Diego, California before moving to Nevada County in 2015. He served as a sportswriter and editor for major media companies, including Bleacher Report, AOL and Cox Media Group.

His experience as a journalist and editor taught him the value of accuracy and timeliness, and attention to detail. His editorial leadership in managing teams taught him how to work with people and cater to their individual needs and personal goals.

Eric received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Journalism in 2002 from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. He is a passionate sports fan and enjoys playing basketball and golf. Eric lives in Grass Valley with his wife, Katey, and twin 8-year-old sons, Jude and Nash.

Previous Experience	Managing Editor, San Diego News Network Associate Editor, Bleacher Report Deputy Editor, Cox Media Group
Education	Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Point Loma Nazarene University, 2002, concentration in writing
Certifications	Series 7, Series 66