FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2026
Carbondale Firm Earns National Recognition from Forbes
Forbes Financial Group Named Among Illinois’ Forbes Top Wealth Management Teams
CARBONDALE, IL — A Southern Illinois firm has been recognized on a national stage. Forbes Financial Group, based in Carbondale, has been named to the 2026 Forbes | SHOOK Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list, a ranking that highlights the nation’s top-performing advisory teams following a rigorous research and interview process.
The recognition is part of an annual national feature published on Forbes.com in collaboration with SHOOK Research, which evaluates thousands of advisory teams across the United States. Out of more than 51,000 nominations nationwide, just 6,100 teams earned recognition this year. In Illinois, only 171 offices made the list and just seven of them are located south of Springfield.
Founder John Forbes, who has led the firm for more than 20 years, says the recognition is a reflection of both professional excellence and community commitment.
“There are still moments when I walk in and can’t believe this is our building, or that we’ve come this far,” Forbes said. “This honor isn’t about how much we manage, it’s about how we care for people and how we serve our community.”
The recognition comes on the heels of the firm’s 20th anniversary as an independent advisory practice and the opening of its new headquarters on Giant City Road in Carbondale. The new space was designed to serve not only clients, but also local organizations, offering meeting and event space free of charge for nonprofits and community groups.
“We’ve always seen ourselves as a hospitality firm that happens to manage money well,” Forbes said. “We want to be a place where ideas, generosity, and community connection can grow right here in Southern Illinois.”
Carbondale Chamber of Commerce President Brian Croft congratulated the firm, saying,
“Recognition like this puts Carbondale on the map, and we’re proud that Forbes Financial Group is helping lead the way. John Forbes’ dedication to his clients and the community is exactly what makes our local business community so strong.”
Forbes Financial Group was one of only two LPL Financial offices in Illinois to make the Forbes list, and the only solo-advisor LPL office in the state to receive the honor.
While the recognition appears on Forbes.com, Forbes Financial Group and its founder John Forbes are not affiliated with Forbes Magazine, the shared name is purely coincidental.
About Forbes Financial Group
Forbes Financial Group is an independent financial advisory firm based in Carbondale, serving Southern Illinois families, professionals, and business owners for 20 years as an independent firm and more than 30 years in local practice. Founder John Forbes serves on the SIU Foundation Board and the Jackson CEO Board, supporting student entrepreneurship and regional growth.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and team, and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
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Media Contact:
Nic Skovgaard | AlterEgo Marketing
618-967-0474 | Nic@AlterYourMarketing.com
Forbes Financial Group
(618) 529-1940 |www.ForbesFinancialOnline.com
400 N. Giant City Road, Carbondale, IL
Photo Caption:John Forbes, founder of Forbes Financial Group, holds the firm’s 2026 Forbes | SHOOK Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams award. Forbes Financial Group was one of only seven offices south of Springfield to receive the honor.