Our Team

Ken South

Founder and CEO

Ken South began his career in 1985 at E.F. Hutton & Company and went on to found The South Group in 2006 as a Financial Advisor. His experience in the financial industry is complemented by a meticulous attention to detail, which is the cornerstone of his approach to active portfolio management. Ken is renowned for his comprehensive and insightful weekly newsletters, which keep investors informed about market trends, economic developments, and investment opportunities. His commitment to clear communication seeks to ensure that his clients feel empowered to make informed financial decisions.

Ken’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, both earned from the University of Southern California. He has also been deeply involved in education, spending the last 23 years as a guest teacher at Newport Harbor High School. There, he has taught senior economics students every semester, providing in-depth instruction on the purpose, use, and management of stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds. His coursework covers both technical and fundamental analysis as well as the interpretation of key economic indicators, offering students practical knowledge and skills for navigating the financial world.

In the 1990s, Ken was a regularly scheduled commentator on GEM RADIO, the “Money Radio” station of Orange County, California, where he discussed the state of the economy. In 1991, he was recognized as Business Person of the Year by the California chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, the National Business Fraternity. That same year, he was featured as the Profiled Advisor in Registered Representative, a respected publication for the retail securities industry.

He happily lives overlooking Lifeguard Tower 68, a location that reflects his deep connection to the ocean and his community. Inspired by his time as a Newport Beach lifeguard, Ken has carried the values of vigilance, preparedness, and service into his professional and personal life. This was the idea behind going independent in 2021 and creating Tower 68 Financial Advisors.

Ken’s legacy extends beyond his own career, as his two children now work alongside him, contributing to and supporting Tower 68 Financial. Together, they are committed to upholding the high standards and client-focused values that have defined Ken’s career, ensuring that his legacy of excellence continues for future generations.

Steve Arcos

Co-Founder and COO

Steve is the Co-Founder and COO of Tower 68 Financial Advisors, where he has been instrumental in the firm’s growth. Known for his strategic leadership and operational excellence, Steve brings over 20 years of experience from Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.’s Los Angeles office. During his tenure, he built a reputation for attracting and retaining top sales talent and leading with efficiency. Named Oppenheimer’s Branch Manager in March 2020, Steve’s commitment to fostering high-performance teams has been a cornerstone of his success.

Steve began his career in 1984 with Dean Witter Reynolds Inc./Morgan Stanley, establishing a strong foundation in the financial industry that continues to inform his leadership today.

Now residing in Huntington Beach, Steve is an avid golfer and serves as a San Fernando Valley Community Committee Member for the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation, showcasing his dedication to community engagement. A passionate sports fan, Steve roots for the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Steve is a devoted family man. He has a grown son, a renowned yoga instructor, and deeply values time with his wife and two younger daughters. Whether hosting family gatherings, enjoying a round of golf, or bike riding along the beach, Steve prioritizes making meaningful memories with his loved ones.

Rich Dougherty

Director of Client Development

Rich began his financial career in 1980 with Fahnestock and Company (now Oppenheimer), where he supported trading desks for large international and domestic mutual fund companies, developing a specialization in technical analysis. His keen analytical skills and dedication set the stage for a successful career.

In 1990, Rich joined a unit of Prudential, where his expertise and leadership led him to manage a billion-dollar trading desk. In this role, he oversaw direct trades and invested in international markets, navigating both stocks and currencies with precision. His ability to manage complex portfolios and deliver consistent results positioned him as a trusted leader in the industry. Rich eventually transitioned into a Financial Advisor role at Prudential, assisting high-net-worth clients with their investment and planning needs, further broadening his skill set and client-centric approach.

In 2003, Rich brought his wealth of experience to TD Ameritrade, where he worked as an Investment Advisor for 17 years. There, he collaborated with high-net-worth clients and Money Managers, tailoring investment strategies to guide investors towards their unique goals and needs.

In 2021, Rich joined Tower 68 Financial Advisors, bringing over four decades of industry experience and a deep understanding of market dynamics. His comprehensive expertise in trading, technical analysis, and wealth management makes him an invaluable asset to the firm. Rich plays a pivotal role in supporting both clients and team members with their day-to-day financial needs, embodying the firm’s commitment to excellence and client success.

Originally from New Jersey, Rich has called Dana Point home for over 25 years. A lover of adventure and the outdoors, he often takes his beloved cat along on road trips and vacations. When not traveling, he enjoys the scenic California coast and desert landscapes.

Spencer South

Executive Director of Business Development

Graduating from Southern Methodist University with a Major in Communication Studies and Fashion Media, Spencer possesses an innate ability to identify trends, evaluate their potential, and maximize their success. She honed this expertise during six years in Global Brand Marketing, working with leading beauty brands to drive impactful strategies across International and Domestic markets.

Since joining Tower 68 in 2021, Spencer has transitioned her skills into the financial sector, becoming an LPL Registered Client Services Assistant and a Notary Public in California. In her role as the Executive Director of Business Development, she leverages her background in consumer behavior and strategic marketing to identify growth opportunities, cultivate client relationships, and expand Tower 68’s diverse portfolio. 

Now based in Los Angeles, Spencer remains deeply connected to her roots in Newport Beach, where the iconic Tower 68 lifeguard tower was a constant presence in her childhood. Outside of work, she is an avid equestrian, embodying the discipline and resilience that define her professional and personal life. She has two fur babies – a cat named Carol, and a horse named Hank.

Karen Friedman

Executive Director of Financial Planning

Karen comes to us after a 32-year career at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., where she was responsible for the development and customization of financial planning software (i.e. retirement, asset allocation, estate planning, education, employee stock options) and oversaw the Plan Processing unit.

Karen obtained her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certification through Adelphi University in Garden City NY, and the prestigious Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) in a joint program between Wharton and IMCA. She also has an Associate in Arts Degree from Dean Junior College in Franklin MA.

Most of Karen’s time over the last several years has been dedicated to taking clients through the intricate steps of financial planning, including assessing the situation, gathering information, plan preparation and presentation, recommendations, implementation, and plan review.

Karen looks forward to working with our clients to provide thoughtful, custom financial plans and solutions.

Ron Witter

President & Founder, Witter Wealth Management
of Tower 68 Financial Advisors

Ron’s grandfather helped found Dean Witter & Co. in 1924 alongside his brothers, Gene, Ed, and Wendel, and cousins Dean and Guy. Ron always felt compelled to be part of the family business and began his career with Dean Witter as a Financial Advisor in 1984. After nearly 40 years with Dean Witter and its successor, Morgan Stanley, he moved his practice to Stifel. He’s excited to now be founding Witter Wealth Management of Tower 68 Financial Advisors in alignment with LPL Financial, and believes it’s the best way to carry on his family’s legacy- providing his clients with the service and sound financial advice his family has been providing for three generations.

Ron is a native of Huntington Beach, California. Outside of the office, he maintains an active lifestyle where he begins most days on the water and competes in long-distance open ocean paddling. He’s been married to his wife, Janine, since 1988, and they have three children, Chase, Marisa, and Mason, all of whom are an inspiration and a source of joy. When not at the beach, with family, or at the office, Ron can usually be found running around the neighborhood, catering to his dogs, Smilo and Izzy.

Farrel South

Director
Client Relationship Manager

Farrel is a dynamic professional with a blend of athletic achievement and applicable career experience. Farrel was a four-year varsity water polo player for Newport Harbor High School, where he demonstrated his leadership and teamwork skills from an early age. His exceptional talent in the sport led him to the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a four-year Division 1 NCAA Champion in water polo. Farrel’s collegiate career honed his competitive edge, discipline, and perseverance, all of which continue to influence his professional life today.

Over the past 8 years, Farrel has a successful career in Sales where he built a diverse portfolio, gaining experience across a variety of industries including liquor, payroll, medical devices, and real estate title insurance. His ability to build lasting client relationships, understand market trends, and manage complex negotiations has been central to his success.

Today, Farrel serves as the Director of Client Relations at Tower68 Financial Advisors, where he utilizes his extensive background in sales and relationship management to support clients and drive business growth. His leadership and client-focused approach make him a trusted advisor and asset to both his team and clients.

Outside of his professional achievements, Farrel enjoys the lifestyle of a Newport Beach native. He grew up surfing in front of Tower 68 with his father, Ken, a passion that continues to be a part of his life. In his free time, Farrel enjoys surfing and cooking, two activities that allow him to unwind and recharge.

Scott Turcott

Chief Executive Director

Heading up the turcott group in the Livermore Investor Guild is Scott Turcott, Executive Director - Investments, who has 26 years experience as a Financial Advisor. Scott emphasizes the need for a comprehensive plan, and believes the key to a successful plan is by fully understanding a client’s lifestyle, financial needs, and goals. He custom tailors an investment strategy based upon the plan assessment and client’s risk tolerance with the objective of maximizing the potential of achieving their financial goals.

Scott lives in Scottsdale with his wife of 27 years, Elizabeth, and their 3 dogs. They have 2 children, Alan and Lillian, who work for the family business. Prior to his financial career, Scott had a successful culinary career after graduating from The Culinary Institute of America. Scott and Elizabeth are passionate about volunteering and have a special interest in Arizona’s Doberman Rescue Group. In his spare time, Scott is an avid news reader who also enjoys endless hours researching history and believes it provides valuable insight into the future.

David Turcott

Senior Managing Director

David Turcott has 35 years’ experience in financial services as a Financial Advisor. Dave enjoys working closely with families to help them pursue their investment, life planning, and estate goals. He graduated from UCLA with a BS in Engineering, followed by attendance at Wharton School of Business.

Prior to his financial career, Dave spent 3 years in the US Army as a hand-to-hand combat instructor and Company Commander, and 22 years as a manager for a major US company in manufacturing, finance, and distribution. Dave enjoys spending time with his wife of 58 years, Mary Helen, and spending time with his 2 children and 5 grandchildren. In his spare time he also enjoys building wooden model ships.

Paul Turcott, CFP^®

Managing Director

Paul Turcott, CFP^® joined The Turcott Group in 2003 and has 21 years’ experience in financial services as a Financial Advisor. In addition to holding the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™^® designation, CFP^®™, he also holds a BS from The University of Tennessee. His major focus in working with clients is helping them navigate the options available to them and helping them find the right strategy given their individual needs and life changes. As a grandparent, Paul enjoys helping parents and grandparents with educational planning for the next generation.

Paul has prior industry experience in the energy and automotive manufacturing industries. He currently serves on a non-profit endowment board and has a specialized interest in timberland management/investment as the owner of timber acreage. Paul enjoys travel and spending time with his wife Lynne, their 4 kids, and 5 grandchildren.

Alan Turcott

SVP of Client Relations

Alan Turcott graduated from Arizona State’s W. P. Carey School of Business with a degree in Financial Planning. He started working in the Financial Industry in 2014 with The Turcott Group. He is currently the SVP of Client Relations for the team.

When not working, Alan can be found walking his three dogs, hiking trails around Arizona, weightlifting, and reading all sorts of books.

Lillian Turcott

Client Services Specialist

Lillian Turcott started her career in financial services in 2022. As a Client Services Specialist, she enjoys creating personal relationships with clients and integrating new industry technologies that will make things easier for them.

Originally from Scottsdale, Lillian is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, and enjoys traveling and painting in her free time. She is newly married and shares her home with two rescue dogs, Bennie and Otis.