History
Linder Financial Services was founded in 1993, when Bernie and Toby Linder turned their personal interests in finance and investing into a Hendersonville, NC business. Bernie began by helping local GE Lighting co-workers with their financial decisions and investments, and Toby assisted her co-workers in the Henderson County school system. In 1996, their daughter, Marci Linder Silverman, joined the family business which has since expanded to serve clients in twelve states. Lori Morell, Marci’s twin sister, joined the business in 2018. Tim Kriegel joined in 2020.
The business was established as an advisory firm for clients who had a strong interest in maintaining a degree of awareness and control over how their assets were invested. It was a defining feature of the firm not to have a model portfolio to fit the client assets. Clients have their own portfolios, designed to reflect their goals and risk tolerance.
While we work to grow the firm, it is our vision to stay small enough so that when a client calls, we recognize the voice. Growing the client assets is our role, and growing the assets under management happens as a result of our performance.
In the words of a client: "Small enough to know you … smart enough to grow you."
Who We Are
Bernd Linder
Founder & CEO
Bernd was born in Leipzig, Germany and immigrated to New York City via Havana, Cuba in 1940. He graduated from CCNY with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1958. Bernd was employed by General Electric for 34 years, mostly at the Lighting Systems plant in Hendersonville, NC. There he managed Quality Operations and also had responsibility for plant compliance with environmental regulations. He gained exposure to the world of finance through his role as Investment Chairman for the local Elfun society (a GE employee professional society). This volunteer activity provided invaluable training by GE Capital which, combined with the opportunity for early retirement, resulted in the formation of Linder Financial Services.
Bernd has been married to Toby for over 60 years, has three daughters and six grandchildren and still resides in Hendersonville. He plays tennis and bridge, and he and his wife Toby are avid travelers, having circumnavigated the globe on the QE2 among many other journeys.
Bernd is the CEO and President Emeritus of Linder Financial Services and is a Registered Investment Advisor.
Toby Linder
north carolina office manager
Toby became part of LFS at its inception in 1993. After completing a teaching career in North Carolina, she became the Vice-President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Corporation. Toby led the effort to create a Policy and Procedures Manual which continues to serve as the firm’s major compliance document. Toby currently serves as the office manager for the North Carolina office.
She is a graduate of The City College of New York and Gardner-Webb College and is the proud parent of three daughters and the equally proud grandparent of six grandchildren. When she is not engaged in working with LFS, Toby enjoys traveling with Bernd, walking, playing bridge, exercising, reading and volunteering.
Marci Silverman
president
Marci joined LFS in October of 1996 after spending the first years of her career working for McKesson in a variety of client services and management roles within their healthcare division. She is the President of LFS and is a Registered Investment Advisor.
Marci grew up in Hendersonville, NC and attended Emory University, graduating with a degree in Finance. She is married to Howard Silverman, a pediatrician with Roswell Pediatrics in Alpharetta, GA. Marci and Howard have two children, Bradley and Adam, both proud Georgia Tech graduates who are working as Chemical Engineers after receiving their PhDs. Marci spends her spare time playing tennis, exercising, and volunteering with USTA.
Charles Morell
chief compliance officer
Charles joined LFS in October 2016 to take on compliance and technology duties. He retired from Kimberly-Clark in April 2016 as a Senior Director of Research & Engineering after a 32 year career leading innovation, development, and commercialization of materials and processes used to support Kimberly-Clark's branded personal health and hygiene products.
Charles grew up in Ohio and attended Georgia Tech, graduating in 1982 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Charles is married to Lori Morell (daughter of Bernie and twin sister of Marci). Charles and Lori have two children, Jeffrey and Jordan. Charles enjoys cycling, hiking, skiing, and cooking.
Lori Morell
vice president
Lori joined LFS in June 2018 following her retirement from Kimberly-Clark Corporation. In her 34 years at Kimberly-Clark, Lori held various leadership roles in Marketing, Research & Engineering, Operations, and Corporate Strategy at the Roswell Georgia Operations Headquarters. Lori is the Vice President of LFS and is a Registered Investment Advisor.
Lori grew up in Hendersonville, NC and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BS in Chemistry. She earned her MBA from Kennesaw State University in Atlanta. She is married to Charles (LFS Chief Compliance Officer) and has two adult children – Jeff who is a management consultant in Atlanta, and Jordan who is a teacher in the Baltimore Public Schools. In her spare time, Lori enjoys tennis, exercising and reading.
Tim Kriegel
Registered Investment Advisor
Tim retired in 2020 from Selee Corporation in western NC where he held a number of executive financial positions, including Chief Financial Officer.
He holds a BS in Business Administration from Clarion State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is a long time LFS client and resides in Hendersonville, NC. Tim is an avid long distance runner.