Ricky J. Ferrara, CPFA | Founding Partner, Wealth Advisor

Ricky has been creating and monitoring financial, investment, risk management, estate and retirement planning strategies for his clients for over 30 years. He received a BS in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and began his career as a wealth advisor in 1994 after working 13 years with GE Company in engineering and management. He is committed to providing holistic personalized service to his clients and holds FINRA series 7, 63 & 65 security registrations through LPL Financial. Ricky and his wife Karen reside in Baton Rouge and have two children: Douglas and Emily, and three grandchildren, Eli, Beau and Jake.

Ricky has been involved with numerous community organizations including: Past Director and Chairman for the YMCA Pennington Branch, Past President of the Warrior Club for St. Michael High School, Member of Lakeshore Lions Club, Member of St. George Catholic Church, Member of Business Network of Baton Rouge and Past Board Member for the YMCA Southside Branch. Ricky enjoys sports, boating, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

Doug was born and raised in Baton Rouge and graduated from LSU with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He began his professional career as an engineer with ExxonMobil, where he spent over a decade solving complex problems, managing projects, and developing a disciplined, analytical approach to decision-making.

Doug transitioned into wealth management in 2026 and joined LDFwealth, where he helps individuals and families make informed financial decisions with clarity and confidence. He holds the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 securities registrations through LPL Financial and is committed to building long-term relationships founded on trust, personalized guidance, and a thorough understanding of each client's financial goals.

Outside of the office, Doug enjoys spending time with his wife, Kate, and their three boys, Eli, Beau, and Jake. Whether he's coaching youth sports, tackling home improvement projects, staying active through running and working out, or cheering on the LSU Tigers, Doug values every opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.

Jennifer joined the firm in 2017 after many years as a “stay at home mom”. She and Judy Carr work together to provide administrative support to wealth advisors Ricky Ferrara and David Heltz including marketing, operations, and client customer service needs. Jennifer is detail oriented and strives to provide excellent customer service. Jennifer lives in Geismar with her husband Lee and their three daughters, Kayla, Claire, and Ella.

Judy joined our firm in 2018 after retiring from a 35 year career in elementary education and brings her years of experience and customer service touch to the LDFwealth team. She and Jennifer Ware provide administrative support to wealth advisors Ricky Ferrara and David Heltz with marketing, operational, and client customer service needs. Judy resides in Prairieville with her husband Kenny. She is involved in the elementary parish school of religion at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Baton Rouge.