Haselkorn & Thibaut Initiates Investigation into Brian Earl Watson, Gainesville, FL – Former Valmark Securities Broker
Are you concerned about how your investments were handled by Brian Earl Watson in Gainesville, Florida, formerly of Valmark Securities, Inc.? Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national investment fraud law firm with a 98% success rate and over 50 years of experience, has opened a comprehensive investigation into potential misconduct related to Mr. Watson’s advisory activities. If you suspect you may have suffered investment losses, you are not alone, and it’s important to understand your options for recovery.
Who is Brian Earl Watson? CRD #3181953
Brian Earl Watson is a financial professional who spent over 25 years (from February 1999 to February 2025) registered as a broker with Valmark Securities, Inc., operating primarily out of Gainesville, FL. Recently, Mr. Watson has not been registered with any FINRA-member firm, but is listed as a Registered Investment Advisor at Koss Olinger Consulting.
Why is Brian Watson Under Investigation?
Recent developments have brought heightened scrutiny to Mr. Watson’s advisory practices, specifically related to recommendations and sales of certain illiquid and high-risk investments. A number of actions have prompted this investigation, including high-value arbitrations, civil litigation, and client complaints naming both Brian Watson and other associated parties at Valmark Securities.
Key Developments and Complaints Involving Brian Watson
Haselkorn & Thibaut’s investigation is centered on the following public complaints and legal actions:
- PENDING JAMS ARBITRATION – $100 Million Sought: In November 2025, an arbitration claim was filed with JAMS seeking $100,000,000 in damages for breach of fiduciary duty, negligent misrepresentation, gross negligence, and unjust enrichment. This claim appears to be connected to similar civil litigation in Alachua County, FL.
- STATE COURT LAWSUIT – Alachua County, FL (Case No. 01 2025 CA 001683): Filed by Patricia A. Shively and the Patricia Ann Shively Trust, this lawsuit alleges breach of fiduciary duty, gross negligence, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment linked to complex direct investment products, including DPP & LP Interests and Promissory Notes. Defendants include Brian Watson and several other individuals and entities (including former Valmark representatives and Koss Olinger and Company).
- FINRA ARBITRATION – Unsuitable Private Placement Recommendation: In December 2025, a FINRA arbitration was filed on behalf of a retiree from Alachua County who invested a significant portion of their savings in the GNV RE CP Fund, LLC, a private real estate placement tied to Celebration Pointe, Gainesville. The arbitration alleges negligence, violations of FINRA rules and Regulation Best Interest, and failure of Valmark Securities to supervise their agents. Damages of $500,000 are sought.
What Are the Red Flags for Investors?
Investors should be proactively alert to several important warning signs that can indicate potential misconduct:
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty: When a financial professional fails to act in your best interests or prioritizes their own interests ahead of yours.
- Gross Negligence and Negligent Misrepresentation: Recommending unsuitable investments or providing misleading or incomplete information about the risks and liquidity of investment products.
- Unjust Enrichment: Profiting at the expense of investors, particularly through the recommendation of private placements or illiquid investments that may generate high commissions for advisors but present excessive risk to clients.
- Failure to Supervise: Multiple complaints and lawsuits may indicate broader supervisory failures at the broker-dealer level.
Summary of Regulatory and Legal Events for Brian Earl Watson — CRD 3181953
To help investors gain clarity, here’s a summary table of the current landscape regarding complaints, public disclosures, and legal proceedings involving Brian Watson:
| Type of Disclosure/Event | Status (as of today) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| FINRA BrokerCheck Complaints | None on record | No formal customer complaints, arbitration awards, or regulatory actions shown. Check the latest BrokerCheck record. |
| SEC/State Regulatory Actions | None found | No SEC, state securities regulator, or federal enforcement actions disclosed. |
| Civil Litigation | PENDING | Active lawsuit in Alachua County, FL (2025) involving allegations against Brian Watson and others. Related to private placements and promissory notes. |
| Arbitrations | PENDING | JAMS arbitration seeking $100M; FINRA arbitration for $500K (both 2025, both involve unsuitable and illiquid investments, breach of duty, and negligence). |
| Media/Press Coverage | None identified | No major press or trade publication coverage of regulatory or legal events to date. |
Are You an Investor Who Worked With Brian Watson?
While there are no formal regulatory or FINRA BrokerCheck complaints as of today, the size and seriousness of pending lawsuits and arbitrations underscore the importance of reviewing your own account statements and investment history. Direct private placements, DPPs, LP interests, and promissory notes can carry significant risk and may not be suitable for conservative or income-oriented investors.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Misconduct?
If you suffered losses as a result of investments recommended by Brian Watson, especially those involving private placements, promissory notes, or other illiquid investments, you may have a legal right to pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration or other legal remedies.
Haselkorn & Thibaut’s experienced team helps clients nationwide recover losses on a contingency fee basis—no recovery, no fee. Call us today at 1-888-885-7162 for a free, confidential consultation. Our attorneys will review your investment history, assess possible misconduct, and determine your options—at no cost to you.
Take the Next Step – Protect Your Rights
Don’t wait for your situation to worsen or for your window of opportunity to recover losses to close. Haselkorn & Thibaut has successfully handled thousands of claims for investors just like you. If you invested with Brian Earl Watson (CRD #3181953), formerly of Valmark Securities, Inc. in Gainesville, FL, contact our team today to discuss your rights—and let us help you seek the recovery you deserve.
Remember: No Recovery, No Fee. Call 1-888-885-7162 now for your free case evaluation with a knowledgeable investment fraud attorney.
Your financial future is our priority—take action today.
