Helium founder and partner Howard Morin explains the benefits of bridging financial planning with deep tax expertise.

In this episode of the RIA Edge Podcast, David Armstrong, editorial director for Informa Connect’s Wealth Management Group, talks with Howard Morin, founder and partner at Helium Advisors, about integrating tax planning into the center of wealth management services. Located in Seattle and started in 2016, Helium has grown organically, with some M&A, to $270 million in assets currently. The focus on tax planning throughout the financial planning process ensures clients maximize after-tax returns, which are, after all, the only returns that count. While Helium leads with their tax and wealth management expertise, they also collaborate with a network of legal and accounting professionals for specialized support to meet the varying needs of each client. 

Specifically, David and Howard discuss:

• How Helium Advisors stands out by prioritizing tax integration from the outset, ensuring a cohesive approach to financial planning.
• Why a tax-centric approach can significantly impact a client’s financial well-being and help clients minimize tax liabilities.
• Addressing the challenges of balancing personalized service with efficient growth by scaling processes and maintaining a strong employee-to-client ratio.
• The importance of utilizing the right technology to streamline processes and enhance client service.
• Keeping client focus by understanding each client’s unique goals and risk tolerance, and also offering guidance on complex issues like business decisions and estate planning.

Resources:

RIA Edge Podcast

Connect With David Armstrong:

• WealthManagement.com
• LinkedIn: WealthManagment.com
• LinkedIn: David Armstrong 
• Twitter/X: @djamesarmstrong
• LinkedIn: Informa

Connect With Howard Morin:

• LinkedIn: Howard Morin
• Helium Advisors

About Our Guest: 

Howard Morin co-founded Helium Advisors with partner Gary Russell in 2016. Howard has over 20 years of financial services and organizational leadership experience. Most recently, he oversaw the Financial Services Group of Conover serving as CEO of both the Conover Securities Corporation and Conover Capital Management. Starting as a manager of the institutional trader business at TradeStation Group his success was recognized by the Intel Corporation who relocated him to the Pacific Northwest in 2000 where he was named Managing Director of Global Financial Services. At Intel, Howard was responsible for implementing technology at some of the largest financial institutions in the world. After a career at Intel he returned to Wall Street, joining Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) as a private financial advisor. Howard is passionate about advising clients on key decisions and working with employers to align their corporate retirement plan with their strategic goals. A native of South Florida, after almost 20 years in the Seattle area, he now calls Scottsdale, Arizona home.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

President and CEO Phillip Hamman of Linscomb Wealth on how his firm outpaced market growth with a laser focus on client satisfaction.

In this episode of the RIA Edge Podcast, David Armstrong, editorial director for Informa Connect’s Wealth Management Group, talks with Phillip Hamman, president and CEO of Linscomb Wealth, about the firm’s comprehensive financial planning services, where they leverage a team-based approach and institutional knowledge to address clients’ diverse needs. Founded over 50 years ago, Linscomb Wealth transitioned to a fiduciary fee-only firm in the 1980s, doubling assets to $4.2 billion. With 1800 clients nationwide, they cater primarily to those with $1-10 million in liquid assets and believe prioritizing client well-being is a strong catalyst for driving organic growth.

Specifically, David and Phillip discuss:

• How tracking detailed metrics guides their strategic decision-making. 
• Why the firm prioritizes cultural alignment with potential acquisitions to safeguard against diluting their core principles and maintaining a cohesive organizational structure.
• The challenges in talent acquisition and where they look to identify the right candidates who not only possess the necessary skills but, more importantly, align with the firm’s client-centric values.
• How their relationship with Cadence Bank has expanded their product portfolio while still allowing the firm to maintain its independence.
• What future services the firm is looking to offer to stay ahead of industry trends and client demands.

Resource:

• RIA Edge Podcast

Connect With David Armstrong:

• WealthManagement.com
• LinkedIn: WealthManagment.com
• LinkedIn: David Armstrong 
• Twitter/X: @djamesarmstrong
• LinkedIn: Informa

Connect With Phillip Hamman:

• LinkedIn: Phillip Hamman 
• Linscomb Wealth

About Our Guest:

Joining Linscomb Wealth (LW) over a decade ago, Phillip currently serves as the president and CEO. He leads the team in the development and execution of the firm’s long-run vision, propelling its growth. His leadership extends to serving on the LW Board of Directors, chairing the Executive Team, and contributing as a voting member of the Investment Committee, reflecting his deep proficiencies in investment advisory, client service, and wealth planning.

A graduate of Texas Tech University with a B.S. in Personal Financial Planning, Phillip’s professional journey encompasses significant experience with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. Phillip is passionate about the advancement of the wealth management field and is currently a member of the University of Houston Bauer MSF Wealth Advisory Board, CFA Institute, Investments & Wealth Institute, and Financial Planning Association. A family man and lifelong Texan, Phillip is married with three wonderful children and resides in West Houston.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS