CFP®-certified financial advisors working with founders and business owners in Wilmington, NC
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you recently started or acquired a business, you need an advisor who understands how to align your personal and business finances effectively. A common mistake is treating your business and personal wealth as separate, missing opportunities to optimize both together. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, which can help you navigate complex decisions.
- Business cash flow insight. Look for advisors who analyze your business income patterns to plan your personal finances realistically.
- Tax strategy integration. Ask how they coordinate business deductions and personal tax planning to minimize your overall tax burden.
- Exit and succession planning. Confirm they help you prepare for selling or passing on your business, not just day-to-day management.
- Retirement planning for owners. Ensure they design retirement plans that consider irregular income and business risks unique to founders.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Brendan O
CFP®, Series 66
Wilmington, NC
LPL Financial
Brendan O'Kelly's 23 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to address the financial complexities faced by founders and business owners in Wilmington, NC, including retirement plans like SEP and solo 401(k). Operating within LPL Financial, a large firm, he offers flat-fee financial planning and consulting, distinguishing him from advisors who may charge hourly or lack firm resources.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Paul P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Wilmington, NC
WealthPlan Investment Management LLC
Paul Pittman, a CFP® with 31 years of experience in Wilmington, NC, specializes in retirement plans for business owners and options strategies, aligning well with founders' financial complexities. His firm uses quantitative and fundamental analysis with model-based portfolios, offering flat fees up to $5,000 and optional eMoney® platform access, distinguishing him from advisors with purely asset-based fees.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $911,529
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Aaron K
CFP®, Series 66
Wilmington, NC
Wells Fargo Advisors
Aaron Kessler's 23 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to address the complex financial needs of founders and business owners in Wilmington, NC, including business exit and sale strategies. Affiliated with Wells Fargo Advisors, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers integrated planning and product solutions, distinguishing him with a broad service scope and seasoned expertise.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Martin S
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63
Wilmington, NC
Brookwood Investment Group
Martin Shapiro's 40 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to address the complex financial needs of founders and business owners in Wilmington, NC. At Brookwood Investment Group, he offers flexible fee structures including flat fees and negotiable AUM rates, and employs a blend of active and passive investment strategies, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower approaches.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $357,698
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Katherine S
CFP®, Series 63
Wilmington, NC
Cambridge Investment Research Advisors
Katherine Snyder is a CFP®-certified advisor in Wilmington, NC, with expertise in retirement income strategy and retirement plans tailored for business owners, including SEP and solo 401(k) plans. Working within Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, a large firm offering diverse investment strategies and flat-fee options, she combines her entrepreneurial experience with a focus on retirement planning for founders, distinguishing her from advisors with broader or less specialized practices.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $378,281
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