Team | Hobart Financial Group - Charlotte North Carolina

Our Team

With Our Firm, You Get More Than Just A Financial Advisor. You Get A Financial Team.
When you work with us, you get a partnership that goes beyond investments and returns. That’s why we’ve set up our firm a bit differently than others. Instead of one advisor, you get a team of professionals, all of whom are experts in their specific roles. The team works as an ensemble, giving you access to a wider range of knowledge and experience. Our clients benefit from this team approach in a variety of ways including:

• Get answers to your questions more quickly
• Gain access to a broader range of expertise and experience
• Receive specialized knowledge for your specific situation

Ballantyne Office

CEO

Senior Wealth Advisor

Director of Financial Planning

Chris Hobart

Most financial planners follow a typical process, but Chris Hobart has never been one to do things the "typical" way. After all, 9-year-olds don't typically start a restaurant in their parents' basement. But entrepreneurship and hard work has always made sense to Chris – and that drive led him to create a financial planning firm that does things a little differently.

Chris has always been one to dream big, for himself and others. He's dedicated his life to helping people imagine and create for themselves that goes beyond typical. He's also made it his mission to help clients make smart decisions for their future by providing honest, thoughtful advice and service that always exceeds expectations.

Chris even helps other advisors build their own better-than-typical practices, believing that every individual deserves access to trustworthy financial guidance. His wise counsel has been featured in national media publications, including CNBC, CBS, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He's also a recurring expert guest for Charlotte Today on WCNC in Charlotte.

As an avid supporter of his local community, Chris donates time and resources to Charlotte's local organizations. He and his wife, Renee, are avid supporters of the performing arts, and they have a joint passion for making arts education and musical theater accessible to all young people. Chris has also served on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas, a local organization that helps young people unleash their true potential.

Family means everything to Chris. He credits his hard work ethic and positive life outlook to his parents, Randy and Arlene, who taught him valuable lessons about being a great husband, dad and leader. He spends most of his time outside of work with Renee and their two daughters, Sloane and Blythe, and he loves nothing more than traveling with his girls and seeing the world through their eyes.

Andrew Greer

As Senior Wealth Advisor, Andrew works closely with clients to develop customized financial strategies that incorporate asset allocation, financial management, retirement planning and succession planning. He also builds relationships with local CPAs and estate planning attorneys, enabling Hobart Financial Group to give clients a truly comprehensive, individual and holistic financial plan.

Andrew originally moved to Charlotte to open a restaurant, but quickly discovered it wasn’t his true calling. He wanted to help people in a bigger way – and knew that he could truly make a difference through financial advising. “I get to help people live their Bucket List Retirement,” he said. “Early in my career, I had this sense that retirement was essentially a permanent vacation with nothing to worry about. I quickly found out that retirement is the most significant, fundamental shift you will ever experience with your money which can be incredibly scary. Every day, I have the privilege of helping wonderful people navigate through the unknown.”

Andrew has been with Hobart Financial group for nearly a decade, and his favorite part of the firm is its character. “Our clients choose to work with us because this is where you go to be part of a family, not a file in the cabinet,” he said. “I love working here because of the same reasons someone would choose to become our client: family values, passionate professionals, fun loving, genuine and ethical.”

Andrew’s free time is immersed in activities with his wife, Leslie-Ann, and their son, Easton. “Seeing the world again for the first time through his eyes has always been something I was told to expect,” he said, “but I did not understand how rewarding it would be.”

Corey Sunstrom

In his role as Director of Financial Planning, Corey guides others in their financial lives and provides them with a better understanding of their financial picture. He works with clients to develop strategies for tax planning, estate and beneficiary planning, and income planning. Corey divides his time between meeting with clients and working behind the scenes to build retirement plans that stand the test of time.

Corey’s interest in the financial world was raised in college. During his first post-college job, he realized that managing finances took more dedication and effort than he had previously thought. “There were so many complexities that I hadn’t considered before,” Corey said. “I also realized that most people don’t understand the nuances associated with managing their money.”

While Corey enjoys teaching people about the process of saving, growing and passing money on to future generations, his favorite part of working at Hobart Financial group is getting to know the clients. “There is so much to be learned through listening to others,” Corey said. “We have a unique opportunity to hear stories of success, adventure, love and grief. It is an honor to me that our clients open up that part of their lives to us.”

Corey and his wife, Wheela, love to travel, checking new destinations off their list. Corey has his camera with him everywhere, capturing pictures of their adventures. The couple lives in Charlotte with their cat, Stevie, and their dog, Freddie.

Lead Wealth Advisor

Financial Advisor

Chief Compliance Officer

Jacob Woodrum

Jacob Woodrum’s career in financial services was inspired early in life by his father, a business owner and investor who spurred Jacob’s interest in financial markets and how they work. Jacob carries this passion into his role as a Lead Wealth Advisor, and he enjoys guiding clients on the principles of finance, retirement planning and the financial markets.

Prior to joining Hobart Financial Group, Jacob was a banker for Wells Fargo, where he helped clients by providing education and understanding each client’s individual goals and dreams. During that time, he developed the critical communication skills that allow him to connect with clients on a personal level.

When working with retirees and pre-retirees, Jacob is guided by the philosophy of sowing, then reaping. “We make informed decisions about an investment now, with the hope of reaping the harvest in the future,” he said. “The hard work and value of making quality investments comes before reaping but sets you up for success. The need for financial planning advice has never been greater and is a big reason I come to work every day.”

Jacob and his wife, Allie, love exploring Charlotte, trying out new restaurants and walking or biking around the city. Jacob credits much of his success to family, and he and his wife love spending time with their families in Virginia and West Virginia.

Riley Gallaher

Riley Gallaher became a financial advisor for one reason: to help people feel secure. He recognized early on that many individuals never gain clarity around their finances, and many are just going through life hoping that they’ll have enough to retire. His goal is to help them change their thinking and feel confident about the future. “I want to help them uncover their What and Why and then assist them in implementing the How,” Riley said.

Before joining Hobart Financial Group, Riley worked for Parent Financial as a financial advisor. He worked primarily with young couples and new families, showing them the importance of planning for the future and providing them with crucial financial education. He also previously worked as a Preferred Wealth Advisor at BB&T.

A graduate of Campbell University, Riley earned his Bachelor and Master of Business Administration, Trust and Wealth Management degrees. He holds his life insurance, health and accident insurance licenses, as well as a Medicaid and Long-Term Care license. He has also passed the Series 7 and 66 securities exams.

Riley appreciates Hobart Financial Group’s dedication to high-class client service and the camaraderie among the team. Outside of work, he stays active through hiking, playing sports, working out or going to the lake. He also enjoys spending time with his 2-year-old Australian Shepherd, Jameson.

Thomas Hamilton

Thomas Hamilton joined Hobart Financial Group in the summer of 2018. His nearly 15 years of experience in the industry added immediate value to the team. Thomas assists advisors and clients with service, planning and analysis needs. He also oversees all compliance and operations for the firm.

Thomas chose to pursue a career in the financial services industry in 2004, when he learned his parents were hit with a massive tax payment in 1998 after they were misguided by their financial advisor. As a result, Thomas made it his personal mission to help others avoid any misguided decisions from happening in their financial lives.

According to Thomas, the best thing about working at Hobart Financial group is its family environment. “It’s a close-knit firm with a small company atmosphere, but with the ability to do things in large scale,” he said. “My opinion matters and the absence of ‘large corporate red tape’ is refreshing. The work each of us does every day is clearly helping both the firm and its clients be successful.”

Thomas and his wife, Jessica, have two kids, Caleb and Shelby, and one dog, Albus. Thomas loves spending time with his family, cooking, aquarium keeping, playing golf, and tinkering with electronics. He has also been known to binge watch Netflix and YouTube with his kids.

Thomas's email address

Director of Employee Engagement

Executive Assistant

Social Media Specialist

Renee Hobart

Renee Hobart’s work is vital to everyone at Hobart Financial Group. That’s because she’s responsible for making sure the firm runs like a well-oiled machine, and she oversees a variety of functions, including Human Resources, financial reporting, and more.

Before joining Hobart Financial Group, Renee was a biologist with Merck & Co. She later became a pharmaceutical rep there, where she educated doctors and nurses on Merck’s product lines and provided product samples.

Renee is excited to be part of the Hobart Financial Group team. “Although I’m on the sidelines, I’m passionate about getting to know our clients and watching our team sincerely do the best for our clients,” she said. “I believe in the mission and vision of what we do. My favorite part of working here is feeling purposeful, that we’re making a difference in clients’ lives.”

Renee enjoys spending time with family, friends and traveling. An avid fan of the theater, she sits on the board of directors of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte. Renee is married to Chris, and they have two daughters, Sloane and Blythe.

Kim Collins

As the executive assistant and event coordinator, Kim Collins juggles a variety of daily tasks. She’s charged with coordinating firm events, providing administrative support and making sure Chris Hobart knows exactly where he needs to be and when he needs to be there. Kim also oversees building management, ensuring the office’s physical environment is inviting for both clients and staff.

In 2018, Kim relocated to Charlotte from Sarasota, FL, where she spent four years working as the event coordinator for a wealth management firm. But her work experience hasn’t been limited to just financial services; in fact, you might describe her background as eclectic. “I have been a cosmetologist, cemetery owner/manager, fire educator and fire instructor,” Kim said. “So why not choose the financial industry, too?”

Kim and her daughter, Hannah, reside in the Ballantyne area. She can be found on the weekends enjoying time with her friends, exploring wineries throughout North Carolina and volunteering within her community.

Heidi Clearman

Heidi Clearman sees social media platforms as a critical tool of communication for the firm. She creates and utilizes Hobart Financial Group’s digital content, including video, graphics and social media posts. Her goal is to create engaging content that showcases the firm’s culture for existing and future clients.

Before joining the team in 2018, Heidi worked for 20 years at a non-profit. There, she employed her attention to detail to oversee all aspects of event planning. This ranged from team management, marketing, implementation, organization and execution of events from start to finish.

Heidi enjoys working in the positive team dynamic she’s found at Hobart Financial Group, noting that it starts with Chris’s leadership. “There is something so inspiring about having a gifted leader who is a visionary but also deeply cares for his employees and clients,” she said. “This firm is unique in that it has a deep vein of integrity that translates into excellence in every area of the company.”

Heidi and her husband, Stacy, have four children: Rachel, David, Joelle and Gabrielle. She frequently volunteers in the community, both at her children’s school and the church the family attends. Heidi is also dedicated to health and fitness and spends her free time at the gym.

Project Manager

Client Service Specialist

Client Service Specialist

Wendy Casale

Wendy Casale believes preparation is key when it comes to providing excellent customer service. She does a variety of behind-the-scenes work at Hobart Financial Group, helping advisors prepare for meetings as well as processing and tracking paperwork for new clients. She also works with existing clients to make sure their service requests are handled in a timely, friendly manner.

Wendy’s interest in the industry was piqued during her very first college class, which led her into courses about economics, personal finance and marketing. Discussions about the potential retirement crisis facing Americans today and the importance of taking charge of your own retirement inspired her to pursue a career helping people plan for their future and make a positive impact on their financial picture.

Before joining the Hobart Financial Group team, Wendy gained a wealth of experience working at Vanguard and Wells Fargo. Hobart Financial Group “feels like a family,” she said. “If a team member sees that a process can be done better, opinions and ideas are genuinely heard.”

Wendy and her husband, Bobby, have three children, Victoria, Allison and Mila. The family loves visiting Freedom Park/Carowinds in the summer as well as trying new Charlotte restaurants and checking out live bands throughout the year.

Wendy Casale

Morgan Baumeister

Morgan Baumeister has a passion for helping people. He demonstrates that passion in his role as a Client Service Specialist, where he is responsible for opening new accounts, trading, moving money between accounts, and pitching in wherever he’s needed.

Before joining Hobart Financial Group in June 2020, Morgan lived in New York City, where he worked in a similar role. That job allowed him to gain experience in everything from back office operations to equity trading. He discovered that working in financial services allows him to get to know people and their stories, and he appreciates the opportunity to attain their goals and enjoy what they’ve worked hard to attain.

Morgan’s favorite part about working at Hobart Financial Group is the people. “Everyone working here is always willing to help one another,” he said. “Working at a job where your coworkers will go out of their way to help makes coming into work every day a joy.”

Morgan loves all outdoors activities, from hiking and camping to surfing and snowboarding. He also enjoys taking in baseball games and traveling the country.

Client Service Speciaist

Client Service Specialist

Client Concierge

Hailey Skaggs

As the Events & Communications Assistant, Hailey pitches in on a variety of tasks to make sure the office runs as smoothly as possible every day. She helps prep for workshops, inputs data and updates client profiles, and support with any side projects for other team members. She also assists clients who call the office.

This is Hailey’s first role in the financial services industry. Before joining Hobart Financial Group, she worked as a hostess at Hickory Tavern in Ballantyne, where she took care of customers and ensured that the front of the house ran smoothly. She also worked as a nanny and a dog sitter.

Hailey appreciates the team atmosphere of the firm. “Everyone I work with genuinely cares about me as a person,” she said. “These people are the most respectable, hard working and kind men and women I have ever known. I am motivated by them every single day.”

Hailey lives in in Indian Land, South Carolina. Outside of work, she enjoys attending concerts, walking nature trails and spending time at church.

Kingston Office

Registered Representative,
Investment Advisor

Registered Representative,
Investment Advisor

Director of Client Services

John “Jock” Tonissen

Jock joined Hobart Financial Group in 2013 as an Investment Advisor. He’s dedicated to providing sound financial direction in all areas of the financial process. His focus is on a client’s total financial picture with an emphasis on financial services that are designed to help protect against the unforeseen initiated by disability, death, retirement or long term care needs. He serves both the individual and small business markets offering an extensive list of financial series, with particular emphasis on 401(k) programs.

Jock takes a long-term, relationship building approach when working with new and existing clients. Understanding a client’s unique needs is at the core of Jock’s practice. He firmly believes that his clients are “partners” with a relationship based upon trust and integrity. He stresses to his clients the importance of a long-term investment outlook before making short-term or individual investment decisions.

Jock has been in this profession since 1971 upon graduation from the University of South, Sewanee. He is the past president of the CLU (Chartered Life Underwriters) chapter in Charlotte, NC. He is a past Trustee of University of the South and Sewanee Annual Fund Chairman. He also served as a church officer. He resides in Charlotte with his wife, Anne. They have two children. Whenever there is time, Jock enjoys a good book, some gardening and even a game of golf.

D. Scott Welton

Scott has served as a financial advisor since 1966. He joined Hobart Financial Group in 2013 as Associate Wealth Advisor. He is a licensed life insurance agent and holds his series 65 and 7 licenses for portfolio management. Scott has developed strong advisor/client relationships, always striving to develop practical financial plans for clients to provide economic stability through retirement.

Scott earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He began his career as a MassMutual Insurance Agent in 1966. He is a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and Master’s Club for Mass Mutual.

Scott extends his service oriented attitude, through work with Habitat for Humanity. He has assisted in building over 12 homes in the United States and overseas. Scott resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife Laura. They have four children and 11 grandchildren. In his spare time, Scott enjoys playing golf, traveling and entertaining family and friends.

Heather Hammonds

Heather has worked with D. Scott Welton, Wealth Advisor, for six years. She supports Scott with ongoing day-to-day operations providing excellent customer service. Heather processes new business, administers follow-up actions required for established clients’ accounts and creates new proposals/recommendations.

Heather graduated Magna Cum Laude from Crichton College in Memphis, TN with a B.S. in Business Administration. She obtained her life insurance license for the state of North Carolina in 2012. Before joining Hobart Financial Group, Heather worked as Operations Manager for STW Holdings, LLC in Charlotte, NC.

Heather resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband and seven children. In her spare time, she serves as CFO of her husband’s tax & bookkeeping office. She enjoys traveling, cooking, singing and spending time with her family.

Our Team