When Should You Have an Estate Plan?

Thomas Hamilton joined Hobart Wealth in the summer of 2018. Having been in the financial services industry since 2005, his breadth of experience added immediate value to the team. Thomas balances his days by running the compliance program for the firm while assisting with the operations of the firm, from trading to database management. He also sits on the firm’s Investment Policy Committee.

Thomas chose to pursue a career in the financial services industry in 2005 when he learned his parents were hit with a massive tax payment in 1998 after their financial advisor misled them. As a result, Thomas made it his mission to help others avoid misguided decisions in their financial lives.

Thomas says the best thing about working at Hobart Wealth is its team-based structure. “It’s a close-knit firm with a small company atmosphere, but with the ability to do things on a large scale,” he said. “My opinion matters, and the absence of large corporate red tape is refreshing. The work everyone 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, listening to music, and tinkering with electronics. He also enjoys binge watching Netflix and YouTube with his wife and kids.

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.

As the Director of Insurance Planning, Jonathan helps clients understand the important role insurance plays in their retirement, tax and legacy planning. He partners with advisors to create tailored insurance plans to protect clients from potential risks they may face during both their working and retired years.

Jonathan brings more than 15 years of experience in insurance planning to the Hobart Wealth team. His passion in the field was spurred after watching three of his grandparents struggle with Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses and seeing the toll a long-term health crisis can take on family members. He was inspired to help other families protect against similar situations through proper insurance planning.

Jonathan lives with his wife, Jen; bonus son, Logan and rescue dog, Summer in Mooresville, North Carolina. Outside of work, he is into anything sports-related, particularly golf, and is an active member of Freedom House Church in Cornelius. He also enjoys hiking, working out, walking Summer, and playing cards and board games.

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.

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.”

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.

*These appearances are an advertisement paid for by Hobart Wealth.

In his role as Director of Financial Planning and Senior Wealth Advisor, Corey guides others in their financial lives and provides them with a better understanding of their financial picture. He works with clients to develop tax, estate, beneficiary, and income planning strategies. 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 Wealth 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 loves to travel and hike, checking new destinations off his list. Corey has his camera with him everywhere, capturing pictures of his adventures.

Renee’s work is vital to everyone at Hobart Wealth. That’s because she’s responsible for making sure the firm runs like a well-oiled machine with her work in finance and accounting.

Before joining Hobart Wealth, 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 Wealth 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 traveling and spending time with friends and family. 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.

Wendy Casale believes preparation is the key to success in work and life—an outlook that makes her the perfect fit as Fintech Administrator. In her role, Wendy handles all things tech-related for the firm, including client and advisor support, system management, and process documentation. She’s always making sure we’re using the right tech tools to give clients the best experience possible when accessing and managing their accounts.

Wendy’s interest in the financial services industry was piqued during her very first college class, which led her to 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 Wealth 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.

Peter is charged with overseeing the Hobart Wealth Client Services team. In his role, he works directly with advisors to get answers to clients’ questions and makes sure every client request is handled quickly and accurately.

Peter brings more than a decade of knowledge and experience to his role. Before joining Hobart Wealth, he worked at Axos Advisor Services (formerly E*Trade Advisor Services), where he worked with six investment advisor firms with more than $2.5 billion in assets under contract. During that time, he gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in resolving client issues and cultivating strong client relationships.

The attention to relationships is what drew Peter to Hobart Wealth. “The relationships that exist here are amazing,” he said. “People care about their clients and coworkers, and it shows. I really enjoy how everyone works hard for our clients.”

Away from work, Peter enjoys outdoor activities like camping in the mountains and swimming at the beach.