Cetera's TRPG continues expansion with HMC Partners acquisition

The Retirement Planning Group, Cetera’s employee-based RIA, has broadened its reach with the acquisition of HMC Partners, a Greensboro, North Carolina-based wealth management firm overseeing approximately $425 million in client assets.

The deal announced Thursday brings HMC’s co-founders John Hardy and Gib McEachran to TRPG, following their multi-year affiliation with Summit Financial Networks.

HMC Partners serves more than 500 households nationwide.

Hardy and McEachran cited the alignment of values and expanded capabilities as key factors in their decision to join TRPG. “TRPG aligns closely with our values and delivers expanded capabilities that will greatly benefit our business and clients,” the pair said in a statement, adding that they are “confident that the succession plan we’ve put in place will ensure long-term continuity and stability – for our clients, team and the future of our business.”

The addition of HMC Partners marks the latest in a series of acquisitions for TRPG, which has been steadily pursuing an inorganic growth strategy since it was bought by Cetera in 2023.

Last month, TRPG acquired First Financial Advisors, a Muskegon, Michigan-based practice with more than $300 million in assets and a dual focus on wealth management and tax planning. That transaction brought three advisors – Anthony Tidswell, Eric Lans and James Mikesell – into the TRPG fold.

Earlier this year, TRPG closed three additional acquisitions, adding approximately $180 million in assets and expanding into New York, California and Washington state. The acquired firms included Hawkes Wealth Management in Binghamton, New York; Wealtheon Advisors in San Ramon, California; and Financial Research, Inc. in Seattle.

In 2024, TRPG's growth streak included its integrations of Dightman Capital Group, Parrott Wealth Management, and Lee Financial Group Hawaii.

Kevin Conard, chief executive at TRPG, said the firm continues to attract advisors who prioritize client service over operational burdens. He described Hardy and McEachran as exemplifying a commitment to putting clients first, stating, “We are proud to welcome them to the TRPG team and look forward to serving clients together.”

TRPG, headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, manages about $3 billion in assets for more than 3,100 clients as of June 30. 

Outside TRPG, Cetera has also been making decisive moves towards growth. Apart from announcing new leaders for its various advisor communities, it hired Jen Hanau from Mariner in June to lead its RIA and branches channel.

Cetera CEO Mike Durbin also recently declared the firm's commitment to "[making] the big feel small" for independent growth-minded advisors and institutions.

"Cetera continues to be a magnet, thanks to our wide-ranging affiliation options and flexibility, commitment to community and culture, and proven growth resources," he said.