In a significant expansion move, Summit Financial Holdings is eyeing its next stage of growth with the incorporation of two new affiliate firms.
The fast-growing RIA is bringing $725 million in assets under its wing through its newly affiliated entities, Alabama-based Garrett Perkins & Horton Advisory Partners and Indiana-based Brad Werner & Co.
The two firms are poised to leverage Summit’s advanced technological platforms and extensive resources to foster growth and enhance their ability to service their respective clients.
The announcement from Summit Financial comes on the heels of its strategic investment in Prostatis Financial Advisors Group – a leading RIA for values-driven independent and breakaway advisors with $310 million in assets – in December.
Holistic financial planning firm GPH, previously aligned with Ameriprise Financial, commands $530 million in assets. Under the stewardship of wealth advisor Stephen Garrett Sr., alongside co-founders Mark Perkins and Brandon Horton, GPH has pledged to maintain its full team's continuity.
"Partnering with Summit Financial transforms our capabilities, enabling us to deliver an elevated standard of client service,” Garrett said. “It equips us to guide our clients through an increasingly dynamic economic landscape and help them manage their financial lives with confidence.”
"Garrett Perkins & Horton has an exceptional history of helping their clients navigate a complex financial marketplace for decades,” said Keith Soltis, Summit Financial's director of wealth management. “We are excited to partner with this outstanding team as we expand our capacity for serving the wealth management and planning needs of this new and exciting market.”
With more than $195 million in assets, Brad Werner & Co. – founded by veteran advisor Brad Werner, who has 25 years of experience in the financial sector – has carved out a niche in supporting credit unions and their members.
“Summit and its leaders demonstrate key traits I value, including discipline, leadership, and integrity,” Werner said. “We can’t wait to expand our capabilities to service clients through world-class resources and access to Summit’s leadership team.”
Promising unparalleled flexibility for independent and breakaway advisors, Summit’s RIA platform allows advisors to retain full ownership of their businesses, with qualifying members having the opportunity to become partners in Summit Growth Partners, Summit's custom capital solution.
Most recently, Oracle Private Wealth Advisors, a four-woman practice based in Maryland managing $300 million in client assets, joined Summit Financial’s SGP platform.
"Like Summit, Stephen and Brad have been in the business of providing clients with a high level of service for decades” said Stan Gregor, CEO of Summit Financial. “We look forward to continuing that tradition, supporting both firms in the delivery of thoughtful, individualized advice that elevates clients’ financial well-being.”
From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.
Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.
“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.
Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.
Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.
RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.
As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.
