VestGen Wealth Partners: Company Profile

Background

VestGen Wealth Partners, established in December 2024, is a Chicago-based wealth management firm dedicated to addressing the succession challenges within the financial advisory industry. The firm launched with ten advisory practices, collectively managing $5.3 billion in assets under management (AUM). VestGen's mission is to provide seamless transitions for retiring advisors while cultivating the next generation of wealth management leaders.

Key Strategic Focus

VestGen focuses on acquiring financial advisory practices managing between $100 million and $500 million in assets. The firm offers retiring advisors a structured succession model that ensures client continuity and empowers emerging advisors through mentorship, resources, and technology integration.

Financials and Funding

At its inception, VestGen managed $5.3 billion in client assets across ten advisory practices. Specific details regarding funding rounds and investors have not been publicly disclosed.

Pipeline Development

VestGen's growth strategy includes acquiring additional financial advisory practices within the $100 million to $500 million AUM range. The firm aims to expand its footprint by integrating these practices into its platform, thereby increasing its AUM and market presence.

Technological Platform and Innovation

VestGen leverages partnerships with leading custodians and technology providers to enhance its service offerings:

Pershing: Provides secure custody solutions and advanced technology for streamlined operations.

Orion Advisor Solutions: Offers portfolio management, performance reporting, and client engagement tools.

Charles Schwab: Grants access to a wide array of investment options and cutting-edge technology.

LPL Financial: Supplies comprehensive support through a range of financial products and services.

eMoney Advisor and MoneyGuidePro: Deliver interactive financial planning tools and analytics for informed decision-making.

Leadership Team

VestGen's executive leadership comprises seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience:

Josh Gerry, CEO: Former co-founder of Professional Wealth Advisors and leader at Impetus Wealth Strategies, AXA, and MetLife.

Jason Hanavan, President and CFO: Over 20 years of experience, including roles at Blackstone and Elliott Management.

Ferian Nickelson, COO: Background with Morgan Stanley, HighTower Advisors, and BNY Pershing.

Greg Gessert, Chief Growth Officer: Formerly at LPL Financial, responsible for inorganic growth strategies.

Timothy Woods, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer: Experience includes roles at SYSTM Wealth Solutions/William Blair and HighTower.

Sarah Musante, Chief Human Resources Officer: Over 15 years in wealth management HR, instrumental in building HR teams.

Leann Stevens, Chief Marketing Officer: Experience scaling asset managers and wealth management platforms, including roles at HighTower and Tidal Financial Group.

Leadership Changes

In February 2025, VestGen completed its C-suite buildout with the appointment of the aforementioned executives, positioning the firm to execute its strategic vision effectively.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The wealth management industry is experiencing a significant shift due to the impending retirement of a substantial portion of financial advisors. An estimated 37% of advisors plan to retire within the next decade, potentially leaving trillions of dollars in client assets at risk. This trend underscores the critical need for effective succession planning and the development of next-generation advisors.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the wealth management succession space include:

HighTower Advisors: Focuses on acquiring and integrating advisory practices, offering a platform for growth and succession planning.

LPL Financial: Provides comprehensive support and resources for advisors, including succession solutions and practice management tools.

Raymond James: Offers succession planning services and resources to help advisors transition their practices smoothly.

These firms emphasize the importance of structured succession planning and the integration of technology to ensure client continuity and business growth.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

VestGen's strategic partnerships with leading custodians and technology providers, such as Pershing, Orion Advisor Solutions, Charles Schwab, LPL Financial, eMoney Advisor, and MoneyGuidePro, enhance its service offerings and operational efficiency.

Operational Insights

VestGen differentiates itself through a client-centric approach, focusing on personalized wealth management solutions and seamless advisor transitions. The firm's emphasis on mentorship and technology integration positions it as a forward-thinking leader in addressing the industry's succession challenges.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

VestGen aims to expand its acquisition strategy, targeting additional advisory practices within the $100 million to $500 million AUM range. By fostering the development of next-generation advisors and leveraging technological advancements, the firm is well-positioned to address the evolving needs of the wealth management industry.