Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Financial Advisory Services
Tillman Hartley was founded over 25 years ago to address the disconnect between estate planning and investment management. As an independent, fee-only Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we operate under a fiduciary standard, prioritizing client interests above all else. Our team of CFA charterholders and financial experts provides personalized wealth management and multi-family office services, serving clients ranging from entrepreneurs to retirees. We maintain long-term relationships through exceptional service continuity, with team members working alongside clients for decades.Our holistic approach integrates tax, legal, and investment planning while offering specialized support for complex assets like private equity, art, and aviation. With offices in Denver, Asheville, and Athens, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to simplifying financial complexity for lasting generational impact.
Services
Wealth Management
Family Office Services
Tax Planning
Estate Planning
Risk Management
Investment Advisory
Legacy Planning
Charitable Giving
Asset Management
Financial Education
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We operate under strict fiduciary standards with 100% independent advice
- Our team includes CFA charterholders with decades of service continuity
- We offer integrated tax, legal, and investment planning expertise
- Specialized support for complex assets like private equity and aviation
- Proven track record serving high-net-worth families for over 25 years
Associations and certifications
- Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
- CFA Institute
Services
Wealth Management
Our comprehensive wealth management services provide tailored financial strategies for high-net-worth individuals. We integrate investment advisory, tax planning, and estate preservation techniques to create holistic solutions. With a fiduciary focus, we help clients navigate complex financial decisions while maintaining long-term wealth sustainability through disciplined portfolio management and proactive risk assessment.
Family Office Services
Multi-family office solutions offer personalized support for generational wealth management. Our services include governance structure development, investment oversight, and concierge assistance for unique assets. We provide specialized guidance for family boards while maintaining strict confidentiality and long-term planning continuity through our stable advisory team.
Estate Planning
Specialized estate planning integrates legal and tax strategies to ensure efficient wealth transfer. We collaborate with top attorneys to develop customized trust structures while implementing tax-smart gifting techniques. Our approach emphasizes generational education and legacy preservation through comprehensive succession planning frameworks.
Tax Planning
Proactive tax planning services focus on minimizing lifetime tax liabilities through strategic investment positioning and entity structuring. We coordinate with CPAs to implement tax-efficient gifting strategies while addressing complex issues related to private equity holdings and insider stock positions for corporate executives.
Risk Management
Comprehensive risk management evaluates both financial and non-financial exposures through customized insurance analysis. We assess asset protection strategies while addressing specific risks associated with concentrated stock positions and alternative investments. Our approach emphasizes proactive mitigation rather than reactive solutions.
People
Kevin Schwall
Chief Executive Officer
CFA charterholder with 17+ years at Tillman Hartley. Former Army officer and engineer. Specializes in investment strategy and client financial education. Holds Series 65 license and Duke engineering degree.
Mike Lambert
Chief Financial Officer
Co-founder with 30+ years in financial technology. Manages tax modeling, investment policy, and systems development. Created proprietary wealth management software. Series 65 licensed professional.
Gary Lutes
Partner
CFA charterholder focused on portfolio design and financial modeling. 20+ years at Tillman Hartley. Combines computer engineering expertise with investment analysis. Series 65 licensed professional.
Ben Cannon
Partner
Financial manager with engineering and economics background. Specializes in behavioral finance and client strategy. Series 65 licensed. 10+ years investment experience prior to joining in 2014.
Michael Tillman
Founding Partner, Retired
Retired attorney and co-founder. Estate planning expert with Harvard and University of Florida credentials. Series 65 licensed. Author of 'Generations - Planning Your Legacy' and community foundation leader.
Questions
What distinguishes Tillman Hartley from other wealth managers?
We combine independent fiduciary status with CFA-level expertise and multi-generational planning focus. Our fee-only model eliminates conflicts of interest while maintaining personalized service continuity.
How does the family office service work?
We provide customized governance structures, investment oversight, and specialized support for unique assets. Our stable team ensures consistent service across generations with access to industry specialists.
What investment approach do you use?
We create tailored portfolios aligned with client goals using both traditional and alternative investments. Our disciplined strategy emphasizes tax efficiency and risk management across market cycles.
How are services priced?
Family office fees are based on assets under management or flat quarterly rates. Wealth management follows transparent fee-only structure. Costs are customized to each family's specific needs.
Do you work with non-local clients?
Yes, we serve clients nationwide through secure digital communication while maintaining offices in Denver, Asheville, and Athens for in-person meetings.
What experience do your advisors have?
Our team includes CFA charterholders with decades of combined experience. Many advisors have worked together for 15+ years, providing consistent expertise across financial planning disciplines.
