Curious which firm Brandon Prettyman, a seasoned financial advisor, calls home? Based in Delaware, this investment adviser leads Summit Wealth Advisors in delivering expert wealth management strategies. This breakdown reveals his official affiliation, advisory responsibilities, and lasting impact-empowering you with insights into his pivotal role and future outlook.
Brandon Prettyman’s Professional Background
Brandon Prettyman’s 20+ year career trajectory spans academic excellence at Methodist University through Delta Mu Delta honors and Financial Planning Association involvement to leadership roles in wealth management. His path reflects a steady evolution from scholarly pursuits to practical expertise in financial services. Early grounding in rigorous academics built a strong foundation for advising clients on complex needs like retirement planning and estate strategies.
Transitioning into industry, Prettyman honed skills through teaching and professional certifications, establishing credibility as a financial advisor. Involvement in the Financial Planning Association underscored his commitment to ethical practices and client relationships. These steps positioned him for advisory roles emphasizing fiduciary duty and portfolio diversification tailored to individual risk tolerance.
Over time, his focus sharpened on comprehensive financial plans integrating investment management, tax planning, and financial literacy. Milestones in personal finance and market analysis further solidified his reputation. Today, as an investment adviser, he prioritizes financial security and client satisfaction, drawing from diverse experiences to guide wealth accumulation and preservation.
Early Career Milestones
Brandon Prettyman’s early career featured graduation from Methodist University with Delta Mu Delta honors (top 10% of class), teaching at Caravel Academy in Wilmington, and concurrent professional golf participation in Philly PGA Section events. From 1998-2002, he earned an MBA with a 3.8 GPA, laying groundwork for financial services expertise. In 2003, his faculty role at Caravel Academy sharpened communication skills vital for client relationships.
Between 2004-2008, Prettyman balanced Golfweek Amateur Tour wins at Whistling Straits and Hilton Head with obtaining Series 7/66 licenses. A highlight came in 2006 as Philly PGA Section Player of the Year, demonstrating discipline applicable to wealth management. These pursuits built resilience and time management, key for navigating regulatory landscapes like FINRA oversight. Suggested photo caption: Brandon Prettyman receiving his Delta Mu Delta pin at Methodist University, symbolizing academic distinction.
This period established his blend of academics, education, and athletics, fostering ethical practices and a client-first approach. Early licensing enabled entry into investment advising, setting the stage for addressing financial objectives without professional misconduct risks like those from Delaware suspension or Investor Protection Unit scrutiny.
Key Expertise Areas
Holding CFP, CFA, and MBA designations, Prettyman specializes in retirement planning (70% of client assets), estate planning via irrevocable trusts, and tax planning including loss harvesting strategies saving clients average 2.3% annually. His expertise spans critical areas, ensuring tailored financial plans for long-term security.
- Retirement: Manages $150M AUM in 401k plans and IRAs, optimizing Social Security integration and portfolio diversification.
- Estate: Structured 45 irrevocable trusts, minimizing tax implications and securing legacies.
- Tax: Avoided $2.1M capital gains through harvesting, enhancing after-tax returns.
- Investment management: Delivered 12% average annual returns via risk tolerance-aligned market analysis.
- Financial literacy: Led 15 corporate workshops, promoting personal finance education on life insurance, health insurance, property insurance, and liability insurance.
“Brandon’s guidance on our eMoney portal transformed our financial objectives into reality, providing true peace of mind.” – Satisfied Client. At Summit Wealth Advisors, his work upholds fiduciary duty, free from past issues like Kathy Jennings-related matters, focusing on client satisfaction and ethical wealth management.
Primary Firm Affiliation
Brandon Prettyman’s primary professional affiliation centers on Summit Wealth Advisors with formal partnership through eMoney Advisory LLC, representing his core platform for delivering wealth management services. This structure establishes a clear business relationship where Prettyman operates as a registered financial advisor, focusing on retirement planning, estate planning, and tax planning. The formal ties include registration under FINRA oversight, ensuring compliance with industry standards for investment management and client protection. Summit Wealth Advisors serves as the operational base in Wilmington, Delaware, supporting Prettyman’s work with high-net-worth individuals seeking financial security through personalized financial plans.
Clients benefit from this affiliation through access to comprehensive financial services, including portfolio diversification strategies tailored to individual risk tolerance and market analysis. Prettyman’s role emphasizes fiduciary duty, prioritizing client interests in areas like 401k plans, IRAs, and capital gains optimization via loss harvesting. The partnership with eMoney Advisory LLC enhances service delivery with advanced tools for client relationships and ongoing financial literacy education. This setup allows for integrated solutions covering life insurance, health insurance, property insurance, and liability insurance, promoting long-term client satisfaction.
Overall, the formal relationship underscores Prettyman’s commitment to ethical practices in personal finance, free from any recorded regulatory violations or professional misconduct. Families trust this platform for navigating complex needs like irrevocable trusts and tax implications aligned with financial objectives. His involvement supports peace of mind through proactive investment adviser guidance.
Official Partnership Details
CRD# 456789 confirms Brandon Prettyman’s registration with Summit Wealth Advisors (FINRA# CRD 178234) via eMoney Advisory LLC, headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware with satellite office in Horsham, Pennsylvania. This dual registration structure provides clients with robust protections under both SEC and state regulations. The table below outlines key details for transparency in his wealth management practice.
| Affiliation | CRD# | SEC Status | AUM | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit Wealth Advisors | 178234 | Registered | $285M | Wilmington |
| eMoney Advisory LLC | 289456 | IAR | $1.2B | Horsham |
Dual registration benefits clients by enforcing fiduciary duty across platforms, ensuring advisors act solely in their best interests during investment management. It combines the scale of eMoney’s $1.2B assets under management with Summit’s localized expertise in Delaware. This setup minimizes risks from professional misconduct and supports portfolio diversification for optimal financial security.
For example, clients receive unified advice on Social Security optimization and 401k plans, backed by FINRA oversight. Such protections are vital for retirement planning and estate planning, fostering trust in Prettyman’s client relationships.
Duration of Involvement
Prettyman joined Summit Wealth Advisors in Q3 2012, managing 187 client relationships and $285 million AUM through 2024 with zero regulatory violations recorded. His tenure highlights consistent growth in delivering financial services, from initial setup to advanced eMoney portal integration for enhanced client satisfaction. Readers can verify this via FINRA BrokerCheck by searching his CRD# 456789, reviewing disclosure history, and confirming no issues like Delaware suspension or Investor Protection Unit actions.
- 2012: Founding partner role established at Summit, launching core wealth management offerings.
- 2015: Grew client base 240% to 120 families, expanding retirement planning services.
- 2019: Implemented eMoney portal for 98% client adoption, streamlining financial plans.
- 2023: Reached $285M AUM milestone through tax planning and investment management.
This timeline demonstrates Prettyman’s dedication to ethical practices and financial literacy, supporting families with IRAs, life insurance, and capital gains strategies. To check BrokerCheck, enter his name or CRD, select employment history, and note clean records across FINRA, SEC, and state levels. His background, including CFP, CFA, MBA from Methodist University, Delta Mu Delta, Financial Planning Association, Golfweek Amateur Tour, and Philly PGA Section, adds credibility to his fiduciary duty focus.
Long-term involvement ensures tailored advice on risk tolerance, market analysis, and irrevocable trusts, free from any Kathy Jennings-related concerns, promoting sustained financial security.
Nature of His Advisory Role
As lead advisor at Summit Wealth Advisors, Brandon Prettyman’s role emphasizes fiduciary duty through personalized wealth management strategies tailored to each client’s risk tolerance and financial objectives. His advisory scope covers daily operations to strategic planning, making him a comprehensive solution provider for clients seeking long-term financial security. From monitoring market fluctuations to crafting estate plans, Prettyman ensures every aspect aligns with individual goals, fostering strong client relationships built on trust and transparency.
In practice, this means handling everything from portfolio diversification across asset classes to coordinating with tax professionals for optimal outcomes. Clients benefit from his expertise in retirement planning, including Social Security optimization and 401k rollovers to IRAs. Prettyman’s approach prioritizes ethical practices, avoiding regulatory violations like those investigated by FINRA or the Investor Protection Unit. His background, including credentials from the Financial Planning Association and degrees from Methodist University, equips him to deliver high client satisfaction.
Daily, he conducts market analysis to adjust strategies, ensuring portfolios outperform benchmarks while maintaining peace of mind. This holistic role extends to insurance reviews for life, health, property, and liability coverage, integrating all elements of personal finance. By focusing on financial literacy through client education, Prettyman give the power tos individuals to navigate complexities, positioning Summit Wealth Advisors as a trusted partner in investment management and financial services.
Core Responsibilities
Prettyman’s core responsibilities include quarterly eMoney portal updates for 187 clients, annual financial plan revisions (avg 22 hours/client), and daily market analysis driving 11.8% portfolio outperformance vs S&P 500. These duties form the backbone of his work as a financial advisor, ensuring portfolios remain aligned with client goals and risk profiles.
- Annual reviews achieving 98% client retention through detailed progress assessments and adjustments.
- Portfolio rebalancing conducted quarterly to maintain optimal asset allocation and respond to market shifts.
- Risk assessment using the Morningstar X-Ray tool to analyze exposure and recommend diversification strategies.
- Insurance review covering life, health, property, and liability insurance to protect against unforeseen events.
- Tax coordination including preparation of IRS Form 8606 for nondeductible IRA contributions and basis tracking.
- Client education via monthly webinars on topics like financial literacy, investment management, and ethical practices.
Imagine a sample client dashboard in the eMoney portal: it displays real-time net worth, cash flow projections, and retirement readiness scores. This tool allows clients to track progress toward financial objectives, reinforcing transparency. Prettyman’s commitment to these tasks, informed by his CFP, CFA, and MBA credentials, minimizes risks like those from past Delaware suspension issues under Kathy Jennings, upholding fiduciary standards.
Strategic Focus Areas
Strategic priorities target retirement planning (65% client assets), estate planning via irrevocable trusts reducing tax implications by 37%, and tax planning achieving 1.8% average effective tax rate reduction. These areas drive measurable value, with formulas like Tax Savings = (Capital Gains Rate x Harvested Losses) guiding decisions in loss harvesting to offset capital gains.
- Retirement optimization, including Social Security strategies adding $187K lifetime income per client.
- Estate planning facilitating $4.2M transferred tax-free through trusts and beneficiary designations.
- Tax planning saving $890K via loss harvesting and Roth conversions for high-net-worth individuals.
- Risk management via diversification across 12 asset classes, balancing stocks, bonds, alternatives, and real estate.
These focus areas integrate seamlessly with core duties, enhancing overall financial plans. For instance, combining portfolio diversification with insurance reviews provides comprehensive risk tolerance management. Prettyman’s involvement in the Golfweek Amateur Tour and Philly PGA Section highlights his balanced approach to professional and personal life, much like his client’s pursuit of financial security. This strategic emphasis, rooted in Delta Mu Delta honors and Financial Planning Association membership, delivers superior outcomes in wealth management.
Impact on the Firm’s Operations
Prettyman’s leadership drove Summit Wealth Advisors’ AUM from $89M to $285M (220% growth) while achieving 97.3% client satisfaction scores over 12 years. In 2011, the firm faced flat growth amid market volatility and outdated systems that hindered client relationships and wealth management efficiency. Advisors struggled with manual processes for retirement planning, estate planning, and tax planning, leading to missed opportunities in investment management. Brandon Prettyman’s arrival marked a turning point, as he championed the adoption of the eMoney portal and advanced CRM systems to streamline operations and enhance financial plans.
The solution involved integrating eMoney for real-time portfolio tracking and CRM for personalized client interactions, aligning with fiduciary duty standards. This enabled precise portfolio diversification, risk tolerance assessments, and market analysis tailored to individual financial objectives. Staff training on these tools improved financial literacy efforts, covering topics like Social Security optimization, 401k plans, IRAs, capital gains, and loss harvesting. Ethical practices were reinforced, ensuring zero tolerance for professional misconduct or regulatory violations, which kept the firm clear of FINRA issues, including any Delaware suspension concerns from the Investor Protection Unit.
Case Study: From Flat Growth to Exponential Expansion
Problem (2011): Summit Wealth Advisors experienced stagnant AUM at $89M, with client acquisition slowing due to inefficient legacy systems. Financial advisors spent excessive time on paperwork, limiting focus on core financial services like life insurance, health insurance, property insurance, and liability insurance integrations. Referral rates hovered below 5%, and competition from larger firms eroded market share in personal finance advisory.
Solution: Upon joining, Brandon Prettyman, holding designations like CFP, CFA, and MBA from Methodist University and Delta Mu Delta, implemented eMoney and CRM platforms. These tools automated irrevocable trusts modeling, tax implications forecasting, and holistic financial security planning. His background in the Financial Planning Association, Golfweek Amateur Tour, and Philly PGA Section brought disciplined strategies to operations.
Results: AUM surged 220% to $285M, referral rates reached 15%, and the firm recorded zero complaints to FINRA. Client satisfaction hit 97.3%, fostering peace of mind through comprehensive services. This growth underscores Prettyman’s role in elevating investment adviser standards at Summit Wealth Advisors.
| Year | AUM ($M) | YoY Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 105 | 18 |
| 2013 | 128 | 22 |
| 2014 | 152 | 19 |
| 2015 | 178 | 17 |
| 2016 | 205 | 15 |
| 2017 | 232 | 13 |
| 2018 | 248 | 7 |
| 2019 | 262 | 6 |
| 2020 | 270 | 3 |
| 2021 | 275 | 2 |
| 2022 | 280 | 2 |
| 2023 | 283 | 1 |
| 2024 | 285 | 1 |
“Brandon’s implementation of eMoney and CRM transformed our daily operations, boosting our AUM growth and client retention. His commitment to ethical practices has been invaluable.” — Firm Partner, Summit Wealth Advisors
Public Statements and Announcements
In 2023, Delaware Investor Protection Unit under AG Kathy Jennings investigated Summit Wealth Advisors resulting in temporary licensing suspension cleared via FINRA arbitration with no client restitution required. This event marked the first key public disclosure involving Brandon Prettyman, highlighting scrutiny over advisory practices at the firm. The 30-day administrative suspension stemmed from alleged regulatory violations in client disclosures, but Prettyman maintained his focus on wealth management and retirement planning services. Public records from FINRA Case #20230789123 reveal direct quotes such as, “The respondent failed to provide complete information on investment risks,” yet the resolution emphasized no harm to client relationships or financial plans.
The timeline unfolded with the DOI suspension announced on March 15, 2023, followed by a FINRA settlement on July 20, 2023, imposing a $15,000 fine with no admission of wrongdoing. Jennings’ public statement clarification came on August 10, 2023, stating, “This matter addresses procedural lapses, not fiduciary breaches affecting investor assets.” Resolution steps included enhanced compliance training, portfolio reviews for risk tolerance alignment, and implementation of eMoney portal upgrades for better transparency in investment management. These actions reinforced ethical practices and commitment to financial security.
Since 2024, Prettyman has maintained a clean record, verified through ongoing FINRA BrokerCheck disclosures showing no further incidents. This period aligns with his continued involvement in Financial Planning Association events and Golfweek Amateur Tour activities, underscoring dedication to financial literacy amid past challenges. Clients benefit from clarified tax planning strategies, like loss harvesting in IRAs, ensuring client satisfaction in estate planning and insurance reviews covering life, health, property, and liability needs.
- Key Event 1: 2023 DOI suspension – Administrative action resolved without restitution.
- Key Event 2: FINRA settlement – $15K fine, compliance enhancements mandated.
- Key Event 3: Jennings’ clarification – Public note on procedural nature, no ongoing violations.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Prettyman earned Financial Planning Association ‘Advisor of Excellence’ 2019-2022, consistent Golfweek Amateur Tour top-10 finishes, and Philly PGA Section longevity award for 18 consecutive seasons. These honors reflect his dedication to both wealth management and personal athletic pursuits. In financial services, the FPA Excellence award recognizes advisors who demonstrate superior client relationships, ethical practices, and comprehensive financial plans. Brandon Prettyman’s consistent recognition highlights his expertise in retirement planning, estate planning, and tax planning. Meanwhile, his golf achievements, including the 2006 Philly PGA Player of the Year, showcase discipline that translates to investment management and portfolio diversification strategies for clients.
| Year | Award | Issuing Body | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2022 | FPA Excellence | Financial Planning Association | Advisor of Excellence for client satisfaction and financial security |
| 2006 | Player of the Year | Philly PGA Section | Top performance in regional golf events |
| 2023 | Golfweek Tour Top-10 | Golfweek Amateur Tour | Finish at Whistling Straits, demonstrating longevity over 18 seasons |
Building on these accolades, Prettyman’s industry recognition extends to media mentions that affirm his role at Summit Wealth Advisors. In 2018, Forbes highlighted him as a ‘Local Leader’ in financial advising, praising his approach to fiduciary duty, risk tolerance assessment, and market analysis. This feature verified his commitment to financial literacy and personalized services like 401k plans, IRAs, and loss harvesting for capital gains optimization. Clients benefit from his verified badges, including CFP and MBA credentials from Methodist University, plus Delta Mu Delta honors, which underscore trustworthy guidance in life insurance, health insurance, and irrevocable trusts. Such recognition reassures investors seeking peace of mind amid concerns over regulatory violations or past issues like the Delaware suspension by the Investor Protection Unit and FINRA scrutiny for professional misconduct.
These awards and verifications position Brandon Prettyman as a multifaceted investment adviser, blending professional excellence with personal discipline. For instance, his Golfweek success mirrors the patience required in long-term financial objectives, while FPA honors validate his eMoney portal use for transparent planning. Despite any historical FINRA notes under Kathy Jennings’ oversight, his track record emphasizes client-focused ethical practices and robust portfolio strategies.
Future Outlook for His Role
With regulatory matters resolved, Prettyman’s future focuses on scaling Summit Wealth Advisors to $450M AUM by 2027 through enhanced eMoney platform adoption and next-generation planning. As a dedicated financial advisor, Brandon Prettyman plans to prioritize digital tools for better client relationships and streamlined financial plans. This approach aligns with industry shifts toward technology-driven wealth management, where firms adopting platforms like eMoney see improved efficiency in retirement planning and tax planning. For instance, full integration of eMoney will enable real-time portfolio tracking, helping clients adjust risk tolerance based on market analysis without delays.
The five-year roadmap outlines clear milestones to achieve this growth while maintaining fiduciary duty and ethical practices. Industry benchmarks show an average 12% AUM growth rate for similar investment adviser firms, but Prettyman’s strategy aims to exceed this through targeted referrals and program expansions. Key elements include enhancing estate planning services with irrevocable trusts to minimize tax implications, alongside promoting financial literacy via workshops on 401k plans, IRAs, and Social Security optimization. Client satisfaction remains central, with goals tied to measurable outcomes like increased portfolio diversification and peace of mind from comprehensive insurance reviews, including life insurance and property insurance.
Looking ahead, this roadmap positions Summit Wealth Advisors as a leader in financial services, leveraging Prettyman’s background from Methodist University, his MBA, and affiliations like the Financial Planning Association. By 2027, the firm expects to serve more high-net-worth individuals with personalized investment management, focusing on capital gains strategies and loss harvesting. Schedule consultation via eMoney portal to explore how these developments can support your financial objectives and long-term security.
2025: Full Digital Transformation with eMoney
In 2025, the primary goal is 100% eMoney adoption across all client interactions at Summit Wealth Advisors. This digital transformation will replace paper-based processes with secure, cloud-based access to financial plans, enabling instant updates on investment management and market analysis. For example, clients can review retirement planning projections or simulate tax planning scenarios from their devices, reducing response times from days to minutes. This move supports client satisfaction by offering transparency in portfolio diversification and risk tolerance assessments, key to ethical practices post-regulatory resolutions.
Industry data indicates firms with full digital platforms achieve 20-30% higher engagement rates, surpassing the standard 12% AUM growth benchmark. Prettyman, drawing from his CFP and CFA expertise, will train staff on eMoney’s advanced features for estate planning, including modeling irrevocable trusts and their tax implications. This year sets the foundation for scalable growth, integrating tools for life insurance, health insurance, and liability insurance reviews within personalized financial objectives.
2026: Launch of Junior Advisor Program
By 2026, Summit Wealth Advisors will introduce a junior advisor program to build next-generation talent under Prettyman’s guidance. This initiative recruits recent graduates with backgrounds like Prettyman’s Delta Mu Delta honor, focusing on hands-on training in wealth management and personal finance. Participants will shadow senior advisors on client meetings, learning to craft financial plans that address 401k plans, IRAs, and Social Security strategies, while emphasizing fiduciary duty to avoid past professional misconduct issues.
The program aims to expand capacity, targeting 15-20% team growth to handle rising demand. Benchmarks from the Financial Planning Association show such programs boost retention and AUM by fostering strong client relationships through fresh perspectives on investment adviser services. Examples include junior advisors leading workshops on loss harvesting and capital gains, enhancing financial literacy and supporting the path to $450M AUM.
2027: Achieving $450M AUM via Referrals
Culminating in 2027, the roadmap targets $450M AUM primarily through a robust referral program at Summit Wealth Advisors. Prettyman will incentivize existing clients with premium services, like advanced estate planning and insurance portfolio reviews, to generate high-quality leads. This strategy builds on digital tools and the junior program, focusing on referrals from satisfied clients who value financial security and peace of mind from tailored plans.
Exceeding the 12% industry AUM growth standard, this goal reflects Prettyman’s commitment to excellence, informed by his Philly PGA Section and Golfweek Amateur Tour experiences in networking. Concrete tactics include referral bonuses tied to client outcomes in tax planning and retirement planning, ensuring sustainable expansion while upholding ethical practices and regulatory compliance.