Profile

Results and relationships matter to Hugh – and to the accomplished clientele he serves in more than 20 states. An enthusiastic and experienced advisor, he assists many clients who’ve become his good friends – entrepreneurs and established business owners (and their employees with benefit plans), C-level executives in the tech industry, physicians and generations of their families.

While diverse in their talents and aspirations, a majority of Hugh’s clients have lives and money in motion – founding, buying, growing and selling their enterprises, acquiring and exercising stock options, sending children to college, or planning a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

“As a husband and father of two teenagers – and a former business owner – I can appreciate what clients are facing personally and financially. That’s why I try to work with both spouses, understand a family’s dynamics, educate parents (and kids), and address any issues. I think clients recognize that if I don’t have the right answer, I’ll find it,” Hugh says. “I’m devoted to being a financial advisor and family advisor.”

When it comes to investments, Hugh takes direction from the firm’s Chief Investment Office to formulate client portfolios that span multiple asset classes – typically, equities, bonds, and alternative investments* (real estate, commodities, hedge funds, private equity and other non-correlated assets).

In addition to customizing portfolios for each client – based on their risk tolerance, investment timeline, liquidity needs and objectives – Hugh tailors his frequency and mode of contact to their preferences. He is also happy to meet with clients at their homes, businesses, or his office.

To align clients’ tax-minimization and estate planning strategies, Hugh looks to coordinate with their CPAs and attorneys, or with the firm’s trust professionals. Hugh also provides clients with access to Bank of America for business, residential, securities-based and other lending needs.

Before joining Merrill in 2022, Hugh spent 12 years at Northwestern Mutual as an advisor, director of training and technology, and the COO for a private wealth team. Previous to that, he spent seven years in landscape design and construction. Born in Mississippi, Hugh followed in his father’s footsteps at Northwestern Mutual – working beside him for several years. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, Hugh’s father taught him the value of embracing clients’ goals and leveraging experts in every field, so that clients can receive the best information at all times.

Hugh holds a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Washington State University and a place in his heart for the outdoors. He and his wife (and high school sweetheart), Jolene, and their two sons make their home in Liberty Lake, Washington (on the border of Idaho) where they enjoy good times around the campfire, as well as hiking and boating. Hugh is also an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer and volunteer.

*The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available.

*Some or all alternative investment programs may not be in the best interest of certain investors. No assurance can be given that any alternative investment’s investment objectives will be achieved.

*NMLS#2435756

For years, Hugh and Jolene have generously given their time, talents and dollars to their community and to organizations with a mission to serve others. Hugh served eight years on the Liberty Lake City Council and has volunteered with the Planned Giving Advisory Board of SNAP (helping develop processes that increase planned gifts from donors) and the Young Professionals of the American Cancer Society. He is a current board member for HUB Sports Center (a local non-profit organization). Jolene has long volunteered at Camp Journey as a camp counselor and advisor for children diagnosed with cancer. She is also a board member for the Blood Center Foundation of the Inland Northwest, supporting Vitalant Blood Center.