Brett Howell is one of the founding partners of the Howell & Sharp Group, joining Merrill in 2000. Brett's focus  is in the area of qualified and non-qualified retirement plans for corporations and non-profit organizations. 

Brett earned his CFP® certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. He graduated from Michigan State University and lives in the Grand Rapids area with his wife and five kids.

Named to Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisors list in 2018, 2019 and 2020 (*Source: Financial Times “401 Top Retirement Advisers” list, published annually May - Oct. Rankings based on data as of Dec 31 of prior year)

Named to Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 (*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year)



*Source: Financial Times “401 Top Retirement Advisers” list, published annually May - Oct. Rankings based on data as of Dec 31 of prior year.

The Financial Times “401 Top Retirement Advisers” list is an independent listing produced annually by the Financial Times. The FT 401 is based on data gathered from advisers, regulatory disclosures, and the FT’s research. The listing reflects each adviser’s status in six primary areas: DC plan assets under management, DC plan growth rate, specialization in DC plans, years of experience, advanced industry credentials, and compliance record. This honor is not indicative of the adviser’s future performance. Rankings and recognition from the Financial Times are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the adviser. Neither the advisers nor their parent firms pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 401. All rights reserved.


*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking.
For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

 

Craig is one of the founding partners of the Howell & Sharp Group, joining Merrill in 2000 after teaching economics for five years. Craig focuses on advising individuals, non-profit organizations, foundations, and retirement plans on a wide range of investment management strategies. He helps clients develop wealth management strategies through a defined process that includes: goal definition, portfolio development, risk management, performance measurement, income management, and liability management.

Craig leads the Howell & Sharp Group’s wealth management services for high net worth individuals and non-profit organizations.  He utilizes the considerable global resources of Merrill to help clients create customized strategies designed to last for multiple generations.

Craig earned his CFP® certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.  He has a BA degree from Hope College and a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan.

Named to Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022*


*Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry
experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

 

Joel's focusis on delivering a comprehensive approach to managing wealth that begins with listening to a client’s needs and helping to ensure every strategy is grounded in understanding what each client wants to achieve. Joel  provides access to the investment insights of Merrill and banking convenience of Bank of America to help address the various aspects of clients’ financial lives. He is driven by a passion for delivering excellent service and helping clients pursue their goals.