Chad moved to Asheville in 1989 to work for First Union National Bank in Consumer Banking.

In 1997, he began his career as a financial advisor with First Union Brokerage Services, Inc., and successfully navigated the mergers with Wachovia and Wells Fargo.

Chad’s client relationships have become generational, serving the needs of as many as four generations at this time. He has been named a Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council Advisor^* by the firm from 2013-2024, and in 2024 he was named Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors.^**

Chad graduated from Furman University in 1989. He and his wife Karen have been married for 32 years. They have two grown daughters, Mary Helen and Caroline. Chad is active in his church and community. He currently serves as the Chair of the Investment Committee at Trinity Episcopal Church, and also serves on the Fiscal Ministries Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. He also served multiple terms on the Board of the MANNA Food Bank from 1994-2005.

He is an avid college and NFL football fan, and also enjoys struggling with the hobbies of HO Model Railroading, and Fly Fishing. Don’t ask him about his golf game!
 


<sub>*The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by business production from the previous year and professionalism.

**2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 – 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria</sub>

Robert Ferguson is a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors. He helps his clients meet their financial goals by fully understanding their complete financial situation, needs and goals.  He accomplishes this by performing detailed discovery, maintaining an investment plan, and objectively selecting and recommending investments that align with his clients’ goals and best interests.  Robert came to Wells Fargo Advisors following his retirement from the United States Probation Office in the Western District of North Carolina.  At the time of his retirement, he was an Assistant Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer and member of the Executive Leadership Team.  He was a 2023 recipient of the Old North State Award, which is an honor bestowed by the State of North Carolina.  Robert is a 1996 graduate of Appalachian State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.  He is a native of Western North Carolina, having been raised primarily in Spruce Pine, NC.  Robert lives in Asheville, NC with his wife (Kristy) and two boys (Gabe and Michael).  Robert enjoys spending time with his family, running, hiking, following sports, and attending his church. 

Robert’s office is located at 190 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804, and his telephone number is 828-255-4903.

Kristi Whitmire brings over two decades of experience and expertise in the financial services industry, starting her journey with First Union National Bank as a roving teller via a contract agency in 1996. Her commitment and dedication led her to join First Union full-time in 1997, solidifying her role with the bank.

In 1998, Kristi transitioned into the brokerage department for First Union Brokerage Services, taking on the vital role of receptionist for the western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina region. Always eager to expand her knowledge and skill set, she moved into the Client Associate role in 2000 and obtained her FINRA Series 7, 63 and 65 securities registrations, marking another significant milestone in her career.

Later, Kristi pursued a BA in Psychology from the University of Phoenix accompanying her extensive tenure in the industry as a testament to her understanding of the complexities of financial services and her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.

For the past 25 years, Kristi has served as the dedicated client associate to Chad Hardy, Managing Director - Investments & Senior Financial Advisor, and his clients.

Kristi raised her son, Andrew, now 31, in Asheville, who continues to thrive in his own career and now lives in Greenville SC. Away from the office, she cherishes spending time with her partner, also named Chad, and his teenage twins, Cora and Caleb, along their silver lab and a rescue pup.

Sarah Lee began her career with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. in 2021. She began working as a Teller in the Candler, N.C. branch. In 2023, she received the opportunity to join Wells Fargo Advisors as a Client Associate, where she became a part of Hardy Financial Strategies Group. In her role, she primarily focuses on proactively contacting clients and scheduling meetings for client reviews. Sarah also helps in maintaining day-to-day activities, including updating existing internal and external account information, completing asset movements, and administrative duties for the team.

Prior to working with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Sarah worked as a licensed Insurance Agent in Arvada, Colorado. Sarah is a native of Colorado and moved to Western North Carolina in 2018.

Away from the office, Sarah and her husband, Matt, share a daughter, Emma, a son, William, three dogs, two cats and a gecko! She enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, reading, and spending quality time with her family and friends.