Focus and Why

For over three decades, Tom has helped clients address their financial concerns and develop strategies by focusing on each individual’s specific needs. During this time, Tom has learned from both his successes and failures, which have helped him better serve his clients with a more well-rounded approach.

Tom’s first investment experience comes from buying gold at a young age in the 1970s. After gold prices tumbled a few years later, he learned that investing requires more research and discipline, which are principles he continues to use today.

Background and experience

Tom earned a Bachelor’s degree in business from Western Connecticut University. Tom began his career with Merrill Lynch in Jupiter, FL where he developed his fundamental investment knowledge. Now a First Vice President-Investments with the Palm Beach Gardens office of Wells Fargo Advisors, he takes pride in working for a firm that puts you first. Tom has been named a Premier Advisor in 2014, 2019 and 2020, a distinction held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by completion of educational components, business production based on either of the past two years, and professionalism. Additional criteria, including length of service, may also be used to determine recipients.

Away from the office

Originally, from New Fairfield, CT, Tom moved to South Florida in 1983. Tom, his wife Ellen and their 5 children now live in Jupiter.During his free time, he enjoys bicycling, often participating in long distance rides on the weekends. He also spends time shooting sport clays and keeping up with current trends by reading many financial publications.

Focus and Why

It takes more than a single planning session to put your wealth to work in support of your life goals. It takes a process. As your life circumstances change, so must the investment strategies Brian uses to help keep you on course toward your objectives. You will continue to work together through the years to keep your investment strategies aligned with your goals and needs.

Brian found his calling to be a Financial Advisor at the young age of 17. His father passed away unexpectedly, which left his family to struggle because they did not have the proper planning. Today, Brian finds joy in helping people not only plan for the worst, but also helping them realize and accomplish their goals and dreams through planning.

Background and experience

Brian attained his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Miami. Immediately after college, Brian began his career in 2006 at Smith Barney, where he passed the FINRA Series 7 General Securities Registration, as well as his Series 66 Registration and Florida Health, Life and Variable Insurance licenses. He also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER or CFP®, practitioner designation from the College for Financial Planning. For this designation, he had to complete approved educational programs, pass rigorous examinations and meet stringent experience requirements. Further, Brian has continued his passion for learning by passing the Series 9/10 General Securities Sales Supervisor Exam.

In 2010, he joined Wells Fargo Advisors to take a team approach in providing personalized financial advice for individuals and families.

In 2024, Brian was listed on the Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State for Florida list*.

Away from the office

Active in the local community, Brian volunteers for several local charities and is a member of Business Networking International. Born originally in Cherry Hill, NJ, Brian and his family moved to Jupiter, Florida in 1997 for the boating and great weather.Outside the office, Brian is an avid golfer and enjoys traveling with his wife Jenny and spending time with their dog, Napa.


*2024 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State: Awarded August 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/23 - 3/31/24 (Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors (AKA America's Top Next-Gen 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.

Focus and Why

Ellen was driven to become a Financial Advisor from her own life experiences. Growing up, she came from a divorced family. Ellen was raised watching her mother depend on of a “fixed” income to pay for her bills but was able to amass wealth through good financial habits and the coaching of her financial advisor. Her father was able to live life with a substantial lifestyle as a successful business owner, but was unprepared for his retirement and longevity.

These two money styles made an impact on Ellen later in life when she was a single mother of twins. Ellen reflected on her mother’s skills and preparations and now uses that knowledge to coach her clients through transitional life challenges, as well as coach business owners the value of planning throughout all business life cycles. Times may be good, times may be bad, but if you plan, you can be prepared for both.

Background and experience

Ellen was raised in Moorestown, NJ and later moved Boca Raton, FL in 1980. She later earned her Bachelor’s Degree with Honors from the University of Florida in Economics and Latin American Studies. Ellen started in the financial services industry in 2007, working previously with Primerica, followed by Morgan Stanley. She moved to Wells Fargo Advisors in 2013 to join the Hegarty Beattie Group to round out the team’s experience and focus.

Before being a Financial Advisor, Ellen was a partner in two prior businesses; one that was very successful and the other that suffered from an economic downturn. She has insights to being divorced, being a single mother and the experience of being a business owner. She understands the distinct challenges that come with these situations. Ellen enjoys coaching and being an educator for various financial concepts. For Ellen, it is important that her clients understand how money works so together they engage with a compatible attitude towards investing and the planning process.

Away from the office

As a Palm Beach County resident for over 40 years, Ellen and her husband Tom Hegarty currently live in Jupiter. Together they have five kids and one granddaughter. When she is not busy being “Super Mom” to her twins boys, she likes to spend free time being physically active and giving back to the community. Her main passion is to volunteer with the Rotary Club of Jupiter-Tequesta and supporting other local charities.