Ken E. Hayes, CFP®, AIF®, CRPC®
Ken Hayes brings nearly three decades of experience in the financial services industry, including more than 20 years with Wells Fargo Advisors. He began his career in 1997 and, after eight years with Merrill Lynch in Knoxville, returned to Wells Fargo Advisors to form what is now Heartland Financial Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. Over the years, Ken has also held a number of leadership roles, most recently serving as Branch Manager covering the Knoxville, Morristown, and Johnson City markets. Following the growth of Heartland Financial Consulting Group, now managing over $1 billion in assets under management as of 2025, Ken focuses his time on his practice, serving as a dedicated advocate for his clients and providing thoughtful, holistic guidance for multi-generational families.
Ken takes a disciplined, long-term approach to helping clients navigate their financial lives through comprehensive planning. He emphasizes strategies designed to align investments with each client’s goals, values, and evolving circumstances. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®, Ken brings a high standard of care, technical expertise, and perspective to each client relationship. This combination of credentials reflects a meaningful commitment to professionalism within the wealth management industry.
Active in his community, Ken has long been involved with local philanthropic efforts. Through Heartland Financial Consulting Group, he supports organizations including Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, the Parkinson’s Foundation, Autism Society, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, among others—reflecting a broader commitment to the families and communities they serve.
Ken has been named to the Wells Fargo Advisors Platinum Council for nine consecutive years (2018–2026), a distinction held by a select group of advisors based on professional achievement and client service.
Ken and his wife, Lucy, live in Knoxville, Tennessee. They enjoy spending time with friends and family, often on the golf course or at the lake.
Additional Education & Licenses
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) – Accounting
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®)
Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® (CRPC®)
Senior PIM® Portfolio Manager
FINRA Securities Registrations: Series 7, 66, 9, & 10
Tennessee Insurance Licenses: Life, Health, and Long-Term Care
2024 - 2026: 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.
2018 - 2023: The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by one or more of the following completion of educational components, business production from the previous year and professionalism. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structure.