I began my career in New York City as an institutional equity trader after completing both my undergraduate and graduate studies in Economics at the University of Southern California. In 1992, my wife and I made the decision to relocate to Charlottesville to raise our family, and since that time I have dedicated my career to advising families on building, protecting, and stewarding their wealth.

Before joining Wells Fargo Advisors in 2016, my team and I spent 18 years at Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firm, Smith Barney, where I refined my approach to comprehensive wealth management and client advocacy.

As a founding member of The Higgins Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, I am deeply committed to cultivating long-term relationships with a select group of families and individuals. Our mission is rooted in understanding, integrity, accountability, and mutual trust—principles that guide every aspect of our work.

Our team delivers a truly holistic, planning-based approach to family wealth management. My primary focus is on designing customized strategies that align with each client’s objectives, risk profile, and long-range vision and core values. In addition, I play a lead role in guiding clients through estate planning strategies, asset protection, philanthropic initiatives, and the complexities of multi-generational family dynamics. I am committed to staying at the forefront of my discipline and am a dedicated student of current academic research that informs our planning frameworks. I am honored to have been recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor each year from 2019 through 2025.

Outside of my professional work, I remain actively engaged in the Charlottesville community. My family’s current philanthropic efforts focus on improving childhood education and nutrition for underserved populations—a cause we care deeply about. In my free time, I enjoy reading, the arts, music, and spending time outdoors, and fly fishing. Above all, my greatest joy comes from time spent with my family and our friends.

2019-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors; Awarded April 2019 - 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the period from June 30th to June 30th of the following year. (Source: Forbes.com).

From the very beginning of The Higgins Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Thomas Grierson has been instrumental to the team’s growth, culture, and ongoing success. As a founding partner, he brings extensive industry experience and a steadfast commitment to thoughtful, client‑focused planning. A Charlottesville, Virginia native, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. His areas of focus also include insurance, tax‑efficient planning, and providing access to lending and banking solutions through Wells Fargo affiliates.

Thomas works closely with select high‑net‑worth individuals, families, executives, and business owners. The team’s practice centers on comprehensive planning that serves as a roadmap throughout each client’s financial journey, empowering confident, well‑informed decision‑making aligned with long‑term goals.

Beyond his work with clients, Thomas remains actively engaged in the community and enjoys collaborating with nonprofit boards to support meaningful causes. He maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys snow skiing, golf, and travel.

Above all else, Thomas values the time he spends with his family—his wife, Candace, and their two adult children, Savannah and Brody.

Patty brings a wealth of industry expertise to her work in Charlottesville, Virginia, pairing deep experience with a vibrant, energetic presence that continues to strengthen and elevate the team. She has been a key member of The Higgins Private Wealth Management Group since its very beginning, contributing to its growth, culture, and unwavering commitment to client care. Prior to joining Wells Fargo Advisors, Patty developed her professional foundation at Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firm, Smith Barney.

In her current role, Patty oversees all client service and operational initiatives for the team to help ensure a seamless and elevated experience for every family they support. She takes pride in managing everything from the smallest details to the most complex projects, always with a focus on excellence. The meaningful relationships Patty has built over the years remain one of the most rewarding aspects of her work, allowing her to view the families they serve not only as clients, but as cherished friends.

Patty is equally committed to serving her community. She previously served as chairwoman of the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia, where she led and coordinated impactful fundraising and awareness efforts.

Outside of work, Patty enjoys spending time with her husband, Odell, her family, and her dog, Boswell. She also loves crocheting and working puzzles during her downtime.

I joined The Higgins Private Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in April of 2023. Prior to that, I worked in Manhattan at Rosin & Associates in commercial real estate loan origination and development. I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. I have completed and received my Series 7, Series 66 and SIE registrations, Insurance license, and my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation.

Our team’s focus is on comprehensive Multi-Generational Family Wealth Management. I work with our clients, with a particular emphasis on the “next generation”, as the family seeks to build, preserve, and transition their resources and legacy.

I have responsibilities that include: Creating financial plans, model and allocation updates to our asset management platform, preparing and planning for client meetings, and streamlining and scaling our client relationship software and data base

Away from work I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, playing sports and games of all types. I have traveled Southeast Asia extensively and spent three months in China living with a host family and attending classes at Xiamen University.