About

Discover the Tillman Hartley Difference

Michael Tillman practiced estate planning and tax law for more than 20 years before Tillman Hartley officially opened our doors in 1998. After observing that his clients’ investment portfolios weren’t always aligned with the estate and tax plans he developed for them, Michael co-founded Tillman Hartley to offer clients seamless financial planning and wealth management services.

Tillman Hartley’s investment management style is rooted in time-tested academic research and analysis. Today, our team of financial professionals works tirelessly to ensure Michael’s original vision for the firm endures by providing unparalleled client service and sound financial advice.

Fiduciary Standard

Not all financial advisors are required to put their clients’ best interests ahead of their own. As a fiduciary wealth manager, Tillman Hartley is legally and ethically bound to act in the best interests of our clients.

100% Independent and Fee-Only

As an independent, fee-only wealth manager, we don’t profit from selling investments, insurance, or any other financial product. Our clients come to us for open communication and unbiased advice backed by sound financial research and analysis.

Enduring Advisory Team

Our exceptionally low employee turnover increases the likelihood that our clients work with the same professionals for decades rather than years or months.

Commitment to Excellence

Our diverse and impressive mix of academic and industry credentials demonstrates our commitment to ongoing education and separates us from many of our competitors.

Our Clients

We work with a variety of financially successful individuals and families, from innovative entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to corporate executives and thriving retirees. While their backgrounds may differ, we tend to develop strong relationships with clients who share the following characteristics: 

  • Looking for an ongoing wealth manager or “family CFO” to help you navigate the complexities of financial life
  • Willing to take an active role in the financial planning process but ultimately prefer to delegate due to lack of time, expertise, or interest
  • Appreciate the value of trustworthy, professional financial advice and holistic wealth management

Meet The Team

Founding Partner Michael Tillman practiced estate planning and tax law for more than 20 years before Tillman Hartley officially opened our doors in 1998. After observing that his clients’ investment portfolios weren’t always aligned with the estate and tax plans he developed for them, Michael co-founded Tillman Hartley to offer clients seamless financial planning and wealth management services. 

Michael’s investment management style is rooted in time-tested academic research and analysis. Today, our team of financial professionals works tirelessly to ensure Michael’s original vision for the firm endures by providing unparalleled client service and sound financial advice.

Kevin Schwall, CFA

Partner

Kevin has been with Tillman Hartley since 2007 and serves as the firm’s Chief Executive Officer. As a CFA® Charterholder, he brings technical expertise and intellectual curiosity to all aspects of the firm's investment activities. Kevin enjoys helping clients gain a comfortable understanding of their often-complex financial lives.

Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Duke University, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation, and maintains the Series 65 license (Investment Advisor Representative). Prior to joining Tillman Hartley, Kevin was a Professional Engineer and served as an officer in the United States Army. He enjoys hiking and skiing in the mountains of Colorado and traveling off the beaten path with his wife and two children.

Mike Lambert

Partner

Mr. Lambert began with Tillman Hartley in 1998 as a programmer and network administrator and now serves as the firm’s Chief Financial Officer. His efforts at Tillman Hartley include creation of income and estate tax models, contributions on investment portfolio policy creation and account management, and serving as primary interface with asset custodians. Mike also directs in-house software development and served as project manager for Tillman Hartley’s proprietary Wealth Strategies Design System software. Mike manages systems integration, hardware and software operations for Tillman Hartley and has 30 years’ experience in both information technology and financial technology.

Gary Lutes, CFA

Partner

Gary joined Tillman Hartley in 2004 to help further development of the company's estate planning software, and earned the CFA® designation in 2012. His analytical abilities and exceptional eye for detail have made him invaluable in the areas of portfolio design, analysis, and client service. Gary is integral to the firm’s customized reporting and financial modeling and excels at creating tools to help visualize and facilitate decisions around our clients’ finances.

Outside of the office, Gary enjoys spending time exploring the mountains around Asheville, NC with his wife and son, and wrangling various farm animals on their small homestead. Gary holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of South Florida, the CFA Institute’s Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation and maintains the Series 65 license (Investment Advisor Representative).

Ben Cannon

Partner

Ben joined Tillman Hartley in 2014 as a Financial Manager. Prior to joining, he had over a decade of experience investing. Mr. Cannon holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Engineering in Systems Engineering from Boston University. His unique background and passion for wealth management make Ben a valuable addition to our Team. Ben maintains the Series 65 license (Investment Advisor Representative). Ben’s interests include behavioral finance, backyard horticulture, fermentation, biking, and hiking with his wife, son, daughter, and dog.

Michael Tillman, JD

Founder

Michael is co-founder of Tillman Hartley. He practiced estate planning and tax law for many years before co-founding Tillman Hartley in 1998 to manage assets in his clients’ trusts, partnerships, and foundations.

Michael has a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida.

Michael is a co-founder and past President of the North Central Florida Community Foundation, co-author of Generations - Planning Your Legacy, and holds the Series 65 license (Investment Advisor Representative).

Michael enjoys time with his family, boating, T'ai Chi Chuan, and Hawaiian Swimming®.

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