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Let’s start with the big picture: Why did you choose to launch Terrace Wealth now, and how does it fit into the broader ETA model of buy-and-build entrepreneurship?
Before pursuing my MBA at WashU in St. Louis, I served four years in the U.S. Army, then spent nearly a decade working at and leading fee-only wealth advisory firms. I knew that after business school, I wanted to build something meaningful in the financial planning space. That vision led me to partner with my former professor, Brian Wolfe, and his firm, Funded Ventures, which is active in building small mission-critical businesses.
Initially, we explored acquiring an existing wealth management firm but ultimately decided to launch Terrace Wealth (www.terracewealth.com) from the ground up. Our long-term strategy is to grow both organically and through acquisitions. Nearly 40% of financial advisors are expected to retire within the next decade, and many don’t have a clear succession plan. Given our background, we believe Terrace is well-positioned to be a trusted partner for Midwest-based advisory firm owners looking for a values-aligned transition. But before we can be that buyer, we need to build our brand and establish a strong foundation of assets under management.
Wealth management is capital-light, recurring, fragmented, and sticky — a dream vertical for many ETA investors. What made it compelling to you personally?
Wealth management checks so many of the boxes that make a business attractive for ETA: low capital intensity, high fragmentation, strong recurring revenue, and mission-critical services. But what drew me personally was the opportunity to make a lasting impact in people’s lives. The financial planning process is repeatable, but the outcomes are deeply personal. Helping clients make smart decisions, stay disciplined during volatility, and ultimately achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling. It’s also a huge and growing market, which allows us to serve clients meaningfully while building a scalable business.
Many searchers struggle to acquire firms in founder-led, client-facing industries like wealth advisory. How is Terrace Wealth positioning itself as a “friendly buyer” for advisors considering succession or gradual exit?
It all starts with culture. Because we’re building from the ground up, we’re intentional about creating a values-driven team from day one. We’re relationship-first people who believe trust is earned by consistently doing what’s right for clients. That resonates with retiring advisors who want more than a financial transaction — they want to ensure their clients and staff are taken care of. For those considering succession or gradual transition, we offer a home where their legacy will be respected and their relationships preserved.
With the backing of Funded Ventures, how is Brian Wolfe’s experience helping guide Terrace Wealth’s launch and growth?
Brian brings a rare combination of strategic insight and operational experience. He co-led a successful SaaS roll-up that exited to private equity, spent 17 years practicing M&A law at Kirkland & Ellis, and now teaches ETA and private equity at top universities. He’s also no stranger to asset management and private investing. His transition into wealth management is driven by the same principles that guided his prior success: finding founder-led businesses in fragmented markets that need a partner for the next chapter of growth.
His expertise helps us evaluate deals, structure partnerships, and ensure smooth transitions — all while staying focused on long-term value creation. He’s a steadying presence and a true partner. And above all, he’s just a great person to build with.
Your journey from the military to business school to launching a wealth firm is unique. How has your leadership style evolved, and how does your service background shape the culture at Terrace?
I joined the Army as a kid and, in many ways, grew up there. It taught me to stay mission-focused, trust the process, and lead with discipline — especially under pressure. That mindset applies directly to wealth management, where staying calm and clear-headed during volatility is critical.
Over time, my leadership style has shifted from tactical execution to strategic alignment. In the military, I focused on results. Today, it’s also about empathy, clarity, and enabling others to succeed. At Terrace, we aim to lead with integrity and accountability, always putting our clients’ interests first. That’s why we structured the firm as an independent, fee-only RIA — so clients can trust that our advice is truly objective.
We also carry a deep sense of responsibility — to our clients, our team, and the communities we serve. That sense of duty has stayed with me since my time in uniform; it just looks different now.
You describe Terrace as being “unapologetically Midwest.” Why does regional identity matter in ETA and how does it support trust-building with target firms and clients?
Being “unapologetically Midwest” reflects how we show up: with humility, authenticity, and follow-through. In ETA, valuation matters — but in founder-led businesses, who’s buying often matters just as much as what they’re paying. Around here, people want to see that you’ll honor what they’ve built. Trust is earned by doing, not saying.
There’s a reason Missouri is called the Show Me State. Midwestern founders want a buyer who’s grounded, reliable, and will take care of their people. Our regional roots help us connect with them on a deeper level. It’s not just about closing the deal — it’s about carrying forward a legacy with care and commitment.
