News & Media

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dynasty Financial Partners today announced its partnership with Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors, the most recent independent investment advisory firm to leverage Dynasty Financial Partners’ industry-leading platform of integrated wealth management services and technology.

“Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors was created to provide sophisticated investment and estate planning advice to our highly educated community”

Financial advisors Charles Waterhouse, James Winslow, Carol Sewell and Gary Haapala all join Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors from United Bank & Trust. The four advisors collectively advise on more than $350 million in client assets.

“Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors was created to provide sophisticated investment and estate planning advice to our highly educated community,” said Mr. Haapala. “As an independent financial and investment planning firm, we want to provide our clients —professors and administrators, physicians, entrepreneurs, and others —with complete objectivity and transparency.”

The company will access Dynasty’s groundbreaking investment and technology platform, which leverages Dynasty’s investment committee and internal investment operations team. Dynasty’s leading RIA middle office Core Services platform will provide turnkey marketing, CRM, financial planning, proposal support, and client reporting. Charles Schwab will provide primary clearing and custody services.

“Charlie, Jim, Carol and Gary are extraordinary investment advisors with a deep commitment to their unique Southeast Michigan community,” said Shirl Penney, President and CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners. “Dynasty has increased its commitment to the Midwest and devoted resources to support leading teams such as Arbor Trust who are seeking independence. We are excited to be their transition and growth partner, and we are proud to add them to our Dynasty Network of truly independent advisors.”

Team Bios:

Charles N. Waterhouse

Partner, Senior Financial Advisor

In addition to his 35 years of financial industry experience, Charlie Waterhouse also has a keen understanding of the wealth management needs of business executives—because he has been one himself. The former CEO of Guaranty Federal Savings Bank and CFO of Arcadia Bank & Trust, Charlie heads up the Firm’s Investment Committee, and specializes in investment management, investment strategies and solutions development for the firm’s clients. His additional tenures include positions as Vice President & Senior Financial Advisor at United Bank & Trust and as Vice President, Employee Benefits Trust Office at Huntington Bank.

Charlie graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of General Studies with concentrations in Economics and Accounting.

James W. Winslow, CFP

Partner, Senior Financial Advisor

Jim Winslow brings more than 20 years of financial industry experience to the table for the firm’s clients. As a Certified Financial Planner®, he leads the Firm’s financial planning efforts. His key disciplines include client management, financial planning, investment strategies and investment management. He is also a member of the Firm’s Investment Committee. Jim began his career at First of America Bank and has held additional client management and wealth management positions at BR Chamberlain & Sons, Key Bank/McDonald Investments and United Bank & Trust, where he served as a Senior Financial Advisor.

Jim is a graduate of the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of General Studies with a concentration in Marketing and Spanish. He also holds a Master of Science in Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning.

Carol A. Sewell, J.D.

Partner, Senior Financial Advisor

As an attorney specializing in estate planning and estate tax law, Carol Sewell adds a vital dimension to the firm’s experience profile. An expert on fiduciary oversight including trust and estate administration, Carol provides the firm’s clients with advice on intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning strategies. She chairs the Firm’s Fiduciary Committee. Her seven years as an attorney at Koley Jessen, P.C. were followed by an additional 6 years as a Senior Vice President of Trust Administration at United Bank & Trust.

Carol graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance with Double Minors in Accounting and Commercial Bank Management, and earned her J.D. degree from Wayne State University Law School.

Gary D. Haapala

Managing Partner, Senior Financial Advisor

With 29 years of financial industry experience, Gary Haapala manages the operations of the firm in addition to providing strategic planning and wealth management advice to clients. He also serves on the Investment Committee and the Fiduciary Committee. Gary’s extensive resume includes tenures as President of Wealth Management with United Bank & Trust, overseeing Trust Services and Financial Planning, United Investment Services and UB&T Insurance Agency; Region Manager, Vice President, Private Client Group with Fifth Third Bank, and Group Manager, First Vice President, Institutional Trust with Comerica Bank.

Gary earned his BBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Michigan University.

About Dynasty Financial Partners

Dynasty Financial Partners is the leading independent integrated platform service provider to the industry’s elite advisor teams. Dynasty develops, sources and integrates the finest wealth management capabilities, solutions and technology into its customized open-architecture platform to help independent advisors protect and grow their clients’ wealth. Dynasty’s core principle is “objectivity without compromise”, and the firm is committed to crafting solutions that allow investment advisors to act as true fiduciaries to their clients. For more information, please visit www.dynastyfinancialpartners.com and follow us on Twitter @DynastyFP.