Waddell & Associates Celebrates Growth as 40th Anniversary Approaches

Local financial leader elevates team, wins major awards and eyes next 40 years

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 15, 2025) — Waddell & Associates (W&A), an SEC-registered investment advisory firm celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026 promoted two leaders. Nashville-based Nicole Bean was promoted to marketing manager, and Memphis’ Patricia Reeves was promoted to chief compliance officer and chief administrative officer.

Over the past forty years, the firm’s team has expanded significantly from a husband-and-wife startup in both size and expertise, reflecting W&A’s deep roots in the community and focus on personalized financial planning.

The firm’s 29% AUM growth this year (as of Nov. 14, 2025) occurred during a period in which Middle Tennessee’s investment market has seen a surge in growth, with Nashville being recognized as one of the most dynamic markets in the country (The Wall Street Journal). In an ever-changing market of AI and technology, the legacy firm continues to believe that a human-first approach is essential to long-term sustainability, achieving an average retention rate of 98% between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025.

The firm’s recent success goes beyond just numbers. W&A earned spots on the Memphis Business Journal’s Best Places to Work list and the Forbes/SHOOK Top U.S. RIA firms list in 2025. The Tennessean also named W&A the Best of Music City: Best Investment Firm. Its individual advisors were also recognized on local and national scales: Wealth Strategist Robby J. Graham secured his place on the AdvisorHub’s Advisors to Watch and Forbes/SHOOK Top Next Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State lists; Investment Strategist Matt Gentzkow was honored as a NELA’s finalist; and David Waddell was selected as a Nashville Post Boom Generator of 2025. These recognitions highlight the firm’s commitment to both client service and team culture. In a market where over 21,000 new businesses were established in the state of Tennessee in 2023 (TN.gov) alone, W&A strives to showcase the resilience local businesses must embrace to stay relevant in the market, as approximately 63% of its business lies within the Volunteer State.

(These recognitions are based on each organization’s stated criteria, such as workplace culture, advisor experience and firm data, and W&A did not pay to be considered, though standard licensing fees may apply. Our advisors were also acknowledged through similar third-party evaluations. While we appreciate these honors, they are not indicative of future performance and may not reflect every client’s experience.)

“Our team has navigated the ever-changing financial landscape of recent years with skill and care for our clients, which has been especially important to our growth during this period,” Waddell, the firm’s CEO and chief investment strategist, said. “We’re proud to call Nashville and Memphis home and to help our neighbors plan for the future.”

Waddell’s bi-annual financial outlook presentations have become a key driver of client engagement, averaging over 180 local and national viewers. These events, known for their focus on delivering clear and actionable insights, serve as a trusted resource for clients and the local business community. The presentations have helped build trust and deepen relationships—a trend W&A has embraced for years.

“Our outlook sessions are more than updates. They’re a chance to connect, learn and plan together as a community,” Waddell said.

In 2026, the firm plans to deepen its community ties, support local philanthropy and continue investing in its team. As the firm approaches its 40th year, it remains committed to clarity, integrity and client success, values that have guided its growth from the start.

About Waddell & Associates

Founded in 1986, Waddell and Associates (W&A) is an SEC-registered investment advisory firm dedicated to enriching lives by providing clarity, later becoming a Focus Financial Partner in 2016. W&A aims to provide financial planning, investment management and communications services. W&A clients are entrepreneurs, high-net- worth individuals, families, trusts, foundations, pension plans and institutions who have entrusted the firm to manage their investments and planning needs. For more information about Waddell & Associates, visit www.wealthstrategists.com.