OUR HISTORY

Steadfast Growth, Invested in the Future

Since its inception in 1989, Clearstead has helped wealthy families and leading institutions meet their financial objectives, achieve their aspirations, and build strong futures.

Dave Fulton, Chief Executive Officer

1986

Chess Financial Founded

Chess Financial provided investment management and tax, estate and financial planning since it’s foundation in 1986. The core of their business operated as a fee-only firm, meaning their advisers don’t earn money by recommending and/or selling specific products.

1989

Clearstead founded

In 1989, Clearstead, then known as Hartland, was founded as an institutional investment advisor dedicated to providing the highest quality objective investment advice and research. Clearstead’s first clients were defined benefit pension plans, but came to include endowments, foundations, healthcare organizations, and defined contribution plans.  In 2010 the firm began providing integrated wealth services to individuals and families with the same rigorous approach it applied to its largest institutional clients.

2011

Clearstead acquires Chess Financial

Clearstead acquires Chess Financial, adding 23 employees and 150 family and individual clients. Both firms were independent, fee-only advisors, dedicated to providing objective financial counsel.

Clearstead launches OCIO discretionary services.

Employees: 50

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT: $1.1B

ASSETS UNDER ADVISEMENT: $11.5B

2014

Clearstead acquires Plimsoll Mark Capital

Clearstead consolidates Northeast Ohio operations in downtown Cleveland.

On December 31, Clearstead completes its acquisition of Portland, Maine-based wealth advisor Plimsoll Mark Capital. The acquisition adds $0.28B in AUM and expands the firm’s presence outside Northeast Ohio.

Clearstead also began its EmpowHER initiative to advance the careers of women at the firm and in the financial advisory industry. Clearstead dedicated itself to inclusiveness in recruiting, hiring, and firm decision-making.

Employees: 55

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT: $2.2B

ASSETS UNDER ADVISEMENT: $15.5B

2016

Lancaster Pollard

Clearstead acquires Lancaster Pollard Investment Advisor Group, an institutional investment consulting firm located in Columbus, Ohio.

Employees: 69

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT: $3.2B

ASSETS UNDER ADVISEMENT: $18.0B

lancaster-pollard-logo

2018

CLEARSTEAD LAUNCHES

The firm is rebranded and renamed Clearstead Advisors, LLC. The name Clearstead combines core firm attributes of clarity and steadfastness. Today, Clearstead continues to prosper by building its private client and institutional advisory businesses.

75 EMPLOYEES

OVER 550 PRIVATE CLIENTS

OVER 125 INSTITUTIONS

$4 BILLION ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

$20 BILLION ASSETS UNDER ADVISEMENT

28 EMPLOYEE AND BOARD MEMBER SHAREHOLDERS

2020

Maine Financial Advisors

Clearstead acquires Maine Financial Advisors, a private client wealth advisor in Portland, ME, and merged with our Plimsoll Mark Capital division.

Employees: 92

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT: $7B

ASSETS UNDER ADVISEMENT: $26B

Clearstead Trust Logo – Final

2021

Clearstead Trust

On July 1, 2021, Clearstead Trust, LLC began operations in the State of Maine as a wholly owned subsidiary of Clearstead Advisors, LLC. Clearstead Trust was formed through the acquisition of the Atlantic Trust (a Trust Company based in Portland, Maine) assets.

Burkhart & CO.

Clearstead acquires Burkhart & Co, a private client advisory firm located in Cleveland, OH.

Employees: 120

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT: $11B

ASSETS UNDER ADVISEMENT: $31.5B+

2022

SCOTT SNOW (FINANCIAL ADVISORS) LLC

Clearstead acquires Scott Snow (financial advisors) LLC, a private client wealth advisory firm located in Westlake, OH.

2023

Avalon Trust

Clearstead acquires Avalon Trust, a high-net-worth focused wealth management firm based in New Mexico, with additional offices in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and Portland, Oregon.

CLS CONSULTING, LLC

Clearstead acquires the business of CLS Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm based in Cleveland.

TODAY

YOUR FUTURE IN FOCUS

At Clearstead, we create integrated, prudent, and custom strategies that bring clarity to you or your organization’s financial future.

Clearstead is an independent financial advisory firm serving wealthy families and leading institutions across the country. As a fiduciary, it provides wealth management services and investment consulting to help clients meet their financial objectives, achieve their aspirations, and build stronger futures.

LEGAL STATEMENT

PRIVACY POLICY

CONTACT US

1100 Superior Avenue East
Suite 700 | Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216-621-1090

FOLLOW US