Cetera announced that its employee-based RIA, The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG), has successfully acquired HMC Partners, a Greensboro, NC-based advisory firm serving over 500 households across the U.S., adding approximately $425 million in assets.
HMC Partners’ co-founders, John Hardy and Gib McEachran, have joined TRPG. Both were previously affiliated with Summit Financial Networks, a unique community within the Cetera Advisor channel.
“At TRPG, independent advisors who prioritize client relationships over operational complexities continue to find a strong and supportive home,” said Kevin Conard, CEO of TRPG. “John and Gib exemplify this spirit, bringing wealth management expertise and a deep commitment to serving clients first and foremost.”
Hardy and McEachran noted, “TRPG aligns closely with our values and delivers expanded capabilities that will greatly benefit our business and clients. We are confident the succession plan we’ve put in place will ensure long-term continuity and stability—for our clients, our team, and the future of our business.”
The acquisition adds to TRPG’s recent growth momentum. In August 2025, TRPG acquired First Financial Advisors, Inc., bringing more than $300 million in assets, while three acquisitions in the first quarter of 2025 totaled roughly $180 million.
By combining HMC Partners’ client base and expertise with TRPG’s infrastructure and support, Cetera continues to strengthen its position as a destination for independent advisors seeking scalable advisory platforms with operational ease.
Join thousands of HR leaders who rely on HRTechEdge for the latest in workforce technology, AI-driven HR solutions, and strategic insights
