In wealth management, trust and relationships are everything. Success isn’t just about managing assets; it’s about understanding people, their goals, and what matters most to them. With technology changing rapidly and new generations thinking differently about money, the leaders who succeed are those who can adapt while still keeping a personal touch.
Ken Hopkins is the leader of this evolution. Having over 3 decades of experience and a human-centered approach in leading advisors and clients, he is now the President and Chief Client Officer of Orion Wealth Management LLC. His work experience is in personal practice, mentoring and strategic leadership, and his passion in nurturing success is reflected in all activities of Orion. The company reflects his idea of personalized service and innovative approaches to managing wealth, transforming the experience of the client.
Let’s see how Ken is transforming wealth management with experience, personal touch, and forward-thinking strategies!
Inspiration and Founding Vision
Ken’s journey into wealth management began with a period of reflection. He recalls, “The first 20 years of my career were dedicated to building my personal private practice, and after much success I had an AHA moment. I asked myself if you are as good as you think you are as a wealth manager; maybe you can elevate other advisors by coaching and mentoring them while maintaining your personal practice.”
For the next 15 years, he dedicated himself to mentoring other advisors while maintaining his own practice at firms like Waddell & Reed in Dallas. In 2015, he was invited to lead LPL Financials’ largest Texas office as Branch Manager, overseeing 50 advisors and $800 million in advisory and brokerage assets. The office’s hybrid RIA model, combining brokerage and independent advisory services, presented a unique structure. Under his leadership, the office grew to $1.5 billion in assets with 71 advisors. Reflecting on this period, Ken had another realization: “Why don’t you see if you can duplicate this Hybrid RIA model, and success, but do this for yourself.” This insight inspired the creation of Orion Wealth Management in 2017.
Leadership Philosophy and Culture
At Orion, leadership is deeply personal. Ken considers both advisors and clients as his clients, ensuring that each receives the highest level of care. He says, “I consider my advisors to be my clients, and my personal clients are also clients of Orion. They both have a choice of where they work or which firm they choose to do business with. I spoil both rotten by delivering an unparalleled level of service.”
By treating advisors and clients through the same lens, Orion fosters a culture of respect, accountability, and empowerment. Advisors are encouraged to grow professionally, while clients experience highly personalized financial strategies. This philosophy shapes the firm’s culture and reinforces its commitment to long-term relationships.
Differentiation in the Industry
Orion stands apart because of its commitment to fiduciary responsibility and client-first principles. Ken emphasizes, “We are fiduciaries; we do not push products. As a fiduciary I am required by law to put my clients’ best interests above mine, essentially treating them like family.” This ethic ensures that every decision, recommendation, and plan aligns with the client’s best interest, creating trust and long-term loyalty.
Innovative Strategies and Technology
Ken has embraced technology as a key driver for service and engagement. By integrating AI into portfolio management and construction, Orion can now serve younger generations, including affluent clients’ children and Gen Z investors. He explains, “This has allowed me to service my affluent clients children or Gen Z investors with no minimum account size utilizing my Robo-advisor in an effort to build a relationship with my clients children and grandchildren, and Gen Z investors until they have enough of their own assets to work directly with , or until they inherit their family’s wealth.”
This approach enables Orion to build multigenerational relationships while maintaining a high-touch, personalized experience for all clients.
Challenges and Growth
Launching a firm in a competitive market comes with hurdles. Ken notes that one of the biggest challenges was spreading the word and engaging the next generation of investors before they accumulated significant wealth. He says, “Just getting the word out that I am open for business and tapping into the next generation of investors in the 20’s before they build significate wealth.”
Through strategic outreach, a reputation for service excellence, and innovative solutions, Orion has successfully grown its client base while maintaining a culture centered on care, trust, and mentorship.
Personalized Planning and Client Alignment
Orion emphasizes bespoke financial planning, tailoring solutions to each client’s age, risk tolerance, time horizon, and personal goals. Ken ensures that clients’ financial strategies reflect their individual values and long-term vision. This focus on customization, combined with fiduciary responsibility, strengthens trust and loyalty across the firm’s client relationships.
Leadership in a Changing Industry
Integrity, consistency, and reputation are central to leadership in today’s financial landscape. Ken notes, “Integrity, saying what you will do, and following through. Being honest and truthful in all things, whether it’s in your office, or at a Ball Park, or Golf Course. Your reputation takes a lifetime to build however it can be permanently destroyed with one Tweet or statement.” These principles guide every interaction and reinforce Orion’s credibility and client trust.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Ken anticipates that advisors will need to manage larger pools of assets, AI will drive efficiency, and fees will continue to compress. He also stresses the importance of diversity in client bases. He says, “Most advisors’ client bases look like them, my practice, on the other hand, looks like the United Nations and this is what I am most proud of.” Orion is positioned to lead this evolution by combining technology, inclusivity, and human-centered service, building relationships across generations and demographics.
Personal Motivation
Ken describes his work as a calling rather than a job. “I believe this to be my calling, and I love getting up every day to ‘work for’ my advisors and clients. It’s not a job, its ‘my calling’ and I have a lot of fun doing it.” His passion drives innovation, strengthens relationships, and inspires both his team and clients, creating a firm culture that is dynamic, forward-looking, and client-centered.
Advice for Emerging Leaders
Ken encourages aspiring financial professionals to focus on authenticity, passion, and sincerity. He notes, “If you have a passion for helping people, it will show on your face. You can’t easily lie of fool a millionaire small business owner or a President of a Multi-Billion organization. If they see your passion, sincerity and drive to help them and others, they will come and most importantly refer associates in their sphere.” Demonstrating genuine care builds trust and sets the foundation for a lasting, successful career.
