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Ascend Expands with Addition of The Cullman/Holt Group and $1.3B
DUBLIN, OHIO — September 29, 2026 — Ascend announces the addition of The Cullman/Holt Group with approximately $1.3B of assets under management (as of 7/8/2026). The practice continues to expand its national reach and bring its model of independent thinking, scale and personalized investment advice to more clients.
The Scale of a Larger Organization and the Feel of a Boutique Advisory
“The easiest way to explain Ascend is that we believe it gives us the best of both worlds. It has the scale and resources you'd expect from a much larger financial organization,” Jeff Cullman, Managing Director said.
“But it operates much more like a boutique advisory. You're still dealing directly with your advisor and a close-knit team, with flexibility in how we serve clients and build around their individual goals.”
He added, “The environment is also different. There is a real fellowship among the advisors. The teams seem to constantly be sharing ideas, learning from one another and bringing that thinking back to clients.”
A Culture Built Around Learning and Client Experience
Ascend's headquarters in Dublin Bridge Park was designed to create an environment where advisors and clients can come together. The practice regularly hosts educational events, fireside chats and nationally recognized speakers, giving clients opportunities to explore topics that matter to them, ask questions and build relationships beyond the traditional advisor meeting.
The environment is also intentional about continuing education and collaboration among Ascend's advisors and team members.
“When I walk into our office, I want it to be an environment where experienced professionals, both young and seasoned, are learning from one another and thinking about how we can serve our clients better,” said Tony Reilly, CEO of Ascend Advisory.
He continued, “That fellowship among our team shows up in the way we work together and in the experience our clients have with Ascend.”
Independent Thinking. Greater Flexibility.
“We love what we do and that we get to do it for people we respect and enjoy being around. After spending time with Tony, it became clear that he loves this business,” Bruce Holt, Senior Vice President shared, reflecting on why Ascend.
The move reflects several qualities that have attracted experienced advisors to Ascend, including its independent thinking, open-architecture approach, scale and resources, and collaborative culture.
Continuing Ascend's Growth
The addition comes during a significant period of growth for Ascend.
In June 2026, Ascend announced that it had surpassed $2.5 billion in assets under management, growing from $27 million when Reilly founded the practice in 2001. Ascend now serves clients across 44 states.
“This growth is not about getting larger for the sake of being larger,” Reilly said. “It is about finding great advisors who care deeply about their clients and giving them the independence, flexibility and resources to serve those clients well. When you bring the right people together in the right environment, everyone benefits.”
About Ascend Advisory Group
Ascend Advisory Group (“Ascend”), headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, is a national financial advisory serving clients across 44 states with approximately $2.5 billion in assets under management (as of 12/31/25). Founded in 2001, Ascend combines the scale and resources of a larger financial organization with the personal relationships and accessibility of a boutique advisory.
Built on independent thinking and an open-architecture approach, Ascend gives advisors the flexibility to pursue investment planning and strategies designed around each client's individual goals and evolving needs.
Ascend's culture is grounded in collaboration and continuing education, creating an environment where advisors and team members learn from one another and continually challenge themselves to think about how they can serve clients better.
Media Contact
Samantha Mooney
Marketing Director
Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Ascend Advisory Group, LLC is a separate entity from WFAFN.
Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network does not provide legal or tax advice.
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