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You get to skip to work every day if you find something you love.
- Warren Buffet
My
Story
Known for his infectious enthusiasm and love for his work, Tony embodies the quote by Warren Buffett, "You get to skip to work every day if you find something you love." His passion for the investment business and commitment to philanthropy has made him a true inspiration in both, his professional and personal life. He first arrived in America from Dublin, Ireland in 1986 on a soccer scholarship to pursue his college education at Sterling College in Kansas. To this day he sits as the only individual with two spots in his 130-year-old Alma Mater’s Sports Hall of Fame. After graduating, Tony joined Diamond Hill in Columbus, Ohio in 1991 and stayed with the firm until 2001. During his time there, Tony played a pivotal role in restructuring the firm, which is now known as Diamond Hill, named after his favorite mountain in Connemara National Park in Ireland, a testament to his Irish heritage. The company is now a publicly managed asset manager with $30+ billion in assets under management. In 2001, Tony decided to pursue his desire to work closely with individuals, small business owners, and closely held businesses. He founded Ascend Advisory Group with just over $27 million in client assets. With his exceptional leadership skills and a dedicated team, Tony has helped to grow the practice to $2B (as of 3/27/24).
30+
years in the industry
Certifications
Series 7, 63, 66, & 24 Registrations
State Insurance License
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Education
Economics, Bachelor of Arts, Sterling College
Awards:
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors*
​
2009
Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors**
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*2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23 (Source: Forbes.com). 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22. 2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21. 2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20. 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded January 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19. 2019 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/17 - 6/30/18. The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.
**2009 Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors: Awarded April 2009; Data Compiled by Barron's based on the time period from Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2008 (Source: Barrons.com). The Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors ratings are based on the previous year’s assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’ firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices. Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk tolerances. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.
Some recognition to mention.
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