CIO Bulletin

Summitry – Elevating Bay Area prosperity and guiding financial success through personalized wealth management and local insight

Summitry, a prominent Bay Area wealth management firm, specializes in delivering personalized financial planning and investment strategies deeply rooted in local insight. Their mission is to assist clients in growing and safeguarding their wealth, empowering them to pursue their optimal Bay Area lifestyle.

At Summitry, they embrace the belief that for the most accurate understanding of a locale, one should seek advice from a local. Similarly, they apply this principle to financial guidance, ensuring that their strategies are intricately tied to the unique dynamics of the Bay Area.

The firm thrives on being an integral part of the Bay Area, recognizing the challenges of maintaining work-life balance amid the region's rapid pace. In response, Summitry envisions fostering a more financially secure and empowered Bay Area community. They aim to achieve this vision through a comprehensive suite of services that provide clients with clarity of goals, purpose, and intention. This, in turn, translates into actionable plans grounded in sound financial decision-making.

Summitry's Core Values:

CARE: At Summitry, care is not just a word; it's a cornerstone. They prioritize caring for each other, their clients, and the community at large.
GROW: An intrinsic desire for growth defines Summitry. This extends not only to the continuous development of the firm but also to personal and professional growth for themselves and their clients.
DRIVE: Fiercely driven to achieve goals, Summitry exhibits unwavering determination in pursuing both their own objectives and those of their clients. This drive sets the tone for a proactive and dynamic approach to wealth management.

Summitry's core values serve as the compass guiding their decisions, business operations, and client relationships. By refusing to settle for the status quo, they align with clients who share the same commitment to financial excellence and a thriving Bay Area lifestyle.

Tailored Financial Planning Solutions

In the realm of navigating life's financial complexities, the term 'financial planning' takes on various dimensions, each holding distinct significance at different life stages. Summitry, as a trusted financial advisory firm, intricately understands the dynamics of the Bay Area. Delving into factors such as age, health, career trajectory, family dynamics, and the interplay of real estate and investments, the team formulates bespoke financial plans. These personalized solutions are crafted collaboratively, addressing the intricacies of each client's unique financial landscape.

Personalized Financial Planning for Bay Area Complexity

Within the unique tapestry of Bay Area life, financial challenges abound, particularly as individuals amass wealth. Summitry, with its client-centric approach, offers a remedy to feeling overwhelmed. Rather than succumbing to the complexities, clients are encouraged to take control of their financial journey. Through collaborative efforts, Summitry charts a course that mirrors the individuality of each client, taking into account the nuanced demands of Bay Area living.

Strategic Retirement Planning

Retirement, a contemplation that touches everyone, demands strategic planning. Summitry, in partnership with its dedicated Financial Advisors, empowers clients to envision a comfortable retirement. This involves prioritizing spending and implementing savings strategies aligned with the unique aspects of Bay Area living. By engaging in this process early, clients position themselves for a retirement that aligns with their aspirations.

Estate and Trust Planning for Long-Term Security

For Summitry, long-term wealth management is not just about numbers; it's about foresight and meticulous planning. The firm ensures that crucial documents, from wills to living trusts, are thoughtfully organized. This includes proper titling of assets, clear beneficiary designations, and comprehensive communication of financial plans to potential heirs. Summitry's estate and trust planning services go beyond financial intricacies, embracing a holistic approach to securing the client's legacy.

Expert Asset Management

Wealth accumulation is a journey, and Summitry recognizes the challenges it poses. The firm's experienced team employs rigorous analysis to assess the intrinsic value of various assets. The approach to asset management goes beyond mere preservation; it involves disciplined strategies aimed at maximizing growth potential while safeguarding against downside risks.

Bespoke Investment Strategies for Wealth Preservation

For those who have achieved substantial wealth, Summitry's focus shifts to safeguarding and growing that wealth. Crafted in alignment with the client's financial plan, Summitry's customized investment strategies involve continuous monitoring by the portfolio management team. This approach, rooted in a proven investment philosophy and rigorous processes, seeks to strike a balance between risk mitigation and growth potential.

Colin Higgins | CEO

As Chief Executive Officer, Colin directs all business activities for the firm and serves as a member of Summitry’s Investment Committee.

Colin has been conducting investment analysis, equity research and portfolio management since 1996. Colin has been a member of the Charles Schwab Advisory Board and was recognized as a “40 under Forty” by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal. Prior to the formation of Summitry, Colin served as a research analyst and portfolio manager with regional investment firms Branch Cabell, & Co. and Hoefer and Arnett, Inc. Colin graduated from Washington and Lee University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1994 where he was a captain and an All-American lacrosse player.

He lives in San Francisco with his wife, Cate, and two children. When he is not chauffeuring the kids to sports practice, he enjoys skiing, biking and fishing. Colin is also active in leadership positions at Alice Fong Yu, the nation’s first Chinese immersion public school, the San Francisco Lacrosse Club, focused on growing youth lacrosse in the community and Asante Africa Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to providing quality education to children in East Africa.