Below is the transcript for the YouTube Video “25 Years of Independence: Why It Still Matters”.
Table of Contents
Reflecting on a Milestone Year
2025 marks Addis Hill’s 25th anniversary—a milestone we’re proud to celebrate. As I look back over the past two and a half decades, it’s clear we’ve seen a lot: market cycles, major changes in the financial services industry, and steady growth within our firm.
We’ve built a team of dedicated professionals, and we’ve had the privilege of serving loyal clients who have trusted us with their investment, financial, and tax planning over the years.
One Core Principle: Independence
As I reflect on what matters most in this journey, one word keeps rising to the top: independence.
From day one, Addis Hill has operated as an independent, fee-only firm. That means:
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We are not tied to any outside company.
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We don’t receive commissions or third-party compensation.
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The only people who pay us are our clients.
This structure eliminates conflicts of interest and ensures our only loyalty is to the people we serve. In fact, as fiduciaries, we are legally required to act in our clients’ best interest—and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
What True Independence Looks Like
Many firms use the word “independent”, but don’t always follow through on the practice. Some advisors are dually registered, meaning they can charge fees and sell commission-based products like annuities or insurance. While that model is common, it introduces potential bias and blurred incentives.
At Addis Hill, we don’t sell financial products. We’ve never taken a commission, and we never will. That’s what it means to be truly independent.
Why This Matters to You
This isn’t just about us—it’s about you, the client.
When you work with an advisor, you deserve to know that the advice you’re receiving is unbiased and in your best interest. You deserve transparency. You deserve a partner who’s not earning more based on what they sell you.
That’s what Addis Hill has stood for over the last 25 years. And it’s what we’re committed to for the next 25.
A Promise Moving Forward
Our independence isn’t just a marketing point—it’s the foundation of our philosophy. It shapes how we build relationships, how we make recommendations, and how we’ve earned the trust of the people we serve.
We’ve held that standard for 25 years. And we’re not backing down in the years ahead.
