Our Team

Matt found his calling while in Las Vegas. Over fifteen years ago, Matt’s wife suggested they have lunch with friends from St. Louis, who happened to be visiting “Sin City” at the same time. The friends, Ed and Dorette Goldberg, gave Matt a book on how financial markets really work. Within the first 100 pages, he knew his life had changed. Matt contacted the author’s investment advisory firm, created an opening for himself, and spent the next six years rising the company’s ranks.

In June of 2005, Matt and Rick Hill left the firm where they met to create Hill Investment Group, together shaping a group that would fuse their unique abilities. Hill Investment Group is sometimes referred to as a model practice and has earned respect from both clients and the advisor community. The firm has grown from fifty million dollars in assets under management in 2005 to over five hundred million dollars under advisement in 2015.

Matt graduated from the University of Missouri — Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. A brief stint in law school followed. Matt is a student of his craft and has attended the highest levels of practitioner training. Matt has led education programs for advisors tied to marketing, client service and practice management. Matt founded a peer group called Evidence-Based Advisors. There are one thousand members from the U.S., U.K., New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, and Canada. In 2010 Matt also co-created an evidence-based mutual fund with Jared Kizer that now has close to a billion dollars in assets.

Matt serves on the boards of Community School and the Saint Louis Club.

BOOKS HE OFTEN RECOMMENDS TO PEOPLE

Beyond reading Odds On: The Making of an Evidence-Based Investor, I suggest Larry Swedroe’s original book, The Only Guide to a Winning Investment Strategy. For pleasure I’m addicted to Michael Lewis. Moneyball is one of my recent favorites because it isn’t really about baseball. It’s about resourcefully using data to defeat the wasteful competitor who ignores the statistics. It’s analogous to what we do at Hill.

OFTEN DESCRIBED AS

Some friends call me the “relentless motivator” and others call me the “relentless agitator.” I see both as compliments.

FAMILY MATTERS

My wife Lisa and I met standing in line at the Mizzou bookstore in 1993. Our 8-year-old daughter Harper is the star of our household.

Lisa, Harper and Matt at the Houston Office of Hill Investment Group

DAILY READS

The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and The Story of Telling Blog

MEMORABLE MEDIA APPEARANCEs

Profiled in Laura Vanderkam’s book, What the Most Successful People Do at Work

LONG VIEW MOMENT

People sometimes ask us how long is the long view? We say that it hopefully extends beyond their own lifetimes. What if your great-grandchildren benefit from your prudent and thoughtful planning today?

GREATEST CHALLENGE OVERCOME

Being diagnosed with leukemia at age 33 was a challenge. I thrive in remission thanks to Gleevec and great doctors.

WHAT HE FINDS UNDERRATED

Taking a walk in the afternoon. It’s good to get the blood moving.

BEST PRESENTATION HE’S HEARD IN PERSON

Frank Abagnale presenting at the BAM ALLIANCE 2015 National Conference.

HOW HE STAYS SHARP

Writing my book Odds On: The Making of an Evidence-Based Investor (April 2016) was an incredibly demanding process, but one that has been worth the investment of time and energy. It is very hard to write about investing without boring your audience. I gave it all I have and the early reviews have been phenomenal.

FRIENDS OR FAMILY POKE FUN AT

My mom used to challenge me to go 24 hours without suggesting how we could do something better. I didn’t make it five minutes. I like to edit.

MOVIE MOMENTS

In Moneyball, when John Henry talks with Billy Beane about how Beane has changed the game, threatened the old ways of building a baseball team, and won more efficiently than the teams with big budgets.

CREDO

Don’t confuse strategy and outcome. (Borrowed from Larry Swedroe.)

FINANCIAL LESSON HE’LL TEACH HIS DAUGHTER

The rewards from patience and discipline are sweet.

MOST SATISFYING PART OF LIFE AT HILL INVESTMENT

Working to improve the lives of others with people who care about you and want to do the same.

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A graduate of Wake Forest University and the Wharton School of Business, Rick began helping people achieve their financial goals in 1967, when he started his first job as a stockbroker. He left the brokerage after 3 years and joined Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, holding management assignments in the corporate finance, international treasury, and capital planning areas. He rose to the level of Assistant Treasurer.

After leaving AB in 1998, Rick’s passion for evidence-based investment management came full circle, as he joined a very successful investment firm. In the years that followed, he earned his Certified Financial Planning (CFP) certification, then partnered with Matt Hall to launch Hill Investment Group in June of 2005. He has found this work more rewarding than he could have imagined.

Family Matters

My wife, Lynn, and I have two grown children — and two wonderful granddaughters.

Chief Characteristic

I’m an expectation setter. I find that setting and managing expectations — whether working with a client or managing something in my family life — has endless benefits.

Inspired by

Humble people who do significant work that no one knows about.

Bylines

I have written several articles including “Planning for the Life You Want.”

Travel Memories

My wife and I have enjoyed traveling with other couples to Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and France. And in 2008, I went with my son to the NCAA Final Four game in San Antonio on a Monday night (Kansas won), and the next day we were walking the hills at the Masters in Augusta (Immelman won).

Friends Describe Him As

Dependable, good sense of humor, and a good dancer (for a male).

Credo

Happy and healthy. Happy means I’m living up to my potential and achieving my goals. Healthy means exercising and eating right so I have more energy to play with my grandkids.

Favorite Grandfather Duties

When our grandchildren turn 10, they get to choose a travel destination for a weekend-long trip with Lynn and me. One chose Boston and the other Colorado Springs. Since our grandchildren live in San Antonio, this was a great opportunity to spend quality time with them.

Lesson Learned In The Corporate World

Do not manage for the short-term. Make decisions that will prove beneficial in the long run—capital investments, borrowing bonds, etc. We all need to be willing to accept delayed gratification.

Interesting Fact

I do not watch any live sporting events on TV… everything is on my DVR. For my favorite teams (St. Louis Cardinals, San Antonio Spurs, and Wake Forest teams) I first check to see who won (but not the score), and then watch it only if my team won. I find that this saves time and is less stressful.

Favorite Quote

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass...it’s about learning how to dance in the rain – Unknown

Most Satisfying Part of Life at Hill Investment

Acknowledgment that we are changing our clients’ lives, giving them more time for the important things. Also, being with a group of younger people makes me feel, well, younger. Our casual conversations are about technology, sports, and children’s activities rather than the medications we take.

Why He’s Still Working

I find that being engaged in both work and free time makes both more fun and rewarding. For me, constant relaxation is not in fact relaxing.

Bucket List

I started making goals about 30 years ago. Ones that I have achieved include trips to Ireland, Scotland, and the Masters; classes at Washington University; church activities; and building a firm. Among my future goals: Get my golf handicap down to 14 (from 16), and family trips to Costa Rica and a beach resort.

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A Princeton University graduate in economics who earned an MBA from The Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA, Buddy joined Hill Investment Group in 2009. Before joining Hill, Buddy spent more than a decade at Anheuser-Busch, holding positions in brand management, strategic planning, wholesale operations, and sales before transitioning serving to the world of finance as the founder of a wealth coaching group and an estate planning firm called The Legacy Specialists; partner of a Wealth Management Team at Merrill Lynch; and Vice President of Sales for Guggenheim Partners, a global investment firm serving wealthy families.

Buddy is passionate about giving back to the community and has taken a leadership role in St. Louis and beyond, serving on numerous boards of trustees and committees for organizations across the health, education, and arts sectors including: Princeton University, Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School, The St. Louis Art Museum, COCA, The St. Louis Zoo, and three local children’s hospitals: Ranken Jordan, Cardinal Glennon, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. While this work strengthens Buddy’s local community, it also makes him a more valuable advisor for Hill Investment Group client families, many of whom wish to safely and smartly incorporate philanthropy into their financial legacy.

Evolution As an Advisor and Investor

Being appointed Co-Executor and Co-Trustee of my father’s estate at age 27. Trial by fire. Kryptonite or rocket fuel? It was a choice. And one I don’t wish on anyone — which is why I do what I do. Most of the "bad stuff" of investing and finance is avoidable with the right help and planning.

Why Hill Investment Group Makes Sense for Him

Having witnessed presentations from — and been a client of — some of the most respected investment experts in the country, I can say that they all have one thing in common: their model is backwards. The focus of Wall Street is on Wall Street; its countless products and complexity. Our focus at Hill Investment Group is on serving our clients first while implementing an investment strategy that exhibits clarity, simplicity, and transparency.

Family Matters

My wife Jeana and I have three amazing (aren’t yours?) children: Lily, Bear, and Lizzy. Together we enjoy Corny — the 300-pound pig, Teddy the hypoallergenic Yorkie, and Thumper the magical rabbit.

Highest Priority

Experience has taught me that a strong family connection is not only fun and rewarding but provides the best foundation for helping others achieve the same thing. If I’m not happy, how can I be expected to help make our clients happy? One of the best ways to do that is through family vacations…in the photo above our kids remind me every day to embrace the opportunity ahead by jumping into life…you may get a little wet, but it’s worth it!

Family Factoid

My mother is the creator of the popular Vivienne Romano Cheese Dressing, which is offered throughout the country and online at http://www.vivienne.com/

How His Kids Would Describe Him

Much smarter than he acts with us.

Daily Reads

Seth Godin’s blog

Favorite Apps

Amazon Kindle and Camera+

What He Finds Overrated

TV

Underrated

The importance of eating dinner with your family — however brief the meal — as often as possible

Favorite Workout Routines

P90X, Yoga, Pilates and Insanity

Movie He’s Most Likely To Re-watch

Top Gun

Best Presenter He’s Heard In Person

Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future.

Favorite Karaoke Song

Come Sail Away by Styx

Ideal Weekend

Sleep in until 8:00 a.m., have breakfast with my wife and kids, workout or go for a bike ride with my family, cook together, eat together. Repeat.

Toughest Challenge Overcome

Unfortunately, I fully expect that I have yet to face it. But I’ll be ready!

Most Likely To Spend A Spare Hour

With my wife and kids. They are a constant inspiration and reminder to take nothing for granted … ever.

Most Satisfying Part Of Life At Hill Investment Group

Working with a fantastic group of people that together transform clients’ lives from complexity to simplicity and allows them to focus on their Unique Ability.

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A graduate of Trinity University, where he studied finance, accounting, and economics, John arrived at Hill Investment Group with four years of experience at one of the largest financial services firms in the country.

Having first been selected for his former company’s respected development program, he went on to become a financial advisor for the company. He excels at crafting strategic financial plans for both individuals and families, as well as developing and sustaining client relationships.

Friends describe me as

An older man stuck in a younger man’s body. I am up most mornings by 5:00 a.m. and read a hard copy of the newspaper. I can’t stand being late, and I enjoy listening to Frank Sinatra.

First Job

I was a baseball umpire when I was 14. It taught me how to deal with conflict at an early age.

Family Matters

My wife Molly and I have been married since 2012. We first met when we were 15 at St. Louis’ Fleur de Lis Ball, though we never dated during our high school years. She stayed on my mind, though, as her twin brother sat behind me for four years at Saint Louis University High School, the all-boys school I attended. During our sophomore year of college, when we were 1,000 miles apart (I was at Trinity, she was at Mizzou), a spark was lit. We dated long-distance for our final two years of college and have been together ever since. We have two little boys (less than a year apart), James and his younger brother, Thomas.

Daily Reads

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Wall Street Journal, and ESPN.com.

Inspired By

My dad. At The Muny — St. Louis’ famous outdoor theater — his first job was picking up trash. He eventually worked his way to his current role of President of The Muny. His work ethic, passion, and humility inspire me.

Challenge Overcome

During my junior year of high school, I broke my right hand two weeks before I was to compete in the state racquetball tournament. Being right-handed, this was going to be an issue. For the next two weeks I spent every evening after school teaching myself to play left-handed. I ended up finishing third in my seed at state that year.

Approach to client services

My experience has taught me that truly listening is the key to service. Not only listening to hear the explicit question, but also listening to learn more about what prompted the original question. We all have a desire to be understood, and I’ve found that listening is the best way to give someone else real understanding. Everyone at Hill has this same approach. We really care, which is what makes genuine listening possible.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

I am a member of the Saint Louis University High School Alumni Board. It’s a great way for me to give back to a school that gave me so much — and to also stay connected with my classmates and peers. I am also involved with the Young Families group at my church, St. Peter Catholic Church.

HOW I STAY BUSY

I stay busy by staying active, both physically and mentally. I try to do some sort of physical exercise at least 4 days/week, and stay sharp mentally by reading and listening to thought leaders, both at the forefront of our industry and others.

ENGAGEMENT STORY

Molly was a kindergarten teacher after graduating college. One Friday afternoon, I surprised her and her class by having Fredbird — the popular St. Louis Cardinals mascot — drop into her classroom unannounced. Then I strolled in and proposed in front of the class.

SPORTING LIFE

Sports have always been a big part of my life. Growing up, it was soccer, baseball, and basketball—and later lacrosse and racquetball. I was part of a state championship for my high school soccer team and then played college soccer at Trinity. To this day, I continue to play multiple sports. The team approach of athletics is something I feel strongly at Hill as well. It is certainly something that drew me to the firm.

EARLY MONEY MANAGEMENT

In college, I was one of a select group of students chosen to manage $1 million of the university’s endowment. This taught me an early lesson about the difference between managing your own money and someone else’s.

KEY INGREDIENT IN CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS

Trust. Our clients trust that we are working as their advocate. We work hard to first gain that trust—and maintain it.

MY FAVORITE QUOTES

“Nice guys finish first.” – Unknown

If you continue to do the right things, people will notice and you will ultimately end up more successful than if you tried to take a shortcut or cheat your way to victory.

“A real man loves his wife, and places his family as the most important thing in life.” – Frank Abagnale

Having a lot of money or a lot of power doesn’t make you a real man. Being a loving husband and always there for your children is what makes you a real man.

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Henry graduated with an MBA from Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business, a Master’s in Accounting from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce and a Bachelor’s in Finance with Honors from Arizona State University. Henry also has his CPA and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.

Henry began his career at Ernst & Young, working in audit, fraud & forensic consulting, and business process mapping. Prior to joining Hill, Henry was a partner and Director of Planning at a successful wealth management firm in Houston.

Leveraging his experiences and entrepreneurial spirit, Henry has pioneered and perfected wealth visualization techniques to help wealthy individuals see opportunity and make better financial decisions in context of their current situation.

Family Matters

My wife Laurence and I met in 1999 and married nine months later. While it seemed crazy at the time, looking back, it was the best decision I ever made. We have three children- Kathryn, Julia, and Henry, Jr. Our dog’s name is Libby. She’s a feisty Tibetan Terrier.

Best Presentation He’s Heard in Person

Caroline Gaynor from Dimensional Fund Advisors on leading blind triathletes.

Most Likely to Spend a Spare Hour

Fixing something or playing with my kids.

Greatest Accomplishment

Swimming the Pensacola Bay (in 74 minutes), building a treasure box for my son (thanks to Handy Dad: 25 Awesome Projects for Dads and Kids), passing the CPA and CFP exams.

Most Memorable Trip

Israel, March 2013 with my wife and children.

Ideal Weekend

Spending the weekend at our family’s “ranch” outside Round Top, Texas. The best part of the day is just before sundown with the sun setting over a “Frog Lake” (a small pond). The ideal day would include time alone pruning trees along the creek line, fun and games with the kids in the tree house, while the dog races around.

Why Hill Investment Group Makes Sense for Him

Being part of a team that not just strives for excellence, but delivers it.

What He Finds Underrated

Getting outside.

Overrated

Active management.

How He Stays Sharp

The wealth visualization work that I do helps me to see new things (assets, planning techniques, family dynamics), which makes me a better advisor.

Interesting Fact

I grew up on a grain farm outside of Memphis, Tennessee. The farm has been in my family since 1853.

Favorite Quote

Don’t ask what the world needs, but ask what makes you come alive, because what the world needs is people who have come alive. Howard Thurman.

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Like our two founders, Matt Hall and Rick Hill, Katie formerly worked at Buckingham Asset Management. She was a member of the institutional services team as it grew from a few hundred million in client assets to approximately $800M. In her free time, she is involved with several local nonprofits including Gateway to Hope, Kids Rock Cancer and the St. Louis Crisis Nursery. Katie holds an MFA from the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University and a bachelor's degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Top of mind during calls with clients

I want to make them feel like they are calling a close friend, and let them know they are my top priority at that moment.

Favorite workout routine

Yoga! Especially Ashtanga. I also enjoy playing tennis and walking when the weather is nice.

Top five movies

This answer is always changing, but, right now: The Women, To Catch a Thief, Thomas Crown Affair (the remake), The Money Pit, and Blue Jasmine

Most memorable trip

Every time I am in Rome has been incredibly special. In 2012, I was privileged to meet Pope Benedict with my dad through the Papal Foundation. In 2013, I went on a spur-of-the-moment trip with a friend for the Conclave and witnessed Pope Francis' election and installation mass. The most memorable trip I've ever been on was in October 2015 when my husband, Doug, and I were married in Saint Peter's Basilica. We will never forget that trip!

Community Involvement

Being involved with nonprofits is one of my favorite things. I have been very blessed and want to give back as much as I can. I serve on the board of Gateway to Hope: A Breast Cancer Lifeline and am very involved with their fundraising events. I serve on the board of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund and also serve on the Advisory Council for Kids Rock Cancer. When I have free time I volunteer at the St. Louis Crisis Nursery babysitting the little ones.

Favorite App

Instagram. It's kind of an addiction.

Vacation spot

Anywhere on the water

Ideal weekend

Practicing yoga, attending a charity event, and relaxing

Most satisfying part of life at HIG

Hands down, the people on our team! Also, the attention to detail in all aspects of our company. I never thought I would find an investment firm so thoughtful about the design and quality of all our materials.

Most likely to spend a spare hour

Needlepointing, reading blogs, or organizing.

Inspired by

My parents, Ralph Lauren, and Walt Disney.

Favorite quotes

"Honesty is a very expensive gift, don't expect it from cheap people." - Warren Buffett

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." -Jim Elliot

Family Matters

My husband, Doug, and I got married October 2015 at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

What's the deal with the pink hair

Eight years ago, the hair salon I was going to participated in a program called "Pink Hair for Hope." During October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) they would attach pink hair extensions and donate the proceeds to various charities. Four years ago I decided that I wanted the pink to stay in year round, so my stylist agreed to continue making a donation and started dyeing a section permanently with hot pink!

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Most likely to spend a spare hour

Experimenting with a new recipe, or taking a long walk.

Inspired By

My high school music teacher, Pat Ellison. She expected excellence and would settle for nothing less. She believed in me more than I believed in myself, empowering me to push past my self-made limits.

Favorite quotes

“It's kind of fun to do the impossible.” – Walt Disney

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Family Matters

My husband, Brian and I met in the lunch room in junior high school.

Six years later, we said yes to forever.

It’s been 25 years since then, with little additions along the way; Taylor (22), Kennan (20) and Cory (18).

Why Hill Investment Group Makes Sense For Me

Serving others with excellence is a gift, as well as a passion. At Hill, I am free to excel at serving our team, our clients and our communities.

Most Satisfying Part of Life at HIG

I believe that our approach to treat others as we want to be treated, in every aspect, helps develop security, trust, value and friendship with those we serve.

Interesting Fact

I’m a football geek. I participate in fantasy football leagues. I keep up with stats. I’m a Madden pro and will gladly accept a challenge to compete. My favorite NCAA team is the Arkansas Razorbacks. My favorite NFL team is MY fantasy football team.

Bucket List

My bucket list is fairly simple: Own a travel trailer and stay at each of the Texas State Parks. Attend a Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys football game at Lambeau Field. Give away tons of money for local, national and international missions.

How My Family Would Describe Me

Everybody's Mom.

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