Balefire Wealth’s transformation from two thriving RIAs into a unified enterprise business with national ambitions showcases the strength of shared vision and cultural alignment.

In this episode of the RIA Edge Podcast, host David Armstrong chats with Jason Hester and John Hoffman, co-CEOs of Balefire Wealth—a new RIA formed from the merger of their two firms. They discuss combining their complementary businesses—one serving ultra-high-net-worth clients, the other focused on mass affluent and corporate retirement plans—to build an integrated wealth management platform. The conversation covers their collaborative leadership approach, focus on client and advisor growth, and plans to accelerate expansion in 2026.

They discuss:

- Why it took two years to merge their firms, yet only “32 seconds” to decide on co-CEO roles—and how they make the partnership work.
- How they built a team-based model serving clients from mass affluent to UHNW, with a unique planning process, client segmentation, and evolving family wealth services.
- How they launched with 16 advisor-owners, offering a path to ownership and no outside capital.
- Why they believe hybrid advisors focused beyond AUM will define the future and strengthen client relationships.
- Their 2026 plan to shift from recruiting to M&A growth, and how they view partnering with “smart money” investors.
- How their retirement plan business positions the firm as an HR partner helping companies tackle talent and retention challenges.

Resources:

Listen to the RIA Edge Podcast on WealthManagement.com: https://bit.ly/3YVhfof 
Listen and Subscribe to the RIA Edge Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RFXCPn 
Listen and Subscribe to the RIA Edge Podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/44Cbwd5 
 
Connect With David Armstrong:

WealthManagement.com: http://bit.ly/3RKHvyY 
LinkedIn: WealthManagement.com: https://bit.ly/3YkoRAv 
LinkedIn: David Armstrong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djamesarmstrong/ 
Twitter: David Armstrong: https://twitter.com/djamesarmstrong 
LinkedIn: Informa: https://bit.ly/3leEF9g 

Connect With Balefire Wealth:

Website: Balefire Wealth - https://balefirewealth.com/ 
LinkedIn: Balefire Wealth - https://www.linkedin.com/company/balefire-wealth/ 
LinkedIn: Jason Hester - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhesterbalefire/ 

About Jason Hester:

As Managing Partner and Co-CEO of Balefire Wealth, Jason Hester leads the firm’s strategic vision and oversees its multi-division growth across a national footprint. With 25 years of experience in organic growth, strategic leadership, and private wealth frameworks, he guides the development of holistic planning solutions for affluent families and corporate clients. Jason is deeply involved in capital strategy, advisor acquisition, post-merger integration, and platform optimization, while mentoring leadership and cultivating a culture of clarity, accountability, and innovation. He works closely with the Executive and Organic Growth Teams to ensure Balefire continues to set a new standard for enterprise advisory firms.

About John Hoffman:

For 20 years at Principal Financial, he excelled as an Advisor, Managing Director, and ultimately Regional Managing Director—roles where he shaped strategy, developed high-performing teams, and attracted top talent. Now, as Managing Partner of Balefire, John is responsible for the firm’s inorganic growth and has built a “one-team” culture in an industry that often operates in silos. He has created team-based values aligned with a bold new vision, ensuring talent thrives in an authentic and collaborative environment. His leadership centers on finding the right team players, creating alignment, and scaling the organization as a unified company.

RIA Edge Podcast: The Balefire Wealth Journey with Jason Hester and John Hoffman

NREI Weekender Episode 6 - NREI Research Series: Annual REIT Study Review, July 13, 2019

Today, David Bodamer continues with the NREI Research Series by reviewing NREI’s 4th annual REIT study. 

In this episode, you will learn:

- The major takeaways from this year’s research
- Which categories are on respondents’ buy and sell lists
- The status of REIT balance sheets
- What kind of predictions the study provides for REIT stock prices and returns 
- And more

Tune in now to hear the latest findings in the Review of the fourth annual REIT Study as part of the NREI Research Series.

Resources:
National Real Estate Investor

RIA Edge Podcast: The Balefire Wealth Journey with Jason Hester and John Hoffman

WealthManagement.com

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