Business Details
Your Trusted Financial Partner in Ashland, OH
At Whitcomb & Hess, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses to achieve financial clarity and long-term success. With decades of combined experience, our team of certified professionals specializes in wealth management, business planning, tax strategies, and investment advisory services. We pride ourselves on creating personalized financial roadmaps that address each client's unique goals, whether they're business owners navigating complex transitions, retirees seeking security, or young professionals building their futures.Our integrated approach combines comprehensive tax planning, estate preservation, and strategic business advice to minimize stress and maximize growth. We treat every client relationship as a partnership, prioritizing transparency, ethical practices, and ongoing education to help clients make informed decisions. Since our founding, we've maintained a commitment to community involvement and professional excellence, earning trust through consistent, client-centered service that adapts to evolving financial landscapes.
Services
Wealth Management
Business Planning
Tax Services
Accounting
Investments
Retirement Planning
Estate Planning
Social Security Optimization
College Funding Strategies
Employee Benefits Consulting
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized financial strategies to minimize stress and maximize growth
- Our team integrates tax, investment, and business planning expertise under one roof
- We prioritize long-term relationships through transparent, commission-free advisory services
- We provide customized retirement roadmaps with fluid adjustments for life changes
- Our advisors hold prestigious certifications including CFP, CPA, and CFA designations
Services
Wealth Management
Our wealth management services integrate comprehensive financial planning, investment advisory, and tax strategies to help clients build and preserve wealth. We develop personalized roadmaps addressing retirement goals, estate planning, and risk management while adapting strategies as clients' needs evolve through different life stages and market conditions.
Business Planning
We provide strategic business consulting services covering succession planning, performance improvement, and capital investment strategies. Our team helps business owners implement effective KPI tracking, benefit programs, and operational best practices while guiding critical transitions through mergers, acquisitions, or generational transfers with tax-efficient solutions.
Tax Services
Our CPA-led tax services focus on minimizing liabilities through proactive planning and compliance expertise. We handle complex business, individual, and estate tax returns while integrating tax-efficient strategies into broader financial plans. Our professionals stay current with evolving regulations to ensure optimal filing strategies and year-round tax planning that complements investment and retirement objectives.
Investments
As a registered investment advisor, we offer fee-only portfolio management tailored to clients' risk tolerance and financial goals. We implement diversified investment strategies using modern portfolio theory while maintaining a fee-only structure that avoids conflicts of interest. Our approach combines long-term growth principles with tax-efficient investing and regular performance reviews to adapt to changing market conditions.
Retirement Planning
Our retirement planning specialists create comprehensive strategies that coordinate pension income, Social Security optimization, and investment withdrawals. We develop customized retirement roadmaps that address healthcare costs, estate considerations, and income sustainability while providing ongoing adjustments to maintain plan relevance through various life changes and market cycles.
People
Aaron Bates
Managing Principal
Certified Financial Planner with expertise in investment strategy and retirement planning. Grew up on a dairy farm, leveraging agricultural business experience to help clients achieve financial goals through personalized wealth management solutions.
Eric Key
Principal, Account Manager
CPA specializing in tax planning and business advisory services. Passionate about helping business owners maximize profitability and efficiency while minimizing tax liabilities through strategic financial planning and compliance solutions.
Ryan Gilmer
Principal, Chief Investment Officer
CFA charterholder managing investment strategies for clients. Focuses on creating diversified portfolios that balance risk and return while maintaining fee-only transparency in all investment recommendations and portfolio management decisions.
Neil Hinkle
Principal
Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in tax and business planning. Former licensed skydiver who applies risk assessment expertise to help clients navigate complex financial transitions with confidence and strategic foresight.
Teri Yoder
Principal, QuickBooks ProAdvisor
CPA and accounting expert specializing in business financial systems. Helps clients implement effective accounting solutions using QuickBooks and Peachtree platforms while providing strategic guidance for business growth and operational efficiency.
Questions
What services does Whitcomb & Hess offer?
We provide wealth management, business planning, tax services, accounting, and investment advisory solutions tailored to individuals, business owners, and retirees.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Ashland, Ohio, we work with clients across the region and beyond through virtual consultations and personalized service.
Are you fee-only advisors?
Yes, we operate as fee-only fiduciaries with no commissions, ensuring objective recommendations that prioritize client interests.
Do you work with business owners?
Yes, we specialize in helping business owners with succession planning, tax strategies, employee benefits, and operational growth consulting.
What makes your approach unique?
We combine financial planning, tax expertise, and investment management in one integrated approach with a focus on long-term client relationships.
