Educate, Equip, Engage
September 30 – October 1, 2026
DAY ONE
Wednesday
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2:00-2:05pm
Welcome Introduction
Chris Ferguson, President
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2:05-2:40pm
HCM Availability: Platforms, Models, Custodians
Zachary Stout, Managing Director
Sales and Distribution
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2:40-3:00pm
Beyond the Numbers: The Psychology Behind Financial Behaviors
Dr. Dan Pallesen, Financial Psychologist
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3:00-3:20pm
Break
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3:20-4:20pm
Client Acquisition & Revenue Strategies via SDBAs
Hayden Gerwien, Regional Vice President
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4:20-5:00pm
401k Plan Opportunities
Matt Daley, HCM-Guided Retirement®
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6:00-8:00pm
Dinner at Atlanta Athletic Club
1930 Bobby Jones Dr.
Johns Creek, GA 30097
DAY TWO
Thursday
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9:00-10:00am
Investment Strategy
Vance Howard, CEO + Portfolio Manager
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10:00-11:00am
Private Wealth Services: HNW Client Strategies
Cole Staton, Regional Vice President
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11:00-11:15am
Break
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11:15am-12:00pm
Philanthropic Planning: How to Deepen Client Relationships
Amy Hogan, Managing Director HCM National Philanthropic Group
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12:00-12:30pm
Closing Remarks & Lunch
Zachary Stout, Managing Director
Sales and Distribution
Meet the Speakers
Vance Howard
CEO + PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Vance Howard began his professional money management career in 1992 with the formation of Chartered Financial Services, Inc. before founding Howard Capital Management, Inc., a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor, in 1999. Vance specializes in research, development, and the implementation of various types of trading systems.
Previously in 1988, Vance formed Delta Waste Services, a waste management firm which he sold in 1992. He was also the co-publisher of The Savvy Investor and the SI Intermediate-term Trader newsletter with subscribers in over 25 countries from 1992-1999.
Vance was elected four times to the Huntsville, Texas city council, and twice as mayor pro tem. He has served in various capacities over the years, including City Finance Chairman of Huntsville, Texas, Chairman of the 911 Emergency Service for Huntsville/Walker County, board member of Houston/Galveston Economic Development Council, and board member of the District 910 Legal Grievance Committee. Vance is a past President of the Huntsville Rotary Club and is still an active member.
Together with members of his family, he owns and operates the Bar C Ranch in Madisonville, Texas, specializing in registered longhorn cattle.
Vance enjoys traveling with his wife and children, biking, kayaking, scuba diving and hiking.
Zachary Stout
MANAGING DIRECTOR – SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
Zach Stout is Managing Director, Sales and Distribution for Howard Capital Management. In this role, he is responsible for leading both the Internal and External distribution teams in their effort to build collaborative partnerships with financial advisors throughout the country. He also works closely with the Key Accounts, Marketing and Private Wealth teams in developing best practices across distribution channels.
Prior to joining Howard Capital, he served as Regional Vice President at Eqis Capital and most recently served as the Southeast Regional Director at Beaumont Capital Management where he led distribution efforts for the firm’s suite of ETF and SMA investment solutions. Prior to that, he served as a Senior Regional Consultant at Curian Capital and Jackson National. Zach earned a B.A in Political Science from Colorado State University and has passed the Series 65, 7, 63, 6 and Variable Insurance exams. In his free time,
Zach enjoys golfing, playing guitar, water sports, traveling, the Denver Broncos and spending time with his family.
Dr. Dan Pallesen
FINANCIAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Dan is a behavioral finance expert who is passionate about helping others live their best lives. He is a licensed clinical psychologist, financial advisor, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ whose focus is in the field of Positive Psychology and Behavioral Finance. Dr. Dan’s approach with people is to focus on strengths and bring clarity to the issues of purpose and meaning in their lives. He has worked in various settings including counseling centers, private practice, military clinics, and even federal prisons.
Dr. Dan currently serves as a Private Wealth Manager at Creative Planning. Prior to this position he was the Chief of Investor Behavior at Keystone Wealth Partners. Dr. Dan worked with the clients to enhance their communication with their advisor, their spouses, and others. He also helped clients set and pursue goals in retirement and understand how behavioral biases may impact investment decisions and other actions. And to help Keystone advisors offer the best individualized recommendations for their clients, Dr. Dan worked directly with the members of the Keystone Team to understand the unique needs and desires of their clients.
Hayden Gerwien, CIMA®
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
In his current role as Regional Vice President – Hayden’s responsibilities include building and maintaining relationships with Advisors in the Independent and RIA channels throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. Prior to joining HCM, Hayden served as an IAR at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management where his primary focus was developing relationships and delivering comprehensive financial plans for high-net-worth individuals.
During his 10 year career in Financial Services, Hayden has developed a specialization focused around mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, SMAs, self-directed brokerage accounts, securities regulation and asset gathering across a wide variety of advisory platforms.
Hayden graduated with a BBA in Finance from Georgia Southern University and holds the Series 66 license.
Matt Daley
INTERNAL WHOLESALER
Cole Staton
PWS INVESTMENT CONSULTANT
Cole is responsible for driving the sales effort as a PWS Investment Consultant through partnering with successful Advisors and their affluent clients. As an Investment Consultant, our success in Private Wealth Services is fueled by our ability to comprehend each client’s unique needs and tailor customized portfolios accordingly. Cole has 5+ years of experience with Howard Capital Management. Prior to joining Howard Capital, he served as Regional Wholesaler at John Hancock, where he partnered with advisors to grow their 401(k) & retirement book of business.
Cole earned a football scholarship to Mercer University, where he was heavily involved in sports, academic groups, and philanthropy. Cole graduated with a degree in Finance & Business Analytics, and has passed the Series 6, 63 and 65 exams.
Cole grew up in Alpharetta, GA with his mom, dad and two younger sisters. In his free time, he is an avid golfer and loves to watch Formula 1 and Braves baseball.
Amy Hogan
MANAGING DIRECTOR, HCM NATIONAL PHILANTHROPIC GROUP
Amy Hogan is a philanthropic advisor with more than 20 years of experience across the nonprofit and public sectors. She leads HCM National Philanthropic Group, working closely with advisors and individuals to maximize both the impact and benefits of charitable giving.
Before joining HCM, Amy held senior fundraising and advisory roles at global, national, and local nonprofit organizations. She is deeply committed to the transformative power of philanthropy—for donors and recipients alike—and her work places her at the intersection of strategic investment and meaningful charitable impact.
Amy holds a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from the University of New Orleans as well as the Chartered Philanthropic Advisor (CAP®) and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) professional designations. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, painting, and traveling.
