Building Trust, Expanding Vision – An Interview With Doug Hatcher

For decades, Doug Hatcher has been a trusted advisor to individuals, families, and businesses navigating the complexities of financial planning. From his early career in accounting to his current leadership role as Wealth Department Practice Leader at REDW, Hatcher has remained focused on one guiding principle: service. In this interview, he reflects on the origins of his client-centered vision, the decision to merge his boutique firm into a larger organization, his philosophy of leadership, and his lifelong passion for helping others achieve financial security.

Doug, what inspired you to build a holistic, client-centered practice?

The inspiration stems from my earliest days as a staff accountant in a local firm. Back then, I quickly realized that true client service went far beyond preparing annual tax returns. Yes, tax season was busy, but most of my time was actually spent helping clients with payroll, financial statements, and other ongoing needs. Those experiences showed me that clients don’t just need a tax preparer – they need a trusted partner who understands the bigger picture.

As my career evolved, I began offering financial consulting and even attestation services for audits, which gave me a much deeper appreciation for how interconnected every financial decision really is. Later, I started helping clients with retirement plan solutions – not just for business owners, but for their employees, too. That was a turning point. I began to see myself as a concierge CFO for businesses and a comprehensive advisor for families.

What became clear was that clients weren’t just looking for answers to isolated problems. They wanted guidance across all facets of their financial lives – tax, wealth management, retirement, legacy planning. That’s what drove me to build a holistic, client-centered practice. It’s about providing not only solutions but also peace of mind, so clients can focus on what matters most in their lives.

Last year, you made the major decision to merge Hatcher Financial into REDW. What led to that move?

For many years, Hatcher Financial operated as a boutique firm where personal relationships were everything. But as our clients’ needs grew more sophisticated, I began to see the limitations of remaining small. Clients wanted access to broader services – business valuations, cybersecurity, forensic investigations – things that a boutique firm couldn’t provide at scale.

That’s when I started exploring options and found REDW. They had the resources of a national firm, with eight specialized lines of service ranging from tax and audit to HR consulting and wealth management. It was exactly what my clients needed.

Merging wasn’t about necessity – it was about vision. By joining REDW, I could ensure my clients had access to a wide range of expertise while still keeping the close, personal relationships they had come to expect from me. Looking back after a year, I see it as the evolution of our commitment to client success. Our clients now enjoy the best of both worlds: individualized attention backed by the resources of an industry leader.

You’ve taken on the role of Wealth Department Practice Leader at REDW. What motivated you to accept that responsibility?

For me, leadership has always been more than a title – it’s a responsibility. It’s about integrity, presence, and being accessible to your team. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best leaders are also the best listeners. By truly hearing your team’s ideas, strengths, and concerns, you create an environment where people can grow, innovate, and collaborate.

I’ve always believed that leadership and learning go hand in hand. John F. Kennedy once wrote, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” That line resonates deeply with me. This role challenges me to continue learning every day – adapting to change, drawing from diverse perspectives, and setting an example of continuous improvement.

It’s an honor to serve as Practice Leader because it gives me the opportunity to foster a culture of respect, growth, and collaboration – not only for the benefit of our team, but for the clients who trust us with their financial futures.

Where does your passion for helping individuals and families achieve financial security come from?

It goes back to my upbringing. I was raised with a strong emphasis on service to others. As a Boy Scout, the promise “to help other people at all times” became more than a motto – it became a way of life. That value has stayed with me.

When I entered financial planning, I realized how deeply that ethos applied. Money can be a source of tremendous stress for individuals and families. Helping someone create a sustainable retirement plan or secure their family’s future is, to me, just another form of service. It’s about relieving that stress and giving people confidence in their future.

What keeps me going is the personal side. When a client tells me they feel at peace for the first time, or that a milestone now seems achievable, it’s incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms that this work isn’t just about numbers – it’s about helping people live fuller, more secure lives.

Closing thoughts!

Doug Hatcher’s career journey reflects the blending of professional expertise with a lifelong commitment to service. From building a boutique practice to leading wealth services at REDW, his focus has remained constant: helping clients achieve confidence, clarity, and stability in their financial lives. For Hatcher, financial advising is more than a profession – it’s a calling rooted in trust, guidance, and a passion for making a meaningful difference.

To learn more about Doug Hatcher, you can find his LinkedIn profile here.